The celebration runs from noon to 5pm on Saturday, July 12, and marks a major new chapter for the nearly 30-year-old café. Known for its cozy atmosphere and deep roots in Oceanside's creative community, Jitters is now expanding its role as a hub for music, food, and neighborhood connection.
Mraz, who launched his musical career playing coffee shops like Jitters, has teamed up with co-owners Vallie Gilley and Clayton Bellew to elevate the space both physically and culturally. Among the upgrades is a newly installed performance stage with a professional sound system - designed to host intimate sets and highlight emerging artists in a city known for its indie spirit.
"We all know San Diego has a great history of coffee shop music venues, and I wanted to keep that going here in Oceanside," Mraz said. "We built out a little stage and put in a sound system. It holds about 40 people—it’s a great room to try out new material and support new artists."
But the Summer Bash isn't just about the music. Culinary innovation is also brewing. The coffee pub now features a revamped menu created by Oceanside-based chef Felix Alcaide of One Kitchen Collaborative. Focused on sustainability and community impact, the nonprofit works to reduce food waste and address food insecurity. Guests can expect plant-forward dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients from Southern California farms, making Jitters a breakfast and lunch spot as nourishing as it is delicious.
Saturday's event promises live music, DJs, balloon animals, possibly a three-legged race, and yes - Jason Mraz behind the espresso machine. As Oceanside continues to evolve, Jitters Coffee Pub stands as a symbol of creative endurance and renewal. The Summer Bash marks not just a celebration, but the beginning of a bold, community-driven future for the beloved café.
Jitters Coffee Pub is located at 510 N. Coast Highway in San Diego's North County city of Oceanside. For more information, visit jitterscoffeepub.com.
Originally published on July 7, 2025.
