Oceanside Houdini Tribute Magic Show returns Oct. 25

Oceanside residents can look forward to an afternoon of magic, mystery and Halloween fun as the sixth annual Houdini Tribute Illusion Show returns to Rolling River Day Camp on Oct. 25.

Created and hosted by Oceanside magician Eric Wilzig, the free, family-friendly event will feature three performances on the camp’s covered court, at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The final show will offer a spooky nighttime experience, bringing an extra dose of Halloween excitement to the annual tradition. The covered venue also means the show will go on rain or shine.

This year’s event will feature a special guest performer Michael Turco, a magician known for his appearances on “America’s Got Talent” and the television series “Masters of Illusion.” Turco has also held his own residency in Las Vegas, bringing his illusions to audiences on a larger stage.

Beyond his accomplishments as a performer, Turco has a personal connection to the cause behind the event. He is a leukemia survivor, a connection that helped inspire Wilzig to begin raising money for Blood Cancer United, or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, years ago.

While admission is free, donations to Blood Cancer United will be accepted at the event. The fundraiser continues a central part of the show’s mission, combining entertainment with an opportunity to support people affected by blood cancer.

The Houdini Tribute Illusion Show began in 2020, when many Halloween celebrations were canceled because of the pandemic. Hoping to bring some excitement to the season, Wilzig organized a magic performance outside his Oceanside home. What he expected to be a small neighborhood gathering instead attracted more than 1,000 people.

Since then, the event has grown into an annual community tradition, moving beyond Wilzig’s driveway to accommodate larger crowds and more elaborate performances. Rolling River Day Camp has provided a venue for the show, allowing families to gather in a dedicated space for the spectacle.

Wilzig, who has practice magic since he was five, built the tribute around legendary illusionist Harry Houdini, who died on Halloween in 1926. The annual performance honors Houdini’s legacy through large-scale illusions and daring escapes offering audiences a chance to experience the wonder of magic while celebrating the Halloween season.

Despite the show’s growth, its community-focused mission remains at the heart of the event. The combination of free entertainment and charitable giving has helped make the tribute a popular gathering for families throughout Oceanside and the surrounding communities.

For more information, visit ExtremeOceanside.com.