SURF DEL MAR FESTIVAL is presented by the Del Mar Historical Society as part of its ongoing mission to preserve and celebrate the history and culture of our unique seaside community, and especially to honor the many people who have helped shape the culture and spirit of surfing over the years. At the heart of the festival is a multi-generational Surfers Reunion, bringing together people who rode Del Mar's waves in the 1950s and 60s—and even earlier— alongside today's surfers and the next generations to follow.
ABOUT SURF DEL MAR FESTIVAL
Celebrate the waves, the culture, and the spirit of Del Mar.
Animation works best on desktop
SURF DEL MAR FESTIVAL brings together many aspects of surf culture in one vibrant, festive event:
Surfers Reunion
Celebrating decades of Del Mar surf history with classic Woody wagons, live music by the Mar Dels, and Tower 7 at En Fuego on Saturday, October 10th from 6 to 9 pm
View schedule
Opening Night Reunion
Live music by Peter Sprague and Group at Del Mar Plaza, with Legends and Champions Awards Ceremony emceed by Jim Kempton
View schedule
Film Festival
In collaboration with the California Surf Museum—featuring short surfing films highlighted by Bustin' Down The Door with Shaun Tomson Q&A
View schedule
Surfwriter's Book Fair
In collaboration with Camino Books – Del Mar—featuring top surfing writers and photographers
View schedule
Art Walk
Featuring some of the area's best known surfing artists including Kevin Anderson, Wade Koniakowsky, Sarah O'Connor, Michael Leyva, Norm Daniels and others
View schedule
Student Art Walk
Original artwork by students from Torrey Pines High School and Earl Warren Middle School, plus an on-site art table for young artists
View schedule
Surfing and Sustainability Climate Symposium
Bringing together surfing and science to confront our most pressing coastal challenges—moderated by Jeff Lehmann. Thursday, October 8, 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.
View schedule
Women on Waves
Featuring exceptional women whose lives have been shaped by water—including Olga Freedman, Kim Dwinell, Valerie & Victoria Du Prat, and Meredith Rose. Sunday, October 11, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
View scheduleALL EVENTS WILL BE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, WELCOMING RESIDENTS, VISITORS, SURFERS, FAMILIES AND ANYONE WHO SHARES A LOVE OF THE OCEAN
Legends & Champions Awards Ceremony
The following people will be honored at the Legends and Champions Awards Ceremony on Opening Night, October 8, 2026. Please join us in celebrating their creative contributions to the sport and culture of surfing.
- Chris Ahrens
- Bill Bahne
- Scott Bass
- Debbie Beacham
- Linda Benson
- Tony Channin
- Jeff Divine
- Carl Ekstrom
- Todd Glaser
- Tony Hawk
- Joyce Hoffman
- Craig Hollingsworth
- Tom Keck
- Jim Kempton
- Kevin Kinnear
- Brian Logan
- Rob Machado
- Rusty Miller
- Jericho Poppler
- Rusty Preisendorfer
- LJ Richards
- Jane Schmauss
- Steve Sherman
- Jen Smith
- Peter Sprague
- Izzy Tihanyi
- Shaun Tomson
- Joel Tudor
- Robert Wald
HONORING THE PAST—INSPIRING THE FUTURE
By bringing together stories, art, film science and shared memories, SURF DEL MAR FESTIVAL honors the pioneers who helped shape surf culture while inspiring future generations to care for the coast, the ocean, and the traditions that grew from them.
