The Lexus US Open of Surfing rolls back into Huntington Beach this weekend, turning the sand south of the pier into a nine-day hub of pro surfing, live music and beachside fan zones. Running this Saturday through next Sunday, the event brings World Surf League Longboard and Challenger Series competition to Surf City, along with the kind of crowds and all-day buzz that spill deep into downtown.
When and where
According to the event's official site, the Lexus US Open of Surfing runs this Saturday through next Sunday on the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier. US Open of Surfing lists the contest on the World Surf League calendar as part of the Longboard Tour and Challenger Series.
What to expect on the sand
The festival footprint is free to attend and stretches south of the pier, with athlete signings, sponsor activations, film screenings and a WSL Beach Bar stage, according to Visit Huntington Beach. Surf City USA notes the event is family-friendly, that beach umbrellas are allowed while chairs are restricted, and that dogs, smoking and drones are not allowed inside the competition zone. Expect long days in the sun, so bring sunscreen, water and binoculars; weekday sessions tend to feel looser and less packed, while finals weekend fills up fast.
Music, tickets and streaming
The event also runs a ticketed Music Stage with sunset shows on several nights, and Ticketmaster is handling single-show and festival-pass sales for those concerts. Ticketmaster lists opening-night performers this Saturday as G. Love & Special Sauce with local headliner Matt Costa, with Real Estate on the Friday of closing weekend and Local Natives wrapping the festival on Saturday. If you would rather stay cool at home, you can expect World Surf League coverage of the competition through its usual streaming channels and apps.
Getting there and tips
Parking near the pier fills early on competition days, and Visit Huntington Beach recommends arriving well before the heats start or using the free Surf City bike valet on 5th Street. Surf City USA also suggests planning for limited shade and extra patrols during the event, and points out that several hotels sit directly across Pacific Coast Highway for easy access. Leaving coolers and chairs at home can make life easier, since the active beach footprint shifts during the day and space on finals weekend is at a premium.
Local stations have already been rolling out previews; FOX 11 Los Angeles aired a look ahead at the event before opening day. Lifeguards, event staff and World Surf League officials are expected to update schedules if big surf or weather changes force adjustments.
