🌊 Surf Guitar 101 Festival — July 31–August 2, 2026 — Orange County, CA

Overview

The Surf Guitar 101 Festival is one of the world’s premier gatherings dedicated to instrumental surf music, vintage gear, and the global surf‑rock community. Hosted in Orange County, California—the birthplace of first‑wave surf music—the festival brings together legendary musicians, modern surf‑rock innovators, collectors, and fans for three days of concerts, meet‑ups, and marketplace action.

History

Founded by the SurfGuitar101.com community, the festival has grown from a small fan meet‑up into a major annual event featuring:

• First‑wave surf legends
• International touring surf bands
• Rare gear exhibitions
• Record collectors and vinyl vendors
• Clinics, Q&A sessions, and meet‑and‑greets

It has become a cornerstone event for surf‑rock culture worldwide.

Dates & Location

• July 31 – August 2, 2026
• Garden Grove Elks Lodge – 11551 Trask Ave., Garden Grove, CA.

What to Expect

• All‑day live performances from U.S. and international surf bands
• Vintage Fender gear, amps, and guitar showcases
• Merch & vinyl marketplace featuring rare pressings, posters, and surf memorabilia
• Meet‑ups with musicians and collectors
• Food & drink vendors with SoCal beach‑culture flair

Typical Festival Structure

Day 1 – Opening Night Jam

• Evening performances
• Guest appearances
• Community meet‑up

Day 2 – Main Festival Day

• Full lineup of surf bands
• Vendor marketplace
• Gear demos
• Raffles and giveaways

Day 3 – After‑Party / Brunch Show

• Smaller venue
• Special sets
• Collaborative performances

Performers

The 2026 lineup has not yet been officially released, but past festivals have included:

• The Surfrajettes
• The Bomboras
• The Madeira
• Slacktone
• The Tremolo Beer Gut
• The Neptunas
• Los Venturas
• The Eliminators

Expect a mix of:

• Classic surf revival bands
• Modern instrumental surf groups
• International acts from Europe, Japan, and South America

Vendors & Marketplace

You’ll typically find:

• Vinyl dealers specializing in surf, exotica, and garage
• Poster artists and tiki‑adjacent illustrators
• Luthiers and boutique pedal makers
• Vintage guitar and amp sellers
• Surf culture apparel and accessories

Travel Tips

• Closest airports: John Wayne (SNA), Long Beach (LGB), LAX
• Nearby tiki bars:
  • The Bamboo Club (Long Beach)
  • Strong Water (Anaheim)
  • Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar (Disneyland Hotel)
• Best lodging: Garden Grove / Anaheim hotels near Harbor Blvd
• Parking: Usually on‑site or adjacent lots; rideshare recommended for evening shows