May 17, 2025

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This Tuesday, May 20

Film Screening with Live Classical Music

Sounds 

& Swells

Presented by Art of Elan

Videography and live classical music with the Hausmann Quartet and surfing footage from McCracken Films, Joey Taylor Photography, and Jimmy Wilson

Doors open at 6pm

Presentation 7-8pm

You do not want to miss this unique event! Art of Elan is nearing the end of its 18th season of innovative classical music, and they’d love to have you join them at the California Surf Museum for this concert.

Sometimes you snooze and lose. But not today! If you haven't yet purchased your ticket to this event, enjoy 25% off your purchase of tickets to Sounds & Swells with the exclusive discount code Swells25.

Purchase tickets online only.

Seating is limited.

$28.51 general admission before discount

$12.51 California Surf Museum members before discount

Click here for tickets

Art of Elan and California Surf Museum partner to present Sounds & Swells, an unforgettable cinematic and musical experience. Newly commissioned surfing footage by McCracken Films, Joey Taylor Photography, and Jimmy Wilson captures the breathtaking beauty of the California coastline and its iconic “swells” that draw surfers and visitors from around the globe. Set against this stunning backdrop, live classical music will be performed by the Hausmann Quartet, featuring works by California composers John Adams, Terry Riley, and others. This concert is made possible through the generosity of Greg and Julianne Markow.

Click here to see this event and read about The Art of Elan on CSM’s website.

Wednesday, May 21

Come meet the winners of the 3rd Annual A. R. Gurrey, Jr. Surf Photography Competition!

Awards presentation is May 21 at 5-6pm at the California Surf Museum.

In an effort to encourage creative and marketable skills related to photography, the California Surf Museum invited local middle and high school students to participate by entering this competition with an original photograph to be reviewed by a panel of judges in one of six categories. Click here to read more.

At right: 2023 Best of Show winner Jesus Montano Perez shown with his winning photo “Display.” Photo by Becka Vance Photography.

Save the dates for these upcoming Big Wednesdays!

Details to come.

June 4: Maya and the Wave film screening. This 1h35m documentary tells the story of Maya Gabeira, the first woman to surf giant waves in Portugal. Click here for more info.

June 11: Duke Kahanamoku slide show and talk by noted historian Paul Burnett and his wife, author Claudine Burnett, recognizing the 100-year anniversary on June 14, 1925, of Duke’s heroic rescue at Corona Del Mar of eight men from the capsized boat, Thelma.

For those in the San Diego area —

Sunday, June 1

Never Die Young is back at the Music Box!

Music Box

1337 India Street • San Diego CA 92101

Doors open at 6pm • Concert begins at 7pm

Seated show. Ages 21+.

General Admission Seat Ticket Price: $25 adv / $27 day of

Gold Circle Seat Ticket Price (seat within 1st 5 rows): $30 adv / $32 day of

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Note: Tickets available at box office. Convenience service charges apply for online purchases. 

PARKING: Street parking and paid lot parking available.

The Music of James Taylor and Friends with Never Die Young 

Never Die Young features David Sheils on vocals and guitar and longtime friend and collaborator guitarist Tim Godwin. Together, they have recorded, toured, written, and sang with classic artists such as Air Supply, Chicago, Shelby Lynn, Laura Brannigan, Tower of Power, and Pat Benatar. Joined by the beautiful vocals of Kylea Sheils and stellar San Diego musicians Jim Reeves on bass, Josh Weinstein on keyboards, Bob Sales on drums and Larry Grano on percussion and vocals. Never Die Young celebrates the songs of James Taylor and some of his closest friends; they bring a genuinely heartfelt and authentic interpretation of some of the greatest songs ever written! Never Die Young will take you down that Country Road and make you feel like You’ve Got a Friend. Come out and enjoy and wonderful evening of intimate songs and stories.

Saturday, August 23 • 3-8pm

2nd Annual Rolling from the 60s into the 70s

Celebrating the culture and history of skateboarding and presentation of the 2025 Silver Skater awards.

Co-emcees: Denis Shufeldt

and Brian Logan

Guest Speaker: Steve Olson



2025 Silver Skater Honorees

Linda Benson

Joey Cabell

Ed Economy

Jim Ganzer

Randy Lewis

Carrasco Brothers: Richy, Rene, David

$85 admission includes dinner and one drink ticket

$225 Silver Skater Package. Includes dinner and one drink ticket, event t-shirt and hat, 13 tickets for Spin to Win ($130 value), and entry into drawing for a California Surf Museum one-year membership.

A limited number of reserved tables are available:

$680 reserved table of 8

$1,800 reserved table of 8 with Silver Skater Packages



Click here to get your tickets now! This event sold out last year!

It's all happening at the

Veterans Association of North County

1617 Mission Ave. Oceanside 92058

In conjunction with the Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum.

Click here to keep up-to-date on this event!

If you have not yet seen it, come check out one of our most dynamic exhibits to date! So much to see!

This “blast from the past” exhibit demonstrates how, in less than a decade, from the years from 1958 to 1965, surfing related elements came to dominate popular culture forming a lasting effect on California, America and the world at large. From iconic record albums, period surfboards, fashion artifacts, seminal photographic images and memorabilia, visitors will get a clearer sense of why this era is considered the “golden age” of surfing and the surfing lifestyle. On display through September 1.

Be sure to check out surfmuseum.org!

There’s always lots to see!

As we gear up for the 17th Annual Gala Fundraiser, be sure to see all the fun and fundraising at the wrap up of the 16th Annual Gala Fundraiser here.

Click here to see past issues of the California Surf Museum’s newsletter OUTSIDE! going back to 2007! We still have more to upload.

Take a look around past events in the Event Archive.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

And don’t forgot to follow the California Surf Museum on YouTube! Lots to see there too! Including videos from past events and the very popular “Jan and Dean Sidewalk Surfin’” video.

The California Surf Museum Exhibit Hall is Open

10am-4pm Daily

NOW ON EXHIBIT

Click here to read about some of our exhibits online.

• Stars, Cars & Guitars: The Birth of the Modern Surf Era 1958-1965 through September 1, 2025
• GHOST WAVE: The Mystery of Cortes Bank
• Wave Science: Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP)
• A Brief History of Surfboards: from Wood to Foam and Fiberglass
• Courageous Inspiration: Bethany Hamilton
• Making Waves: Jack and Reid Van Wagoner
• Bodysurfing: Fins and Handplanes

Shop the California Surf Museum Store!

Surfing Monkeys are back!

In store only — no shipping

Our Museum Store is stocked up with lots of unique merchandise both in store and online! Click here to shop online (California Surf Museum members: be sure to call in your order to get your 10% discount on California Surf Museum-branded store merchandise).

Remember, memberships always make great gifts -- click here -- or click here to renew your membership today! Besides 10% off on California Surf Museum-branded store merchandise, members get free admission to our exhibit hall, and free or reduced admission to our Big Wednesdays and other in-house events.

Already a member? Be sure to share the stoke by sharing your guest passes with your friends and family!

Mission Statement

The California Surf Museum serves as an international repository and resource center on the lifestyle sport of surfing by capturing, preserving, and chronicling its art, culture and heritage for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations.