This weekend, hundreds of thousands of surf, skate and BMX fans will descend upon Huntington Beach for the Vans-sponsored U.S. Open of Surfing—a week-long festival celebrating Southern California's favorite sports. Two hundred surfers from around the world will compete in the contest, which has taken place in Huntington Beach since 1959 (you'll know a legit OG surfer when you hear one slip up and call it by its former name, the OP Pro). It's a great opportunity to see world-class surfing right in our backyard—and it's free! All you need is a towel to reserve your spot on the sand.
There are also skate and BMX contests, autograph signings, a game area with booths and prizes and art exhibits by some of the pro athletes in attendance. And if all that still isn't enough? You can take guitar lessons, make your own DIY sunglasses and take screenprinting classes or cartoon workshops. And the event is family friendly, with movie nights screening Toy Story and Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, along with, of course, various surf movies.
The festival is free (and you'll score lots of Vans swag throughout), but we suggest bringing cash for parking, food and shopping opportunities along the beach. (Better yet, ride your bike or take a Lyft and avoid the parking lot headache.) And don't forget the sunscreen! And finally, leave Fido at home—no dogs allowed at this hang ten fest. Can't make it this year? Watch all the action streamed live on the competition's website.