SURF · Events
The biggest beach party in surfing is one week out, Insiders. The Lexus US Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico returns to Huntington Beach, California from July 25 through August 2, 2026 — nine days of world-class waves, sand, and sun on the south side of the iconic HB Pier. It’s free, it’s open to the public, and it’s the largest surf competition on the planet.
Huntington has hosted major competitive surfing here since 1959, back when a young sport was still finding its feet. The roots run even deeper: Hawaiian Olympic champion and surfing pioneer Duke Kahanamoku surfed these waters in 1925 and, that same summer, paddled out through heavy surf to rescue the crew of a capsized fishing boat — a moment that helped weave surfing into the fabric of the town. A century later, a bronze Duke stands watch over the pier.
What’s on the Line
This isn’t just a festival — there’s real career fuel at stake. The US Open serves as a stop on the WSL Challenger Series, the launchpad to surfing’s elite Championship Tour, and a win here banks a massive haul of qualifying points toward one of the coveted spots that earn promotion to the top level. For an up-and-comer grinding through the qualifying ranks, a Huntington Beach victory can fast-track a whole season. The event also kicks off the World Longboard Tour, so both the shortboard chargers and the longboard stylists get their stage.
Wildcards announced in mid-July stacked the field with star power, including Olympic medalist Sky Brown and former World Junior Champion Jarvis Earle joining the world’s best in Surf City.
More Than the Heats
The US Open has always been as much block party as contest. Nine days of surfing come wrapped in beach activations, food, vendors, and live music down on the sand — with a stacked concert lineup running through the event. Bring a hat, bring sunscreen, and stake out a spot early on finals weekend, because the crowds on that beach are a sight of their own.
The Bigger Picture for 2026
There’s an extra layer of meaning this year. 2026 marks the 50th year of professional surfing, and the tour has been reshaped around it — the mid-year cut is gone, and the season now builds toward a high-stakes finale at Pipeline in December. The US Open sits right in the thick of that story, a summer proving ground where the next generation earns its spotlight before the fall run toward the world title.
Whether you’re a lifelong surfer or you just love watching the best in the world go to work, this is the one to catch. Point the compass toward Huntington.
See you on the water, Insiders.
Event details confirmed via the World Surf League (worldsurfleague.com), the official US Open of Surfing, and Surf City USA. Schedule and wildcard entries are subject to change by tournament officials.