Surfing Heritage & Culture Center Returns Home with Grand Opening Weekend in Laguna Beach

It feels a bit like a homecoming reunion when the Surfing Heritage & Culture Center (SHACC) rolls its doors open on Broadway again. After more than 20 years of hopping from a downtown Laguna Beach walk‑in closet to a warehouse in Costa Mesa, and then a spot in San Clemente, the museum is finally back where it all began – right in the heart of Laguna Beach.

Founder Dick Metz, who first set up shop in a second‑floor apartment with curator Barry Haun, announced the return on social media, recalling how “the walk‑in closet was our first office.” He and co‑founder Spencer Croul helped the collection grow from a handful of surfboards to a trove of memorabilia that now tells the story of California’s wave‑riding culture.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, September 18, at 1 p.m. with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony led by Metz himself, followed by a traditional Hawaiian blessing that will set a reverent tone for the festivities. From that moment on, the doors stay open for anyone curious enough to wander inside and see the historic boards, vintage photos, and quirky surf ephemera.

Saturday’s schedule is a little more relaxed – the center will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., giving locals and visitors a chance to stroll through an informal open‑house. Expect volunteers to share stories, kids to marvel at the old wooden boards, and a few spontaneous surf‑related jokes that only true enthusiasts will get.

The climax arrives on Sunday with a Grand Opening Fundraising Gala. Live music will be provided by surf‑rock legend Donavan Frankenreiter, and the evening will feature tributes, special presentations, plus both live and silent auctions. Tickets are on sale through the SHACC website, and proceeds will help keep the museum’s programs thriving.

For anyone wondering where to find the new‑old location, it’s at 239 Broadway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Whether you’re a lifelong surfer, a history buff, or just looking for a weekend outing, the center’s homecoming promises a blend of nostalgia, community spirit, and a few surf‑filled surprises.