Coast Film & Music Festival Opens Today in Laguna Beach With 80+ Films, Ben Harper, Amos Lee and Rainbow Body

October 16–25 festival features Jack Johnson documentary SURFILMUSIC, Chris Burkard, John John Florence and live music at the Irvine Bowl

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The eighth annual Coast Film & Music Festival opens today, bringing more than 80 documentary films, live music and filmmaker conversations to Laguna Beach through October 25.

The festival kicks off with a sold-out screening of SURFILMUSIC, Chris Malloy’s documentary about Jack Johnson’s journey from surfer and filmmaker to internationally recognized musician, followed by an opening-night celebration at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center.

Three nights of live music at the historic Irvine Bowl, October 23–25, feature:

• Friday, October 23 — Rainbow Body: The supergroup featuring members of Dawes, Goose, Soulive and more makes its first-ever live appearance, joined by special guest Nicki Bluhm.
• Saturday, October 24 — Ben Harper: The three-time Grammy Award winner performs with special guests Donavon Frankenreiter, G. Love and Lily Meola.
• Sunday, October 25 — Amos Lee: The acclaimed singer-songwriter closes the festival alongside Donavon Frankenreiter, G. Love and Lily Meola.

“Coast brings together remarkable stories, talented artists and a community that believes in the power of film and music,” said Ben Warner, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Coast Film Foundation. “We want audiences to leave feeling connected and inspired.”

Film highlights include Los Lobos: Native Sons, Cookie Queens, Remaining Native, and The Last Place on Earth Special guests include adventure photographer Chris Burkard, three-time surfing world champion John John Florence, photographer Cory Richards and music photographer Danny Clinch.

Additional events include the October 22 Coast Summit: The Intelligence of Nature, filmmaker Q&As, photography workshops, Hobie Night and free Films on Forest screenings.

New for 2026, the Coast app streamlines the festival experience with schedules, tickets, seat reservations and personalized itineraries in one place.

Tickets and Information

Festival and concert tickets and passes are available, subject to availability, at https://www.coastfilmfestival.com.

About Coast Film & Music Festival

Founded in 2019, Coast Film & Music Festival celebrates documentary storytelling, live music, art and outdoor culture in Laguna Beach. The festival supports the nonprofit Coast Film Foundation’s filmmaker development, youth education and community programming.