Santa Cruz Surfing Museum: 40 Years & Restored Lighthouse | Sept. 26

Published on September 15, 2026

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum Marks 40th Anniversary with ‘Keepers of the Light’ Celebration Honoring 40 Years of Surfing History and a Restored Lighthouse Beacon on Sept. 26

SANTA CRUZ, CA — The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to celebrate the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum’s 40th anniversary and the restoration of the lighthouse beacon on Saturday, September 26, from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Lighthouse Point.

The event will feature the unveiling of the Keepers of the Light plaque, honoring those who made the restoration possible. Widespread community support raised more than $90,000, with the funds now supporting the ongoing care and preservation of this iconic Santa Cruz landmark.

“The Surfing Museum tells the story of Santa Cruz and those who have shaped our surfing heritage,” said Tony Elliot, Parks and Recreation Director. “This is a special moment to celebrate our surfing history, its stewards and storytellers, and the community that continues to keep its legacy and its light shining for future generations.”

The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum was created through a community effort led by local surfing organizations and City Parks and Recreation, with surfboards, photographs and memorabilia loaned and donated by the community. Opened in 1986 in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse overlooking Steamer Lane, the museum continues to preserve and celebrate Santa Cruz’s rich surfing history.

Event Details: Saturday, September 26, 2026 | Noon–2:30 p.m. | Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse / Santa Cruz Surfing Museum | 701 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz