Welcome to the 14th annual Byron Bay Surf Festival! Since its inception, the Festival has been a vibrant celebration that unites surfers and non-surfers alike through an array of exciting activations over a 4 day weekend. From captivating art shows and electrifying parties to inspiring film premieres and impactful conservation workshops, the Byron Bay Surf Festival offers something for everyone.
In 2024, we are thrilled to host a diverse range of cultural events that promise to provide the community with inclusive and unforgettable experiences. Thank you to our major partners on each of these amazing events for your help and support.
Thursday 15th August
Event: George Greenoughs ‘Innermost Limits of Pure Fun’ (50th anniversary screening)
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Location: Palace Cinemas Byron Bay (next to Woolworths)
What to expect: A special screening of George’s Innermost Limits of Pure Fun which was created in 1970. At approximately 7pm, we will have a Q&A session with the legendary Chris Brock who stars in the film, along with fellow film producers who helped remaster the iconic film that is now 50 years old! Gain unique insights into the making of this groundbreaking 1970 surf film, which has left an indelible mark on the surfing community. This rare occasion to hear from the creators firsthand is not to be missed.
Tickets: $30 including refreshments from Gage Roads (limited ticket availability)
Friday 16th August
Event: Byron Bay Surf Festival Feature Film ‘Surviving to Thriving w/Karin Ochsner’
Time: 6:30pm – 10pm
Location: Byron Bay Theatre
What to expect: Surviving to Thriving is about a fearless explorer, local surfer Karin Ochsner immersing herself in the raw beauty of nature. Her remarkable healing journey unfolds in the face of adversity. The stunning footage reveals the healing power of nature and of a supportive community, enriched by interviews with local legends such as Delta Kay, Pauline Menczer, Kieren Perrow, and Joel Fitzgerald. Together with professional surfers Layne Beachley and local Joel Paxton, they paint a picture of her adventurous and rewarding healing journey.
Also joining Karin on the panel are special guests Dr Leo Guida – A PhD accomplished expert in shark and ray research. He will share his knowledge and understanding of sharks and analyse why Karin’s encounter was unique. Additionally, we will be joined by amazing musician Mandy Hawkes. Music from the film created by Mandy will feature on the night!
Tickets: Tickets are $35 and include a Q+A with Karin, Dr Leo Guida (shark expert) & Mandy Hawkes (musician who features in the film).
Event: Tracks Party headlined by Pacific Avenue
Time: 5pm – 12am
Location: The Beach Hotel
What to expect: TRACKS PARTY’S are back & returning to the Beach Hotel, Byron, on Friday the 16th of August.
Headlining the show is the award-winning alternative rock band, PACIFIC AVENUE.
The show will also include the garage three-piece CROCODYLUS, alternative rock band, MOLLY ROCKET and the Californian soul collective band, ALLENSWORTH.
The music will kick-off at 6.00pm & run through until midnight.
Tickets: Tickets are selling like hot cakes, so get in quick! First release is $35 available through Oztix or by clicking the button below.
Event: Byron Bay Surf Festival x McTavish Art Show
Time: 5pm – 7pm
Location: McTavish Byron Bay (91 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay)
What to expect: Every year the Byron Bay Surf Festival leaves an indelible mark on surf art culture in Australia. We are very lucky to be hosting a small art expo at the McTavish store this year featuring a range of artists including our very own event founder James McMillan, Jaleesa Vincent (pictured above), Otis Carey, Ozzie Wright, Paul McNeil & Andrew Buckley
Tickets: FREE ENTRY with refreshments provided by Gage Roads.
Event: McTavish Trim Jersey Presentations
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Location: McTavish Byron Bay (91 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay)
What to expect: Last held in 2018, the McTavish Trim event welcomes 9 men and 9 women invited by the man himself Bob McTavish to compete in the feature event of the Byron Bay Surf Festival. Join us on Friday evening at the McTavish store as we present all our invitees with their competitor jersey and to share a few drinks thanks to Gage Roads. To see what happened last time the BBSF hosted the Trim click here
Tickets: FREE ENTRY.
Saturday 17th August
Event: Byron Bay Surf Festival Market in partnership with the Byron Community Centre, presented by SumUp.
Time: 8am – 3pm
Location: Dening Park (near the Byron Bay Surf Club)
What to expect: Not since 2020 has the Surf Festival Market been held. Back then it was called the BBSF Surf Art Markets, a celebration of surf culture featuring shapers and artisan stall holders + a range of awesome food trucks. In 2024, our market makes a triumphant return and will be held in partnership with the Byron Community Centre and presented by on of our major sponsors, SumUp.
Tickets: FREE EVENT. Stall holders may register their stall by clicking the button below. Spaces are limited so act fast.
Event: Health, Wellbeing & Performance with legends Tom Carroll, Brad Gerlach & Rod Perez
Time: 7am – 4:30pm
Location: Byron Bay Surf Club (Upstairs yoga studio)
What to expect: Join us for an inspiring series of health, wellbeing, and performance workshops featuring 3x world champion Tom Carroll, surf legend Brad Gerlach, and movement expert Rodrigo Perez. With transformative experiences comprising of yoga classes, meditation sessions, and insightful workshops.
Explore “The Art of Longevity” with Tom Carroll and Rodrigo Perez, where they will share their secrets to sustaining peak performance and vitality. Enhance your physical and mental balance with Brad Gerlach’s unique Wave Ki class, a martial art-like technique developed to help utilise muscle groups specifically for surfing better and with more power.
Tickets: Tickets start at $20. For more information and to secure your spot, click the ‘GET TICKETS’ button below.
Event: Varuna Surf Party ft. Surfers Dharma Film Premiere
Time: 5pm – late
Location: Varuna Byron Bay (3/16 Tasman Way, Byron Bay)
What to expect: The night will begin with mellow tunes from Nick De Man and beers available from the Gage Roads Bar. Next, we’ll screen ‘BANG BANG,’ a film by Bali-based Californian Jared Mell. After the film, guests can socialize over drinks and a choice of 2 food trucks before settling in for the premiere of ‘Surfers Dharma’ (see trailer below). The evening will conclude with live music from two Byron Bay based band. Versace Boys, followed by Thirst Trap. The event should wrapp up around 11pm-ish.
Tickets: $15 tickets. Available through the ticket button below OR on the door. Please note, door tickets will be $25, so pre-purchase them for a better price.
Event: Protect What You Love starring Belinda Baggs presented by Surfers for Climate
Time: 5:30pm – 8pm
Location: Byron Bay Theatre
What to expect: The much-anticipated premier of ‘Belinda’ starring Belinda Baggs presented by Surfers for Climate. Don’t miss your chance to meet Belinda and enjoy a Q+A followed closely by the 35 minute Australian premier.
Tickets: $25 tickets. Available through the ticket button below.
Sunday 18th August
Event: Presentations & Sunday Sundowners
Time: 4pm – 5pm + 6pm – 9pm
Location: Wategos Beach & The Beach Hotel
What to expect: After an epic 4 days, we will complete another memorable Festival with the presentations held at Wategos or Clarkes Beach depending on where we are surfing that day. This will be closely followed by optional sundowners at the Beach Hotel where we have organised a private area for competitors, sponsors and event staff to have a celebratory drink together. We hope to see you there!
Tickets: FREE EVENT. All welcome!
BBSF Highlight Reel
Check out some of the cultural events we have had over the years below.
