Our Story

Ocean Fest was founded in 2019 by three surfing buddies who can usually be found riding the waves of Surf City, NC. The motivation behind the event was to share our love for the ocean, celebrate the pure joy of surfing, and, most importantly, give something meaningful back to Mother Ocean.

Ocean Fest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, tax ID 87-2990341.

The Fest

Annually in May, in the heart of the quaint southern beach town, Surf City, NC, Ocean Fest brings together tens of thousands of festival-goers for a weekend-long celebration of music, art, surfing and coastal culture. Additionally, Ocean Fest hosts Oysterpalooza each fall—a ticketed charity event to further our philanthropic efforts to protect our coastal environment and to keep the flagship Ocean Fest experience largely free for all to enjoy.

Highlights

  • Music festival featuring top-flight touring bands

  • Vintage surf experience

  • Curated vendor market and eco exhibitors

  • Local food trucks and beverage vendors

  • Green event: zero plastic, recycling/composting, and strict sustainability requirements

  • Kids zone

“Festival of the Year”

2023, North Carolina Festivals & Events

“Best Green Event”

2023 & 2024, Southeast Festivals & Events

Giving Back

Giving back is at the very root of Ocean Fest. Proceeds from our annual festival are always shared in the form of Board-approved monetary grants—the Ocean Fest Grants Program funds like-minded nonprofit organizations working to protect our precious marine environments. Over the last several years, we have awarded over $140,000 in grants.

Read more about our grants program here.

Team Ocean Fest

AKA the folks who work tirelessly year-round to make Ocean Fest happen!

Liz Trojan - Community Engagement

Rachel Carter - Vendors

Jan Farmer - Sustainability

Jill Bankus - Volunteers

Mark Boyle - Operations

Rich Beatty - Security

Lila Wilkinson - Content

The Board of Directors

AKA the folks who steer the ship and oversee the Ocean Fest Grants Program

Mark Anders - Chairman/Co-Founder

Cory Sydes - Co-Founder

Cody Leutgens - Co-Founder

Tracy Ruffin

Penn Newhard

Ilene Anders - Secretary

Josh Kendrick