Merritt Island's new Veterans Memorial Park amphitheater will host its first Fest & Surf Expo June 6 and 7, bringing live music, surfboard demonstrations, and food vendors to the Space Coast. The event marks the debut of the park's new venue, which organizers say offers superior acoustics and a scenic setting along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Hawaiian singer-songwriter Landon McNamara is headlining the festival, a fitting choice for an event blending music and surf culture. McNamara, who grew up on Oahu's North Shore and won the 2024 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, will perform alongside local musicians and artisans. His debut album, "A Dollar Short & a Minute Late," reached No. 1 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
The two-day event will include surfboard-making demonstrations, family activities, and food from local vendors. Giles Malone, partner with Maverick Multimedia and Brevard Productions, said the festival aims to showcase the island's creative community. "Now that we have a venue that can accommodate great music with super acoustics, we can create a quality, family-friendly festival," he said.
The expo will run from 10 a.m. to midnight on June 6 and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 7. Admission is free, though some activities may require tickets. Organizers expect the event to draw visitors from across Brevard County, with parking available at the park and nearby lots.
McNamara's performance will cap the first evening, with sunrise surf sessions and sunset concerts planned. The festival follows the recent completion of the amphitheater, which officials say will host future events including concerts and community gatherings. Local officials have praised the project as a boost for Merritt Island's economy and cultural scene.