In a groundbreaking move within the festival industry, a pioneering three-day music festival located in Southern California is unveiling a permanent, year-round social club and restaurant right at the heart of its festival grounds. This innovative initiative aims to provide a vibrant atmosphere that keeps the festivities alive all 365 days of the year.

On Tuesday, April 29, Allen Sanford, the visionary founder of the BeachLife Festival in Redondo Beach, alongside his business partner Rob Lissner, officially inaugurated the California Surf Club. This expansive venue spans 22,000 square feet and serves as both a public restaurant and a private social club, setting the stage for this year’s much-anticipated three-day festival, featuring headline performances from iconic artists such as Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, and Alanis Morissette.

Sanford, who has a rich history as a restaurant owner and venue operator in the renowned South Bay area of Los Angeles, has dedicated several years to this adaptive reuse project. He has transformed two waterfront buildings near the bustling tourist pier of Redondo Beach into a unique members-only lifestyle club and a public dining destination, all while enhancing the scenic backdrop of the Redondo Beach waterfront.

“The California Surf Club comprises two distinct buildings,” Sanford elaborated in an interview with Billboard. “The south building is designated as a membership club, while the north building serves as the restaurant. During the festival, the south building will welcome all club members, along with artists and select ticket holders. Meanwhile, the north building will enhance the VIP experience, offering exclusive services and amenities.”

Allen highlighted the uniqueness of the setup, stating, “The club is integrated within the festival footprint, which is quite rare. It encapsulates the same vibrant vibe and culture that defines BeachLife.” This integration aims to foster a seamless experience for festival-goers and club members alike.

Designed by the talented architect Stephen Jones and the innovative interior designer Steven Jones, the California Surf Club features a blend of casual dining and a coastal-modern environment. Members, who invest $350 monthly, can enjoy dining experiences, engage in billiards with friends, and unwind beside a cozy fire pit. The interiors are adorned with vintage surf art and memorabilia, complemented by floor-to-ceiling glass, reclaimed wood accents, and lush landscaping that brings the coastal charm indoors.

Currently, there is a waiting list to join the club, with over 400 individuals having expressed interest in becoming part of this exclusive community. Sanford explained that the California Surf Club is set to function as the unofficial headquarters for the BeachLife Festival during the event scheduled for May 2-4, enhancing the experience for attendees.

The California Surf Club also features the Paddle Perch, a stunning waterfront area equipped with club-owned standup paddleboards, kayaks, and outrigger canoes. Additional amenities include hot showers for surfers returning from the ocean, a surfboard valet service, and various performance spaces. One highlight includes a stage-ready room equipped with a high-end Wrensilva turntable console, advanced AV system, and a large-format screen for showcasing live music, surf films, sports, and special events.

Under the leadership of membership director Chris Brown, the California Surf Club offers four distinct membership tiers—Founders, Classic, Ambassador, and Groundswell—along with limited day-rate access options. The leadership team also includes notable figures such as president Jeff Jones, COO Jerry Garbus, Pennywise frontman Jim Lindberg, musician Donavon Frankenreiter, professional surfer Chris Frohoff, athlete Danny Ching, Quality Seafood President Jeff Jones, Redondo Beach School Superintendent Dr. Nikki Wesley, and former Redondo Beach police chief Keith Kauffman, among others.

The north building of the Surf Club hosts the public-facing waterfront restaurant, which boasts over 250 seats across various indoor dining areas, shaded patios, firepit lounges, and a creative Airstream courtyard. Spearheaded by executive chef Dennis Horton, the restaurant emphasizes live-fire cooking techniques and features a lagoon-facing walk-up window that serves a laid-back “Lagoon Menu” for beachgoers. Additionally, patrons can indulge in a cold seafood bar featuring freshly shucked oysters, ceviche, sashimi, and crab, complemented by performance spaces for guest DJ sets.

“The California Surf Club is designed to feel like a second home for surfers,” Sanford shared with Billboard. “As a 47-year-old father, I often find that the only dining options available are restaurants, which can be uncomfortable. There’s a lack of recreational spaces where families and friends can gather to enjoy the ocean. It’s purposely built to resemble a friend’s beach house, offering fantastic food and drinks in an inviting atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for like-minded individuals to relax and connect.”