EMERGING FILMMAKERS & YOUTH EDUCATION

Inspiring the next generation of storytellers and environmental leaders.

Education remains one of Coast's most meaningful areas of impact. Through school partnerships, student showcases, hands-on workshops, and environmental programming, the festival creates opportunities for young people to discover their creative voices and develop a deeper connection to the natural world. Coast reached 1,904 students through school presentations and Environmental Stewardship Day.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS | 1,660 Students

Six school talks brought filmmakers, athletes, photographers, and environmental leaders directly into classrooms, connecting students with inspiring voices and real-world perspectives.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP DAY | 250 Students

Coast welcomed students from across Southern California for a day of hands-on environmental education, eco-art, and storytelling.

Four interactive learning stations were led by environmental educators and community partners, including Drawing for the Planet, Josh "Bones" Murphy, Laguna Canyon Foundation, and Pacific Marine Mammal Center.

EMERGING FILMMAKER AWARDS CEREMONY

The Emerging Filmmakers program continued to provide a platform for young creatives to share their work and engage with the filmmaking community. The 2026 showcase celebrated an exceptional level of middle and high school filmmaking and participation, reinforcing Coast's commitment to making storytelling accessible to the next generation. The winner brought home a new GoPro to continue their filmmaking journey.

Together, these programs extend Coast's impact beyond the festival, helping young people build the creativity, confidence, and environmental awareness to shape the future.

FOLLOW THE LIGHT SURF PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD CEREMONY

The Follow The Light Surf Photography program continued its commitment to emerging photographers and the art of surf and ocean storytelling.

This year's awards ceremony brought together five photographers from across the world, creating opportunities to share their work, connect with established creatives, and gain exposure within the surf media community.

The Follow The Light gathering featured several alumni of FTL for an opportunity for emerging talent to connect with leading voices in surf photography. The winner, Arenui Frapwell brought home $5,000, a new GoPro, and a working opportunity with Roark. The Audience Choice Winner, Luca Salisbury brought home $1,500 and a working opportunity with A New Earth Project.

THE COAST SUMMIT | THE INTELLIGENCE OF NATURE

Big ideas. Fresh perspectives. A better future.

Presented in partnership with A New Earth Project, the 2026 Coast Summit brought together 26 speakers and special guests at Rivian South Coast Theater to explore The Intelligence of Nature. Through conversations, presentations, and interdisciplinary perspectives, leaders in science, creativity, and environmental innovation explored what nature can teach us about building a more sustainable future. Including a panel with the band members of Rainbow Body, world-renowned photographer Andy Mann, cellist Garth Stevenson, biomimicry expert Nicole Miller and others, we explored the power of nature to help us forward.

MUSIC, ART, COMMUNITY

Bringing people together through shared experiences.

Music and community are central to the Coast experience. In 2026, the festival presented 16 bands and musical acts, including three nights of concerts at the historic Irvine Bowl.

The concert lineup brought together an exciting mix of established and emerging artists, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences and expanding Coast's reach beyond traditional film programming.

Highlights included:

• Three nights of live music at the Irvine Bowl, featuring Ben Harper, Amos Lee, Rainbow Body, Donavon Frankenreiter, G. Love, Lily Meola, and Olas Perdidas.

• The debut performance of Rainbow Body, bringing together an extraordinary collective of musicians (Taylor Goldsmith, Griffin Goldsmith, Rick Mitarotonda, Eric Krasno, Ross James, and Adam MacDougall).

• Films on Forest, bringing film, music, local businesses, and the community together.

• Hobie Night at Hobie Surf Shop featuring surf tunes from Par Avion and speakers Greg Long, Hub Hubbard, and Chris Evans.

• The Canyon Lounge Speakeasy, creating a new gathering space for festival guests and a memorable addition to the festival experience.

• New community programming at SHACC, expanding Coast's downtown footprint and opportunities for connection.

From intimate conversations to unforgettable nights at the Irvine Bowl, these experiences celebrate Laguna Beach's creative spirit while bringing people together across generations, disciplines, and backgrounds.

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Get outside. Get inspired. Give back.

Coast takes storytelling beyond the screen, connecting people with the natural world through outdoor experiences and free community experiences. New this year, 2026 festival featured five free Coffee Talks with at Jedidiah Coffee Shop, Films on Forest (which took place at Rivian South Coast Theater due to weather), and free yoga and runs.

A COMMUNITY EFFORT

Powered by people who believe in the power of coming together.

Coast is made possible by our filmmakers, artists, musicians, speakers, educators, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners. As an independent nonprofit, we are proud to bring people together through film, music, art, and shared experiences that inspire positive change.

Thank you to everyone who made 2026 possible.

Come Curious. Leave Inspired.