An insider’s guide to this whacky annual event in Southern California from someone who been to it many times.
By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Hermosa Beach Blogger
The lifestyle in Hermosa Beach, CA, is a bit different than anywhere else in the USA. It’s a bit quirky, a blend of exercising with socializing and a lot of fun.
This is all reflected in one of its signature events, the Smackfest beach volleyball tournament. This isn’t the Olympics, but rather a recreational activity involving 1,000-plus locals and visitors who put on costumes and play – or attempt to play; after all it’s not easy to make the perfect set when you’re dressed up as gladiators or wearing aquatic inflatables, as is often the case – a sport that is more popular in this Los Angeles beach town than surfing.
When the volleyballs roll out on June 27 this year, it will mark the 31st anniversary of Smackfest.
Teams register here and it is such a popular event that this year, it sold out in just a few minutes. As it does every year. But for spectators that doesn’t matter because it’s open to the public and isfree to attend.
“It started out as the launch party for Smack Sportswear in 1995” said Bill Sigler, founder of Smack Sportwear. “We first held it at 15th St. in Manhattan Beach with about 50 people. For the first 4 years, we held it there, dug kegs into the sand and made it a big beach party. And then moved it to Hermosa Beach in 1999, and we held it at 8th St. In 2003 we moved it to Hermosa Pier. That’s when people really started getting dressed up in costumes.
“This year we’re moving it to the north side of the Pier to give us more courts and more open space. We’re gonna do some really crazy things for the 30th anniversary. You won’t wanna miss it!”
Longtimers know to block out the day as soon as the date is announced, whether they are playing or just walking up and down the many rows of team tents lined up on the sand by the Hermosa Beach Pier. The bars on Pier Ave., know to stock up on the drinks, for participants and spectators dash in and out of them all day. Sharkeez, being the host bar, is particularly lively.
On the sand, things are pumping with a DJ playing music, vendor tents set up giving away product samples and more than 1,000 people playing or taking part in the upbeat scene that is a true reflection of this community, where the prevailing attitude is “I’m still in college” no matter the age everyone at Smackfest.
Locals need to note that this year’s event is the end of June, not its usual end-of-July date. Smackfest 2025 is presented by Michelob Ultra and Smack Sportswear.
Smackfest Q&A
What Is Smackfest?
A costume beach volleyball tournament and party that has four-person men. women and coed teams competing at different levels from pros to beginners. The tournament features games during matches, challenges, music by DJs and giveaways from sponsors. While players must pay to play, spectators are welcome to watch for free.
Where Is Smackfest?
On the sand at the Hermosa Beach Pier
Why Is It Called Smackfest?
Because the founder, Bill Sigler, founded a beach sportswear company called Smack Sportswear. When he started the tournament, he used his brand name for it.
Can You Drink On The Beach During Smackfest?
Absolutely not. If you drink on the beach in Hermosa Beach you risk getting a costly ticket and possibly arrested. The drinking takes place a block away at many of the Hermosa Beach Pier Ave bars.
How To Watch Smackfest
• Best Viewing Areas. From the sand. Spectators are free to walk among the teams, the row of sponsor tents and between the courts. Be careful not to step onto a court during play, however.
• Arrival Times. The tournament starts in the morning and goes until 4 or 5 p.m. The best times to be there are between 1-4 p.m.
Where To Eat And Where To Drink During And Afterward. Pier Plaza, only a block from the tournament, has multiple options for eating and drinking before, during and after Smackfest. Surfer Girl at the Sea Sprite hotel, Patrick Molloys and Tower 12 are popular choices but the best is Sharkeez, which is the official headquarters of Smackfest.
• Parking. You’re better off not to drive, especially if you are drinking. There is a lot just north of Pier Plaza but most locals arrive by bicycle. If you are in the area, take a shared ride service like Lyft or Uber.
If You Like This Post You May Also Like:
• Smackfest Surpasses 6-Man As Best South Bay Beach Volleyball Party
• Hermosa Beach Nightlife Now And Then
• A Look Back At The Heyday Of Manhatttan Beach 6-Man
Kevin Wilkerson is the founder of PubClub.com, an award-winning journalist and former South Bay resident who spent years living in Hermosa Beach and covering its nightlife scene. He has covered destinations, events and entertainment for more than two decades and received an Associated Press award for investigative journalism while working as a newspaper reporter. He has covered Smackfest for several years and played in it a couple of times.
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