Every summer, something magical happens on the shores of San Diego. It’s more than just surfboards and guitars — it’s a community coming together to lift up the next generation. The Switchfoot Bro-Am is back, and for the past 20 years, this beloved local tradition has done more than entertain. It’s empowered. It’s united. It’s changed lives.

Started by San Diego’s own Grammy-winning rock band Switchfoot, the Bro-Am was born from a dream to give back to the hometown that shaped them. The band realized early on how much music, surfing, and access to the outdoors had impacted their own lives, and they wanted to pay it forward. What began as a simple charity surf contest and beach concert has grown into a two-day movement dedicated to supporting homeless, at-risk, and disadvantaged youth across San Diego.

The festivities kick off with the Benefit Party on June 19, a one-of-a-kind evening that brings together over 500 community leaders, athletes, musicians, and philanthropists. The event raises funds and awareness for the Bro-Am Foundation’s partner nonprofits — and it does so with heart, purpose, and a whole lot of soul.

Then, on June 21, the action heads beachside for Bro-Am Beach Fest, a free all-ages event packed with live music, a surf competition, food vendors, eco-education, and over 15,000 people ready to make a difference. The beach fest highlights sustainable practices, encourages attendees to bring reusable water bottles, and reminds everyone that taking care of our planet and our people go hand in hand.

But Bro-Am is about more than events. It’s about impact. Through their foundation, Switchfoot provides grants to incredible organizations such as the Monarch School, Feeding San Diego, A Step Beyond, Save the Music Foundation, Challenged Athletes Foundation, and Rady Children’s Hospital. These groups work year-round to provide food, shelter, education, and creative outlets like music and dance to kids who need it most.

At its core, the Switchfoot Bro-Am Foundation believes in creating a thriving future for every kid. Their mission focuses on two key areas: physical and community wellbeing, and opportunity and empowerment through programs centered on music, art, surfing, and education. And it’s not just the band or a handful of sponsors making this happen — it’s the entire community. From volunteers and donors to business partners and beachgoers, Bro-Am has become a movement of givers and doers who believe that when everyone plays their part, the impact multiplies.

Whether you’re grabbing your surfboard, dancing barefoot in the sand, or attending the Benefit Party in your best beach formalwear, there’s a way for everyone to get involved. You can sponsor the event, donate an auction item, host a vendor booth, volunteer behind the scenes, or simply show up and support the cause. Every action counts.

So this June, come be part of something bigger. Celebrate what makes San Diego shine — compassion, creativity, and community. Visit broam.org to learn more, donate, or find a way to get involved. Because the waves may come and go, but the impact of Bro-Am is here to stay.