The Laguna Art Museum in Orange County organized the touring exhibit, which features a broad range of styles and media: film, paintings, posters, photos, artifacts and, of course, surfboards. Special to the San Jose stop of "Surf Culture" will be 20 boards from Northern California collections that have been added to the exhibit's existing display of about 57.

The museum is celebrating in a big way for the exhibit's opening weekend, throwing parties and hosting lectures and activities. On Aug. 16, throw on a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops for the Surf's Up opening party. Guests are encouraged to don beachwear for this event featuring complimentary surfer snacks, a no-host bar, music by Santa Cruz surf band The Concaves and a performance by Ka Ua Tuahine Polynesian Dance.

On Aug. 17, catch "Is Surfing Design?", a lecture with graphic designer and surfer David Carson (who designed the exhibit's catalogue). Kids will also be hanging 10 on Aug. 17 with a Surf Shindig held in conjunction with the museum's monthly Kids ArtSunday. An all-out festival with hands-on art activities, surf music, hula performances and lessons, board-shaping demonstrations, a surfing simulator and more, this beach blanket blowout should make kids of all ages feel like the big kahuna for a day.

"Surf Culture: The Art History of Surfing" is on exhibit Aug. 16 through Nov. 2 at the San Jose Museum of Art. All events are at the museum. The Surf's Up Opening Party will be held on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m.; admission is $12 for nonmembers of the museum. The "Is Surfing Design" lecture will be held on Aug. 17 at 2:30 p.m.; admission is $7 for nonmembers. The Surf Shindig will be held on Aug. 17 from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission is free. For more information, call 408.294.2787 or visit www.sjmusart.org.