There’s a ton happening along the coast this weekend, and with this intense heat, expect massive crowds at the coast. Here’s what’s coming up:

Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing kicks off this weekend

Orange County’s premier surfing event kicks off on Saturday, with junior surfers battling it out on the south side of the pier to begin this year’s Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing.

The event, celebrating 50 years of surfing at the pier, is expected to be especially exciting with big name surfers such as Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, and Rob Machado joining the competition.

There’s $100,000 on the line for the men’s winner – the largest purse of any surf contest in the history of the sport.

When: All day Saturday, July 18

Where: Huntington  Beach Pier

San Clemente Ocean Festival this weekend

The annual San Clemente Ocean Festival is going down this weekend, so head down to check out some of the action.

The festival started three decades ago as a friendly competition to see who could claim the title as the toughest lifeguard around. There’s still a strong lifeguard presence, with Orange County guards working hard to protect their turf from the L.A. guards.

There’s something for everyone - fishing derbies and sand castle contests for the kids, a Woody car exhibit, California Waterman and Waterwoman championship, bodysurfing lessons and more. One of the most exciting events to watch is the Dory boat races.

When: Saturday and Sunday

Where: San Clemente Pier

World-famous waterman Laird Hamilton coming to OC

World-famous waterman Laird Hamilton will be in Surf City Saturday to support the 2nd annual PacSun Pipeline to a Cure Gala put on by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The gala, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, will be hosted by Hamilton and Dave Kalama. The evening will feature a special headline performance from Shiny Toy Guns as well as a performance from former American Idol Season 8 contestant Kai Kalama.

When: Saturday

Where: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

Retro surf contest in Surfside

If you dig riding retro surfboards or you just want to see some old ’70s quivers, then this is a really cool event coming up.  The 11th annual Surfside Seventies Expression Session and Retro surfboard riding contest is happening on Saturday.

If you have your own ’70s equipment or you want to borrow a board, there are plenty of sticks available. Contestants must pick out of a hat to see what board they’ll have to surf on in each heat.

Trophies and prizes will be handed out for the best ’70s style, best ride, deepest  pearl, etc.  This event always draws a good crowd of spectators and a handful of notable surfers.  Last year Peter “PT” Townend was carving away on some old relics.

Entry into the event is $30 and includes a T-shirt.  Following the contest is an awards ceremony at J. King Neptunes in Sunset Beach.

Contest entry forms are available at the Katin Surf Shop in Sunset Beach.

When: 7 a.m., Saturday, July 18

Where: Anderson Street, Sunset Beach

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