Surf Ballroom & Museum

This beautifully restored and maintained National Historic Landmark holds a place in history as the final concert site of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson during the 1959 Winter Dance Party, and is one of the last remaining ballrooms in the Midwest.

Just next door is the new Surf Music Experience Center, a first-of-its-kind immersive museum experience called Not Fade Away. This interactive journey honors the lives and legacies of our three stars and includes rare archival content and immersive digital projection to bring music history to life.

Across the street to the west is Three Stars Plaza, which features a central art sculpture honoring the rock and roll icons. The monument is especially striking at night when the neon lights glow.

Don’t miss visiting the memorial site, just 6.3 miles north: From the Surf, go north on Buddy Holly Place to the intersection with Hwy 18 and turn right (east). At 8th Street, turn left (north) and follow for 4.7 miles. At the curve, turn right onto the gravel road (310th Street), then immediately left (north) on Gull Avenue. Follow Gull Avenue for .5 miles and watch for memorial signs and the parking area on your right. Visitors are asked to respect their rights while visiting "The Place The Music Died."