The second annual Laguna Achievement Festival (the LAF Awards) somehow managed to outdo itself.
What started as a slightly absurd, joyfully over-the-top idea to celebrate all things Laguna returned this year bigger, louder, funnier, and even more heartfelt, packing the Laguna Playhouse with artists, athletes, musicians, local businesses, nonprofits, and hometown legends for a night full of LAFs.
The show kicked off with KXFM’s own Ella Wyatt taking the stage with Tommy Benson on guitar, performing “In Laguna,” an original song set to the melody of Heart’s “Barracuda”:
“In this arts village by the sea KXFM and our community We’re beggin’ please, please, please, please on our knees Let’s hear it for la-la-laguna”
They were followed by Pat Parnell and Jorg Dubin, reprising their roles as Pat Cornfield and Tad Shorter from “The Resistance”, a satirical dystopian film by KXFM and 20EVO in which radio becomes humanity’s last stand against AI domination.
The night was filled with surprise moments, heartfelt speeches, and roaring standing ovations including one for hometown favorite, Sandpiper owner Chuck Harrel, that brought the house down. Dick Metz received the Laguna Legacy Award, a recognition few would dispute, especially as the Surf Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) prepares to open in downtown Laguna Beach this summer.
The whole room felt less like an audience and more like a community celebration. Because if there’s one thing this night proved, it’s that Laguna knows how to honor its own — not with stiff formality, but with humor, heart, and a whole lot of love.. That’s the magic of the LAF Awards: it’s not really about competition. It’s about celebrating the wildly eclectic mosaic of people and places that make Laguna, Laguna.
From surf and skate to fine dining, live music, local businesses, and community heroes, every corner of the town had its moment in the spotlight. Scroll below for the full list of winners, and stay tuned for highlights, photos, and moments from the night.
To everyone who voted, attended, performed, presented, cheered, volunteered, and helped bring this gloriously weird night to life, thank you for helping us LAF again.
A huge thank you to the sponsors and collaborators who made the night possible: Nirvana by Chef Lindsey, Laguna Beach Water District, F&M Bank, 20EVO, Laguna Playhouse, and Q Terrace. Special thanks to Jorg Dubin for crafting the one-of-a-kind Laffy Trophies, and to Pat Parnell, Jax Owen, Ella Wyatt, and Tommy Benson for their contributions.
Until next year.
2026 LAF Awards Winners
Arts & Culture
Best 2-Dimensional Artist: Katlin Evans
Best 3-Dimensional Artist: Jesse Miller
Best Cultural Offering: Sawdust Art Festival
Best Band: Party Foul
Best Female Solo Artist: Anesha Rose
Best Male Solo Artist: Andrew Corradini
Sports
Best Mountain Biker: Rainy Wyman
Best Male Surfer: Eli Viszolay
Best Female Surfer: Kayla Coscino
Best Skateboarder: Dante Madrigal
Best Skimboarder: Timmy Gamboa
Food & Drink
Best Bar: Dirty Bird (Sandpiper)
Favorite Locals Hang: The Cliff Restaurant
Best Coffee Shop: Jedidiah Coffee
Best Casual Eatery: The Taco Stand
Best Fine Dining: Selanne Steak Tavern
Business & Retail
Best Specialty Retail: Coast Hardware
Best Retail Store: Tuvalu
Best Surf Shop: Laguna Surf N Sport
Best Wellness / Health Business: Laguna Beach Yoga
Community
Most Impactful Non Profit Organization: Laguna Food Pantry
Most Inspirational High School Student: Kate Hennessy
