Not Fade Away: The Surf Ballroom Immersive Experience

The new exhibit and immersive experience "Not Fade Away" are open and admission is free all day! Walk in the footsteps of legends—and into the future of music history. Not Fade Away is a first-of-its-kind immersive museum experience located next door to the historic Surf Ballroom. This interactive journey honors the lives and legacies of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, while celebrating the artists and audiences that continue to shape the Surf’s enduring legacy. As the only immersive experience in the nation created to celebrate an active rock ’n’ roll landmark, Not Fade Away combines vivid storytelling, rare archival content, and immersive digital projection to bring music history to life. Developed by a team of curators, designers, and historians, Not Fade Away was created to preserve a pivotal cultural moment and inspire new generations. Through restored audio, cinematic environments, and authentic artifacts, visitors experience an intimate connection to the artists who changed music—and the venue that still echoes with their sound. Developed by a team of curators, designers, and historians, Not Fade Away was created to preserve a pivotal cultural moment and inspire new generations. Through restored audio, cinematic environments, and authentic artifacts, visitors experience an intimate connection to the artists who changed music—and the venue that still echoes with their sound. Step beyond the spotlight and into the story.