Events | Marina del Rey

ON-GOING LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Tuesdays & Wednesdays Childrens Storytime

Storytime geared to preschool children. Puppets, stories and crafts. Parental supervision required. Lloyd W. Taber Library, 4533 Admiralty Way. Tues 10:30 a.m.; Wed 6:30 p.m. Free. 310-821-3415

Fridays Venice Farmers’ Market

Fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables straight from the grower. 501 Venice Blvd. at Venice Way. 7—11 a.m. 310-399-6690. more

First Fridays on Abbot Kinney Boulevard

On the 1st Friday of each month, the shops on Abbot Kinney Blvd are open until 10 p.m. Browse, shop and enjoy the entertainment, refreshments, discounts and specials.

Saturdays & Sundays Fisherman’s Village Music Series

Live R&B, Jazz, Latin, Pop, Blues concerts; 1–4 p.m., weather permitting. Free. more

Sundays Waterside Music Series

(Through December)
The Marina's very own Waterside Shopping Center hosts live standards, pop, and soft rock bands for your musical enjoyment. Every third Sunday from 1–4 p.m. 4700 Admiralty Way. more

Monthly Ballona Wetlands

Restored wetlands offer opportunities to learn about local birds and native plants. Free. more

Back to top

THIS YEAR'S EVENTS

Mysteries en Brochette Musical Mystery Dinner Shows

Throughout 2007
Now in its 10th year, Mysteries En Brochette continues its live interactive mystery dinners for the detective in you. Currently rotating four different scripts, each with the music of its era: “Hollywood’s Fatal Premiere”, “Deadly Disco Cruise”, “Sock Hop Reunion”, and “Who Killed the Radio Show?” Join all the fun, sing-a-long with the cast, and solve the mystery, all while enjoying an excellent 4-course dinner! more

The Hasty Heart

August 18 (ongoing)
Pacific Resident Theatre presents this touching and life affirming play exploring the complexities of trust, compassion and love, even in the shadow of war. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sunday afternoons. 310-822-8392. more

Burton Chace Park Outdoor Adventures

October 27
Harbor kayaking (everyone welcome) and surf kayaking (practiced kayakers only) excursions provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors. 13640 Mindanao Way. 310-305-9587. more

Burton Chace Park Outdoor Adventures

November 10
Harbor kayaking (everyone welcome) and surf kayaking (practiced kayakers only) excursions provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors. 13640 Mindanao Way. 310-305-9587. more

Tour of the Tall Ships

Dec 6–11
Tour the Tall Ships to learn more about how 18th century sailors lived & how they navigated across miles of open ocean. Enjoy dockside tours, adventure sails, battle sails, and the lighted boat parade sail. Berthed at Fisherman's Village & open to the public. For details & pricing call 800-200-5239. more

Marina del Rey Holiday Magic Boat Parade

December 8
Festively decorated boats illuminate the main channel in one of the Marina's most visually exciting events. Preview Boat Parade Dec 7. Actual show preceded by a short fireworks display in the Main Channel at 5:55 p.m. Best viewing: Burton Chace Park & Fisherman's Village. 310-670-7130. more

Westchester Annual Holiday Parade

December 9
Old-fashioned street parade with local civic & youth groups & school children. Starts at 2 p.m. at Loyola & Manchester & goes east on Manchester. 310-863-0834. more

Luminarias

December 16
Fun-filled evening with candles lit in sand-filled paper bags, creating a glow over the historic 1834 Centinela Adobe Complex. Music program, Christmas tree & ornamental display. Tours start at 6:30 p.m. 310-677-2067.

New Year's Eve Fireworks

December 31
Fireworks shot from the south jetty light up the sky over Marina del Rey on New Year's Eve. Beginning at 11:59 p.m. & 30 seconds, one firework will be shot into the air each second, counting down to midnight when a five-minute fireworks show will burst across the night sky. Fireworks can be seen from almost anywhere in the marina. Free. 310-305-9545. more

Back to top

NEXT YEAR'S EVENTS

Venice Penguin Swim Club Annual Swim

January 1, 2008
Annual "chilly" wintertime swim. Take Venice Blvd. to the beach. Event takes place north of Venice Blvd. and south of Windward Ave.; Swim starts at noon. 310-390-5700.
more

Bird Watching Excursion

Mar – Jun (2008)
Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors offers unique bird watching in various sites of the Ballona Wetlands. Traveling by 15 passenger van. Children must be able to ride without car seat. Registration Required. 310-822-8530. more

Marina del Rey Anglers Annual Halibut Derby

Usually 1st week in April (2008)
Prizes awarded for catching the biggest fish on a rod and reel. Fishing starts at sunrise. Public weigh-ins Sat. in Burton Chace Park, 5 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. 310-827-4855.
more

Wednesdays Sunset Sailing Series

Apr 18 – Sep 5, 2008 (Except July 4th).
The California Yacht Club presents a series of races leading to a September 12 sail-off to become King of the Hill. Races start at five minute intervals from 5:55—6:30 p.m. Stand at the north or south jetty to watch the boats come back to port at sunset for a beautiful sight to see. more

Venice Garden & Home Tour

Usually 1st weekend in May (2008)
Self-guided tour of Venice homes & gardens; shuttle service & docents available. Las Doradas Children’s Center at 804 Broadway, Venice; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $60 advance, $70 at door, children under 12 yrs. free. 310-821-1857. more

Marina del Rey Boat Show

Usually 3rd or 4th week in May (2008)
Bigger-than-ever show will feature hundreds of newest & largest recreational boats, from million-dollar yachts, incredible sailboats & personal watercraft, to marine accessories. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way. Weekdays 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Weekends 10 a.m.–7 p.m.. Cost: $10 adult; 12 & under free. 949-757-5959.

Venice Annual Art Walk

Usually 3rd week in May (2008)
Walking tours of local artist studios & exhibitions. Food fair, art auction & family entertainment. 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: $50 (12 yrs. & under free). 310-392-9255. more

Venice Championships Bodybuilding and Figure Contest

Usually last week in May (2008)
LA City Dept. of Recreation & Parks bodybuilding competition on Venice Beach. 1800 Ocean Front Walk. 10 a.m. Free. 310-399-2775. more

Marina del Rey Summer Concerts

Jul–Sep (2008)
The Marina del Rey Summer Concerts will be presented by Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water, Don Knabe, Los Angeles County Supervisor, and the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors. The concerts will start at 7:00pm, to allow guests a view of the sunset over the water. Audiences are invited to picnic in the park in advance of each concert. Symphonic concerts will be on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm, and Pops concerts will be Saturday evenings at 7:00pm. more

Marina del Rey Annual Fourth of July Fireworks

July 4, 2008
Fireworks shot over Marina's main channel. Burton Chace Park & Fisherman's Village are popular viewing spots, but any waterview seat is a good one! Free. 9 p.m. Arrive early. 310-305-9545. more

Mr. And Ms. Muscle Beach

July 4, 2008
City of LA Dept. of Recreation & Parks bodybuilding, figure, swimsuit competitions. 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 310-399-2775.

Westchester Annual Fourth Of July Parade

July 4, 2008
Chamber of Commerce parade; floats, elephant, marching bands, community groups. Starts in Westchester Park at noon & follows along Loyola Blvd. to Loyola Marymount University. Free. 310-645-5151. more

Old Fashioned Day in the Park

Usually 4th Sunday in July (2008)
Vintage yachts, antique & classic cars & motorcycles. Watch vintage steam engines, ship models & modelers do their work. Steam launches to give free rides in the harbor. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way; Free. 626-335-8843.

Festival of the Chariots

Usually 1st week in August (2008)
Hare Krishna-themed parade, Indian music, dance, vegetarian feast. Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Santa Monica Civic Center to Ocean Front Walk, Venice. Free. 310-837-8147.

Porsche Club of America LA Region Concours

Usually Sunday in mid-August (2008)
Enjoy Porsches of all kinds on display at this annual car show. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way. 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free. 818-888-7224. more

Gillis Volleyball Invitational

Usually Sun & Mon in mid-August (2008)
Players compete in zany volleyball tournament beach bash, dressed in quirky, kooky costumes; Dockweiler Beach, 6200 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey; 8 a.m.–dark. Free. 800-470-5166. more

Sweet & Hot Jazz Festival

Aug 30 – Sep 3, 2008
Annual Labor Day weekend tribute to sounds of '20s to 40's; swing, jazz, blues bands dancing, memorabilia & records. 818-461-9260. more

Venice Bodybuilding & Figure Championships

September 3, 2008
Venice Beach crowns their best and bulkiest body builders. Competition begins at 10 a.m.; finals 2 p.m. 1800 Ocean Front Walk. Free. 310-399-2775. more

City of Los Angeles Triathlon

Usually 2nd Sunday in September (2008)
1.5K swim at 7 a.m. at Venice Beach, north of Venice Pier between Washington Blvd. & Venice Boulevard, followed by 40K bike race & 10K run, which winds through Hollywood & ends in Downtown LA. 714-978-1528. more

Coastal Clean Up Day

September 13, 2008
End of summer volunteer local beach & marina clean up day. Sponsored by Heal the Bay. 800-HEALBAY. more

Venice Music Festival

Usually 2nd week in September (2008)
Event starts at 11 a.m. with a champagne gourmet food brunch & trio playing Latin music. 1-6 p.m., concerts including Latin & African bands, food, beverages, silent auction. Benefits Venice area housing projects. 733-743 Palms Blvd., Venice. Reservations: 310-399-4100 x 106. more

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Street Festival

September 28, 2008
One of the best community fairs in Los Angeles, hundreds of booths, arts, crafts, two stages, live music, food. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. 310-396-3772 more

Discover Marina del Rey Day

October 5, 2007
Live music, food, community booths, sailboat races, U.S. Coast Guard, L.A. County Fire and Lifeguard demonstrations, children's inflatable activities and games ($5 bracelet). Free. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way. 11a.m.–4p.m. more

Los Angeles Carnival

Oct 11 & 12, 2008
Caribbean street festival, parade, dance, games, music, Caribbean food. Westchester Park, 7000 W. Manchester Ave. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Parade begins at 88th St./Liberator Ave. & ends at Westchester Park. Free. 310-410-0174. more