PORT OF LOS ANGELES ANNOUNCES SIZZLING SUMMER LINE-UP OF ACTIVITIES ON THE LA WATERFRONT
SAN PEDRO, Calif. – May 17, 2023 – Haven’t nailed down those summer plans yet? No need to worry. From Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, the Port of Los Angeles and its community partners offer a full slate of new and returning events on the LA Waterfront. This summer’s calendar of events has something for just about everyone.
The summer season kicks off with several returning crowd-favorite signature events, including LA Fleet Week® over Memorial Day Weekend, the Cars & Stripes Forever!® classic car show in late June, and the John Olguin Fireworks Spectacular July 4th at Cabrillo Beach. Promising even more fun under the sun and the stars are new additions this year, such as the San Pedro Ballet’s Swan Lake at the Cabrillo Marina, the global SailGP boat racing circuit coming to the Port in July, and Insomniac’s Interstellar Festival.
Below is the 411 on events coming to the LA Waterfront this summer:
LA Fleet Week – May 26-29
This annual celebration of our nation’s Sea Services features free public ship tours, live entertainment, aerial flyovers, a Fleet Week EXPO at Battleship IOWA with military equipment displays, multiple veteran and military information booths, as well as other family-focused activities. While there, climb aboard one of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute’s Tall Ships in the Downtown Harbor, take a sunset tall ship cruise, stop by the Los Angeles Maritime Museum for a deeper dive into our harbor’s nautical history. LA Fleet Week will officially kick off with the Downtown San Pedro Welcome Party for our visiting service members on May 25 from 5-9 p.m. The Welcome Party will feature live music, food and drinks for purchase and great downtown restaurants to enjoy with friends and family. Select restaurants and bars will also be offering LA Fleet Week discounts throughout the weekend.
San Pedro City Ballet’s Swan Lake – June 2 & 3
“On pointe” for June is the debut of the San Pedro City Ballet’s Swan Lake performance under the stars at Cabrillo Marina’s Berth 37 at 8 p.m. The beautiful 400-seat performance space will provide heaters, but guests are encouraged to bring a wrap, blanket and a seat cushion if desired. The City Ballet website has all the details.
Italy 5K Run LA – June 4
Mama Mia! It’s time to run the second annual Italy 5K Run LA. The fun run starts and finishes at Harbor Blvd. at 7th Street in downtown San Pedro. Register for the race in advance, arrive 45-60 minutes prior to the 8 a.m. start time on race day, and plan to attend the post-race festa immediately following the Italy Run LA in the Piazza located at 638 S. Beacon Street in San Pedro.
Meet the Grunion at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium – June 5 & 19
Something’s likely to be fishy at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's “Meet the Grunion” events on June 5 and 19. Grab your flashlight and your jacket and head to the aquarium’s John Olguin Auditorium where you’ll watch a short educational film about Grunion at 8 p.m. Next, walk over to the beach for a guided observation where these curious silvery fish will wriggle ashore and blanket the beach under the moonlight before riding the tide back out to sea.
San Pedro Pride 2023 on the Los Angeles Waterfront – June 17
San Pedro Pride returns to the LA Waterfront with a line-up of new and exciting festivities, including a drag brunch at noon and a 2 p.m. flag-raising ceremony at the LA Maritime Museum. Come out and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Brouwerij West’s Popfuji Summer Series – June 18
Hop over to Brouwerij West on Father's Day, Sunday June 18, for the kick-off of their infamous Popfuji summer music series. This family and dog friendly favorite local gathering space promises to keep your calendar and your glass full all summer long with an impressive line-up of brews and bands. While you are there, treat your inner artist with a visit to CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, where you can create your own art and browse through more than 45 artisan workspaces.
Juneteenth Fireworks Spectacular – June 19
The Port of Los Angeles will host the Juneteenth fireworks spectacular at Cabrillo Beach on the evening of June 19th to honor and acknowledge emancipation of African American slaves in the U.S. on this date in 1865.
13th Annual Cars & Stripes Forever! Classic Cars, Entertainment & Fireworks – June 30
Jump-start Independence Day this year by attending the 13th Annual Cars & Stripes Forever! classic car show, which will feature nearly 100 pre-1975-era exotic cars and motorcycles. This Port-sponsored event will be held from 6-10 p.m. at Harbor Boulevard and the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Come for the cars and stay for the live bands, gourmet food trucks and beer garden. Don’t miss the fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
72nd John Olguin Fireworks Spectacular – July 4
This long-standing fireworks tradition will light up the sky over Cabrillo Beach at 9:15 p.m. Bring beach chairs and blankets and enjoy this free evening celebrating Independence Day. The event is co-sponsored by the Cabrillo Beach Boosters and the Port of Los Angeles.
SailGP – July 22-23
It’s all hands on deck this summer for the ”Formula One” of sailing events coming to the Port of Los Angeles’ Outer Harbor. For the first time in Los Angeles, SailGP will host global elite sailing teams and athletes for this exciting, high-speed sail racing event, which will also include an action-packed entertainment line-up.
Insomniac’s Interstellar Festival – August 19-20
In the name of music, art, imagination and positivity, Insomniac invites you on an Interstellar Experience at their two-day music festival in the Port of LA’s Outer Harbor, Berth 46, Sat. Aug. 19 and Sun. Aug. 20 starting at noon each day. Concert goers must be over 21 or older to purchase tickets and attend this transformative music experience. See you on the dance floor.
Conquer the Bridge over Labor Day Weekend – September 4
End your summer with a photo finish at the 14th annual Conquer the Bridge foot race on Labor Day Monday, September 4. Join thousands of fellow walkers and runners in this 5.3 mile foot race which begins at 7 a.m. in San Pedro at the intersection of 5th and Harbor Blvd. and heads up and over the historic Vincent Thomas Bridge and back. Register in advance, tell your friends and get ready to Conquer the Bridge.
LA Waterfront visitors can also enjoy a host of educational and historical attractions open year-round, including the LA Maritime Museum, the Battleship IOWA , S.S. Lane Victory, Fort MacArthur Museum, the Muller House, the Banning Museum and the Civil War Drum Barracks Museum. The free, 25-minute loop San Pedro Red Car Trolley provides an easy way to make stops to enjoy the area’s great selection of restaurants, bars and shops. For the most up-to-date information on all LA Waterfront summer events and attractions, visit lawaterfront.org.