SUN, SEA, SHIPS AND MORE: SUMMER ADVENTURE AWAITS ON THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES’ LA WATERFRONT

LA Fleet Week is Back Memorial Day Weekend; Cars & Stripes Forever!, Shakespeare By The Sea, Conquer the Bridge, Free Harbor Boat Tours All Return 

 
LOS ANGELES – May 8, 2024 – Start planning now for a summer of excitement all along the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles. From patriotic celebrations to fun runs and fabulous food, this summer’s slate of activities has something for everyone.
 
This summer’s line-up of events includes:  
 
LA Fleet Week® 2024 (May 21-27)
Get ready for Southern California’s largest Memorial Day weekend event—and it’s free. This year marks the seventh LA Fleet Week event at the Port of Los Angeles, an annual multi-day celebration of our nation’s military held on the LA Waterfront. Activities run the gamut, from public ship tours, city-wide neighborhood activations, fun-filled welcome parties to a giant EXPO at the Battleship IOWA. Be sure to check out the high-stakes military and first-responder dodgeball tournament, sizzling Galley Wars culinary competition, and Military Has Talent contest. Stop by the Los Angeles Maritime Institute’s Festival of Sail during LA Fleet Week and the LA Fleet Week After Party at West Harbor. The Port of Los Angeles will again host welcome parties this year for visiting military on Thursday, May 23 in San Pedro and Friday, May 24 in Wilmington. Visit lafleetweek.com for up-to-date event details and important FAQs.
 
Italy 5K Run LA (June 2)
Calling all running enthusiasts or fans of all things Italian! In celebration of Italian Republic Day, Little Italy of Los Angeles Association is sponsoring its third annual 5K Run on June 2. Italy Run LA is an inclusive family-friendly fun race open to participants of all ages and abilities and welcomes runners, walkers, and strollers. The race starts in downtown San Pedro at 8 a.m. More information here

Wilmington Art Walk: Vintage Summer (June 22)
Curated by the Avalon Arts & Cultural Alliance, the Wilmington Art Walk’s Vintage Summer will take place at the recently opened Wilmington Waterfront Promenade from 4-9 p.m. on June 22. This free family-friendly event will host an eclectic selection of art and craft vendors, creative food options, live entertainment and more. More information here.
 
Hot Summer Nights at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (June 8 and 23)
Want a moonlight evening to remember? Join KCRW and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for the debut of their “Hot Summer Nights” program, June 8 and 23.  Each evening will get underway at 8 p.m. with a short film about the curious, unique grunion fish. Guests will also enjoy a selection of DJs, culinary delights from local food trucks, and a walk amongst Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s four life-sized blow-up whales.  The evening will culminate on the sand where the silvery fish will wriggle ashore to spawn on moonlit Cabrillo Beach.  More information here
 
Cars and Stripes Forever!® (June 28)
The annual Cars & Stripes Forever! free public car show will take place on Friday, June 28 where Harbor Blvd. meets the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro from 5-10 p.m. With close to 100 classic cars and motorcycles on display, Cars & Stripes Forever! also serves up live music on multiple stages, a thirst-quenching beer garden and a tasty selection of food trucks offering popular local fare. This annual favorite event promises to get everyone in gear for the 4th of July holiday. Check here in early June for additional details. 
 
74th John Olguin Fireworks Spectacular (July 4)
This fireworks spectacular was started by the late John Olguin as a way to allow the public to safely enjoy the 4th of July. 74 years later, this annual tradition lives on and is co-sponsored by the Cabrillo Beach Boosters and the Port of Los Angeles. An unforgettable fireworks display will light up the sky and sea at Cabrillo Beach at 9 p.m. on July 4. Bring beach chairs and blankets and enjoy this free evening celebrating our nation’s Independence Day. 
 
Shakespeare by the Sea (July 12, Aug. 2-3)
Enjoy a timeless and magical experience this summer with free outdoor performances of Cardenio and Henry IV at two locations on the LA Waterfront. Shakespeare by the Sea will be on stage July 12 at its newest location, the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade. And catch the closing performances at the 22nd Street Park in San Pedro on August 2 and 3. All performances begin at 7 p.m. More information here.
 
San Pedro Pride 2024 (Aug. 24)
Celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of community, San Pedro Pride 2024 is sponsored by the Bridge Cities Alliance and will take place from 3-9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 at the new North Park area along the San Pedro Promenade at the LA Waterfront. This year’s theme is “The Tides of Pride,” symbolizing collective strength and resilience, acceptance, and equality. More information here.
 
Conquer the Bridge (Sept. 2)
The journey over the historic Vincent Thomas Bridge at the Port of Los Angeles is the highlight of the Conquer the Bridge foot race and fun walk, now in its 15th year.  Thousands of runners and walkers turn out every Labor Day for this annual tradition of fun and fitness. Start time is 7 a.m. on Monday Sept. 2 at 5th Street and Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro. Register here
 
Free Harbor Boat Tours (Sept. 14)
Explore the amazing Port of Los Angeles – the busiest sea trade gateway in the Western Hemisphere – and its many landmarks and attractions. The Port is offering free public boat tours from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14. Tours will depart from two locations: Wilmington Waterfront Promenade near Banning’s Landing Community Center and San Pedro Downtown Harbor near the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. Check here closer to the event date for details.

Brouwerij West & CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles (Various Dates)
Like beer, music, and art? Make a summer day of it at the Brouwerji West brewery and outdoor beer garden, and its neighboring CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles. Brouwerji West has several concerts lined up for the summer, Brunch & Bands, La Bota and weekly trivia nights. Take a stroll through CRAFTED across the courtyard for an incredible handmade shopping experience featuring the work of L.A.’s best artisans and craftspeople.
 
Visitors can also enjoy a host of educational and historical points of interest open year-round, including the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Battleship IOWA, S.S. Lane Victory, Fort MacArthur Museum, Muller House, Banning Museum, and 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, shops, and attractions. For the most up-to-date information on all LA Waterfront events visit lawaterfront.org.