The Port of Los Angeles is more than just cargo numbers.
During the summer, the nation’s busiest port rolls out a number of events the community is invited to attend, from outdoor concerts to plays and fireworks, car shows food and patriotic celebrations.
This summer’s lineup includes:
–LA Fleet Week (May 21-27): Billed as Southern California’s largest Memorial Day weekend event — and it’s free — LA Fleet Week celebrates the nation’s military on the Los Angeles waterfront. Activities include public visits of active-duty Navy ships, parties, events throughout the Los Angeles footprint, an expo at the Battleship Iowa in San Pedro, military competitions, tall ships and an “after party” at West Harbor for those not ready to go home at sunset. lafleetweek.com/.
–Italy 5K Run LA (8:00 a.m. June 2): Love to run? Love all things Italian? This celebration of Italian Republic Day is for you. Little Italy of Los Angeles Association will sponsor its third annual 5K run, an inclusive, family-friendly fun race open to participants of all ages and abilities — runners, walkers, and strollers. The race starts at 8 a.m. in Downtown San Pedro. More information at this social media post.
–Wilmington Art Walk (4-9 p.m. June 22): Vintage Summer (June 22): Curated by the Avalon Arts & Cultural Alliance, the Wilmington Art Walk’s Vintage Summer event will take place at the recently opened Wilmington Waterfront Promenade from where there the family-friendly event will offer art and craft vendors, creative food options and live entertainment. Information here.
–Hot Summer Nights at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (June 8 and 23, 8 p.m.): Radio station KCRW and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will team up for the debut of a “Hot Summer Nights” program. featuring short films about grunion, a selection of DJs, cuisine from local food trucks, and a walk among the aquarium’s four life-sized blow-up whales. The evening culminates with take in a grunion run on the sand under the moonlight. More information online.
–Cars and Stripes Forever! (5-10 p.m. June 28): San Pedro’s pre-Fourth-of-July celebration features a free public car show with close to 100 classic cars and motorcycles on display. But that’s not all. There is live music on multiple stages, a beer garden and food trucks. Harbor Boulevard at the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Additional information will be on the port’s website in early June.
The 74th John Olguin Fireworks Spectacular (July 4): Started by the late John Olguin as a way to allow the public to safely enjoy the holiday, the tradition lives on with co-sponsorship by the Cabrillo Beach Boosters and the Port of Los Angeles. The fireworks begin at about 9 p.m. Bring beach chairs and blankets.
–Shakespeare by the Sea (July 12, Aug. 2-3): Free performances (“Cardenio” and “Henry IV”) will be shown at two locations on the waterfront — the Wilmington Waterfront Park (on July 12) and at 22nd Street Park in San Pedro (on Aug. 2 and 3). Performances all begin at 7 p.m.
–San Pedro Pride 2024 (3-9 p.m. Aug. 24): San Pedro Pride, sponsored by the Bridge Cities Alliance, is designed to celebrate diversity and community. It will be held from 3-9 pm. on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the new North Park area along the San Pedro Promenade on the LA Waterfront in San Pedro. The theme is “The Tides of Pride.” Information at Bridge Cities Alliance.
–Conquer the Bridge (Sept. 2): Run (or walk) over the historic Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro starting at 7 a.m. at Harbor Boulevard and Fifth Street on Labor Day. Register at the Conquer the Bridge website.
–Free Harbor Boat Tours (Sept. 14): Explore the Port of Los Angeles from a new angle with a boat tour departing from two locations: Wilmington Waterfront Promenade near the Banning’s Landing Community Center and San Pedro Downtown Harbor near the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. Check the port’s website closer to the date for the details.
–Brouweerij West and Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles (various dates): Spend some summer days and nights checking out vendors at Crafted or hanging out at the outdoor beer garden where several concerts are lined up: Brunch & Bands, La Boat and weekly trivia nights.
Museums also are open for those looking for educational and historical points of interest: the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Battleship Iowa, S.S. Lane Victory, Fort MacArthur Museum, Muller House, Banning Museum, and the Civil War Drum Barracks Museum. A free, 25-minute loop on San Pedro’s trolly also makes stops at area restaurants. Visit LAwaterfront for details.
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