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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 5:30 p.m. Free. 310-821-3415
Wednesdays Sunset Sailing Series
Enjoy sunset during Marina del Rey’s largest sailing event from waterfront restaurants, Fisherman’s Village and North Jetty as scores of sailors compete. Each Wednesday, from
Apr 16 - Sep 3. 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. 310-823-4567. more
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.
Sunday Music Series at the Waterside
Enjoy free live performances near the fountain on the third Sunday of each month, including pop, rock, rhythm and blues, oldies and standards. 1- 4 p.m. Waterside at Marina del Rey, 4700 Admiralty Way.moreMonthly Ballona Wetlands
Restored wetlands offer opportunities to learn about local birds and native plants. Free. more
Musical Mystery Dinner Shows
Mysteries en Brochette presents Musical Mystery Dinner Shows on alternate Saturday nights. Each event includes a four-course dinner. Currently rotating four different scripts, each with the music of its era: “Hollywood’s Fatal Premiere”, “Deadly Disco Cruise”, “Sock Hop Reunion”, “Who Killed the Radio Show?”, and recently added, "Jumpin' Jivin' - Who's Survivin'?". Come join the fun and laughter! Marina del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey). Reservations 310-399-1507. more
Burton Chace Park Outdoor Adventures
February - November
Outdoor educational explorative experiences for adults and children over 10 yrs. Sponsored by LA County. Each program is 2-3 hours long. Limited Space. Reservations required. more
Playa Vista Concerts
June 29 - September 21
Playa Vista will be showcasing four free world-class musical performances one Sunday a month from June through September. Relax with lawn chairs and blankets or have a family picnic with dishes from surrounding eateries. Performances held in Playa Vista’s Concert Park. Limited free and metered parking. Playa Vista Community, 13020 Pacific Promenade. more
Marina del Rey Summer Concerts
Jul 10-Aug 30
This popular series of free outdoor concerts is held in one of the most spectacular waterfront settings in Los Angeles, Burton W. Chace Park. Attracting stellar musical talent, four classical music concerts featuring the 75-member Marina del Rey Summer Symphony alternate with four exciting pop concerts on select Thursday and Saturday evenings. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. and last about two hours. Audiences are encouraged to bring low folding chairs or blankets for first-come seating and picnicking. 13650 Mindanao Way.Paid parking. Concert schedules will be available at the Marina del Rey Visitor Center. Info 310-305-9545. more
Marina del Rey Pop Concert
July 19
Presenting in concert Grammy winner Melissa Manchester, one of the most compelling singer/songwriters in contemporary music. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way. 7 p.m. Free. 310-305-9595.
Marina del Rey Classical Concert
July 24
The annual “Evening with The Los Angeles Opera” features four stellar singers from the company and the Marina del Rey Summer Symphony, conducted by Frank Fetta. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way. 7 p.m. Free. 310-305-9595.
Old Fashioned Day in the Park
July 27
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. more
Playa Vista Concert
July 27
Dr. Bobby Rodriguez performs hot Latin jazz. Playa Vista, Concert Park, 13020 Pacific Promenade. 5:30 p.m. Free.
Venice Movie Matinee
July 30
Old movies filmed in Venice and historic news reels are featured in this Venice Historical Society event. Beyond Baroque Theater, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice; 3:30 p.m. $12. 310-967-5170.
Marina del Rey Pop Concert
August 2
Singer Steve March Torme appears in concert with his 10-piece band. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way. 7 p.m. Free. 310-305-9595.
Festival of the Chariots
August 3
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.
Marina del Rey Classical Concert
August 7
The 75-member Marina del Rey Summer Symphony is presented in concert, conducted by Music Director Frank Fetta. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way. 7 p.m. Free. 310-305-9595.
Gillis Volleyball Invitational
August 9 & 10
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
Marina del Rey Pop Concert
August 16
The Marina del rey Summer concerts presents The Fifth Dimension in concert with its band. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way. 7 p.m. Free. 310-305-9595.
Marina del Rey Classical Concert
August 21
Pianist John Novacek returns to these concerts to perform as soloist in Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto no. 2 in C minor. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way. 7 p.m. Free. 310-305-9595.
Playa Vista Concert
August 24
Jazz-Funk legend, Breakout creates musical madness on the Concert Park stage. Playa Vista, Concert Park, 13020 Pacific Promenade. 5:30 p.m. Free.
Sweet & Hot Jazz Festival
August 28 - September 1
Annual Labor Day weekend tribute to sounds of '20s to 40's; swing, jazz, blues bands dancing, memorabilia & records. 818-461-9260. more
Marina del Rey Pop Concert
August 30
The "Royal Family of Jazz" Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth perform with the Dankworth Group. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way. 7 p.m. Free. 310-305-9595.
Playa Vista Concert
September 1
Durell Coleman Band fires up Playa Vista with a night of R&B, hard rock, soul, blues and pop! Playa Vista, Concert Park, 13020 Pacific Promenade. 5:00 p.m. Free.
Venice Bodybuilding & Figure Championships
September 1
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
September 7
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 20
End of summer volunteer local beach & marina clean up day. Sponsored by Heal the Bay. 800-HEALBAY. more
Venice Music Festival
September 21
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
Outdoor Adventures – Surf Kayaking
September 27
Kayak the Marina & surf the North Jetty waves. Bring shorts, t-shirt or wetsuit and extra clothing; water, hat, snack, sunscreen. Burton Chace Park Boathouse, 13640 Mindanao Way. 8 a.m.-11 a.m. $25-30. Reservations required 310-822-8530.
Outdoor Adventures - Harbor Kayaking
September 27
Basic kayaking instruction & exploration of Marina del Rey. Bring hat, sunscreen, snack. Burton Chace Park Boathouse, 13640 Mindanao Way. 11:30 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. $25-30. Reservations required 310-822-8530.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Street Festival
September 28
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. more
Discover Marina del Rey Day
October 12
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
Usually 2nd weekend in October
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.
Outdoor Adventures – Surf Kayaking
October 25
Kayak the Marina & surf the North Jetty waves. Bring shorts, t-shirt or wetsuit and extra clothing; water, hat, snack, sunscreen. Burton Chace Park Boathouse, 13640 Mindanao Way. 8 a.m.-11 a.m. $25-30. Reservations required 310-822-8530.
Outdoor Adventures - Harbor Kayaking
October 25
Basic kayaking instruction & exploration of Marina del Rey. Bring hat, sunscreen, snack. Burton Chace Park Boathouse, 13640 Mindanao Way. 11:30 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. $25-30. Reservations required 310-822-8530.
Outdoor Adventures – Surf Kayaking
November 22
Basic kayaking instruction & exploration of Marina del Rey. Bring hat, sunscreen, snack. Burton Chace Park Boathouse, 13640 Mindanao Way. 11:30 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. $25-30. Reservations required 310-822-8530.
Outdoor Adventures - Harbor Kayaking
November 22
Kayak the Marina & surf the North Jetty waves. Bring shorts, t-shirt or wetsuit and extra clothing; water, hat, snack, sunscreen. Burton Chace Park Boathouse, 13640 Mindanao Way. 8 a.m.-11 a.m. $25-30. Reservations required 310-822-8530.
Marina del Rey Boat Parade
December 13
Festively decorated boats illuminate the main channel in one of the Marina's most visually exciting events. 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
Tour of the Tall Ships
Dec 12-Dec 21
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
Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade
December 14
Join all the fun at the Venice Canals as this creative image of Italy expresses their holiday spirit with a brilliantly lit display of small boats, canoes, kayaks and costumes. 4 p.m. From Washington Boulevard (in the Venice Beach vicinity), one way turn onto Dell Ave. Canals are along Dell Ave.
Luminarias
December 21
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 6:00 p.m. 310-671-2075. more
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
Venice Penguin Swim Club Annual Swim
January 1, 2009
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.
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Marina del Rey Anglers Annual Halibut Derby
Usually first weekend in April 2009
Prizes awarded for catching the biggest fish on a rod and reel. Fishing starts Saturday at sunrise. Public weigh-ins held at Burton Chace Park on Sunday at noon. 310-827-4855.
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Venice Garden & Home Tour
Usually first weekend in May 2009
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
Venice Annual Art Walk
May 16-17 2009
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 2009
Bodybuilding competition on Venice Beach. 1800 Ocean Front Walk. 10 a.m. Free. 310-399-2775. more
Venice Beach Carnevale
Usually first Saturday in June 2009
Lively costume celebration honoring the art, artists and soul of Venice. More than two dozen outdoor musical and dance performances. Food, fire-spinners, belly dancers, live theatre, and a day-long costume contest where the best dressed are awarded prizes by Venice's own local merchants. more
Porsche Club of America LA Region Concours
Usually first Sunday in June 2009
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
Marina del Rey Boat Show
Usually second week in June 2009
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. more
Marina del Rey Annual Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4, 2009
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, 2009
Bodybuilding, figure, swimsuit competitions. 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 310-399-2775. more
Westchester Annual Fourth Of July Parade
July 4, 2009
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.
Keep L.A. Running Annual Run/Walk
Usually 2nd Sunday in July 2009
Charity 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run, Kids Dash, Coastal Bike Cruise and Mayor’s Mile; 7:30 a.m., Dockweiler State Beach, 12000 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey; Info 310-546-1888. more
