Annual Events
Here is your guide to the best annual Westchester/Playa/Marina events! Save the date for these fun local events and fundraisers that help strengthen the sense of community among residents!
March
Rock Roll & Run presented by the LAX Coastal Education Foundation
Head on down to LMU for this fundraiser for local K-12 schools that combines a 5K race, community expo and live music. The date of this coincides with the university’s spring break and generally is scheduled for March.
Save the date for this upcoming event on March 4, 2023!
Learn more at laxcoastaledfoundation.com.
MAY
Teacher Eddy Awards presented by the LAX Coastal Chamber
Educators deserve to be celebrated and the LAX Coastal Chamber’s Education Committee makes sure local teachers feel special at this spring gala. At the event, one teacher from each participating school is honored with a crystal Eddy Award and the title Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
Next year’s event will be the 40th anniversary! Learn more at laxcoastal.com.
Spring into Wellness Gala presented by the Airport Marina Counseling Service
Join AMCS as they raise money for mental health and awareness for their nonprofit that has served Westchester and beyond for 60 years. The event features the presentation of the Community Builder Award, a silent auction and comedic entertainment from Fritz Coleman.
This event is generally held in May. Learn more at amcshelps.com.
Annual Rotary Book Sale
Get all the books on your reading list at this event that has been part of the community for more than six decades. During this weekend-long sale, the club takes over the Ralphs parking lot to display thousands of books in every genre for sale starting at just $1 each. The proceeds help the club support its community service projects.
This event is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. Learn more at rotary-westchester.com.
JULY
Fourth of July Parade presented by the LAX Coastal Chamber
This annual Fourth of July celebration is Westchester’s largest community celebration. Grab your family and friends and head to Loyola Blvd. on July 4th for a little slice of Americana and an hour and a half of entertainment featuring marching bands, floats, community groups and local dignitaries.
Next year’s event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 4 on Loyola Blvd. from Westchester Park to LMU. Learn more at laxcoastalonparade.com.
Movies & Concerts in the Park presented by the Department of Beaches & Harbors
Every summer, Burton Chace Park is the place to be to enjoy outdoor movies under the stars and a robust schedule of bands and musical performances.
Various dates throughout summer. Learn more at beaches.lacounty.gov.
August
Westchester Team Challenge
Get your team of 10 together and head to LMU for a day of field games and friendly competition at the Westchester Team Challenge! Teams will work together to play bocce ball, score at the football toss, participate in a three-legged race and more, to raise money for the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association.
Save the date for August 5, 2023 for next year’s event. Learn more at www.westchestercateamchallenge.com.
SEPTEMBER
Westchester Arts & Music Block Party presented by WAM
Join your neighbors at this end-of-summer bash filled with great musical performances, kids activities, a beer & wine garden, food trucks, community booths and art vendors. A portion of the proceeds from this event goes back to a local nonprofit, which helps add to the fun.
WAM is held on a Saturday in September. Learn more at wamblockparty.org.
Elks Car Show & Chili Cook Off presented by the Westchester Elks Lodge
The parking lot behind this neighborhood institution is transformed once a year to feature dozens of cool classic cars and local chefs battling for bragging rights on who has the best chili recipe.
This event is scheduled for early September. Learn more at facebook.com/westchester.elks.
NOVEMBER
Holiday Home Tour presented by the Westchester Mental Health Guild
Support mental health at this fundraiser where tickets are sold to tour Westchester/Playa homes decorated for the holidays. This event has been on hiatus due to COVID, but volunteers with the Westchester Mental Health Guild have created a Holiday Light Tour instead.
This year’s Light Tour is scheduled for December 10-26.
Learn more at westchestermhg.org.
DECEMBER
Marina del Rey Boat Parade presented by the Board Parade Committee
Get in the holiday spirit at this parade featuring more than 50 boats decorated with lights, inflatables and lots of creativity. The boats circle the Marina, making Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village ideal viewing locations.
This year’s event is scheduled for December 10. Learn more at mdrboatparade.org.
Santa Tour presented by the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club
Santa and his friends hit the town every December to visit a handful of local spots with the help of the LAPD sleigh and Fire Station 5. Look for the Santa stop signs and get ready for some treats as you wait in line to get your picture taken with jolly St. Nick.
Learn more at playavenice.org.
