Looking to fill your summer event calendar? We’ve got you covered! Summer officially starts June 21, and there’s no shortage of things to do in the Westchester/Playa/Marina area over the next few months!
Mark your calendar and be in the know and ready to answer when someone asks or posts, “What’s happening this weekend?”
Below is our guide for the best local summer events and activities to keep you busy all season! We’ll add more events (and details) as they’re announced at thehtn.com/events.
Get Summer at the YMCA
Now through August 15
The Westchester Family YMCA (and 25 other L.A. area YMCAs) is providing free memberships for teens ages 12 to 18 now through August 15. Register at ymcala.org/getsummer to enjoy all the programming the Y has to offer including the gym, fitness classes, access to the pool, events and more.
The YMCA is also holding two “sleep-away” camps this season. For campers 13-17, Camp Marcil (formerly known as Camp Round Meadow) will take place from July 17 to July 23. For campers 8-14, camp will be held July 31 to August 6. Learn more at ymcala.org/camps/ymca-camping-services.
The Westchester Family YMCA is located at 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester.
Playa Vista Fitness Fest
Sunday, June 12 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Runway Playa Vista is hosting its second Annual Fitness Fest this month. Attendees will have a chance to check out the different health and wellness businesses located in Playa Vista, including The Studio (MDR), Orangetheory, Sender One, and the Maverick Community, while participating in fun fitness challenges. Cedars-Sinai will also be on hand so guests can check their health stats. Giveaways, wellness brand pop-ups and freebies round out the event.
Runway Playa Vista is located at 12775 Millennium Drive in Playa Vista. Visit runwayplayavista.com for more details.
Celebrate Pride Family Rally & Pizza Party
Wednesday, June 15 | 5:30 to 7 pm
Join the Westside Activists for a rally to show support the LGBTQIA+ community at Westchester park. Attendees will gather at picnic tables near Westchester Library and pizza will be provided. The Book Jewel is sponsoring raffle prizes.
Westchester Park is located at 7000 W. Manchester Ave. in Westchester.
AMCS Pride Fest 2022
Saturday, June 18 | 2 to 4 p.m.
The Airport Marina Counseling Service’s LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy Center is hosting its first outdoor Pride Fest featuring games, prizes, food and more! The free event will be held in AMCS’ parking lot, located at 7891 La Tijera Blvd. in Westchester.
For more info, visit amcshelps.com/pride-fest-22.
Juneteenth Celebration at Runway Playa Vista
Saturday, June 18 | 10:30 am to 3 pm
Visit Playa Vista’s Runway Shopping Center for a Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 18. The event will feature performances, vendors, artists and food.
This year’s line-up includes:
- 10:30am – 12pm | The Furnace Band will performing a live set
- 11am – 2pm | Shak Smart will be painting a mural live
- 12pm – 1pm | Afro Peruvian Experience will perform an assembly of cajones, cajitas and a Festejo dance
- 1pm – 2pm | Bosco will be speaking & signing his new book, “Chasin’ Freedum”
- 2pm – 2:30pm | Ocandeniye Dance Company will perform two Afro-cuban choreographies
- 2:30pm – 3pm | Terrence Terrell will be speaking and sharing his new book, “My Little Black Book”
Runway Playa Vista is located at 12775 West Millennium Drive in Playa Vista. Learn more at runwayplayavista.com.
Shakespeare on the Bluff at LMU
Various dates | 8 p.m.
LMU’s fifth annual Shakespeare on the Bluff festival is back in person this year! Head to the university’s new Drollinger Family Stage at Lawton Plaza for performances of “Julius Caesar” on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25. Next month, visit the campus for performances of “The Tempest” on Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23. The performances are presented by the LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts. RSVPs are requested at cfa.lmu.edu/Shakespeare.
Summer Kick-Off Beach Clean-up
Sunday, June 26 | 9 to 11 a.m.
Join the Jesse Weinberg Team for their First Annual “Summer Kick-Off Beach Clean-up” on Sunday, June 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. With the goal to help tackle the trash at the start of the summer season, the PDR real estate team will provide breakfast burritos and coffee before attendees help beautify Toes Beach. Those interested in participating can meet at Lifeguard Tower 42. RSVP and learn more at info@jesseweinberg.com.
22nd Annual Fourth of July Parade
Monday, July 4 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The LAX Coastal Chamber will host its 22nd Annual Fourth of July Parade next month, with the theme, “Yours for a Better Community, Celebrating the Best of America.”
Spectators can expect 50 entries that range from floats, marching bands, community groups, classic cars and local VIPs that will head down Loyola Blvd. from Westchester Park to LMU. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis along Loyola Blvd. Limited bleacher seating is also available at Loyola and 83rd St.
Those interested in participating, volunteering or sponsoring, can email laxcoastalonparade@gmail.com or visit laxcoastalonparade.com for more info.
Beach & Marina Movie Nights
Various dates
The Department of Beaches and Harbors has a great summer schedule of movies planned! Enjoy outdoor family-friendly screenings on Friday evenings from July 8 through September 23 at Beach Movie Nights at Dockweiler Youth Center. From July 9 through September 24, Marina Movie Nights will be hosted on Saturdays at Burton Chace Park. Expect a mix of PG-13 classics and recent blockbusters.
The Beach Movie Nights schedule at Dockweiler Youth Center is (12505 Vista Del Mar, Playa del Rey,) is:
July 8- Encanto
July 15- Sing 2
July 22- The Mitchells vs. The Machines
August 5- The Addams family 2
August 12- A League of Their Own
August 19- The Boss Baby: family Business
September 2- Black Panther
September 9- Space Jam: A New Legacy
September 16- The Goonies
September 23- Guardians of the Galaxy
The Marina Movie Nights schedule at Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey) is:
July 9- Sister Act (30th Anniversary)
July 16- Back to the Future
July 23- Clueless
August 6- Dirty Dancing
August 13- Parent Trap
August 20- The Conjuring (R-Rated)
September 3- Iron Man
September 10- Encanto
September 17- Coco
September 24- The Wizard of Oz
For more details and visit beaches.lacounty.gov.
Marina del Rey Symphonic & Pop Concerts
Various dates
One of the best things about summer is an outdoor concert, and the music is back this year at Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way)! Save the date for Symphonic Concerts on Thursday, July 14 and Thursday, August 4.
Pop Concerts will be held on Saturday, July 30 and Saturday, August 27.
This year’s music schedule includes:
– Thursday, July 14 | Opera at the Shore
– Saturday, July 30 | Las Cafeteras
– Thursday, August 4 | A Night Celebrating Music in Film
– Saturday, August 27 | Blind Boys of Alabama
Visit beaches.lacounty.gov for more info.
Gillis 50
July 23 & 24
Playa del Rey’s epic beach bash, The Gillis, is looking to make its triumphant return next month after a two-year COVID hiatus.
Organizers are cautiously optimistic their permits will be approved to hold their 50th and final beach volleyball tournament, before retiring the event. It’s sure to be a legendary celebration!
Stay up-to-date on the latest Gillis updates at facebook.com/thegillisvolleyballtournament.
Outdoor Movies at LMU
July 1 & July 29 | 8 p.m.
Pack your popcorn and get ready for an LMU outdoor movie night!
On Friday, July 1, the university is screening the Disney hit “Encanto” at Lawton Plaza. On Friday, July 29, Disney’s “Soul” will play at Palm Quad.
Parking is free at LMU after 8 p.m. More details will be announced soon. Visit lmu.edu for more details.
Westchester Team Challenge
Saturday, August 6 | 9 a.m. to noon
Gather a team of 10 of your friends, neighbors or colleagues for a morning of friendly competition at the Second Annual Westchester Team Challenge! Participating teams will have the chance to face off against each other in games like the three-legged race, football toss, bocce ball and more. The goal is to have a fun morning of team building and celebrating community, while enjoying fresh air and a little bit of exercise!
The games will be held at LMU’s Drollinger Field and
proceeds will benefit the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association, which funds local beautification projects.
The cost to participate is $30 per person ($300 per team). Register at westchestercateamchallenge.com.
Visitation Concert in the Park(ing Lot)
Friday, September 9 | 5 to 10 p.m.
Join Visitation for a night of live music, food and fun as they host a party in their parking lot! The whole community is invited, so bring your friends, family and low-back chairs to enjoy the festivities.
Visitation is located at 8740 Emerson Ave. in Westchester. The event is free to attend, with food and beverages available to purchase.
Westchester Elks Lodge Car Show
Saturday, September 10 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit the Elks Lodge for their 22nd Annual Car Show & Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, September 10. Check out dozens of classic cars and chat with their owners, before making your way to the cook-off tents where you can sample chili from a variety of neighborhood chefs. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite to see who will take home the 2022 People’s Choice Award! Proceeds support the Elks’ charitable causes. The event is free to attend, with food and raffle tickets available for purchase.
The Elks Lodge is located at 8025 Manchester Ave. in Playa del Rey. To register your car or to participate in the cook-off, email lisalincolnpipe@gmail.com.
Westchester Arts & Music Block Party
Saturday, September 24 | noon to 7 p.m.
Celebrate the end of summer with one of the community’s most popular events, the Westchester Arts & Music Block Party (WAM)! This free, day-long event is a neighborhood tradition and can’t miss party, so make sure to mark your calendars!
Attendees can expect fabulous live music in a variety of genres, local artisans, vendors, community booths and a wine/beer garden hosted by the Stephanie Younger Group. There will also be plenty of food trucks and activities for the whole family. This year, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Westchester Family YMCA.
WAM takes place on Emerson Ave. between 80th St. and 80th Pl. in Westchester. Stay tuned for more details and learn how to get involved at wamblockparty.org.