If you didn’t think it would be possible to spend any more time under the South Bay sky, you would be wrong, it’s July after all! One thing that is most definitely true about our little beachside paradise, is that there’s nothing we love more than an excuse to enjoy the good ol’ outdoors. Luckily for everyone, summertime keeps pushing out events like theres no tomorrow.
July’s summer lineup boasts an epic amount of open air concerts and movies, action-packed Independence Day events (c’mon fireworks!), theatrical displays like-no-other (we’re talkin’ Shakespeare), and chances to eat your way across the world (maybe a new favorite food is in the works?). Its truly essential to get yourself out there, after all that June gloom, vitamin D is looking like the perfect medicine. We got you covered!
1. The Point Summer Concerts
Get ready to get your body moving every Wednesday in July, because the Point is coming prepared to sweep you off your feet with waves of local talent. The Point Summer Concert Series offers an open-atmosphere, outdoor musical experience for the whole family to enjoy. While surrounded by amazing local shops and exquisite dining opportunities, audience-goers can listen to the sweet, sweet, sound of live music. July’s acts range from Hits of the 80s to 70’s Disco, to Soul and R&B. There is plenty of space available for dance breaks, chairs, and blankets. The concerts will be held from 6-8 pm on the lawn in the Plaza. Enjoy your way, and listen your way through the South Bay!
2. 51st Annual Hermosa Beach Ironman
The Hermosa Beach IronMan is a special kind of beast that can only really be captured by witnessing the uproarious and crazy menagerie of fourth of July fun and American patriotism. Born out of the 70’s, Hermosa’s self described “bohomie” event requires some sort of athleticism and the necessary capability to hold one’s own when it comes to alcohol. The IronMan is a competition including a 52 block run, followed by a 52 block paddle, and finishing off with the consumption of an entire 6-pack of beer! If you puke you’re disqualified, no exceptions, but if you puke in an impressive way, you’ll be granted a prize… (that’s still a win, right?). Legendary in its nature, the beachfront competition heralds its call under the banner of “run, paddle, chug” and every year since 1973, it has had dozens to hundreds of participants, still holding strong today. Compete if you dare, watch if you please… it’s all going down on July 4th, 2024 at 30th street beach in Hermosa Beach. There is a $35 entry fee, and check in starts at 7:30, followed by the race at 8! Catch ya out there!
3. Summer of Music: Free Concerts on the Pier
There is a special type of summer feeling only achievable by listening to live music on a SoCal pier. The free Redondo Pier Concert Series is a special chance to let the serene sounds of music blend with the salty-sweet scent of the sea (right below your own two feet). While this event will continue into August, there are eight July shows to choose from on the 4th, 6th, 11th,13th,18th, 20th, 25th, 27th of the month. The first to kick it all off is Running Hot (a Rolling Stones cover band) on July 4th, making sure that we all (Can Get Some) Satisfaction this Independence Day. The bill doesn’t stop at classic rock though (if that isn’t quite your forte), this month has practically everything! From Post Punk on July 6th, to an 80s Tribute on July 25th, consider the metaphorical bases covered! The good times roll from 6-8pm, so if you want to get a front row seat, better to get there sooner than later.
4. 4th of July 5k Run/Walk and Firecracker Dash
Is there anything more patriotic than a sea of red, white, and blue on Independence Day? Redondo Beach’s Independence Day 5k Run and Firecracker Dash is the perfect way to get the American spirit movin’! There’s no better way to start your holiday celebration than running (or walking) a 5k dressed to the nines in American garb, PLUS when you compete in the event you’ll get your very own t-shirt to commemorate your hard work and dedication. The race begins at 8am on Catalina Ave near Palos Verdes Blvd, make sure you don’t forget to set your alarm! Want to run but can’t leave the kiddos at home? Not to worry! After the 5k, there will be a short distance race for kids called the Fire Cracker Dash. This will be at 9:30 am at the same place as the 5k, and will have three heats divided by age. Best part about it all? Everyone’s a winner here (medals guaranteed), time to let that pride flow through your veins!
5. 4th of July Fireworks Show
One thing about the 4th of the July in the South Bay is we don’t skimp on that sky-high entertainment. Aside from takin’ a look at the sky at any point of the day, there are also a host of city sponsored events that feature not only fireworks or light shows, but food and entertainment booths, live music, beer gardens, and kids areas. Rancho Palos Verdes’ Ken Dyda will start its day of good ol’ Americana at 3pm, giving patrons plenty of time to hop around and enjoy some of the facilities before the big drone light show at 9pm (let’s hear it for technological development!). Gardena’s 4th of July Fireworks Bash starts at 5pm, allowing plenty of time to eat some hot dogs, munch on some burgers, perhaps eat a cone of ice cream (the possibilities are nearly endless), all before the fireworks at 9pm! And finally, the city of Torrance will have its 4th of July Fireworks Show at 9pm, and will also provide access to a livestream for those who can’t make it to the big show. The best part about these all day long events is that there’s still plenty of time to hit the beach or the pool (which is arguably a summer holiday necessity)! Three cheers for 4th of July extravagazas please!
6. 4th of July Celebration
One thing about the 4th of the July in the South Bay is we don’t skimp on that sky-high entertainment. Aside from takin’ a look at the sky at any point of the day, there are also a host of city sponsored events that feature not only fireworks or light shows, but food and entertainment booths, live music, beer gardens, and kids areas. Rancho Palos Verdes’ Ken Dyda will start its day of good ol’ Americana at 3pm, giving patrons plenty of time to hop around and enjoy some of the facilities before the big drone light show at 9pm (let’s hear it for technological development!). Gardena’s 4th of July Fireworks Bash starts at 5pm, allowing plenty of time to eat some hot dogs, munch on some burgers, perhaps eat a cone of ice cream (the possibilities are nearly endless), all before the fireworks at 9pm! And finally, the city of Torrance will have its 4th of July Fireworks Show at 9pm, and will also provide access to a livestream for those who can’t make it to the big show. The best part about these all day long events is that there’s still plenty of time to hit the beach or the pool (which is arguably a summer holiday necessity)! Three cheers for 4th of July extravagazas please!
7. Torrance Summer Nights
Taking over the South Bay summer with a multitude of exciting events, Torrance Summer Nights promises an action-packed July full of fun for the entire family. Here, you won’t just witness exceptional music, movies, and comedy, but you’ll also have the chance to make lifelong memories along the way. The festival’s July 6 performance at Charles H. Wilson Park promises an amazing start to the month with the Satin Dollz, a Swingin’ 40’s Tribute quite adept at bringing back the spirit of WWII USO Camp Shows (think: singing, tapping, twirling). Then on July 20th, make sure to catch Blue Breeze Band, the infectiously charismatic local superstars of Blues, Soul, R&B, and Jazz. Plus, don’t miss out on an outdoor showing of Trolls Band Together on July 13th at McMaster Park! This movie (in all of its pastel glory) is a goofy and inspiring animated musical-comedy about saving a family member (who is also a very famous popstar) from his villainous kidnappers.
We hope to see you all out there for another great summer night!
8. Terranea Sound Series
Close your eyes and imagine yourself on a seaside cliff. There’s a warm breeze blowing, and a beautiful array of food an drinks to choose from, the sound of music overwhelms you– in a good way. Now open your eyes… nothing has changed! And why is that? Well, because the Terranea Sound Series exists of course! At Sunset Bluff at Nelson’s, the imaginary is real. For $30, you can attend any of July’s eight shows, showering yourself with beautiful summer sunshine and indulging yourself in food, wine, and song. July’s line-up starts with the sweet country sound of Kayln and the New Frontier on July 5th at 6pm, and closes with the infectious-dancibility of Pop Vision on July 27th. Everything in-between is just as great, whether you like soul, classic hits, or simply the art of performance, you absolutely can’t go wrong! Don’t miss out on this chance to enjoy breathtakingly-magestic views of the South Bay and it’s amazing local talent. Two tickets to paradise please!
9. Music By the Sea
What’s the point of having a beautiful seaside amphitheater if you don’t use it? San Pedro wouldn’t know, because they sure know how to entertain! Music By The Sea is an annual concert series at Point Fermin Park that highlights local bands while providing access to epically gorgeous sweeping views of the South Bay. While June harbored the first of six Sunday shows to be held this summer, July will be packed to the brim. The concerts on July 7, 14, 21, and 28 will feature a variety of artists from Soul to Rock to R&B, they’ve got something lined up for every corner of the musically inclined mind. If you close your eyes and click your heels three times, you might just end up right here in San Pedro. There’s truly no place like home, and our home is right next to the sea, drink in hand, swaying along at Music By The Sea.
10. Summer Bash
You know a good place to make some summer memories? A brand new sports stadium (with a beautiful park) could do the trick! That’s why you should head on over to the third annual Summer Bash at Hollywood Park on Saturday, July 8th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event, open to all ages, will feature an array of activities and attractions focused around health and wellness, STEAM education, financial empowerment, and a fun zone. With thousands of attendees expected from Inglewood and neighboring communities, attendees can enjoy food trucks, live music from KJLH, and shopping at the Equipment Room for official sports merch. From free workout classes and health screenings, to showcasing amazing local businesses, to a variety of fun-filled activities for children, this experience is sure to create a special set of memories fit to last a lifetime.
11. Shakespeare By the Sea
“To [go] or not to [go]—that is the question.” Or perhaps, “all the [South Bay’s] a stage, and all the [locals] merely players.” It’s kind of a pick your poison situation. You know what’s also a pick your poison situation? Deciding which of the Shakespeare by the Sea performances to attend! All of July, the citizens of the South Bay will be granted an abundance of chances to witness, perhaps, the greatest example of small-scale Shakespeare there ever was (and it’s free)… The South Bay season starts with a 7pm performance of Henry IV at Hesse Park in Rancho Palos Verdes on July 7th. Other Shows include:
Cardenio: Valley Park, Hermosa Beach (July 10, 7pm); Dominguez Park, Redondo Beach (July 13, 7pm); Polliwog Park, Manhattan Beach (July 18, 7pm); Wilson Park, Torrance, (July 27, 7pm)
Henry IV: Valley Park, Hermosa Beach (July 11, 7pm); Redondo Veterans Park, Redondo Beach (July 14, 7pm); Polliwog Park, Manhattan Beach (July 19, 7pm)
Grab some theater lovers, a comfy place to sit, some snacks, and you’re all set for a night of bardic inspiration!
12. Movies Under the Stars
Coming in hot this July for two nights of cinematic wonder, Lomita’s Movies Under the Stars will please the hearts and souls of patrons across the board (while keepin’ it family friendly)! Located on the front lawn of Lomita City Hall, the event provides a central space to be unified as a community through laughter, tears, shock, amazement, awe, perhaps, passion… (any emotion under the sun, really).Go ahead and grab your popcorn and something comfortable to sit on, because you don’t want to miss out on these timeless favorites!
The Goonies will be first on the lineup. Screening on July 13th at 8:30 pm, the 80s hit is guaranteed to drum up some real pirate passion for those who dare to take a gander… (paragraph break) Second on the lineup is The Mighty Ducks. Scheduled for July 27th at 8:30 pm, this Disney classic will surely unveil a whole new appreciation for ice hockey and the renewed belief in the power of friendship.
Whoops! Looks like July just one-upped June! Fine, maybe not, but summer really just keeps getting better doesn’t it?! With that being said, summer is almost at its peak, and we absolutely can’t wait to see what the rest of it holds! This month we had tons of fun in the sun, it explored the multicultural roots of American music, danced the day away at the Greek Festival, and maybe indulged in a little bit of drama (if you catch our drift). Overall, July gave us time to connect with our hearts and our souls. When fed by the power of music and community, it is hard to go hungry for culture. We are certainly proud to say that happiness is of the utmost importance when it comes to the South Bay, and it would be our pleasure to continue that mission into August (and that, we will undoubtedly do)! Hope you made just as many memories as we did!
