Just when you thought you couldn’t possibly soak up any more of the South Bay’s summer skies, August arrives to prove you delightfully wrong! Our beloved beachside haven thrives on every excuse to embrace the great outdoors. This month’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular, featuring enchanting open-air concerts and movies, amazing athletic events that will have you wondering if we ever actually left the mythical feats of the ancients behind, or an international art festival that’ll make you think long and hard about the meaning of life (hopefully in a good way).
Don’t miss out—August is your chance to bask in the sun and rejuvenate with that much-needed dose of vitamin D after bidding farewell to any lingering July desires (you can make up for those!). We’ve got everything you need to make the most of this summer’s final stretch!
1.Summer of Music
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). Providing a positively jam-packed month of music, August will have ten shows to choose on starting August 1st and closing on the 31st. Kicking off the month is So Rad, a 90’s tribute band brining you a variety of the decade’s hits from Weezer to Sheryl Crow. The bill doesn’t stop at 90’s nostalgia though (if that isn’t quite your forte), this month has practically everything! From a Grateful Dead tribute on August 8th, to Rockabilly on August 17th, 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.
2.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 and 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 August’s ten shows, showering yourself with beautiful summer sunshine and indulging yourself in food, wine, and song.
August’s line-up starts with the sweet Caribbean rhythms of Upstream on August 2nd at 6pm, and closes with the infectious-dancibility of Max 80’s on August 31st. 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!
3.International Surf Festival
Now when you hear International Surf Festival, you are probably imagining a bunch of people catching waves all day long but, my friend, you’d be sorely mistaken! Surf is more than just boards in water, it’s the aspect of surf itself (the waves and tides of it all) that drive this event. For 61 years, this world famous event brings in spectators and participants alike to the shores of the South Bay (this year there will even be a lifeguard team coming all the way from Australia!). Head on down any day from July 31st-August 4th, to catch an amazing variety of ocean-centric events (with a little bit of volleyball thrown in there too)!
The main events are the Judge Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay, the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim, and the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament. Aside from that, there will be several other fun-filled events such as a surfing contest, bodysurfing contest, beach run, paddleboard races, dory race, and youth events.
Check out the website for specific programming, and we truly hope to see you out there for endless amounts of fun in the sun and wonder in the waves!
4. Summer Concerts in the Park
A testament to the true small-town American summer, El Segundo’s Summer Concert Series provides a chance to experience great live music, make memories, and feel the magic of a tight-knit community. If you’ve been pining for a cozy, summery community event, you truly cannot miss out on El Segundo’s most popular offering of the year. Library Park will be hosting one final concert on August 4th to end the summer season. El Segundo is happy to welcome Cash, Killer, and the King, whose “red hot rock and roll tribute show” grants them fans across the country! Their covers of great legends like Johnny Cash and Elvis insight nostalgia like no other, and never fail to leave crowds wanting more.
So, grab a friend (or two), your family, and some comfy seats, and you’re all set for an stress-free, happy, and wholesome night out on the town!
5. 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. August’s four musical acts range from Hip Hop, Reggae and Soul, to Americana and Beach Country. 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!
6. Hermosa Beach Triathalon
Whether you want to start a new hobby, hone your skills, or merely watch these brave and adventurous participants take on land, sea, and sand, the Hermosa Beach Triathlon is the perfect place for you! Starting at 7am on August 11th, dozens will be off to the races! It’s certainly entertaining in itself to simply take a seat on the Hermosa pier (with a cup of coffee, or, perhaps an açaí bowl) and witness a feat of human nature.
Don’t miss out on a wonderful chance to build community and experience the all the athletes that Southern California is so proud to call their own!
7. Manhattan Beach Open
The AVP is set to hold the Manhattan Beach Open from August 16-18th, ensuring that patrons get no shortage of sunshine, sand, and serves (on and off the court). This volleyball competition has remained iconic in the South Bay, bringing in patrons from all over SoCal, and even the world! If you want to see some world class volleyball, this tournament is a must. Now dig those feet in the sand and get to it!
8. Pat’s Groove presents: A Summer Soul Journey
Looking for a fancy night out on the water? Here’s an opportunity for you! On August 17th, an extra special treat will be gracing Bluewater Grill… Pat’s Groove presents: A Summer Soul Journey!
For one night only, be prepared to dress to nines and listen to some music that transcends time! With tickets priced at $140 each, you’ll get the opportunity to be immersed in a night of music and be treated with a delicious 3-course meal.
This event is a beautiful way to ring in the final weeks of summer with all your best buds or loved ones. Treat yourself, it’s never a bad idea!
9. South Bay Babes Wine Tasting Summer Soiree
Looking for a special way to socialize and sip your summer away? Perhaps its time to check out the South Bay Babes Wine Tasting Summer Soiree! On August 18th at Beauty at the Bay, you’ll get a chance to take a tasteful adventure through both France and California’s wine country. For $50 a person, you’ll be treated with a selection of five organically-farmed wines and a beautiful grazing table by Leticia at Daterra Charcuterie. This soiree is an amazing place to strengthen bonds and create new friendships. PLUS this is a co-ed event, so you are very much encouraged to bring your partner or friend(s) along, but be aware that there are only 35 spots available (it sold out last year… if thats any testament)!
10. Tryst & Nomad Art Fair
Are you an art lover? Do you consider yourself a creative person? Even if your answer to the both of these questions is no, the Tryst & Nomad Art Fair is certainly something still majorly worth checking out! Its wide scope of artistry and cultural connections will provide ample opportunities to explore a whole new world of imagination and wonder.
The largest international art festival in the world with over 500 local, national, and international artists, will ensure no shortage of beauty, passion, and introspection. The event also offers chances to network and features live panels with the artists. So without further ado, expand your mind and indulge in brilliant artistry, head on out over to Del Amo Crossing August 23-25th from 12-6!
11. Catalina Classic
Witness history as you watch some of the world’s best athletes paddle 32 miles fr Catalina Island to the Manhattan Beach Pier. The Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race is the “oldest and most celebrated endurance paddleboard race in the world” and is no place for amateurs. Though, this is all the more reason to catch a glimpse of the race, (how many chances does one get to see a single person make their way across the open ocean on a board?!)
The race starts at 6am from Isthmus Bay (Catalina Island) and top finishers are expect at the Manhattan Beach finish line around 11 am. While there are several places catch a glance of the race, you may want to grab some binoculars because these folks are far out (get it?) and certainly on the move!
12. Gardena Jazz Festival
Throw on your Sunday best and head on over to Gardena for the 21st Annual Jazz festival on August 25th! Get a chance to experience amazing local jazz performers and soak up some music in the sunshine at Rowley Memorial Park. This cultural event offers a range of tempos and tunes, ensuring at least one chance to dance and a million chances to indulge in the sweet sounds of jazz.
This is an all day affair (9am-7pm) so no need to worry if you can’t make the whole thing, there’s plenty to go around!
This is a ticketed event so make sure to plan a little bit ahead to sort out transportation and logistics!
As we bid farewell to August, it’s clear that summer in the South Bay has been nothing short of spectacular. We’ve surfed the waves, witnessed greatness at the International Surf Festival, and reveled in the thrill of beach volleyball tournaments. Plus, the beautiful summer air set the scene for endless beautiful evenings full of live music and indulgent food experiences. We’d be super surprised if not even one of these events helped make this summer one to remember!
So, here’s to the waves we rode, the songs we sang, and the flavors we savored. August may be ending, but the excitement and warmth of summer continue. Until next time, stay happy, stay cool, and keep the South Bay spirit alive!
