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ON-GOING LOCAL ACTIVITIES
Beyond Baroque
Since 1969, Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts center has provided free workshops, book signings and open-reading programs as a gathering place for writers. Nightly free readings and many special programs. 681 Venice Blvd., 310-822-3006. more
Tuesdays Childrens Storytime
Storytime geared to preschool children. Puppets, stories and crafts. Parental supervision required. Lloyd W. Taber Library, 4533 Admiralty Way. 10:30 a.m. Free. 310-821-3415
Wednesdays Sunset Sailing Series
Enjoy sunset during Marina del Reys largest sailing event from waterfront restaurants, Fishermans 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 outdoors, near the lighthouse. 13755 Fiji Way. 1-4 p.m. (2-5 p.m. summertime). 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. Come join the fun and laughter! Marina del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way. Reservations 310-399-1507. more
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
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.
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
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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Bird Watching
February 26
Bird watching walk in Ballona Wetlands. Small children allowed but must be accompanied by adult. Bring water, binoculars, comfortable footwear, hat, sunscreen. 9 a.m. 11 a.m. Meet at Burton Chace Park Community Room. Free. 310-305-9595.
Bird Watching
March 26
Bird watching walk in Ballona Wetlands. Small children allowed but must be accompanied by adult. Bring water, binoculars, comfortable footwear, hat, sunscreen. 9 a.m. 11 a.m. Meet at Burton Chace Park Community Room. Free. 310-305-9595.
Outdoor Adventures - Harbor Kayaking
March 28
Basic kayaking instruction & exploration of the Marina. Bring hat, sunscreen, snack. 11:30 a.m. 1:45 p.m. Burton Chace Park Boathouse. $25-$30 per person. 310-822-8530.
Outdoor Adventures Surf Kayaking
March 28
Kayak the Marina & surf the North Jetty waves. Bring shorts, t-shirt or wetsuit & extra clothing; water, hat, snack, sunscreen. 8 a.m. 11 a.m. Burton Chace Park Boathouse. $25-$30 per person. 310-822-8530.
Marina del Rey Anglers Annual Halibut Derby
April 4-5
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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Bird Watching
April 23
Bird watching walk in Ballona Wetlands. Small children allowed but must be accompanied by adult. Bring water, binoculars, comfortable footwear, hat, sunscreen. 9 a.m. 11 a.m. Meet at Burton Chace Park Community Room. Free. 310-305-9595.
Outdoor Adventures - Harbor Kayaking
April 25
Basic kayaking instruction & exploration of the Marina. Bring hat, sunscreen, snack. 11:30 a.m. 1:45 p.m. Burton Chace Park Boathouse. $25-$30 per person. 310-822-8530.
Outdoor Adventures Surf Kayaking
April 25
Kayak the Marina & surf the North Jetty waves. Bring shorts, t-shirt or wetsuit & extra clothing; water, hat, snack, sunscreen. 8 a.m. 11 a.m. Burton Chace Park Boathouse. $25-$30 per person. 310-822-8530.
Venice Garden & Home Tour
May 2
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
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
May 24
Bodybuilding competition on Venice Beach. 1800 Ocean Front Walk. 10 a.m. Free. 310-399-2775. more
Bird Watching
May 28
Bird watching walk in Ballona Wetlands. Small children allowed but must be accompanied by adult. Bring water, binoculars, comfortable footwear, hat, sunscreen. 9 a.m. 11 a.m. Meet at Burton Chace Park Community Room. Free. 310-305-9595.
Venice Beach Carnevale
June 6
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
June 7
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
June 11-14
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
Bird Watching
June 25
Bird watching walk in Ballona Wetlands. Small children allowed but must be accompanied by adult. Bring water, binoculars, comfortable footwear, hat, sunscreen. 9 a.m. 11 a.m. Meet at Burton Chace Park Community Room. Free. 310-305-9595.
Outdoor Adventures - Harbor Kayaking
June 27
Basic kayaking instruction & exploration of the Marina. Bring hat, sunscreen, snack. 11:30 a.m. 1:45 p.m. Burton Chace Park Boathouse. $25-$30 per person. 310-822-8530.
Outdoor Adventures Surf Kayaking
June 27
Kayak the Marina & surf the North Jetty waves. Bring shorts, t-shirt or wetsuit & extra clothing; water, hat, snack, sunscreen. 8 a.m. 11 a.m. Burton Chace Park Boathouse. $25-$30 per person. 310-822-8530.
Marina del Rey Summer Concerts
July 9 - August 29
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 Annual Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4
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
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
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
July 12
Charity 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run, Kids Dash, Coastal Bike Cruise and Mayors Mile; 7:30 a.m., Dockweiler State Beach, 12000 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey; Info 310-546-1888. more
Old Fashioned Day in the Park
July 25
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
Gillis Volleyball Invitational
August 8-9
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
Sweet & Hot Jazz Festival
August 28-31
Annual Labor Day weekend tribute to sounds of '20s to 40's; swing, jazz, blues bands dancing, memorabilia & records. 818-461-9260. more
Venice Bodybuilding & Figure Championships
September 7
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 12
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 19
End of summer volunteer local beach & marina clean up day. Sponsored by Heal the Bay. 800-HEALBAY. more
Venice Music Festival
September 20
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 - Harbor Kayaking
September 26
Basic kayaking instruction & exploration of the Marina. Bring hat, sunscreen, snack. 11:30 a.m. 1:45 p.m. Burton Chace Park Boathouse. $25-$30 per person. 310-822-8530.
Outdoor Adventures Surf Kayaking
September 26
Kayak the Marina & surf the North Jetty waves. Bring shorts, t-shirt or wetsuit & extra clothing; water, hat, snack, sunscreen. 8 a.m. 11 a.m. Burton Chace Park Boathouse. $25-$30 per person. 310-822-8530.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Street Festival
September 27
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 11
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
Outdoor Adventures - Harbor Kayaking
October 31
Basic kayaking instruction & exploration of the Marina. Bring hat, sunscreen, snack. 11:30 a.m. 1:45 p.m. Burton Chace Park Boathouse. $25-$30 per person. 310-822-8530.
Outdoor Adventures Surf Kayaking
October 31
Kayak the Marina & surf the North Jetty waves. Bring shorts, t-shirt or wetsuit & extra clothing; water, hat, snack, sunscreen. 8 a.m. 11 a.m. Burton Chace Park Boathouse. $25-$30 per person. 310-822-8530.
Outdoor Adventures - Harbor Kayaking
November 28
Basic kayaking instruction & exploration of the Marina. Bring hat, sunscreen, snack. 11:30 a.m. 1:45 p.m. Burton Chace Park Boathouse. $25-$30 per person. 310-822-8530.
Outdoor Adventures Surf Kayaking
November 28
Kayak the Marina & surf the North Jetty waves. Bring shorts, t-shirt or wetsuit & extra clothing; water, hat, snack, sunscreen. 8 a.m. 11 a.m. Burton Chace Park Boathouse. $25-$30 per person. 310-822-8530.
