Summertime on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles is heating up. From a new battleship and craft marketplace to concerts, a classic car show, fireworks, festivals and movies, the Port of Los Angeles has a jam-packed summer planned with a variety of events to entertain families and people of all ages.
“The LA Waterfront is an emerging destination with something for everyone and a fun summer events calendar that we are excited to share with both local and out-of-area visitors,” said Cynthia Ruiz, the Port’s Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs. “Along with all of our returning events, the USS IOWA battle ship and new ‘CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles’ permanent arts marketplace will make the LA Waterfront a great place to visit all summer long.”
The Port of Los Angeles’ 2012 summer events and activities include:
Fourth Annual Cars & Stripes Forever!
Kicking off the July 4th weekend, this popular premier classic car show grows in attendance every year. It features hundreds of classic cars and motorcycles, live music, spectacular fountain shows, food trucks and a beer garden. Taking place at the Gateway Plaza Fanfare Fountain area at the entrance to the World Cruise Center, the event will include with a 9 p.m. fireworks show to get everyone geared up for the July 4th holiday.
When: Friday, June 29, 5-10 p.m.
Where: Fanfare Fountain, Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street, San Pedro
Admission/Parking: Free; free parking at Harbor Boulevard and 1st Street, San Pedro
CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles
This large-scale, permanent craft marketplace features a vibrant collection of local craft-artists, original designers, and artisanal food makers, bringing you handmade happiness 52 weekends a year.
When: Grand opening weekend: Friday, June 29, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Ongoing weekend hours: Fridays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays/Sundays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Warehouses 9 & 10, near 22nd and Miner Streets in San Pedro
Admission: Free
Fiesta Corazón del Puerto
This community event and community resource fair will feature live entertainment, music, food and carnival rides for the whole family.
When: Saturday, June 30, 2 p.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Wilmington Waterfront Park, Neptune Ave. and C Street, Wilmington
Admission/Parking: Free
62nd Annual Cabrillo Beach July 4th Fireworks Spectacular
This year’s event, organized by the Cabrillo Beach Boosters, will include a food truck festival at 2 p.m., C-17 flyover at 6:04 p.m., and fireworks at 9 p.m.
When: Wednesday, July 4
Where: Cabrillo Beach, 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro
Admission/Parking: Free
USS Iowa Battleship on the LA Waterfront
Built in 1940, the USS Iowa (BB-61) served our country for over 50 years. Designated the “World’s Greatest Naval Ship” due to her big guns, heavy armor, fast speed, longevity and modernization, she kept pace with technology for more than 50 years. USS Iowa is now transforming into the most interactive and educational museum of its kind.
When: Opening Saturday, July 7, open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Berth 87, parking at Harbor Blvd. and 1st Street in San Pedro
Information: www.pacificbattleship.com
24th Annual Taste in San Pedro at The Port of Los Angeles
This year, this popular event hosted by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce will be held at Ports O’ Call Park on the south end of Ports O’ Call Village. The Taste features food and fun from 30 local restaurants, wineries, breweries and merchants, as well as live music and craft booths.
When: Friday, August 3, 6-11 p.m., and Saturday, August 4, noon-11 p.m.
Where: Ports O’ Call Village, San Pedro
Admission/Parking: $5 general admission, children under 10 free, free parking
Movie Night at Wilmington Waterfront Park
Enjoy a free family movie night in the park, with a screening of Disney Pixar’s “Cars 2!”
When: Tuesday, August 7, 7:30-10 p.m.
Where: Wilmington Waterfront Park, Neptune Avenue and C Street, Wilmington
Admission/Parking: Free
LA Waterfront Summer Concert Series
The Port’s second annual summer outdoor concert series will take place at Gateway Plaza Fanfare Fountain, California’s largest and most spectacular water feature, located at Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street just south of the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro. The free series will feature a different band and genre of music each week. This year’s lineup includes Stack of 45s, Rumble King, Heartstop, Satisfaction, Sugah Daddy, Britain’s Finest, The Pinheads, Christopher Bros., and Reality Check. Family fun activities take place from 6-7 p.m. and the concerts start at 7 p.m.
When: July 12 through August 30, 6-9 p.m. (every Thursday)
Where: Fanfare Fountain, Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street, San Pedro
Note: August 2nd concert will take place at the Wilmington Waterfront Park.
Admission/Parking: Free
Navy Days L.A.
The Port of Los Angeles World Cruise Center will serve as a U.S. Naval Base during this special weekend for Navy Days L.A.! Don’t miss this opportunity to board and tour active Navy vessels and meet the crew. Specific ship information and tour times will be available on the Port’s website by August 1.
When: Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19, hours vary
Where: World Cruise Center, Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street, San Pedro
Admission/Parking: Free
Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival
The world’s largest lobster festival – with a Guinness World Record to prove it – takes place at Ports O’ Call Village in San Pedro. With fresh Maine lobster meals flown in daily, “Lobster fest” has been a South Bay tradition since 1999. The event includes live music, games, rides, and all kinds of food and fun for the entire family.
When: Friday, September 14, 5-11p.m., Saturday, September 16, 11a.m.-11p.m., and Sunday, September 16, 11a.m.-7p.m.
Where: Ports O’ Call Village, San Pedro
Admission/Parking: $10 admission, discount admission coupon online, free parking
