San Pedro hosts a range of special events each year. Its location on the Pacific Ocean at San Pedro Bay makes it especially well suited for nautical and maritime events. Listed below are the events that typically happen each year and the usual time frames for them.
Check the Master Calendar and the Interactive Online Calendar for updated information.
New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing
December 31/January 1
Ring in the New Year with the sounding of the Korean Friendship Bell at Angel’s Gate Park. 310-548-7705
Polar Bear New Year’s Swim
New Year’s Day
Join the fun and show you’re tough by taking part in this legendary morning swim at Cabrillo Beach. https://CabrilloBeachPolarBears.com
Whale Festival
Late January
Kick off the whale watching season at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org
Great Los Angeles Air Raid
Early February
Recreation of World War II camp show with attack by enemy aircraft commemorating an actual event. Held at Ft. MacArthur Museum, Angel’s Gate Park. www.FtMac.org
Los Angeles Harbor International Film Festival
Late Winter/Early Spring
The LA Harbor International Film Festival showcases film and video at the historic Warner Grand Theatre, usually a movie from a book, a foreign film, an old movie for the Saturday night gala, and a series of documentaries on Sunday. www.LAHarborFilmFest.com
Grand Grunion Gala
Mid- to Late Spring
Fun gala event to support Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. https://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org/ Summer
Cars & Stripes Forever
Last Friday in June or first Friday in July Early in July some of the most customized and some of the best restored vintage cars make their way onto the Promenade along the Waterfront in San Pedro for the Cars & Stripes Show, presented by the Port of Los Angeles.
Fourth of July Events
Ringing of Korean Bell of Friendship
One of only a few days when the bell rings. Korean Bell of Friendship, Angels Gate Park.
John Olguin Fireworks Show
Big fireworks show at Cabrillo Beach. Full day of activities precedes.
Old Ft. MacArthur Days
First weekend after Fourth of July
One of the largest military reenactment and living history events in the nation. Reenactors from every era in history occupy Angel's Gate Park. Held every July at historic Ft. MacArthur. www.FtMac.org (Note: Old Ft. MacArthur Days was replaced in 2019 with a one-day open house exclusively focused on history from the years covered by the fort's active service.)
Shakespeare by the Sea
Early summer
Nine weeks of free Shakespeare productions at locations throughout San Pedro and the South Bay. www.ShakespeareByTheSea.org
Fleet Week
Labor Day weekend
Navy vessels on display and activities for sailors and citizens.
San Pedro Festival of Art
Early September
Originally the TriArt Festival. Visual arts, dance, and music. www.TriArtFestival.com
San Pedro International Film Festival
Fall
A full-fledged festival of innovative international films. Takes place in a variety of venues throughout San Pedro. www.SPIFFest.org
Dia de Los Muertos Festival
Sunday Dia de Los Muertos
A festival celebrating the traditions of Dia de Los Muertos. Food stands, crafts, entertainment. Held in Downtown San Pedro. www.SanPedroDayOfTheDead.com
San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade
First or second Saturday evening in December
The fun begins at Banning’s Landing in Wilmington and the decorated boats traverse the Main Channel of the Port of Los Angeles.
San Pedro Holiday Parade
First Sunday in December
The parade, sponsored by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, makes its way up Pacific Avenue to Sixth Street and through the Historic Downtown. Always lots of fun. www.SanPedroChamber.com
First Thursday Art Walks
The first Thursday of every month
The First Thursday of every month is when the artists really come out and shine in San Pedro. Galleries and studios are open, shops have special offers, refreshments are found throughout town, restaurants bring in special entertainment, and the food trucks arrive.www.1stthursday.com bring in special entertainment, and the food trucks arrive. www.1stThursday.com.
Note: Events may change from their usual time frame. Check the Master Calendar and the Interactive Online Calendar for updated information.
