Lloyd W. Taber-Marina del Rey Library Pajama Storytime (Wednesdays) –Pajama storytime geared to preschool age children, puppets, stories and crafts. Parental supervision required. 4533 Admiralty Way; 6:30 p.m. 310-821-3415.
Fisherman’s Village Music Series (Saturdays & Sundays) – Live concerts featuring R&B, Jazz, Latin, Pop, Blues, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m., weather permitting. Free. 310-823-5411.
Mysteries en Brochette (Saturdays, twice a month) – Participate in a live interactive mystery and dinner show. Currently: “Deadly Disco Cruise,” a fun-filled cruise set in the 1970’s where you will join in on a shipboard wedding aboard the USS Harbor House; and “Who Killed the Radio Show,” where you will relive the 1940’s from the Waldorf Astoria in New York with live radio drama, music, and mystery. Harbor House Restaurant, 4211 Admiralty Way; $69 per person. 7 p.m., Call for dates/reservations: 310-399-1507; www.MysteriesEnBrochette.com
Venice Farmers’ Market (Fridays) – Fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables straight from the grower. Located on the corner of Venice Blvd. and Venice Way. 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. 310-399-6690.
Ballona Wetlands – Restored wetlands offer opportunities to learn about local birds and native plants. Free. Call for directions, tour locations, parking info, tour availability, and tour reservations for 4 persons or more 310-306-5994. www.ballonafriends.org
Ballona Wetlands Self-Guided Walk (Daily) Stroll along a path with views of wildlife, including egrets and herons; west side of Lincoln Blvd, south of Jefferson Blvd. Parking at Playa Vista Visitor Ctr.
Ballona Wetlands Freshwater Marsh Interpretive Nature Tour (2nd & 4th Saturdays) Tour freshwater marsh and see birds and native plants; 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Ballona Wetlands Salt Marsh and Dunes Interpretive Nature Tour (2nd Sundays) Explore the wonders of nature on a guided tour of the salt marsh and dunes at the Ballona Wetlands; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Gordon’s Market parking lot, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey
Ballona Dunes Restoration Parties (4th Saturdays) Help restore the last coastal wetland habitat in LA County, by planting native plants and removing invasive, while learning about wetland ecology. Gloves and tools provided; 9 a.m. – 12 noon; Gordon’s Market parking lot, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey
special events
Tree Lighting Celebration (1st Sunday of December) – dazzling annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of The Ritz Carlton, Marina del Rey. Magnificently decorated tree, Lionel Train exhibit, holiday decorations, and carolers. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. 310-823-1700.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Holiday Extravaganza (1st or 2nd Saturday in December) – stroll eclectic shops along Abbot Kinney Boulevard with carolers, a visit from Santa Claus, decorated store fronts, and merchant open houses.
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (December 13) – festively decorated boats illuminate the Marina’s main channel in one of the Marina’s most visually exciting events. 6 p.m.– 8 p.m., preceded by a short fireworks display in the Main Channel at 5:55 p.m. The best viewing is from Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village. 310-670-7130; www.mdrboatparade.org.
Westchester Annual Holiday Parade (2nd Sunday in December) – old fashioned street parade with local civic groups, youth groups and school children. 310-645-7634.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks (Dec. 31) Fireworks shot from the south jetty will light up the sky over Marina del Rey on New Year’s Eve. Beginning at 11:59 and 30 seconds, as each second passes one firework will be shot into the air counting down to 12 midnight. When the clock strikes 12 a five-minute fireworks show will burst across the night sky. Fireworks can be seen from almost anywhere in the Marina but locals love the view from Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village. Free. 310-305-9545.
2004 SPECIAL EVENTS
Venice Penguin Swim Club Annual Swim (January 1) –the famous club goes into the ocean for its annual “chilly” wintertime swim. Venice Beach; 11 a.m. 310-390-5700; www.swim.net/scaq/.
Tour of the Tall Ships (Usually late Jan – early Feb) – Tour the Tall Ships to learn more about how sailors lived and how they navigated across miles of open ocean. Enjoy the Battle re-enactment sails on the weekends. Berthed at Fisherman’s Village and open to the public. 800-401-7835. www.hawaiianchieftain.com
Whale Watching (Jan - March) – whale watching tours depart daily from Marina del Rey to observe the migration of gray whales along the Pacific Coast. 310-822-3625. www.marinadelreysportfishing.com.
Marina del Rey Anglers Annual Halibut Derby (April 3 & 4) – competitors vie for great grand prizes at this popular local event. Awards go to those who catch the biggest fish on a rod and reel in Santa Monica Bay. Fishing starts at sunrise, but the real fun starts at the public weigh-ins held Saturday in Burton Chace Park from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. and again on Sunday from 12 noon to 3 p.m. 310-827-4855.
Santa Monica Bay Annual Halibut Derby (April 10 & 11) – competitors vie for $225,000 in grand prizes at this popular local event. Kick off event will take place at the West Marine parking lot on Friday. The official weigh-in station is located dockside at Burton Chace Park from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. 714-258-0445 International Gamefish Tournaments, or after Mar. 31, visit www.catalinaclassic.com
Venice Annual Garden Tour (May 1) – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. take a self-guided tour of private homes and gardens, featuring classic Venice bungalows, native plants; shuttle service and docents are available. Reservations 310-390-6641 or www.venicegardentour.org.
California Cup Annual Regatta (Usually Fri-Sun in Mid-May) – California Yacht Club hosts the annual California Cup Regatta for the Farr 40 Class in Marina del Rey. 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm each day. 310-823-4567.
Venice Annual Art Walk (3rd Weekend in May) – Venice artists open their art studios to the public during this renowned two-day event; studio tours, food fair, silent auction, marketplace, private docent tours and three evenings of music in private homes. Reservations 310-392-9255. www.venicefamilyclinic.org/awcalendar.html.
Porsche Club of America LA Region Concors (June) Enjoy Porsches of all kinds on display at this annual car show located in Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free. 818-888-7224. www.pcala.com
Annual In-Water Boat Show (June 24 - 27) –Chamber-sponsored boat show features a staggering variety of boats, yachts and personal watercrafts both in-water and on land. Community booths; food vendors, live music; Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way Thurs. & Fri. 12–7, Sat. 10–7, Sun. 10–5. $8 adults, children under 12 free. 310-645-5151. www.mdrboatshow.com.
Marina del Rey Summer Concerts (July – August) Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way. Symphonic Thursdays and Pops Saturdays; outdoor concerts are free; 7:00 pm. Bring cushions and blankets. 310-305-9545; http://beaches.co.la.ca.us.
Marina del Rey Annual Fourth of July Fireworks (July 4) – Fireworks shot over the Marina’s main channel. Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village are popular viewing spots, but any water-view seat is a good one! Starts promptly at 9:00 pm. Arrive early for best parking.310-305-9545. http://beaches.co.la.ca.us.
Westchester Annual Fourth of July Parade (July 4) – Route starts in Westchester Park and follows along Loyola Blvd. to Loyola Marymount University. Chamber of Commerce parade includes floats, elephant, marching bands and community service groups. 310-645-5151. www.wlaxmdrchamber.com.
Old Fashioned Day in the Park (July 25) 10 am-3 pm –. Vintage yachts, antique and classic cars and motorcycles will be on hand for touring. Watch vintage steam engines, ship models and modelers do their work. Steam launches will be giving free rides in the harbor. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Free. 626-335-8843.
Marina del Rey Summer Concerts (July 8 – August 28) - Symphonic Thursdays and Pops Saturdays; top name performances; outdoor concerts are free and start at 7:00 pm. Bring cushions and blankets. 310-305-9545; http://beaches.co.la.ca.us.
Hare Krishna “Festival of the Chariots” (early August) – Hare Krishna-themed parade, traditional Indian music and dance, vegetarian feast, and live entertainment (beginning at 1 p.m.); Parade begins at 10 a.m. in Santa Monica. Venice Beach, Ocean Front Walk. Free 310-839-1572.
Gillis Volleyball Invitational - (August) – For over 30 years, nearly 600 players compete in a zany volleyball tournament and beach bash where all the competitors dress in quirky, kooky costumes; north end of Dockweiler Beach, Playa del Rey; Free. 1-800-470-5166.
Annual Mako for Dollars Shark Tournament (2nd Sat & Sun in August) - Teams compete for $25,000 in cash and prizes for the largest Mako Shark caught. Captains/teams members meet Friday at 7 p.m. at Marina del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way. Last year’s winner weighed over 700 pounds! On the day sharks are caught, weigh-in at official station at Marina Fuel Dock, Basin A, 13800 Bora Bora Way on Saturday from 3 - 7 p.m., Sunday from 3 – 6 p.m. Sponsor West Marine 310-578-0553; www.sharkfishing.us
revised 9/1903
Sweet & Hot Jazz Festival (September 3-6) – Annual Labor Day tribute to sounds of ‘20s to 40’s; swing, jazz, blues bands and guest artists; dancing, nostalgic memorabilia and records; Mon. awards show to honor classic jazz legends. LA Airport Marriott Hotel, 5855 Century Blvd., Westchester, 10:30 am-midnight; awards show 7:30 pm. Friday $30; Saturday & Sunday $40; Monday $20; 4-day pass $80; awards show $10. 310-641-5700.
Jazz at Palms Court (2nd Sunday in September)
Annual jazz event held in an outdoor garden courtyard, benefiting Venice area housing and economic development projects. Champage brunch, concert performances, silent auction; 11 - 6 p.m. Brunch $75/afternoon concert $25. Reservations 310-399-4100.
