Events and Attractions
Concerns/Suggestions on Events and Attractions
Events and Attractions in the Fall
Events and Attractions in the Spring
Events and Attractions in the Summer
Events and Attractions in the Winter
Events and Attractions Year Round
Hosting Special Events Process
Concerns/Suggestions on Events and Attractions
To report issues concerning customer service, hours of event or attraction, cleanliness, programming, scheduling and future event suggestions, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448.
Events and Attractions in the Fall
Halloween Family Carnival
The Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department's Family Halloween Carnival, Costume Parade and Haunted House will be held every Halloween weekend at Manhattan Heights Community Center located at 1600 Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The event is designed for children ages 2 to 13 years old. Children under the age of 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Costume contest categories include: Parent/child (enter with mom or dad or both); sibling (enter with one or more brothers or sisters) and individual (you're on your own). Four age groups: 5 and under, 6 to 7 years old, 8 to 9 years old and 10 to 12 years old - will be judged in three divisions each: Most original, scariest and judges choice.
There will be special guests, face painting, balloon animals and much, much more. All game booths are constructed by children in the after school Playground Program and local community groups. The haunted house is designed and run by the teens in the Teen Center Program and Recreation Leaders.
For more information contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448.
Old Hometown Fair
The Annual Manhattan Beach Old Hometown Fair is a non-City sponsored event which. The event will take place in the Fall on Valley Drive between 15th Street and 21st Street. For more information please visit the Old Hometown Fair website at or e-mail them.
The goal of the community fair is to create a weekend event where locals can support each other as customers abd operators of fun booths while raising funds for local charity organizations. The fair is distinguished in that:
- It is organized and executed by an all volunteer Fair Board of local residents - not a city or chamber.
- All of the food booths are operated by 100% non-profit groups.
- The Art Jury, screens all the handmade Street Art for unique diversity and fit in our community fair.
- They offer several options for family fun at no cost.
Veteran's Multi-Generation Event
The City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department host the Veteran's Multi-Generation Event in November at 11:00 AM at the Veteran’s Monument located in the Veteran's Parkway at 15thfifteenth Street and Valley Drive.
(rain location Joslyn Center, 1601 Valley Drive)
For more information please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448 or check out the Parks and Recreation
Calendar.
Events and Attractions in the Spring
Earth Day
Every April, VOICE (Volunteers and Organizations Improving the Community's Environment) and the City of Manhattan Beach present Earth Day. This is a free event held in Polliwog Park, located at 1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The Earth Day event, is a fun filled day dedicated to making the community more aware about our planet and what we must to do preserve our natural resources.
There will be kids' activities, crafts, earth friendly vendors, environmental groups, education, great food and live music.
For more information, call VOICE at (310) 226-2927 or the City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448.
(Rain Location-- Manhattan Heights Community Center)
Family Campout
Every May, the Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Department sponsors a Family Camp Out at the Manhattan Heights Field located at 1600 Manhattan Beach Boulevard. This event is $25 per person and is a great opportunity for families to have a low-cost camping experience without having to drive a long distance to get there, purchase a lot of expensive equipment or even have to know how to camp. It's also a wonderful way for families to play together in an unusual atmosphere.
After setting up their tents, families can join in games, face painting, moon bounce, and craft projects organized by recreation leaders. A barbecue dinner will be served, family skits and a story teller will be presented and the evening will end around the camp fire where participants can sing songs or roast marshmallows. Breakfast will be served the following morning, followed by the Fishing Derby, more games and arts and crafts.
For more information and reservations please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448.
Senior Health Fair
Every May, older adults (50 and over) are invited to attend the annual Manhattan Beach Senior Citizen Health Fair at the Joslyn Community Center located at 1601 Valley Drive from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Admission is free and lunch is served at 12:00 PM.
The event is sponsored by the City of Manhattan Beach, the South Bay Family Healthcare Center, the Manhattan Beach Kiwanis and the Manhattan Beach Soroptimists.
Seniors who want to take charge of their health are provided with an array of free or low cost medical services and the opportunity to learn about local services and discounts. Community resource information booths provide material about health and wellness, nutrition, bus routes, Dial-A-Ride, senior discounts, volunteer programs, and housing.
No-cost medical services can include podiatry, blood pressure and pulmonary function checks, hearing and vision tests, and oral and skin cancer screening. Chiropractors and Dermatologists offer free consultations. Information will also be available regarding medication information services, acupuncture and herbal remedies.
Transportation for older adults residing in Manhattan Beach is provided for individuals who call Dial-A-Ride at (310) 545-3500. The WAVE provides transportation for Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach residents by calling (310) 376-3990.
For more information regarding this event please call Eve Kelso at (310) 802-5407.
Events and Attractions in the Summer
Concerts in the Park
Concerts in the Park are free concerts held every Sunday, from June to September, at Polliwog Park Amphitheater. The concerts are from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Polliwog Park Amphitheater is located off of Manhattan Beach Boulevard between Redondo Avenue and Peck Avenue.
There are no pets, barbecues, tall lawn chairs, pop-up-tents or large shade umbrellas allowed. If you smoke please be conscious of your neighbors and smoke away from the crowd.
Kick Off Pool Party
Join the Begg Pool staff in welcoming the community to its Annual Pool "Kick-Off Party" at the start of summer in June. This is a free event but donations are more than welcome.
There are water games, face painting, water balloon tossing, swimming and free food (while supplies last). Come out and meet the Aquatic Staff and have a great day in the sun! Don't forget your sun block!
All pool rules apply. For more information or to find out the pool rules please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448 or visit the Pool Rules page.
Labor Day Activities
Come join the Begg Pool Staff for the last party of the Summer! The Labor Day Pool Party is held on Labor Day Monday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Begg Pool. The cost is $5.00 per person which includes games, water activities and food (while supplies last).
All pool rules apply. For more information or to find out the pool rules please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448 or visit the Pool Rules page.
Independence Day Activities
Come out and celebrate our Nation's Independence with the Begg Pool Staff! The annual 4th of July Barbecue takes place on Independence Day from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM the cost is $5.00 per person. There will be games, face painting and food (while supplies last).
All pool rules apply. For more information or to find out the pool rules please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448 or visit the Pool Rules page.
International Surf Festival (ISF)
The International Surf Festival is a three day event in August sponsored by Arrowhead, the Chambers of Commerce and Cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance and Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors. More information cab be found on the
International Surf Festival website.
Teen Discopooluza
Calling all teens! Several Friday nights throughout summer from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Begg Pool are reserved for teens only (grades 6 through 8) for Teen Discopooluza. Begg Pool is transformed into a big aquatic dance party! Come out for an evening of recreational swim and live D.J. The cost is $5.00 per person and a Registration/Release Form must be filled out by a parent or guardian. Pre-registration and payment for the Discopooluza takes place at the Manhattan Beach Teen Center, located at 1600 Manhattan Beach Boulevard or you may register and pay at the door.
All pool rules apply. For more information or to find out the pool rules please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448 or visit the Pool Rules page.
Events and Attractions in the Winter
Family Holiday Craft Night
The Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department's Annual Family Holiday Craft Night is held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on a Sunday evening in December at the Joslyn Community Center located at 1601 Valley Drive.
This event is designed to bring family and friends together to share in the holiday spirit. Participants will make holiday gifts, decorations and tree ornaments. Enjoy delicious treats, hot cider and cocoa. All materials are supplied by the Parks and Recreation Department. The Playground Program's Arts and Crafts will also be on display during the workshop.
There is no charge for this activity, however donations are accepted.
For information please contact David Ibarra, Program Coordinator at (310) 802-5419.
Pier Lighting
Brighten your holiday season with the Annual Pier Lighting! This event takes place in early December from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM at the Manhattan Beach Pier. Come visit Santa Claus and enjoy the musical entertainment!
For more information please call the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department at, (310) 802-5448 or call David Ibarra, Senior Recreation Leader at (310) 802-5419. You may also check out the Parks and Recreation
Calendar for more information.
(Rain location - Joslyn Center 1601 Valley Drive)
Events and Attractions Year Round
Annual Events and Festivals
There are a wide variety of events and activities that occur on a regular basis in the City of Manhattan Beach. These range from art festivals to concerts in the park to fireworks displays for the whole community. All of our upcoming events can be found on the Parks and Recreation Calendar. For more information about these and other annual events and festivals happening around the City of Manhattan Beach, contact the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department located at 1400 Highland Avenue, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Monday through Friday, or call them at (310) 802-5448.
Botanical Gardens
The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is at the west end of Polliwog Park. Polliwog Park is located at the corner of Redondo Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard. It is open to the public on a regular basis. The Botanical Garden is run by volunteers. Individuals wishing to help with the garden or who want to schedule a docent-led viewing of the garden may call (310) 371-8015 for more information.
Bus Trips
The Department plans many interesting and fun bus trips to various locations throughout the year that allow community members to economically visit some of the region's popular and unique destinations. Trips are designed for specific age and interest groups, including youth ages 6-12 years old, teens ages 12-14 years old, adults and seniors. Most trips are to destinations that can be reached in two hours or less and each trip is led by one or two Parks and Recreation staff members and a trained volunteer who act as tour guides. For more information on specific trips please click on the appropriate link:
Cultural Arts Center
The Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Center, located at 1560 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Manhattan Beach, is the ideal place for young and old alike to come experience some of the cultural wonders and achievements of the artists right here in our own community.
The center boasts a wide variety of exhibits and presentations. Admission is free. To find out more information on the current exhibition or upcoming exhibitions please contact the Creative Arts Center, located at 1560 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Manhattan Beach, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, at (310) 802-5440. You may also view upcoming and past exhibitions on the Cultural Arts Exhibition page.
To arrange a possible exhibition, contact Megumi Sando, Creative Arts Center Curator via e-mail or send slides of your proposed exhibition along with a description and contact information to Manhattan Beach City Hall, ATTN: Megumi Sando, 1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA, 90266.
Farmer's Market
The City of Manhattan Beach has a farmer's market taking place every Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on 13th Street between Valley Drive and Morningside Drive. Local vendors bring the freshest and most succulent produce, fruits, and vegetables to the local citizens.
If you are interested in becoming a a vendor at the farmer's market please call (310) 379-9901 or check-out the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market website.
Swing and Sway Dances
The Swing and Sway program provides a safe, nonsmoking, nonalcoholic, friendly environment for adults to dance. Music is provided by professional disc jockeys and light refreshments are available for purchase. No sign-ups or pre-registration are necessary.
Dances are always on the 2nd Friday of every month from 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM at the Joslyn Center Auditorium located at 1601 Valley Drive, in Manhattan Beach. The cost is $6.00 per person.
For more information please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448 or check out the Parks and Recreation Calendar for upcoming dance dates.
Rules and Regulations:
NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
NO SMOKING
APPROPRIATE ATTIRE PLEASE
Women - Slacks or Dresses
Men - Slacks and leather sole shoes
PLEASE NO VIDEO CAMERAS OR HANDOUTS
Tours of the City
Walking tours of the City of Manhattan Beach can be scheduled by calling the Manhattan Beach Historical Society at (310) 374-7575.
Hosting Special Events Process
In order to conduct a special event in the City of Manhattan Beach you must first submit a Service Request found at the bottom of this page under "Make a Service Request." Upon receiving the request, it will be reviewed and more information may be required. For more information please contact the City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448.