61st Annual Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration in Palos Verdes Estates

Palos Verdes Estates marks its 61st year of the beloved Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration at Malaga Cove School, keeping one of the South Bay’s most treasured community traditions alive.

The free, all-day event brings families together for a classic Independence Day lineup: a children’s patriotic bicycle parade, a homemade apple pie baking contest, patriotic music, face painting, a magic show, and an afternoon picnic with family games.

This year’s formal program features keynote speaker Evan Lovett of “LA in a Minute,” the Kenneth T. Norris Jr. Heritage of Freedom Award, the Van Dine Family Americanism Award, and recognition of local veterans and armed service members. Food is provided by Palos Verdes Estates Boy Scout Troop 257.

A cherished annual tradition on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, this is one of the most anticipated free community events in the South Bay and a wonderful way to celebrate Independence Day in Los Angeles.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location: Malaga Cove School, Palos Verdes Estates Address: 300 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 Cost: Free Ages: All ages, families welcome Organizer: Palos Verdes Independence Day Celebration Committee Registration: No registration required, walk-ins welcome

Schedule

• 8:30 a.m.: Apple Pie Baking Contest entries accepted. Pies must be homemade and contain apples. All ages welcome to enter.
• 9:30 a.m.: Apple Pie Judging begins. Face Painting starts. Children’s Bicycle Parade lineup forms.
• 10:00 a.m.: Children’s Patriotic Bicycle Parade. Helmets required; children without helmets may walk alongside their decorated bikes. No e-bikes permitted.
• 10:15 a.m.: Joe Magic Show
• 10:30 a.m.: Formal Program and Awards
  • Invocation
  • Presentation of Colors
  • Recognition of Armed Services
  • Welcome
  • Herbert Albright Essay Contest Winners announced
  • Apple Pie Baking Contest Winners announced
  • Van Dine Family Americanism Award: Community Leader Jacki Bacharach
  • Keynote: Evan Lovett, “LA in a Minute” (Kenneth T. Norris Jr. Heritage of Freedom Award)
  • US Flag flown over the United States Capitol Drawing
  • Benediction
• 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: SousaPalooza Band Concert with vocals by Brenda Lynn
• 12:00 p.m.: Picnic and Family Games

Apple Pie Contest Details

All homemade apple pies are welcome, and all ages may enter. Drop off pies between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. for judging.

• 1st place: Live apple tree from Bennett Landscape + blue ribbon
• 2nd and 3rd place: Ribbons
• All participants: Gift card from Hof’s Hut