Sunset Series 2

Best Things to Do in the South Bay (LA) in August

ByLocal Anchor

The dog days of summer are officially here, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun. Squeeze in more memory-making moments before you head back to school or plan for some family time after the hustle and bustle has set in. Either way, we’ve got you covered with the best things to do in the South Bay and beyond this month.

About this guide: Local Anchor is a South Bay community media platform covering local events, restaurants, and things to do since 2017. We update this list regularly based on firsthand experience and community input.

This post is sponsored by South Bay Credit Union. South Bay Credit Union is for all who live, work, or worship in the South Bay. 

South Bay Credit Union

Upcoming Featured Events & Program Highlights: 

Thursdays, August 6 – 27: Sunset Series at South Coast Botanic Garden
Sundays, August 2 – 30: Manhattan Beach Concerts in the Park
Thursday, August 20: Dine Around ARTesia

For more family-friendly events and things to do with kids, sign up for our newsletter and get it all delivered straight to your inbox.

Our Favorite Family-Friendly Things to Do in August

August means summer vacation is winding down, and the back-to-school prep begins, but there is still plenty of fun to be had!

Events & Activities in the South Bay This Month

National Night Out in the South Bay

August 4

The first Tuesday of August celebrates National Night Out, where communities come together to support police and community partnerships. With events scheduled across the South Bay you’ll find live music, food trucks, vendors, meet and greets with law enforcement and more.

Chargers Training Camp at the Bolt

August 1 – 18

In August, the Chargers hold practices at the Bolt in El Segundo that are open to the public. You’ll be able to check out the action on the field from covered bleacher seating behind the north end zone. Admission is free, but you must reserve a ticket in advance.

Summer of music

Free Summer Concerts at the Redondo Pier

Thursdays and Sundays in August

Join the Redondo Pier Association and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach for the South Bay’s largest free summer concert series, Tribute Thursdays. Enjoy live music performances for all ages every Thursday and Saturday in July and August at Redondo Beach Pier.

Manhattan Beach Concerts in the Park

Sundays in August

The 2026 summer concert series in Polliwog Park features 10 bands ranging in styles from Big Band to Motown and the hits of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The concerts run every Sunday until August 30.

International Surf Festival

July 29 – August 2

Head to the beach for the 63rd International Surf Festival. In addition to watching the surfing championships, there are several other exciting events, including paddle boarding, volleyball, sand castle building, and so much more.

Sunset Series 2

Sunset Series at South Coast Botanic Garden

Thursdays, August 6 – 27

The Sunset Series is a weekly after-hours event held at the South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The event features live music, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a host of activities for kids, making it perfect for families, friends, and couples alike.

El Segundo Main Street Car Show

August 15

Enjoy hundreds of incredible cars, live music, awesome restaurants & breweries, sponsor booths, cool shopping and more on Saturday, August 15, 2026 for the 28th Annual El Segundo Main Street Car Show. Classic cars, hot rods, sports cars, trucks, motorcycles and more will be lining the beautiful streets of Downtown El Segundo for this free event from 10am to 3pm.

Kids Club at The Point

August 19

Join the fun at The Point’s monthly themed Kids Club event, happening the third Wednesday of each month. August is a Back-to-School Bash featuring STEM activity stations, themed photo-ops, and a concert from The Beatbuds.

Dine Around ARTesia & ARTwalk 2026: Tickets, Dates, and a Family Giveaway

Dine Around ARTesia

August 20

Dine Around ARTesia & ARTwalk is back for its 5th year, bringing an evening of food, art, and community to Artesia Boulevard in North Redondo Beach. The event is presented by South Bay Credit Union and organized by the North Redondo Beach Business Association (NRBBA), and this year Local Anchor is teaming up with NRBBA to give one lucky family the chance to attend for free. Learn more and sign up for the giveaway.

23rd Annual Gardena Jazz Festival

August 23

The 23rd Annual Gardena Jazz Festival celebrates great artists through this annual event, which brings the jazz community together. The day-long festival takes place at Rowley Park from 9am to 7pm.

Culture Brewing 5K Fun Run

August 29

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to stay active, this event is fun for all. The 5k course will take you through scenic routes, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings while getting your heart pumping. After crossing the finish line, reward yourself with a well-earned free pint of craft beer from Culture Brewing. A portion of all proceeds from their events supports local nonprofits.

things to do

Moonlight Movies on the Beach

August 5 and 18

Grab your beach chairs and blankets and head to Granada Beach for family movie night! This summer-long outdoor movie series culminates with two family favorites, A League of Their Own and then a Grease Sing-Along!

More Exciting Events in the South Bay

From live music to comedy shows, the South Bay is full of venues that host exciting events all month long. Check out some of our favorite spots below:

Project Barley Taps & Grill

If you’re looking for live music, head to the Project Barley Redondo Beach location where you’ll find a new artist every night of the week. Check the full monthly calendar for more info.

Every second Tuesday of the month, Project Barley in Redondo Beach hosts a special edition of Taco Tuesday in collaboration with South Bay Music Connection, showcasing up-and-coming musicians from across the South Bay.

Riviera Mexican Cantina

Every month the Cantina hosts live Mariachi music and live comedy shows with comedians featured on HBO and Netflix. Check out the calendar of events for the month for dates and times.

Laugh Kitchen

The Laugh Kitchen helps you enjoy local South Bay restaurants with a side of live stand-up comedy. This month’s featured event is located in Torrance at The Mongol King followed by Stand-Up Comedy at The Creative Factory next door.

Common Space Brewery

This beer garden and tap room in Hawthorne hosts public events all month, including weekly trivia nights, comedy shows, line dancing, and more. Check out their full line-up for the month.

Worth the Drive: Events & Activities in Los Angeles and Beyond This Month

Orange County Fair

July 17 – August 16

Did you miss the L.A. Fair? Don’t fret. The O.C. Fair is back and features the popular Toyota Concert Series and the rides, attractions, animals, and food you love.

OC Fair 2026 Guide: Tickets, Deals and What to Do at the Fair

Fiesta La Ballona

August 28 – 30

This long-running annual Culver City festival always guarantees a good time. Rides, games, a petting zoo, tasty eats, live music, and more await.

South Bay Credit Union

About South Bay Credit Union

South Bay Credit Union is for all who live, work, or worship in the South Bay.  

Banking with South Bay Credit Union offers numerous advantages. Their exceptional features include a local presence in the South Bay, personalized attention to detail, tailored banking and lending solutions, access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs, specialized Youth Accounts, and private insurance coverage of up to $1,000,000 per account.

For small businesses, banking with South Bay Credit Union offers a range of advantages. These include online banking, bill payment services, debit and credit business cards, and low fees. You can enjoy all these benefits while receiving the same level of care and attention as a personal account.

Stay Connected With Local Anchor

We cover the South Bay every week: the events worth showing up for, the restaurants worth the wait, and the community stories worth knowing. Here’s how to stay in the loop.

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Local Anchor is a South Bay community media platform covering local events, restaurants, things to do, and community stories since 2017. Our team lives, works, and plays across the South Bay and surrounding areas, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, El Segundo, Palos Verdes, Lawndale, Hawthorne, Carson, and San Pedro.

We update this guide regularly based on firsthand experience, community input from our local Facebook groups, and ongoing coverage of the region.