Best Things to Do in the South Bay (LA) in July
Summer is in full swing, meaning there are plenty of hours to fill to avoid the dreaded “I’m bored.” Luckily, the South Bay has so much to offer families, from Fourth of July extravaganzas to free concerts and movies. We’ve got you covered with the very best things to do this July.
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.
Upcoming July Featured Events & Highlights:
Saturday, July 4: Village Runner Independence Day 5K Run & Firecracker Dash
Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12: South Bay Greek Festival
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Cruzin’ the Lagoon: Redondo Beach Car Show
King Harbor Marina
208 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach, CA, 90277, United States
Cars and Stripes Forever at Battleship Iowa in San Pedro
Battleship Iowa
250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731
Lomita Founders Day 2026 on Narbonne Avenue in Lomita
Downtown Lomita, Narbonne Avenue
Narbonne Avenue between Lomita Blvd and 242nd Street, Lomita, CA 90717
TOCApalooza
Torrance Cultural Arts Center
3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA, 90503, US
OPEN HOUSE Creative Fest
The Former Joann's Location at Del Amo Mall
3525 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA
Events & Activities in the South Bay This July
From the 4th of July to more summer fun, July is exploding with fun things to do with kids! We’ve highlighted a few of our favorite July 4th events below, but be sure to check out our Guide to the 4th of July in the South Bay for a complete list.
Village Runner Independence Day 5K Run & Firecracker Dash
July 4
Join Village Runner for the 33rd annual 4th of July 5K and Firecracker Dash in Redondo Beach at 8 AM, proudly sponsored by UCLA Health! Every participant will get an Independence Day run t-shirt. Enjoy chip timing, age division awards, and cash prizes for the top three male and female runners in the 5K run. Kids dash finishers will also receive medals!
Great American 4th of July Kids Bike Parade
July 4
This out-and-back, two-mile bike parade route travels east along the bike path and continues down Bay Shore Avenue to Second Street. Bring a chair and a cheering section for these youngsters. The event is free for spectators. The event includes awards as well as kids’ patriotic speeches and poems.
City of El Segundo 4th of July Fireworks
July 4
Join the City of El Segundo at Recreation Park to celebrate the 4th of July! Their Annual Independence Day Event on Saturday, July 4, offers a fun-filled day from 10 AM to 3 PM and an exciting evening program from 5 PM to 9 PM. Stay for the spectacular fireworks display at 9 PM after the evening festivity.
July 4 Begg Pool Party Celebration
July 4
Celebrate the 4th with a splash at the Begg Pool from 10 AM to 2 PM. The cost is $5 per person.
Free Summer Concerts at Redondo Beach Pier
Thursdays and Saturdays, July 2 – August 29
Join in the fun at the Summer of Music at the Redondo Beach Pier, where you can enjoy free concerts with an ocean view every Thursday and Saturday from 6 PM to 8 PM in July and August! Thursday nights will feature tribute bands, and Saturday night concerts will feature local acts with various styles, including Indie Rock, Soulful Pop, Pop/Rock, and more.
Manhattan Beach Free Summer Concerts
Every Sunday starting July 5
One of Manhattan Beach’s most beloved summer traditions is back. Concerts in the Park returns to Polliwog Park for the 2026 season, bringing free live music to the South Bay every Sunday from July 5 through September 6, from 5 to 7 PM. Check out the full line-up.
Sunset Series at South Coast Botanic Garden
Thursdays in July
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.
Shakespeare By the Sea 2026
Various dates throughout July
Shakespeare By the Sea is a great summer activity for all ages, packed with laughter, drama, romance, and alfresco ambiance. Just bring a blanket or low-back chairs and enjoy top-quality theatre under the stars at parks and locations across the South Bay. Check out the full list of events.
Torrance Parks and Recreation Summer Movies in the Park
July 11
Torrance Parks and Recreation is hosting three Saturday movie nights this summer at parks across Torrance. This program is free, and registration is not required. Picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs are welcome. This evening’s film is Hoppers hosted at Hickory Park.
South Bay Greek Festival
July 10 – 12
This annual festival celebrates all things Greek, with food and culture highlighted during this unique three-day event filled with authentic homemade Greek food, live music, traditional folk dancing, and more.
Kids’ Races at Manhattan Beach Grand Prix 2026
July 12
The community Kids’ Races at the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix are open to all boys and girls ages 2-14 (and almost two). In addition to a day of racing, the event features the Chevron Kids Zone with games, treats, and more.
PCH Explorer Kids Club
July 14 and 28, 10 AM–12 PM at the Grand Staircase
Looking for something fun and free to do with the kiddos? Check out the PCH Explorer Kids Club at 2nd & PCH. They are hosting two events in July.
Kids Club at The Point
July 15
Join the fun at The Point’s monthly themed Kids Club event, happening the third Wednesday of each month. July is all about America with patriotic face painting and a hula hoop contest.
Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival
July 25
Check out the traditional Chinese Dragon boats as they race through the water at Marine Stadium in Long Beach. In addition to the races, the festival features Chinese traditional art demonstrations, Chinese Acrobats, traditional dance, hip hop, music and martial arts performances, food, and more.
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.
mbWineco
Every Friday and Saturday on the patio unwind after a long week with a glass of wine and some live tunes. Fridays feature smooth, jazzy lounge vibes, while Saturdays showcase some of the best local artists from the South Bay.
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.
Fast & Furious Coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood
July
The wait is over, the most anticipated new thrill ride, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is officially open at Universal Studios this summer. Featuring a unique 360-degree rotation of the ride vehicles and speeds up to 72 mph, its sure to get your heart racing, after waiting in line of course.
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.
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