Annual and Special Events

San Pedro hosts a range of special events each year. Its location on the Pacific Ocean at San Pedro Bay makes it especially well suited for nautical and maritime events. Listed below are the events that typically happen each year and the usual time frames for them.

Check the Master Calendar and the Interactive Online Calendar for updated information.

New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing

December 31/January 1

Ring in the New Year with the sounding of the Korean Friendship Bell at Angel’s Gate Park. 310-548-7705

Polar Bear New Year’s Swim

New Year’s Day

Join the fun and show you’re tough by taking part in this legendary morning swim at Cabrillo Beach. https://CabrilloBeachPolarBears.com

Whale Festival

Late January

Kick off the whale watching season at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org

Great Los Angeles Air Raid

Early February

Recreation of World War II camp show with attack by enemy aircraft commemorating an actual event. Held at Ft. MacArthur Museum, Angel’s Gate Park. www.FtMac.org

Los Angeles Harbor International Film Festival

Late Winter/Early Spring

The LA Harbor International Film Festival showcases film and video at the historic Warner Grand Theatre, usually a movie from a book, a foreign film, an old movie for the Saturday night gala, and a series of documentaries on Sunday. www.LAHarborFilmFest.com

Grand Grunion Gala

Mid- to Late Spring

Fun gala event to support Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. https://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org/ Summer

Cars & Stripes Forever

Last Friday in June or first Friday in July Early in July some of the most customized and some of the best restored vintage cars make their way onto the Promenade along the Waterfront in San Pedro for the Cars & Stripes Show, presented by the Port of Los Angeles.

Fourth of July Events

Ringing of Korean Bell of Friendship

One of only a few days when the bell rings. Korean Bell of Friendship, Angels Gate Park.

John Olguin Fireworks Show

Big fireworks show at Cabrillo Beach. Full day of activities precedes.

Old Ft. MacArthur Days

First weekend after Fourth of July

One of the largest military reenactment and living history events in the nation. Reenactors from every era in history occupy Angel's Gate Park. Held every July at historic Ft. MacArthur. www.FtMac.org (Note: Old Ft. MacArthur Days was replaced in 2019 with a one-day open house exclusively focused on history from the years covered by the fort's active service.)

Shakespeare by the Sea

Early summer

Nine weeks of free Shakespeare productions at locations throughout San Pedro and the South Bay. www.ShakespeareByTheSea.org

Legends Car Club Car Show By the Sea

Late August

Custom and restored cars on display

Fleet Week

Labor Day weekend

Navy vessels on display and activities for sailors and citizens.

San Pedro Festival of Art

Early September

Originally the TriArt Festival. Visual arts, dance, and music. www.TriArtFestival.com

San Pedro International Film Festival

Fall

A full-fledged festival of innovative international films. Takes place in a variety of venues throughout San Pedro. www.SPIFFest.org

Dia de Los Muertos Festival

Sunday Dia de Los Muertos

A festival celebrating the traditions of Dia de Los Muertos. Food stands, crafts, entertainment. Held in Downtown San Pedro. www.SanPedroDayOfTheDead.com

San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade

First or second Saturday evening in December

The fun begins at Banning’s Landing in Wilmington and the decorated boats traverse the Main Channel of the Port of Los Angeles.

San Pedro Holiday Parade

First Sunday in December

The parade, sponsored by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, makes its way up Pacific Avenue to Sixth Street and through the Historic Downtown. Always lots of fun. www.SanPedroChamber.com

First Thursday Art Walks

The first Thursday of every month

The First Thursday of every month is when the artists really come out and shine in San Pedro. Galleries and studios are open, shops have special offers, refreshments are found throughout town, restaurants bring in special entertainment, and the food trucks arrive.www.1stthursday.com bring in special entertainment, and the food trucks arrive. www.1stThursday.com.

Note: Events may change from their usual time frame. Check the Master Calendar and the Interactive Online Calendar for updated information.