The Port of Los Angeles is set to become a hub of community activity this summer, with officials announcing a diverse lineup of events for 2026. The schedule is designed to bring residents and visitors to the LA Waterfront for a series of family-friendly gatherings, festivals, and cultural experiences throughout the season.
From classic car shows and World Cup celebrations to free concerts and historical tours, the port aims to offer a wide array of activities that capitalize on the sunny weather and unique waterfront setting. Many of the events are free to the public, underscoring a commitment to community engagement and accessibility. The programming is supported in part by the Port of Los Angeles Community Investment Grants, which help fund local initiatives.
Classic cars and World Cup fever
The summer season officially kicks off on June 26 with the annual Cars & Stripes Forever! classic car show. This year, the event holds special significance as it celebrates the centennial of the iconic Route 66 and the 250th anniversary of the United States, known as America250. Dozens of classic cars will be on display in front of the historic Battleship IOWA, located at 250 S. Harbor Blvd. in San Pedro. The free event, running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., will also feature live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and a new "Classic Car People’s Choice Award" for the crowd-favourite vehicle. The celebration of Route 66 is particularly poignant, as the famous highway traditionally ended not far from the region, cementing Southern California's place in the American automotive story.
Soccer fans will also have a premier destination this summer as the LA Waterfront joins the global excitement for the FIFA World Cup 26. The West Harbor development has been named an official Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone. Enthusiasts can gather to watch live broadcasts of the tournament's semi-final and final matches. Viewing parties are scheduled for July 14-15 and July 18-19. The experience will be supplemented with soccer-themed activities, interactive displays, a live DJ, and food and drinks available for purchase. Tickets are required for entry to the fan zone, which promises a vibrant atmosphere for one of the world's most-watched sporting events. The designation as a fan zone highlights the region's central role in the tournament, with Los Angeles serving as one of the host cities.
A summer of arts and culture
The cultural calendar is filled with a variety of performances and activities. On the evenings of June 16 and June 30, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will host its popular Grunion Runs. Experts from the aquarium will be on hand to guide visitors as they watch the small, silvery fish come ashore to spawn on the beach, a unique Southern California natural phenomenon. The educational event provides insights into the biology and mating rituals of the grunion.
On June 27, the Vintage Summer Wilmington Artwalk Extravaganza will take place at the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade. Hosted by the Avalon Arts & Cultural Alliance, the free event features a concert from the Beatles tribute band "Liverpool Mania" and a performance by Wilmington’s own Banning High School Band, the "Mighty Marching Pilots." The art walk, running from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., will also include crafts, food vendors, and a beer garden. This event is part of a broader effort to vitalize the Wilmington waterfront and showcase local artistic talent.
Aficionados of the dramatic arts can look forward to free outdoor performances of a timeless tragedy. Shakespeare by the Sea returns to the bandshell at Point Fermin Park for two nights, on July 10 and 11. This year’s featured production is Macbeth, with the shows starting at 7 p.m. The organization has a long history of bringing accessible professional theatre to communities throughout Southern California.
Celebrations of community and history
The skies over Cabrillo Beach will light up on July 4 for the 76th Annual John Olguin Fireworks Extravaganza. This long-standing tradition is a cornerstone of the community's Independence Day celebrations. While the 9 p.m. fireworks display is free and open to the public, the Cabrillo Beach Boosters are also hosting a ticketed VIP party at the Plaza at Cabrillo Way Marina from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The party, which also celebrates the America250 anniversary, includes a barbecue dinner, live entertainment, and dancing.
In August, the focus shifts to celebrating diversity and inclusion with the San Pedro Pride Festival on August 15. Organized by Bridge Cities Alliance, the free festival will run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles. The event is a celebration of love and diversity within the community. While San Pedro has a growing and diverse population, neighbouring counties continue to grapple with social challenges like homelessness.
For those interested in the inner workings of the port itself, Free Harbor Boat Tours will be offered on September 26. These tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere from the water. Visitors can see the massive container ships, cranes, and other landmarks that define the Port of Los Angeles. The tours depart from Downtown Harbor in San Pedro between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will include a pet-friendly option and a Spanish-language tour, ensuring broad accessibility for the community.
Ongoing attractions
Beyond the scheduled events, the LA Waterfront offers numerous ongoing attractions. Visitors can explore Los Angeles history by visiting iconic sites such as the Battleship IOWA, the S.S. Lane Victory, the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, and the Banning House. For those with an interest in the arts, the First Thursday Art Tours in downtown San Pedro continue throughout the summer, offering a chance to explore local galleries and studios. For a different perspective of the harbour, the Los Angeles Maritime Institute offers sunset sails on its tall ships, providing a memorable on-the-water experience. These varied attractions supplement the port's event calendar, ensuring that there are activities available for every interest, from exploring the outdoors to delving into the region's rich maritime history.
The Port of Los Angeles hosts over 100 events annually, ranging from small community gatherings to large-scale festivals, solidifying the LA Waterfront’s role as a key public space for Angelenos. The full summer schedule is part of the port's ongoing mission to blend commerce with community recreation.
