Memorial Day Weekend Events in Los Angeles and the South Bay

Memorial Day weekend is a meaningful time to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Across the South Bay and Palos Verdes Peninsula, local communities are marking the holiday with remembrance ceremonies, family-friendly events, live music, coastal gatherings, and opportunities to learn more about the area’s military history.

 

Here are a few Memorial Day weekend events happening.

 

For a more active and educational way to observe Memorial Day, Terranea’s Pointe Discovery is hosting a guided WW2 Memorial Day Hike along the Alta Vicente Trail. This moderately strenuous hike leads to abandoned World War II bunkers overlooking the ocean, offering a unique look into the Peninsula’s wartime history.

 

Along the way, participants will learn about the Nike Missile Site, Point Vicente Lighthouse, and the history of local Japanese farmers during World War II.

 

Location: Pointe Discovery, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes

Date: May 25, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Ages: 10+

 

Book here.

 

Green Hills Memorial Park will host a Memorial Day observance honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The program is expected to include skydivers, a Procession of Colors with a Mounted Posse, civilian and military flyovers, and musical performances by Navy Band Southwest and the Cabar Feidh Pipe Band.

 

Major General Mark A. Graham, U.S. Army Retired, will serve as the keynote speaker.

 

Location: Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes

Date: Monday, May 25th

Time: 10:00 AM

 

Find more details here.

 

Redondo Beach will host its traditional Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Veterans Park, located near the Redondo Pier. The one-hour ceremony will include remarks, music, and honors for American service members who lost their lives while serving.

 

This year’s keynote speaker is Rear Admiral Sandy Adams, U.S. Navy Retired and a Redondo Beach resident. Local elected officials, community leaders, veterans, and military dignitaries are also expected to participate. Music will be performed by soldiers of the 40th Infantry Division Band, California National Guard.

 

Following the ceremony, the Redondo Beach Elks Lodge will host a BBQ in the Elks parking lot adjacent to Veterans Park. The BBQ is free for veterans, members of the military, and first responders.

 

Location: Veterans Park, Redondo Beach

Date: Monday, May 25th

Time: 1:00 PM

 

Find more details here. 

 

A longtime South Bay Memorial Day weekend favorite, Fiesta Hermosa returns to Hermosa Beach with three days of live music, shopping, food, carnival fun, and community activities.

 

The weekend includes The Garden, a 21+ outdoor gathering space featuring live music, beer, wine, seltzers, cocktails, covered seating, yard games, and a VIP experience presented by Zebrowski Group. A daily cover charge applies for The Garden.

 

Families can enjoy the Carnival, which features rides, games, food, nonprofit booths, and live music from the Carnival Stage, with performances presented by South Bay Music Connection, School of Rock South Bay LA, and Coast Music.

 

The Makers Mercado will showcase more than 240 pop-up vendors, offering everything from jewelry and clothing to art, home goods, treats, and local finds. Guests can also explore the Food Fair, featuring a variety of vendors and local favorites throughout the weekend.

 

Live music will take place across four stages, including The Garden Stage, Carnival Stage, Acoustic Stage, and Javaman Stage. For those biking to the festival, a free bike corral will be available during event hours.

 

Location: Hermosa Beach

Dates: Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25
Highlights: Live music, carnival rides, local shopping, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and a 21+ garden area.

 

Find more details and get The Garden tickets here.

 

 

Manhattan Beach will celebrate Memorial Day at the Pier with a full day of community activities and a morning ceremony. Families are encouraged to bring beach chairs and towels and enjoy the holiday by the water.

 

With its iconic pier, ocean views, and walkable downtown, Manhattan Beach is a classic South Bay setting for a Memorial Day gathering.

 

Location: Manhattan Beach Pier

Date: Monday, May 25th
Time: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM

 

 

LA Fleet Week is one of Southern California’s largest Memorial Day weekend events, bringing ship tours, military displays, entertainment, competitions, food, and community activities to the LA Waterfront.

 

Visitors can explore exhibits, enjoy live entertainment, visit food trucks and beverage vendors, and take advantage of activities throughout the waterfront area. Ship tours are available through a virtual queue on the day of your visit, and the Battleship IOWA Express Experience offers an enhanced option with scheduled Navy ship tour access, collectibles, admission to Battleship IOWA, and VIP lounge access.

 

Location: LA Waterfront
Dates: Memorial Day Weekend
Cost: Free, with select upgraded experiences available

 

Find more details here.

 

The Torrance Historical Society will host a Memorial Day Remembrance honoring Torrance military personnel who gave their lives in service during wartime. The ceremony includes the reading of the 152 names listed on the Torrance Veterans Memorial Wall.

 

This simple and meaningful remembrance offers the community a chance to reflect on the local residents whose service and sacrifice are permanently honored in Torrance.

 

Location: Torrance Veterans Memorial Wall, corner of Torrance Boulevard and Maple Avenue
Address: 3006 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90503
Date: May 25, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:10 PM

 

Find more details here. 

 

From traditional remembrance ceremonies to family-friendly community events, Memorial Day weekend in the South Bay offers many ways to honor the meaning of the holiday while spending time with neighbors, friends, and family. Whether you attend a ceremony, explore local history, enjoy live music, or simply take time to reflect, the weekend is an opportunity to remember the service members who gave everything for our country.