September is a wonderful time to enjoy the Palos Verdes Peninsula, with community gatherings, outdoor activities, family-friendly events and one of the area’s most anticipated annual fundraisers. As summer winds down and fall approaches, here are a few local events worth adding to your calendar.
Nature Waves at South Coast Botanic Garden
Saturday, September 5 | 10:00–11:30 AM
South Coast Botanic Garden
Spend a peaceful morning at South Coast Botanic Garden with Nature Waves, an outdoor sound bathing experience designed to encourage relaxation and mindfulness. Led by certified sound healer Andrea Morales, the session incorporates singing bowls, gongs and chimes in a serene garden setting.
Guests should bring a yoga mat, blanket or other comfortable item to lie on, as the experience takes place on the grass. Afterward, attendees can enjoy complimentary matcha and continue exploring the Garden.
Tickets are $42 for members and $45 for non-members. Find more details and purchase tickets here.
An Evening Submerged: The Art of Marineland
Sunday, September 6 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Marineland Ballroom at Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes
Step into a unique piece of Palos Verdes history during an evening celebrating the work of artist and diver Addison Loomis. His complete collection of underwater paintings will be displayed together for only the second time in the past decade, offering guests a rare opportunity to see the works in one setting.
Loomis created the paintings while diving off the coast at the former Marineland of the Pacific, capturing marine life from beneath the surface. During the event, his son, Scott Loomis, will share stories about his father’s work and the Addison Rockwell Loomis Foundation. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit local marine mammal care organizations. Get tickets here.
Malaga Cove Art on the Lawn Show
Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates
Spend the weekend browsing original works by local artists at the Malaga Cove Art on the Lawn Show, presented by artist groups affiliated with the Palos Verdes Art Center.
The outdoor show features a wide range of work, including paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, prints and wearable art. Held at scenic Malaga Cove Plaza, the event offers an easy way to support local artists while enjoying one of Palos Verdes Estates’ most recognizable gathering spots.
Macrame Workshop: Knot Your Bottle
Sunday, September 13 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and 2:00–4:00 PM
South Coast Botanic Garden
Spend a creative afternoon at South Coast Botanic Garden during this hands-on macrame workshop. Participants will learn several basic knotting techniques while making a crossbody holder designed to carry a variety of water bottle sizes.
Each guest will receive a reusable 24-ounce South Coast Botanic Garden stainless steel water bottle, along with a Botanical Berry & Coconut Water beverage. By the end of the workshop, attendees will leave with their finished piece and a few new macrame skills to try at home.
Tickets are $43 for members and $46 for non-members. Find more details and purchase tickets here.
Canvas Music Project with Cuarteto Peregrino
Saturday, September 19 | 3:00–4:00 PM
Peninsula Center Library, Community Room
Experience an afternoon where music and visual art come together during a special performance by Colombian chamber music ensemble Cuarteto Peregrino. As the musicians perform, artists will create paintings live in response to the music, giving guests a unique look at two art forms unfolding side by side.
Audience members will also have an opportunity to participate in the creative process and paint along with the performance. Cuarteto Peregrino brings together internationally trained musicians who combine chamber music with a strong focus on education, cultural exchange and connecting with communities through the arts. Find more details here.
Movie in the Park: The Lion King
Saturday, September 19 | Activities Begin at 6:00 PM
Eastview Park, Rancho Palos Verdes
Bring a blanket, low beach chair and picnic dinner for an outdoor showing of The Lion King at Eastview Park. Pre-movie activities begin at 6:00 PM, with the movie starting at dusk. Complimentary popcorn, lawn games, giveaways and a raffle will be part of the evening.
Toast on the Coast
Saturday, September 26 | 4:00–9:00 PM
Lower Malaga Cove, 300 Paseo del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates
Toast on the Coast returns this September at a new location on the district field at Lower Malaga Cove. One of the Peninsula’s largest outdoor celebrations, the event brings together local restaurants, wineries, breweries and community supporters for an evening benefiting the Peninsula Education Foundation.
Guests can enjoy unlimited food and beverage tastings, live music, shopping, games, interactive experiences and both live and silent auctions. This year’s entertainment includes Juice Boxx Heroes, Shabingus and headliner Saved by the 90s. Proceeds support PEF programs benefiting more than 10,000 students across all 17 Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District schools, including music, physical education, counseling, STEM programs, library support and teacher grants.
General admission, VIP and private cabana ticket options are available. Find more details here.
Toast on the CoastFrom art and music to outdoor movies, wellness experiences and community celebrations, September offers plenty of ways to enjoy the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Whether you are discovering a piece of local history, supporting local artists and schools or simply looking for something new to do, there is no shortage of events to enjoy throughout the month.