August Events in Marina del Rey and Santa Monica

By August, the Westside has its own pace. Beach traffic is still part of the deal, evenings near the water stay busy, and the best plans usually come down to timing. In Marina del Rey, that means getting to Burton Chace Park before the lawn fills up. In Santa Monica, it means choosing one part of the city and letting that be the plan.

Marina del Rey August Events and Local Ideas

The strongest August event in Marina del Rey is the free Summer Concert Series at Burton Chace Park. The 2026 August lineup includes Marina del Rey Symphony performing a Video Game Soundtrack concert on Saturday, August 1, Monsieur Periné on Saturday, August 8, and D Smoke with Carl Thomas on Saturday, August 15 (Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series).

These nights are popular because the harbor does most of the work. Bring a blanket, pack dinner or pick up takeout nearby, and plan for traffic around Admiralty Way, Mindanao Way, and the county parking lots. RSVP is recommended for updates, but entry and seating are first come, first served.

A few Marina del Rey ideas that work well in August:

• Burton Chace Park concerts: Best for music, harbor views, and an easy evening outside.

• Burton Chace Park before sunset: A low-key stop even without a concert. Walk the path, sit by the harbor, and let the kids move around before dinner.

• Mother’s Beach: A practical daytime pick for families with younger kids because the water is calmer than the open beach (LA County Marina del Rey Events & Programs).

• Waterfront dining or a harbor cruise: A good add-on near Fisherman’s Village, Waterside, or Admiralty Way when you want the Marina feel without making the beach the whole day (Visit Marina del Rey).

Santa Monica August Events and Things to Do

Santa Monica has a different August rhythm. Tongva Park is a good place to start because the city is running Tongva Twilight: Sounds & Cinema on Saturday evenings. The series begins Saturday, August 8 at 7 p.m. and continues into September with live music, outdoor films, and family-friendly evenings in Downtown Santa Monica (Tongva Twilight).

For families with kids, Splash Night at the Santa Monica Swim Center on Friday, August 14 offers floats, water activities, and a relaxed summer evening. Regular admission fees apply, and no registration is required (Splash Night).

For something quieter, Case Study: Adapt at Santa Monica City Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., through September 19. The exhibit features architectural models connected to homes designed for families affected by the 2025 Pacific Palisades and Altadena fires.