Venice Beach in Southern California is arguably the most famous beach in the world. Everyone knows about it and hearing the words ‘Venice Beach’ conjures images of a flawless beach, glorious sunshine and lots of beautiful people relaxing in the California heat. But, Venice Beach has a lot more to offer than this and there are so many exciting activities in Venice Beach to keep visitors occupied.
Regular Events
Venice Beach has an exciting night life, and every Thursday is the Twilight Dance Series and sees a free outdoor concert held at the Santa Monica Pier. On the third Thursday of every month, Venice is turned into a living art gallery as local businesses and residents host art exhibits and live music. It’s a unique experience created to bring the community together.
Venice Beach is famous for its sporting activities, and The Venice Beach Basketball league plays every Sunday at the famous basketball courts. It’s the most intense streetball league in the world, so come along and support your favorite team.
Summer Events – Sports
Activities in Venice Beach step up a gear in the summer. From late July to early September, there is a different event happening. Venice Beach is never short of activities, but during the summer there is so much to do that you won’t know where to start!
On August 13th and 14th, the Handball 3 Wall Big Ball Doubles tournament is held. This is handball in an outdoor court with no back wall and is a tricky twist on the regular four wall handball courts.
The ASA Super Girl Jam comes to Venice Beach on August 17th-22nd as 100 of the top female athletes in the world will compete at the skate park. They will compete in both skateboarding and snowboarding competitions, and the Super Girl Jam is the biggest and most testing event of its type.
High school basketball takes over Venice Beach on August 25th to 28th, as the ESPN Rise basketball events come to town. Come and see the future stars of the NBA battling it out on the Venice Beach courts.
One of the most activities in Venice Beach is the bodybuilding of Muscle Beach. Arnold Schwarzenegger found fame there, and the tradition of bodybuilding on the beach continues with the Labor Day Figure and Body Building championships. Is there anywhere better for a bodybuilding competition than Venice Beach, in the shadows of the world famous Gold’s Gym?
On September 8th and 9th, the United States Paddle Tennis Association will hold its US Open Singles Championship. Paddle tennis is played on a smaller court than regular tennis and with paddles instead of string rackets. The smaller court produces a faster paced, reaction based game and is exciting to watch.
Summer Events – Music
In early August is the Venice Beach Music Festival. Music of all genres, from bluegrass to heavy metal are represented and it’s a free day full of fun, music and sun. Previous years have also seen art shows, dancers and belly dancers entertain the visitors to the festival. It is funded purely by the local businesses in Venice Beach and is fun for all the family.
If you like your music to be more gospel then the Disciples on the Move ministry will be holding a rally in Venice Beach on August 11th.
Whatever your interests are, there are plenty of activities in Venice Beach to cater to everyone. Whether it is sports, music or simply lazing on the beach, there is something for every visitor.
