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BeachLife Buzz, Glow Rides & Mother’s Day Weekend
Here’s what’s happening, May 7 through May 13
Jaime J
May 07, 2026
Hello South Bay!
We’re just coming off an incredible BeachLife Festival weekend, and the energy is still lingering along the coast. If you missed any of it, or just want to relive the best moments, our full BeachLife recap is live now on our site. You can read it here.
May is rolling right along, and this week is packed with the kind of local mix we love. There are surf contests, glowing bike rides through Hermosa, high energy stunt dogs taking over the stage, garden outings, community fundraisers, family events, Mother’s Day plans, and a few easy ways to slow down and enjoy the South Bay.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, supporting a cause, catching live music, or making plans for Mom, there’s plenty happening close to home.
Here’s what’s going on 👇
🗓️ This Week in My South Bay
Friday, May 8
🌿 Friday Fun @ Madrona Marsh Preserve, Torrance
🎭 Because You’re Mine @ James Armstrong Theatre, Torrance
📚 Live Your Best Life Author Series @ Redondo Beach Center for Spiritual Living, Redondo Beach
Saturday, May 9
🏄 Surf Series Event #8: Spyder Surf @ Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach
🚀 Day of Kites and Rockets @ Coastal San Pedro, San Pedro
🚒 Fire Service Day 2026 @ Rolling Hills Estates
📚 Friends of the Redondo Beach Library Book Sale @ Redondo Beach Main Library, Redondo Beach
🎶 DayBreak: A Tribute to Barry Manilow @ Norris Theatre, Rolling Hills Estates
🚲 12th Annual Hermosa Beach Glow Ride @ Hermosa Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach
🐕 Stunt Dog Experience @ James Armstrong Theatre, Torrance
✨ Mother’s Day Wellness Social @ Sandbox Fitness Club, Torrance
🖼️ Malaga Cove Art on the Lawn Show @ Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates
🎗️ Relay For Life of Torrance @ Downtown Torrance, Torrance
🌸 Botanical Keepsakes: Pressed Flower Frames @ South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula
🌙 Night Hike @ Madrona Marsh Preserve, Torrance
Sunday, May 10
🎀 Mother’s Day at South Coast Botanic Garden @ South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula
🖼️ Malaga Cove Art on the Lawn Show @ Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates
🚲 12th Annual Hermosa Beach Glow Ride
📍 Hermosa Beach Pier, 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach
🕒 Saturday, May 9 | 5:30PM to 7:30PM
💰 Ticketed | All Ages
One of the brightest community events of the week returns to Hermosa Beach. Riders decorate their bikes with lights, color, and plenty of personality before cruising the Strand for a good cause. It is festive, local, family friendly, and a great way to support Claire’s Place Foundation while enjoying a spring night by the water.
🔹 Glow themed bike ride along the Strand
🔹 Supports families living with cystic fibrosis
🔹 Creative lights and costumes encouraged
🎶 DayBreak: A Tribute to Barry Manilow
📍 Norris Theatre, 27510 Norris Center Dr, Rolling Hills Estates
🕒 Saturday, May 9 | 8PM
💰 Ticketed | All Ages
Barry Manilow fans can settle in for a full night of familiar favorites at the Norris Theatre. DayBreak brings the big vocals, nostalgic energy, and sing along moments that make a tribute show feel like a true night out. It is a polished Saturday pick for anyone who wants music, memories, and an easy local venue.
🔹 Tribute to Barry Manilow’s biggest hits
🔹 Saturday night performance at Norris Theatre
🔹 Great for longtime fans and music lovers
🐕 Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience
📍 James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance
🕒 Saturday, May 9 | 2PM and 6PM
💰 Ticketed | All Ages
This high energy show brings rescue dogs to the stage for a performance full of tricks, agility, music, and crowd interaction. It is the kind of event that works for kids, parents, and anyone who loves seeing talented pups do something amazing. With two showtimes on Saturday, it is an easy family pick for the weekend.
🔹 Features trained rescue dog performers
🔹 Fast paced tricks, jumps, and agility stunts
🔹 Two Saturday showtimes available
🖼️ Malaga Cove Art on the Lawn Show
📍 Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates
🕒 Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10 | 10AM - 5PM
💰 Free | All Ages
Spend part of Mother’s Day weekend wandering through local art in one of the prettiest settings on the Peninsula. Artists set up outdoors on the lawn with paintings, handcrafted pieces, and unique finds that make for a relaxed weekend stroll. It is simple, scenic, and very South Bay.
🔹 Outdoor art show in Malaga Cove
🔹 Local artists and original work
🔹 Great casual Mother’s Day weekend outing
🎭 Because You’re Mine
📍 James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance
🕒 Friday, May 8 | 8:00 PM
💰 Ticketed | All Ages
This Friday night performance celebrates the music and story of Johnny Cash and June Carter. Expect classic songs, a live band feel, and a nostalgic night built around one of country music’s most beloved duos. It is a strong pick for anyone looking for an easy local night out.
🔹 Tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter
🔹 Live music with classic country favorites
🔹 Friday night theater outing in Torrance
📍 Redondo Beach Center for Spiritual Living, 907 Knob Hill Ave, Redondo Beach
🕒 Friday, May 8 | 6:30PM to 8:30PM
💰 Free | Adults (Teens Welcome)
Author and speaker Rafael McMaster brings an evening focused on emotional well being, inspiration, and personal growth. The event is part of the Live Your Best Life series and gives locals a chance to gather for a thoughtful Friday night conversation. It is a nice option if you are looking for something reflective, uplifting, and community centered.
🔹 Inspirational author and speaker event
🔹 Focus on emotional well being
🔹 Complimentary admission with registration
🚀 Day of Kites and Rockets
📍 The Friendship Bell Pavilion, 3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro
🕒 Saturday, May 9 | 9AM – 3PM
💰 Free | All Ages
Celebrate a day of culture, community, and outdoor fun at this vibrant San Pedro event honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Families can enjoy kite flying, rocket themed activities, and a lively atmosphere by the Friendship Bell, with a special bell ringing ceremony at noon. It is a great mix of tradition, play, and coastal views.
🔹 Kite flying and hands-on activities for kids
🔹 Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month and Children’s Day
🔹 Bell ringing ceremony at noon
🚒 Fire Service Day 2026
📍 Fire Station 106, 27413 Indian Peak Rd, Rolling Hills Estates
🕒 Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
💰 Free | All Ages
Get a behind the scenes look at your local fire station during this community open house. Families can explore fire trucks, meet firefighters, and learn more about the work that keeps the South Bay safe every day. It is hands on, informative, and a great stop for kids and adults alike.
🔹 Tour a real working fire station
🔹 Meet local firefighters and see equipment up close
🔹 Part of LA County Fire Service Day
🌿 Friday Fun at Madrona Marsh Preserve
📍 Madrona Marsh Preserve, Torrance
🕒 Friday, May 8 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
💰 Free | For Pre-Schoolers Ages 3-6
Start the weekend with a calm nature outing at one of Torrance’s most unique open spaces. Madrona Marsh is a peaceful place to explore, learn, and slow down for a bit, especially before the weekend calendar gets busy. It is a simple local option for families, nature lovers, and anyone who wants a little fresh air.
🔹 Limited to 20 People
🔹 Great low key Friday outing
🔹 Located at Madrona Marsh Preserve
🎗️ Relay For Life of Torrance
📍 Downtown Torrance, Torrance
🕒 Saturday, May 9 | 9:30AM- 8:00PM
💰 Fundraising Event | All Ages
Relay For Life brings the community together to honor, remember, and support those affected by cancer. It is one of those local events that matters because of the people behind it, with teams, families, survivors, and neighbors showing up for a cause that touches so many. Stop by, participate, or simply show support if you are in the area.
🔹 Community fundraiser in Downtown Torrance
🔹 Supports cancer research and survivor programs
🔹 Open to teams, supporters, and local families
🌸 Botanical Keepsakes: Pressed Flower Frames
📍 South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula
🕒 Saturday, May 9 | 11AM - 12:30PM and 1:30PM - 3PM
💰 Ticketed | Registration Required
This hands on garden workshop is a sweet Mother’s Day weekend activity with a creative twist. Guests make pressed flower frames using botanical materials, turning a relaxed garden visit into something personal to take home. It is a lovely option for anyone who wants something more memorable than the usual weekend outing.
🔹 Pressed flower frame workshop
🔹 Creative garden inspired keepsake
🔹 Great Mother’s Day weekend activity
🏄 Surf Series Event #8: Spyder Surf
📍 Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach
🕒 Saturday, May 9 | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
💰 Check Site | All Ages
Surf energy hits Manhattan Beach with a full day of competition at the pier. Whether you are following the surfers or just want to stop by while walking the Strand, this is a classic South Bay scene. Expect beach crowds, local talent, and plenty of action in the water.
🔹 Surf competition at Manhattan Beach Pier
🔹 Full day beach event
🔹 Great for spectators and surf fans
📚 Friends of the Redondo Beach Library Book Sale
📍 Redondo Beach Main Library, Redondo Beach
🕒 Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
💰 Check Site | All Ages
Book lovers can browse a local sale while supporting the Redondo Beach Library. It is a simple Saturday stop with the chance to find something new for your nightstand, your kids, or your beach bag. Events like this are easy to love because they support a good local resource while keeping things casual.
🔹 Local library book sale
🔹 Supports Friends of the Redondo Beach Library
🔹 Great stop for readers and families
🌙 Night Hike at Madrona Marsh Preserve
📍 Madrona Marsh Preserve, Torrance
🕒 Saturday, May 9 | 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
💰 Ticketed | All Ages
See Madrona Marsh in a different light with an evening nature walk through the preserve. Night hikes are a special way to experience the quiet side of Torrance, with cooler air, changing sounds, and a slower pace than a daytime visit. It is a great pick for curious kids, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a calm Saturday night plan.
🔹 Guided evening hike
🔹 Unique after dark preserve experience
🔹 Family friendly outdoor activity
🎀 Mother’s Day at South Coast Botanic Garden
📍 South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula
🕒 Sunday, May 10 | Various Times
💰 Admission Required | All Ages
For a slower, prettier Mother’s Day plan, South Coast Botanic Garden is always a good idea. The garden offers open space, seasonal blooms, photo spots, and plenty of room to wander without feeling rushed. Pair it with SOAR Tropical Butterflies for a sweet local outing that feels thoughtful without being overcomplicated.
🔹 Beautiful garden setting for Mother’s Day
🔹 Seasonal flowers and scenic walking paths
🔹 SOAR Tropical Butterflies is also running
📍 Sandbox Fitness Club, 2551 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance
🕒 Saturday, May 9 | 3PM - 5PM
💰 Ticketed | Adults
Treat Mom, or yourself, to an afternoon built around wellness, connection, and a little pre Mother’s Day reset. This local social brings together movement, mindfulness, and community in a relaxed setting. It is a nice way to carve out time before Sunday and celebrate the moms who do so much.
🔹 Wellness focused afternoon in Torrance
🔹 Relaxed pre Mother’s Day gathering
🔹 Great for moms, friends, and local connection
📸 South Bay Snapshot
One quick beach walk somehow turned into an hour
That's it for this week,
The BeachLife buzz is still in the air and the South Bay isn't slowing down. Clear skies and mid-60s all weekend, which means no excuses. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.
If you know someone who'd love this, send it their way.
See you out there,
Jaime,
@MySouthbay
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