San Pedro Festival of the Arts 2026 at Peck Park

San Pedro gets a full afternoon of dance on Saturday, September 26, when the San Pedro Festival of the Arts marks its 20th year at Peck Park. Twenty Southern California dance companies take turns on an outdoor stage set up on the park's Upper Green, and admission is free. If you're scanning the list of things to do in Los Angeles this weekend and want something that doesn't involve a parking structure or a cover charge, this is a strong pick.

What's on the program

The lineup runs wide. Expect contemporary pieces next to classical ballet, a jazz set, flamenco, and world dance traditions, plus slots for emerging choreographers and youth ensembles. That mix is the point. You might watch a teen company finish its first public piece and then see a seasoned troupe that has played this lawn for years.

The festival is presented by Los Angeles Choreographers & Dancers. Louise Reichlin, the company's longtime leader, is Executive Producer and Director of Dance, and her own group, Louise Reichlin & Dancers, is the one pictured above in a past edition: white costumes, a red net, and a badminton racket mid-leap. It gives you a sense of the playful streak that runs through a lot of the work here.

Why it's worth the drive to the harbor

Twenty years is a long run for a free, grant-supported dance festival. Support comes in part from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture, and from a City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs grant. Public money like that keeps the gate open to everyone, and it shows in the crowd: families, dance students, neighbors on an afternoon walk.

Peck Park itself is one of San Pedro's bigger green spaces, with mature trees shading the lawn. The organizers suggest bringing a picnic blanket, which is good advice. You'll be sitting on grass for a while.

Practical info

• When: Saturday, September 26, 2026. Discover Los Angeles lists the performances from 1:00pm to 4:30pm.
• Where: The Upper Green at Peck Park, 560 N Western Ave, San Pedro.
• Cost: Free, all ages welcome, per the event listing.
• Bring: A blanket or low chair, sunscreen, water and snacks. Late September in San Pedro can still run warm in the afternoon.

The park sits on Western Avenue, so the drive from the 110 is short. Arriving before 1pm makes it easier to find street parking and a decent spot on the lawn.

For more upcoming events Los Angeles has on the calendar, browse our festivals listings or everything tagged Los Angeles. Full festival details are on the organizer's site and the Discover Los Angeles events calendar.