13 Events You Don’t Want To Miss In May By Writer and Contributor Emily McGinn

Spring is in full swing and with it, new events are sprouting up across the Hill. Make sure to mark your calendars for these events you don’t want to miss.

Pastel Society of Southern California’s 16th Annual Members’ Show


Experience artwork from both local and nationally recognized pastel artists at this annual spring show. The Pastel Society of Southern California will be displaying pieces from its members and inviting the public to participate in viewing. There will also be art pieces available for purchase. The exhibit will range from May 1-10, with a Gala Awards Reception on May 3 from 1-4 p.m. Find more information here.

When: May 1-4, and May 8-9, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; May 10, 11:00 a.m. to noon

Where: Riviera United Methodist Church, 375 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach, Calif.

Price: Free


Beach Life Festival

This Redondo Beach weekend music festival will feature a lineup including Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, Alanis Morissette and Train. You can find more information and snag tickets here.

When: May 2-4

Where: 250 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Price: Starting at $199

Spotlight on Singer-Songwriters


A collaboration between the Grand Vision Foundation and Blackbird Record Label will feature five-time LA Music Awards winner Manda Mosher, Dead Rock West, Silas Nello and Pi Jacobs. Expect country music with some punk, rock and soul twists. There will also be a pre-concert wine tasting available (need to purchase separate tickets).

Find more information and purchase tickets here.

When: May 3 at 8 p.m.

Where: The Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th St., San Pedro CA

Price: Tickets start at $28


Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay Presents Classics to Broadway

This event at the Norris Theater will offer an array of classical music selections from Broadway to film performed by the Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay, conducted by Hector Salazar. Expect selections from “Oklahoma!”, “Wicked” and “West Side Story,” among others.

Find ticket information here.

When: May 4 at 4 p.m.

Where: Norris Theater, 27570 Norris Center Dr, Rolling Hills Estates, CA

Price: $64


Boogie Woogie Ballroom Spring Gala

Presented by the Peninsula Committee LA Philharmonic, this event will have Big Band Era music, wine, dinner and dancing. Proceeds will go to support the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and its community outreach programs. Find more information and buy tickets here.


When: May 4, 6-10 p.m.

Where: Doubletree Hotel, 2800 Via Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, CA  90731

Price: $200


Malaga Cove Art on the Lawn Show

The Palos Verdes Art Center will feature art pieces from local artists, including paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photography, wearable art, and prints. Find more information here.


When: May 10-11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Malaga Cove Plaza

Price: Free


Las Candalistas Spring Fundraiser: Cruising Together for the Better

This Las Candalistas event will support the Cancer Support Community South Bay, Manes for Movement and Providence TrinityKids Care Hospice Foundation. This cruise-themed event will feature an Art at Sea Auction, a silent auction, an International Cheese Station, a wine and spirit pull and a buffet. Check out more information and buy tickets here.

When: May 10, 5-9:30 p.m.

Where: Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, 501 Indian Peak Rd., Rolling Hills Estates

Price: $150


Mother’s Day at South Coast Botanic Garden

South Coast Botanic Garden (SCBG) is offering bespoke picnics for Mother’s Day. Designed for four people, the picnic comes with a box with a variety of bite-sized snacks, cured meats, cheeses and dessert.

“These picnics are a perfect way to make Mom feel special without having to take on the stress of planning it all yourself!” the website states.

SOAR, SCBG’s live butterfly exhibit, will also be open, and hours for the gardens will be extended to 7 p.m. on Mother’s Day. Find more information here.

When: May 11

Where: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Price: Starting at $550 for the picnic


PSPA Presents “Don Quixote”

The Peninsula School of Performing Arts will bring a three-act ballet of “Don Quixote” to the Norris Theater. It will feature more than 60 local children, adults and young dancers.

Find ticket details here.

When: May 16-18 (at varying times)

Where: Norris Theater, 27570 Norris Center Dr, Rolling Hills Estates, CA

Price: $40 for adults, $30 for seniors, $20 for children


Rotary Responders Roundup Honoring Our Hometown Heroes

The Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula is honoring first responders with this event. Expect a Western-themed night featuring games, live country music, a BBQ dinner, live dancing lessons, cow pie bingo, a no-host saloon and a silent auction.

Find more details and get tickets here.

When: May 17, 5-10 p.m.

Where: 39 Empty Saddle Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA

Price: $150


Classics by the Sea Concert

St. Peter’s By the Sea will offer a classical music concert, featuring music by Beethoven, Debussy and Granados. It will feature Priyanka Venkatesh on violin, Ariel Pisturino as soprano and Valerie Stern on piano. Find more information here.

When: May 17, 7-9 p.m.

Where: 6410 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Price: Free


Community Helpline’s Community Fair & Fun Run

Community Helpline is a crisis and support helpline designed to support mental health and help those in crisis. The fun run will take place at the Palos Verdes Peninsula High School track. There will also be local food vendors, games, activities and information about mental health resources.

Register and buy tickets here.

When: May 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Palos Verdes Peninsula High School track

Price: Tickets start at $17.50


Community Voices: An AAPI Film Festival

Hosted by the Peninsula Center Library, this film festival will feature short films by senior and amateur Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) filmmakers. Each director uses different storytelling techniques to share their perspective on AAPI heritage. There will also be a Q&A session with the directors after the screening. Find more information here.

When: May 31, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA

Price: Free



Bio:

Emily McGinn is a journalist based in the Los Angeles area. She enjoys reporting on and writing about a variety of topics from lifestyle to news, especially in her areas of specialty, environmental science and political science.