A Calendar of Exciting Happenings in Pacific Palisades

Occupying a brilliant, sun-drenched stretch of California coastline, 20 minutes west of Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades offers its residents one of L.A. County's most bucolic residential experiences. Affluent neighborhoods spread across lush, manicured yards and scenic hardscrabble canyons. It's bookended by two of the region's most popular outdoor destinations — the Will Rogers Beach State Park along the Pacific coast and the Will Rogers State Historic Park north of the neighborhood.

More than a collection of spectacular homes, Pacific Palisades is a genuine community — long-term residents, active neighborhood associations, A-list homeowners who actually live here versus owning investments, and a vital, well-preserved historical footprint that's the foundation for the area's thriving cultural scene.

As you would expect with the most vibrant of communities, the Palisades regularly plays host to a dazzling array of gatherings, get-togethers, and fun, family-oriented things to do.

Below are the area's most beloved events and experiences, a mix of the high-end and low-key, the internationally known, and the local favorites that enhance the unparalleled experience of living in Pacific Palisades.

The Pacific Palisades July 4th Celebration, set amidst the charming streets of Palisades Village, is a favorite of the community calendar. This beloved annual event, having marked its 75th anniversary with a grand "Diamond Jubilee" in 2023, always delivers on what makes the Palisades such an extraordinary place to live. Families gather under the California sun to honor America's birthday with a myriad of activities that embody community spirit and celebration.

The day is packed with festive highlights, including an iconic 1-mile parade with a stint on Sunset Boulevard, dazzling fireworks, and an array of live music performances. Adding to the excitement are the Will Rogers 5K & 10K Run, a special kids' fun run, and unique contests like the Kids on Bikes parade segment, Patriotic Pups, and the Most Patriotic Home competition. The neighborhood's notable A-list roster of residents, several of whom have served as parade Grand Marshals, also got involved.

The Pacific Palisades Farmers Market stands out as a singular community event that doesn't just bring neighbors together annually — like the July 4th Celebration — but does so every weekend. Each Sunday, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, the market unfolds near Swarthmore Avenue and Sunset Boulevard at the northern gateway of Palisades Village.

Deeply rooted in L.A. County's agriculture legacy, the market connects residents with the top regional farms, food purveyors, artists, and specialty vendors. This market offers a splendid opportunity for families to embrace community spirit while sourcing the week's freshest produce. Alongside various fruits and vegetables, the market also boasts a dedicated section for fresh, healthy, prepared foods. It's a weekly celebration of L.A.'s rich agricultural roots, bringing together the Palisades community in a vibrant, family-friendly setting.

Whenever the opportunity arises to explore the Getty Villa, one should seize it. A satellite campus of the J. Paul Getty Museum in neighboring Brentwood, the Getty Villa is an extraordinary destination. Built in 1974 and modeled after the Villa dei Papiri at Herculaneum, a Roman country estate, the Villa served as the Getty Museum's first official home. Including its impressive architecture, lush outdoor gardens, sculptures, fountains, and reflecting pool, the remarkable collection of artworks ranges from 6,500 BC to 400 AD and features over 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities.

More than a museum, The Getty Villa is a vibrant cultural hub offering various programs, activities, and events throughout the year. From engaging exhibitions and theater performances in their outdoor classical theater to educational workshops and lectures, there's always something new to discover. Admission and tours are free but require a timed-entry reservation made in advance.

Finally, for sporting enthusiasts, there's nothing quite like witnessing a polo match in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains in the midst of one of California's most beautiful state parks. Overlooking Pacific Palisades, the Will Rogers Polo Club blends sport, history, and leisure into one of the region's most unique, must-see activities. Located within the gorgeous Will Rogers State Historical Park, this polo club is not just the last remaining polo field in Los Angeles but also a vibrant reminder of Southern California's rich equestrian history.

Visitors are welcome at the Will Rogers Polo Club and can witness the thrilling and elegant game of polo free of charge. The club hosts regular matches during its five-month, late spring to early fall season. For those who want the whole experience of watching a match as nobility would, shaded tables and an opportunity to mingle with players are available for purchase. The club also welcomes organizations to use match days as a backdrop to private events, and the state park is always open before or after matches.

If you're interested in discovering even more about the Pacific Palisades lifestyle, contact the O'Connor Estates team today to start your real estate journey and explore Pacific Palisades luxury homes in one of Southern California's most celebrated and sought-after luxury real estate markets.