The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair has been a quintessential South Bay fall event since 1972, and it’s finally back this weekend around Live Oak Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4, 2026. The event is known to draw more than 80,000 attendees, and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some hometown history and tons of family activities.
The fair began more than five decades ago, when Manhattan Beach residents organized the original “Old Hometown Fair” to bring neighbors together. The premise remains to this day, with local nonprofits, volunteers, artists, performers, and families hosting an old-school community fair that’s completely free to attend.
Proceeds and donations from the volunteer-run event go right into local scholarships, school programs, and organizations—in fact, the fair says those activities raise “well over $100,000 annually” for nonprofits.
The weekend kicks off with the traditional parade on Saturday morning at 10 am, led by local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and students. The rest of the weekend is packed with activities and attractions, including:
- 180+ vendor booths with handcrafted items including home decor, jewelry, clothing, pet accessories, and more
- Several dozen food booths serving everything from Hawaiian shaved ice to pizza
- Shady beer and wine garden with proceeds benefiting local youth charities
- Paid and free games, including a dunk tank, skee-ball, and kids races
- “Kid Country” area with free petting zoo, inflatables, magic shows, and wild animal shows
- Two entertainment stages featuring local talent, including a Battle of the Bands
Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair at a glance
📍 Location: Live Oak Park and the surrounding fairgrounds on Valley Drive between 15th and 21st Streets, including Dorsey Field and the Joslyn Center, Manhattan Beach.
📅 Dates: Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, 2026.
⏰ Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
🎟️ Admission: Free.
🌐 More information: Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair
