September Events in the Marina: Outdoor Movie Nights, Dancing and More
From open-air movies under the stars to food truck feasts and dance parties by the sea, this is the month to savor Marina del Rey, L.A.'s beloved waterfront playground. Whether you’re a local who knows the marina like the back of your hand or a first-time visitor discovering its charms, the September calendar is brimming with ways to celebrate an endless summer.
1. Friday Fun: Ride the Summer WaterBus for $1
Every Friday in September from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., you can still glide across the sparkling marina aboard the Summer WaterBus—for just $1 per person, cash only. Or click here to buy tickets in advance online. Hop on and off at eight convenient stops, enjoying the fresh sea air and scenic views as you explore waterfront restaurants, parks, and attractions.
P.S. The WaterBus will also run during Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
2. Sip & Savor by the Sea: Whiskey Tasting at SALT
This September in Marina del Rey Hotel's seaside restaurant, SALT, bourbon fans can enjoy an evening with Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas. The event includes a welcome cocktail, small bites, and guided tastings led by the makers, highlighting their acclaimed small-batch whiskeys such as Cowboy Bourbon® and Guadalupe. Tickets are $87 per person (plus tax), offering a straightforward way to learn about and enjoy award-winning bourbon in a marina-side setting.
3. Relax Under the Stars at Marina Movie Nights
For a more laid-back vibe, Marina Movie Nights at Burton Chace Park offer family-friendly films under the stars every Saturday until September 27. Gather your friends and loved ones, grab some snacks, and settle in for a magical movie experience with the marina as your backdrop. Free admission! Click here to view the 2025 movie schedule.
4. Taste Your Way through Beach Eats Every Thursday
Foodies will find their happy place at Beach Eats on Thursdays, 5-9 p.m., where a rotating lineup of LA’s best food trucks parks at Mother’s Beach. Grab gourmet bites, enjoy artisan desserts, and watch the sun set behind the yachts. It’s equal parts foodie heaven and classic SoCal evening hangout.
5. Find Your Rhythm at Marina Drum Circles
On Sunday afternoons this fall (continuing through October 19), Burton Chace Park bursts with rhythm as locals and visitors alike gather on the sand for interactive drum circles. Choose from two sessions: 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. First-time drummers all the way to seasoned percussionists are welcometo join in the fun—or just sit back and soak up the contagious energy. Free admission!
6. Live Music at Waterfront Restaurants
Marina del Rey’s waterfront dining scene comes alive with music and entertainment all week long, making it a perfect spot to pair a great meal with even better vibes. On Fridays, The Warehouse Restaurant keeps the energy high with salsa lessons and dancing, while Brizo Bar & Restaurant sets the tone with a live DJ on both Friday and Saturday nights at its Terrace Deck.
Catch live music during happy hours at SALT and Beachside Restaurant & Bar on select evenings. Whiskey Red’s keeps weekends lively with a DJ spinning during brunch. And enjoy live music and burlesque performances at Killer Yacht Club, rounding out a diverse lineup of sounds by the sea.
7. Dance Under the Stars at Dance MDR
Every Friday evening in September, Burton Chace Park transforms into a vibrant open-air dance floor. Presented by the LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors, Dance MDR invites everyone—from seasoned dancers to absolute beginners—to move to lively beats with the marina as your backdrop. Pack a picnic, bring a friend, and let the energy of the waterfront carry you into the weekend. Free admission!
