You’ve seen the big block lettering banners on the corner of Venice and Abbot Kinney but If you’ve never heard of a grunion run, let us explain:
Every spring and summer, these silvery little fish (called grunion) come right out of the ocean and onto our beaches to lay their eggs in the sand. It’s wild, it’s wiggly, and it’s 100% awesome!
What Are Grunion?
Grunion are small, silvery fish native to the California coast. They are known for their unique spawning behavior, where they ride the waves onto sandy beaches to lay eggs during high tides at night. This phenomenon, known as a "grunion run," offers a rare opportunity to observe marine life up close.
What to Expect
The Venice Oceanarium - led by a local beach lover, Tim Rudnick, who’s basically the fish whisperer - is hosting a special grunion run night on Friday, June 13th. He’ll share the science, the stories, and the fun behind these nocturnal fishy visitors.
Tips for Families
When? It happens LATE - usually around 10PM, depending on the tides.
Where? Venice Beach Breakwater — exact spot TBA - we usually start at the Venice Pier and walk north.
Why it’s cool: Your kids will see nature in action (and get to stay up way past bedtime!).
Tim Rudnick
Tim is a local treasure with a passion for sharing the magic of our coastline. He’s been leading beach walks and ocean adventures for years, turning curious kids (and grown-ups) into ocean lovers one tidepool at a time. His style is fun, low-key, and super engaging — he makes you feel like a kid again, even if you’re just tagging along with yours!
Bring a flashlight (it gets really dark out there!).
Dress in layers - that ocean breeze can get chilly.
Pack a blanket or beach chair if you plan to settle in for the show.
Keep your kids up with a late nap or maybe a fun treat (s’mores on the beach, anyone?).
Can You Eat Grunion?
Technically… yes! But in California, you need a valid fishing license and must follow strict rules. Plus, most people just watch them - it’s more about the experience than the eating!
Why It’s Special
This isn’t just about fish - it’s about community and wonder. Tim from the Venice Oceanarium is a local gem: he’s funny, patient with questions, and knows a ton about our beach ecosystem.
2026 Grunion Run Schedule
All times are predicted windows for Cabrillo Beach (LA County). For Venice/Santa Monica, runs may occur a few minutes later. The best runs normally happen on the second and third nights of each series. (Full schedule from CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife)
March (Open Season)
Tuesday, March 3: 9:35 p.m. – 11:35 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4: 10:00 p.m. – Midnight
Thursday, March 5: 10:25 p.m. – 12:25 a.m.
Friday, March 6: 10:50 p.m. – 12:50 a.m.
Wednesday, March 18: 10:00 p.m. – Midnight
Thursday, March 19: 10:25 p.m. – 12:25 a.m.
Friday, March 20: 10:55 p.m. – 12:55 a.m.
Saturday, March 21: 11:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
April (Closed Season — Observation Only)
Wednesday, April 1: 9:50 p.m. – 11:50 p.m.
Thursday, April 2: 10:10 p.m. – 12:10 a.m.
Friday, April 3: 10:35 p.m. – 12:35 a.m.
Saturday, April 4: 10:55 p.m. – 12:55 a.m.
Friday, April 17: 9:45 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.
Saturday, April 18: 10:20 p.m. – 12:20 a.m.
Sunday, April 19: 11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Monday, April 20: 11:50 p.m. – 1:50 a.m.
May (Closed Season — Observation Only)
Friday, May 1: 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2: 9:55 p.m. – 11:55 p.m.
Sunday, May 3: 10:20 p.m. – 12:20 a.m.
Monday, May 4: 10:50 p.m. – 12:50 a.m.
Saturday, May 16: 9:20 p.m. – 11:20 p.m.
Sunday, May 17: 10:00 p.m. – Midnight
Monday, May 18: 10:50 p.m. – 12:50 a.m.
Tuesday, May 19: 11:40 p.m. – 1:40 a.m.
Sunday, May 31: 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
June (Closed Season — Observation Only)
Monday, June 1: 10:05 p.m. – 12:05 a.m.
Tuesday, June 2: 10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Wednesday, June 3: 11:15 p.m. – 1:15 a.m.
Sunday, June 14: 9:05 p.m. – 11:05 p.m.
Monday, June 15: 9:50 p.m. – 11:50 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16: 10:40 p.m. – 12:40 a.m.
Wednesday, June 17: 11:35 p.m. – 1:35 a.m.
Monday, June 29: 9:20 p.m. – 11:20 p.m.
Tuesday, June 30: 9:55 p.m. – 11:55 p.m.
July (Open Season)
Wednesday, July 1: 10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Thursday, July 2: 11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Tuesday, July 14: 9:45 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.
Wednesday, July 15: 10:35 p.m. – 12:35 a.m.
Thursday, July 16: 11:20 p.m. – 1:20 a.m.
Friday, July 17: 12:10 a.m. – 2:10 a.m.
Wednesday, July 29: 9:45 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.
Thursday, July 30: 10:15 p.m. – 12:15 a.m.
Friday, July 31: 10:50 p.m. – 12:50 a.m.
August (Open Season)
Saturday, August 1: 11:25 p.m. – 1:25 a.m.
Wednesday, August 12: 9:40 p.m. – 11:40 p.m.
Thursday, August 13: 10:20 p.m. – 12:20 a.m.
Friday, August 14: 11:05 p.m. – 1:05 a.m.
Saturday, August 15: 11:50 p.m. – 1:50 a.m.
Friday, August 28: 10:00 p.m. – Midnight
Saturday, August 29: 10:35 p.m. – 12:35 a.m.
Sunday, August 30: 11:20 p.m. – 1:20 a.m.
See you there for this magical, wiggly, ocean-y adventure!
