Your weekly “wait, that’s happening?” digest

LAUSD is back in session on Monday, which makes this weekend a bit of a reset moment. We’ve highlighted a few unique, community-centered events to enjoy before the school week kicks back in—plus the full calendar if you want to plan ahead.

Saturday, January 10 – Sunday, January 16

Weekly Picks

Ecole Claire Fontaine – Clothing and Goods Swap Fundraiser
Sat | Jan 10 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: ECF Venice Campus, 815 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA
More info + RSVP: https://partiful.com/e/PzuNmiZ5yMdQNXIw4lZl?c=v1krJQey

A community-friendly clothing & goods swap hosted by the ECF Parents Committee. Bring clean, gently used items like clothing, books, shoes, bikes, toys, backpacks, helmets and more to trade — and take home what you need! Worn textiles are recycled; leftovers go to a local donation center. Suggested $25/family donation helps support Tasaaga Primary School’s library + playground initiatives and the ECF scholarship fund. Families donating $75+ get priority pick from the ECF merch cart. All are welcome!

Marina del Rey Outrigger Canoe Club Open House
🛶 Sat | Jan 10 – Sun | Jan 11 | ~7:30 am
Try outrigger canoeing with expert paddlers — no experience needed! Great for active families who want to get on the water and try a new sport together.

Polar Bear Plunge at the Annenberg Community Beach House
🐻‍❄️ Sat | Jan 10 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA

Kick off the new year with a refreshing dip in the Pacific! Check-in begins at 10:00 am and the first plunge hits the shoreline around 10:15 am. Participants can choose to simply step in, take a quick splash, or go for the 300-yard swim around a buoy — all in a fun, no-judgment environment. Afterward, warm up in the heated Beach House pool, sip hot chocolate, and snap a photo with Pat the Polar Bear 🐻‍❄️. Lifeguards and safety staff are on hand throughout the event. Pool admission is charged for anyone entering the pool deck or showers.

Paws & Pages at Annenberg PetSpace
📚 Sat | Jan 10 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
A pet-themed storytime + craft session where kids can read to—or meet—adoptable animals. Perfect short outing for animal lovers and little readers.

Venice Street Fair on 3rd Avenue
Sun | Jan 11 | 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Where: 3rd Avenue between Rose Ave & Gjusta Bakery

Bring the whole family out for the monthly Venice Street Fair, returning this Sunday on 3rd Avenue between Rose and Gjusta! It’s a free, family- and pet-friendly block party celebrating local makers and community vibes. Expect handmade art, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, clothing and other locally produced goods, plus food, drinks, and live music that make it feel like a true neighborhood Sunday marketplace. It’s part of a new regular series on the second Sunday of each month that’s all about supporting local creatives and connecting with neighbors while you wander and shop.

Penmar Recreation Center Folklorico Dance Class
💃 Starts Sat | Jan 10 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Beginner-friendly folklórico lessons building coordination and cultural appreciation through Mexican dance. A fun way for kids to move and learn rhythm + tradition.

Penmar Recreation Center Track & Field Skills Training
🏃‍♂️ Wed | Jan 14 | 4:00 pm – 5:45 pm
A kids-focused track & field program teaching running, jumps, relays, hurdles and more — great for budding athletes looking to try a new sport.

Neighbor Spotlight: Mother’s Beach

The water isn’t for swimming (truly, don’t swim in it) but the rest of it... A mellow, easy playground, calm harbor views and sand that’s perfect for digging. And this little corner actually has a lot going on:

  • Grab snacks at The Hive Marina Del Rey before heading to the playground.

  • Coffee and crepes (and beignets!) at Cache

  • On Saturdays, the Marina del Rey Farmers Market pops up right in the parking lot—an easy add-on if you’re already there.

  • Stroller walks, sunset swings, and a spot to sit and breathe for a minute all included.

If you’re looking for an outing that requires no planning, no waves, and minimal emotional prep, this is your reminder to put Mother’s Beach back into the rotation.

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