The Hermosa Beach Museum is collecting community-submitted photographs from the 2026 Ironman for a photo contest, with winners announced at a free after-party on Friday, July 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the museum, according to a post on the Hermosa Beach Residents' Forum.
The 51st Hermosa Beach Ironman wrapped on Friday, July 4, with thousands of spectators lining the Strand near 29th Street to watch competitors run a mile, paddle a mile on a surfboard, and chug a six-pack of beer. This year's race honored Patricia Benz, who fought pancreatic cancer for 10 years and volunteered with the event for decades. Her husband, former Hermosa Beach Mayor Bob "Burgie" Benz, has been the Ironman's figurehead for more than 40 years, according to the Daily Breeze.
Entry cost $40 and included a T-shirt designed by local artist Bob Dob, with all proceeds going to local charities. Winners earned the chance to donate $500 to a nonprofit of their choice, according to the Ironman committee's Facebook page.
More South Bay events this month
South Bay Greek Festival — Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 12
The South Bay Greek Festival returns to St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 722 Knob Hill Ave. in Redondo Beach, for three days of homemade Greek food, live music, and folk dancing. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. General admission is $5; children 12 and under get in free. Expect gyros, lamb chops, moussaka, and baklava, plus guided church tours and dance performances by youth groups ranging from kindergarten to college age.
Concerts in the Park — Sundays through Sunday, September 6
Manhattan Beach's free Concerts in the Park series runs every Sunday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Polliwog Park Amphitheater through September 6. The 10-concert season opened July 5 with an America 250 celebration. Bring blankets and lawn chairs; seating is first come, first served.
Redondo Beach Pier Summer of Music — Thursdays and Saturdays through Saturday, August 29
The Redondo Pier Association's free Summer of Music concerts run 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fisherman's Wharf on the west end of the pier. Thursdays feature tribute bands; Saturdays spotlight local contemporary acts.
The museum's July 17 after-party doubles as a chance to visit "Threads of Time," an exhibit on 10 women in Hermosa Beach history that opened Friday, June 26.
