Marina del Rey celebrates 50th birthday

MARINA DEL REY – Come help Marina del Rey celebrate its 50th birthday with live music and fireworks planned for the Birthday Bash Weekend, which includes the much anticipated L.A. MarinaFest, April 10 to 12.

The weekend birthday bash is part of a yearlong celebration that has included being recognized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and a Holiday Boat Parade. Commemorated April 10, 1965, following decades of planning and four years of construction, Marina del Rey is the nation’s largest manmade small-craft harbor.

The birthday celebration will kick off with an official ceremony at Burton Chace Park at 5 p.m. on April 10 followed by birthday cake, a free concert by Three Dog Night and fireworks. Harbor tours, tall ships and more are also scheduled for Friday.

Boaters can enjoy L.A’s MarinaFest Boat Show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 11 and 12, featuring more than 40 power and sailing vessels, marine-related exhibits, yacht club tours, community vendors and tall ships. Water taxi cruises, information displays and the L.A. County Fire Boat will also be available.

Vessels will be on display at the transient and temporary docks. More than 30 vendors will have booths and tables set up on the landside.

There will also be inflatables, rides and games for kids to enjoy.

The fun all takes place at Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way.

For more information, visit visitmarinadelrey.com/mdr50/events/.