This Independence Day weekend (July 4th - 6th) Sunny Spot is transforming itself into a beach party complete with sliders, sand, games and spiked lemonade from the Stoli truck. For all the World Cup fans out there, they'll also be projecting the games live on the side of the building.

This Independence Day weekend (July 4th - 6th) Sunny Spot is transforming itself into a beach party complete with sliders, sand, games and spiked lemonade from the Stoli truck. For all the World Cup fans out there, they'll also be projecting the games live on the side of the building.

Annual 4th of July festivities will be in full swing at the Venice Canals. Don't forget to wear your crazy hat. Prizes for the "Craziest and Most Creative" hat will be awarded later in the day after the Rubber Ducky Race and the Downwind Regatta. Here's the lineup of events. More info available at voiceofthecanals.

10:00AM – 1:15PM – If you have not already bought your Rubber Ducky, purchase yours at the Linnie Canal at Grand Canal. Get 'em while they last. Last year the Venice Canals Association sold out of duckies. Cash prizes will be awarded for the winning duck at the Dessert Party.

Rubber Ducky Race
1:30PM – You can now calm down as the race is finally set to begin.  The race historically begins at the Dell Avenue Bridge that runs over Linnie Canal and grinds to a finish at the balloon line at the Eastern Canal.  Prizes for the winners include cash which will be awarded at the BBQ later in the day.

Downwind Regatta
2:00PM – The Downwind Regatta starts at the Linnie & Grand Canals. All entries must be wind-powered only. The first three boats to finish will win cash prizes, and a grand prize will be awarded to the most creative craft that also finishes the race.

Dessert Party
2:30PM – Dessert Party. Ice cream sundaes and cookies will be sold at Court C & Grand Canal Court as winners are presented with their prizes. Awards will be given for the Ducky Race, Downwind Regatta and the Craziest & Most Creative Hat Contest.

The 8th annual 4th of July Parade starts at 9:30am at Pico Blvd on Main street. There will be floats, music, horses, vintage fire trucks and costumes spectators. This year's theme is "May the 4th Be With You" a Star Wars reference, so be ready for sci-fi Americana.

Livestyle's holiday customer appreciation party will be catered by Venice Beach Wines with vintage cocktails by The Venice Townhouse. Proceeds from purchases for that night will go to I Am That Girl, a organization that inspires girls to "be, love, and express who they are through education, content and community."

Raffle prizes include a free design consultation from Livestyle, a free session with life coach Karen Fegan, and more.

This year’s Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade theme is “It’s A Wonderful Life." The parade will begin at the corner of Eastern & Sherman Canals. For more info, visit the Venice Canals Association.

Before you get to the Venice Haunted House and Eternal Rest Cemetery on Rose Ave., snack on some crispy crickets and bloody shrimp at Oscar's Halloween Party on Halloween night, Thursday, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Oscar's Cerveteca // 523 Rose Ave., Venice CA 90291