July is here, and there is so much to enjoy this season!

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with us by kicking off the holiday weekend with a flag-raising ceremony and a freedom walk down the Greenway Trail on Saturday, July 4, followed by our annual fireworks show at York Field. Scroll below for details on both events, as well as other park meet-ups in July, such as family movie night on Saturday, July 18, and our popular summer concert series on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the month.

The Whittier Public Library is also a great place to be this summer, offering a variety of activities for reading enthusiasts, including the Summer Reading Club, which will wrap up on July 25. Don't miss Zine Fest, a creative event featuring free workshops on July 18, or visit the Library's website calendar to view a complete list of July events taking place at both locations.

This 250th Independence Day, may we come together as neighbors and friends in the spirit of our shared values: liberty, democracy, kindness, unity, and the pursuit of happiness. We look forward to celebrating the red, white, and blue... with you!

Conal McNamara

City Manager

Join us at Michigan Park for a FREE Mexico vs. England viewing party! Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack your favorite snacks, or grab takeout from a local Whittier restaurant before settling in to watch the match on the big screen.

📅 Sunday, July 5, 2026

📍 Michigan Park, 8228 Michigan Ave.

🕠 Event begins: 3:30 p.m.

⚽ Match begins: 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy FREE games and crafts before the match begins! To make getting there easier, Whittier Cruiser service will be extended to Michigan Park for the event. Admission is FREE and open to all ages. A $1 concessions stand and a popcorn vendor will be on site. Pack a picnic or bring takeout for dinner!

We'll see you at the park! Please note: Smoking, vaping, and alcohol are prohibited. Service animals only. Please leave pets at home. Questions? Call (562) 567-9400.

Friendly reminder: In observance of the Independence Day holiday, all City of Whittier facilities—including City Hall, both library locations, and all community centers—will be closed for the weekend beginning on Friday, July 3, 2026. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, July 6.

Please note:

• Trash and recycling collection services will not be affected and will continue as scheduled for residentail customers. Athens will service commercial accounts on Friday, July 3, for businesses whose regular collection day falls on Saturday, July 4

• The Savage Canyon Landfill will be closed on Saturday, July 4.

• The Whittier Cruiser will also be closed on July 4.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!

Join the City of Whittier at Palm Park for a July 4th flag-raising ceremony, treats, crafts, and a short Freedom Walk along the Greenway Trail.

Saturday, July 4, 2026

📍Palm Park, 5703 Palm Ave.

Flag Raising: 9:15 a.m.

Freedom Walk: 10 a.m.

COST: Free

Your furry, four-legged friend is also invited to this relaxed, family-friendly event. Throw on your patriotic attire, grab the leash, and come enjoy a festive morning with your neighbors.

Questions? Call (562) 567-9430.

Get out your red, white, and blue for the City of Whittier’s annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, returning on Saturday, July 4th, at York Field (9110 Santa Fe Springs Rd). Hosted by the Parks, Recreation & Community Services team, this beloved community event promises fun for all ages. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., with admission just $5 per person, while veterans and youth ages 17 and under receive free entry.

Convenient off-site parking will be available at Sierra Adult School, along with free shuttle service to and from the venue. Families can look forward to an exciting lineup of activities, including inflatables, face painting, crafts, games, and an array of delicious food trucks. The evening will feature live music starting at 6:30 p.m., creating the perfect lead-up to the spectacular fireworks display at 9:00 p.m.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and join your neighbors for a festive night of music, entertainment, and fireworks under the stars—celebrating freedom and community in Whittier. For more information, please contact Whittier Parks and Recreation at (562) 567-9400.

"Unearth a Story" this summer at the Whittier Public Library! 🌟

Make sure your summer is filled with books, activities, and adventures for the whole family. Whether you're a little learner, a curious teen, or a lifelong reader, there's something for everyone to discover.

📚 How to Participate:

• Read books

• Complete fun activities

• Take on special challenges

• Track your reading in person or online—your choice!

📍 Available at both Whittier Public Library locations:

Central Library

7344 Washington Ave.

562-567-9900

Whittwood Branch Library

10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.

562-567-9950

💻 Readers can also participate online at www.WhittierLibrary.org. Readers will have the opportunity to enter drawings, win badges, and enjoy prizes for logging pages and offering book reviews. Are you ready for an adventure this summer? 📖 Learn more here.

The Summer Reading Club is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Whittier Public Library, The Assistance League of Whittier, and The Whittier Public Library Foundation.

Grab your dancing shoes and never miss a beat! Concerts in the Park are back and open to all ages, offering a perfect way to enjoy the summer season with friends and family. Pack a blanket, grab your crew, and spend your evenings jamming under the stars.

Concerts take place Mondays at Central Park (13212 Park St.) and Thursdays at York Field (9110 Santa Fe Springs Rd.) now through August 13. Events begin at 6:00 p.m., with live music from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy great tunes and delicious food from on-site food trucks each week. The next concert features Latin hits from The Suave Band on Monday, July 6, at Central Park, followed by Funkstation performing old-school funk and soul favorites on Thursday at York Field. We'll see you there!

Join the Whittier Public Library team for Family Film Afternoon on Monday, July 6 at the Whittwood Branch Library (10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.).

This month we will be showing "The Good Dinosaur" (2015) (PG) starting at 3:00 p.m. Bring a pillow, your favorite blanket, and get comfy for a relaxing time with the whole family.

Tickets are required for this event and snacks will be provided. Call the Whittwood Branch for more information at (562) 567-9950.

The City of Whittier's Adaptive Recreation Program is bringing even more opportunities for fun, friendship, and community this summer! Designed for individuals ages 14 and older with developmental disabilities, the program encourages social interaction, creative expression, physical activity, and meaningful connections in a welcoming and supportive environment. 

🎬 Movie Theater Takeover 

Join us for an exclusive evening at Whittier Village Cinemas for a special screening of Toy Story 5! Participants can enjoy the movie with friends in a fun, inclusive setting. The event takes place on Tuesday, July 7, with arrival at 5:00 p.m. and the movie beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are just $11, or $13 with popcorn and a drink. Registration is now open! 

🏊 Fun Friday Summer Splash Series 

Beat the heat and make a splash! We're excited to offer Adaptive Recreation swim days at Palm Park Aquatic Center. Participants can enjoy recreational swimming with friends on select Fridays from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Registration is now open with a $3 fee per session collected at the door. Space is limited! 

Swim Dates: 

• July 17 
• August 14 
• September 11

The City of Whittier Adaptive Recreation Program is open to individuals with various developmental disabilities, ages 14 and older, living in Whittier and surrounding communities. Join us this summer for memorable experiences, new friendships, and plenty of fun!

Looking for more Adaptive Recreation fun? From dances and social events to fitness, crafts, and community outings, there's always something happening! Be sure to check out the Adaptive Recreation Monthly Newsletter for the latest programs, activities, and registration information. View the newsletter here. Questions? Call 562-567-9470.

Unlock your creativity with TinkerCad at the Whittier Public Library's popular MegaMakers event on Tuesday, July 7. Ever wondered how to turn your imagination into tangible objects? Join the Library's exciting 3D design class and step into the world of limitless possibilities! 

📅 Tuesday, July 7

🕓 5:30 p.m.

📍 Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.)

Computers will be made available and staff will teach the basics of 3D design. This is a blended session for adults, teens and kids age 10+. Space is limited; please sign up at the Central Library Adult Reference desk or call (562) 567-9900 to learn more.

Not big on 3D design? The Central Library will host the Natural History of Pokemon also on Tuesday, July 7 at 6:00 p.m. Did you know that there are quite a few Pokémon that were inspired by fossils and prehistoric creatures? Visit the Central Library and learn from Gabriel Santos, a scientist and paleontologist for the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology. He will bring samples of fossils and attendees will learn how real life creatures helped inform the design of Pokémon.

The event is open to all ages. Please call (562) 567-9900 with questions.

The Whittier Public Library is proud to partner with the Whittier Union High School District to offer free summer meals for youth ages 18 and under at the Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.), from now through July 16. Meals will be served Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while supplies last. Please note the schedule may change due to holidays.

No sign-up, application, or income verification is required. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and youth must be present to receive a meal, which must be eaten on site.

This program is part of the USDA Summer Food Service Program and is supported by the California State Library and the California Library Association. It's a great way to support local families and help ensure that no child goes hungry this summer.

For more details, visit the Lunch Buddies: Summer Meals @ the Library page or call the Central Library at (562) 567-9900.

Get the summer started right with a fun-filled evening at our next Movies in the Park event with a classic 90s favorite. Join us on Saturday, July 18, at Palm Park (5703 Palm Ave.) for a special screening of The Little Mermaid under the stars! Bring your blankets, low-back chairs, and your favorite movie snacks for a relaxing evening with family, friends, and neighbors.

The event begins at 6:00 p.m., with the movie starting at dusk. This community favorite is free to attend and open to all ages, so gather your loved ones and enjoy an evening of laughter and connection.

The Summer in the Park movie series features one outdoor movie night scheduled each month through October at different parks across Whittier. Each event is designed to bring the community together and celebrate the season with family-friendly entertainment in local parks we know and love. For more information, contact Whittier Parks & Recreation at (562) 567-9400. We’ll see you at the park!

Do you have an appreciation for reading? Join the Whittier Public Library's Spanish Book Club! Members will meet once a month to share their thoughts on the group's book of choice. This month's selection is The Grand Paloma Resort, a novel taking place in paradise where not everything is as it seems. Join us on Saturday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. 

.

For more information, please call (562) 567-9950.

Whittwood Branch (10537 Santa Gertrudes, Whittier, CA 90603)

¿Tiene apreciación por la lectura? Únase a nuestro Club de Libro. Miembros se reunirán una vez al mes para compartir sus impresiones sobre libro elegido por el grupo. Para nuestra próxima selección, elegimos The Grand Paloma Resort. Una novela que tiene lugar en el paraíso, donde no todo es lo que parece.. Únase a nosotros el sábado 18 de julio a las 10:30 de la mañana.

Para más información, llámenos al (562) 567-9950.

Sucursal de Whittwood (10537 Santa Gertrudes, Whittier, CA 90603)

Enjoy Vintage Market in Uptown Whittier July 26

The Uptown Whittier Vintage Market is bringing together an incredible lineup of vendors packed with vintage clothing, records, collectibles, antiques, and unique finds waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a serious collector or just love the thrill of the hunt, this is your chance to spend a Sunday surrounded by all things vintage.

🗓 Sunday, July 26

⏰ 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

📍13018 Philadelphia St.

Interested in being a vendor? Applications are available here or contact the Whittier Uptown Association with questions at (562) 696-2662. The best finds go fast. See you there!

The Whittier Police Department is proud to introduce the Blue Envelope Program, an initiative to enhance communication and understanding between law enforcement officers and individuals with disabilities during traffic stops.

The Blue Envelope can be used to store important documents such as copies of your driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and emergency contact information. Keeping these items in the envelope and storing it in your vehicle’s glove compartment can help facilitate communication and create a safer, more comfortable interaction during a traffic stop.

Blue Envelopes are available for pickup at the following locations:

• Whittier Police Department Records Counter

13200 Penn St. Whittier, CA 90602

• Whittier City Hall Front Desk

13230 Penn St. Whittier, CA 90602

• Santa Fe Springs Police Services Center

11576 Telegraph Rd. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

Through programs like this, the goal is to ensure that every resident in the City of Whittier and the City of Santa Fe Springs feels safe, supported, and understood. Please contact the Police Department with questions regarding the program at (562) 567-9200.🚔

Sing it, read it, and learn in two languages! Join the Whittier Public Library for a bilingual storytime with stories and songs in English & Spanish for ages 0–5 on Monday, July 20 at 10:30 a.m. 

For more information, please call (562) 567-9900.

Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.)

 ¡Cantamos, leemos y aprendemos juntos end dos idiomas! Únase a nosotros en nuestra hora de cuentos bilingües con lecturas y canciones en inglés y español para peques de 0 a 5 años. Lunes, 20 de julio a las 10:30 am.

Para más información, llámenos al (562) 567-9900

Central (7344 Washington Ave.)

Splish splash: Whittier’s free splash pad and splash fountains are the perfect way to stay cool and have fun all summer long!

Splash season is NOW OPEN every day from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

📍 Splash Pad Location:

• Lee & Erika Owens (LEO) Park – 7954 Greenleaf Ave.

📍 Splash Fountain Locations:

• Palm Park – 5703 Palm Ave.

• Michigan Park – 8228 Michigan Ave.

From playful spray features at LEO Park to interactive fountains at our other favorite parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer. Beat the heat with some good old-fashioned water play! Have questions? Call (562) 567-9400 for more info.

Calling all local teens! Would you like to help the Whittier Public Library staff plan programs, develop new teen services, and advise on new library materials that you want, all while earning volunteer hours? If so, it sounds like the Teen Advisory Board is right for you! 

Don't miss the next meeting:

📅 Wednesday, July 29

🕓 5:30 p.m.

📍 Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.)

Participants must submit a TAB application before attending your first meeting. Applications can be found online or in person at the Central Library and Whittwood Branch Library. The advisory board is open to all high school students. For more information call the Central Library (562) 567-9900 or Whittwood Branch (562) 567-9950. We hope to see you there!

BACKPACK DRIVE (JUNE 30-AUGUST 11) 🎒

In preparation for the upcoming school year, the Whittier Police Department is partnering with Think Together, a nonprofit organization that provides new backpacks for students in need and helps ensure they start the year ready for success.

Please bring a new, unused backpack to the Whittier Police Department Front Lobby and place it in the donation bin to support local students in need. 🚔

Free Oil Filter Exchange for Whittier Residents: Do you have used oil filters lying around? Exchange them for a NEW one for FREE!

📍 O’Reilly Auto Parts (13939 Whittier Blvd.)

📅 Saturday, July 18, 2026

⏰ 9 AM–12 PM

Here’s how it works:

✔️ Bring your used oil filter and exchange it for a new one (up to 2 filters per household).

✔️ Receive a voucher (up to $15) during event hours—while supplies last.

✔️ Get a FREE oil change recycling kit for participating!

Bonus: We’ll also accept your used motor oil for recycling; just make sure it’s in a clean container (max 5 gallons per person). ♻️

This event is for Whittier residents only, so don’t forget to bring your ID!

See you there, neighbors!

Observe, take note, and unearth a new hobby by joining us for Nature Journaling. This fun and powerful practice helps you slow down, pay attention, notice more, and get curious about the wonder and beauty around you. 

📅 Saturday, July 25th

🕓 10:30 AM

📍 Central Library

Journals, pencils, and coloring utensils will be provided, but you are more than welcome to bring your own journal. You don't need to be a master artist; all skill levels are welcome. 

Please sign up at the Adult Reference desk. Open to adults, teens, and tweens.   

Central Library 

7344 Washington Ave. 90602

(562) 567-9900

Puzzle & Pop Swap ✨🧩

Looking for a new puzzle challenge or a Funko Pop to add to your collection? Pop over to the MakerSpace at the Central Library on Monday, July 20 for a fun community swap night!

Bring a puzzle (minimum 500 pieces) and/or a Funko Pop that you no longer want and trade it for something new-to-you. No registration, no cost—just swapping and fun with fellow collectors and puzzle lovers!

📍 Central Library – MakerSpace Central 7344 Washington Ave (562) 567-9900

📅 Monday, July 20

⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM - Pop by any time

Swap Guidelines:

🧩 Puzzles must be 500+ pieces

🎁 Funko Pops are traded 1-for-1 (Equal size exchange. Boxed for Boxed& Loose for Loose)

💵 No monetary exchanges

Take a Puzzle, Leave a Puzzle

Take a Pop, Leave a Pop!

Who says spooky season has to wait until October? ☀️🎃

Summerween is taking over Whittier Public Library for our Third Annual WPL Zine Fest! Join us for a celebration of creativity, community, and all things DIY as we celebrate International Zine Month!

📅 Saturday, July 18, 2026

🕥 10:30 AM–2:30 PM

📍 Central Library | 7344 Washington Ave.

📞 (562) 567-9900

Whether you're a longtime zinester or just zine-curious, we've got a day full of creative fun for all ages:

📚 ALL AGES: Start the day with a special Summerween story time featuring author-illustrator Heidi Moreno, followed by a meet-and-greet in the Community Room. Stay afterward to enjoy crafts, activities, and Summerween fun! Spots are limited—sign up at the Central Children's Desk.

🧵 TEENS & ADULTS: Create your own WPL Zine Fest prize ribbon with local artist Rosie Recinos. Spots are limited—sign up at the Central Adult Reference Desk.

✂️ ALL AGES: Make your own zine with local art collective 562.Arts and bring zines to trade with fellow creators.

Questions? Call (562) 567-9900.

Attend an exclusive screening of Jeffrey Roth's latest documentary, The Man with the Hat. 

The newly released film follows famed Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, whom some may consider the real-life "Indiana Jones," on a 4,000-year journey through Egypt. As Guardian of Antiquities, he captivates millions while unearthing discoveries at Cleopatra's burial site and Tutankhamun's tomb.

The screening will take place at 6 PM on Tuesday, July 21st at the Central Library.

And remember, this is your last week to turn in your Summer Reading Club booklets!

7344 Washington Ave.

For more info: 562-567-9900

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@CityofWhittier