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Port Hueneme Council unanimously approves BikeMS rest stop, five‑year Beach Festival permit and Movies in the Park series
Summary
Council approved a waiver and permits for three summer events: BikeMS will stage a May 30 rest stop at Beach Park for ~300 cyclists (fee waiver ~$2,629); the city approved a five‑year Wayimi Beach Festival permit (July 11–12, ~15,000 per day); and a five‑year Movies in the Park series (June–September) was authorized. Alcohol sales at the festival will be run by adult volunteers for the Police Explorers.
The Port Hueneme City Council voted unanimously on April 6 to clear the way for this summer’s visitor events, approving three special‑use permits and a fee waiver to support tourism and nonprofit fundraising.
City planner Jose Coyottol presented the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s request to use Beach Park as a rest stop for the BikeMS Coastal Challenge on May 30, 2026. The event organizer said three to four hundred cyclists will travel the coastal route and pass through Port Hueneme twice. Staff recommended the permit and a waiver of approximately $2,628.76 in parking and outreach fees; the council approved the permit and fee waiver without objection.
"BikeMS is the largest charitable cycling event series in the United States," said JJ Hoffman of the MS Society, noting the ride’s fundraising for research and services and its return visits from participants who spend locally on lodging and dining.
The council also granted a five‑year special use permit to host the Wayimi Beach Festival (PHSU26‑4), a city‑sponsored event planned annually on the second weekend in July. Staff said the festival will run July 11–12 this year with live entertainment, food and artisan vendors, a carnival, and a concurrent Copa Cabana beach soccer tournament. The staff report estimated daily attendance near 15,000 and said amplified sound will stop by 8 p.m. The festival layout includes fenced entry, screening, and three alcohol service areas; staff said volunteer adult servers organized by the Police Explorers will coordinate alcohol sales to help offset event costs.
Finally, the council approved a five‑year Movies in the Park permit (PHSU26‑5) for monthly beach screenings between June and September, with free parking in Lots A–C and Ocean View Drive for show nights. Recreation staff said the series is intended to build community participation and provide low‑cost family programming.
All three permits were found categorically exempt under CEQA (temporary uses of existing public facilities) and were adopted by unanimous roll‑call votes. Council members and staff said the events align with the city's economic‑development and community engagement goals; staff will report back if sponsorship or operational details change.
What’s next: Event organizers will finalize site plans and vendor lists with city staff, complete required insurance and safety reviews, and proceed with event logistics ahead of May–July dates.
