After months of cold temperatures and dreary days (even for California), there’s an undeniable reawakening that spring brings. The sunshine and blooming flowers all signify something new and hopeful is coming. Plus, the longer days mean there is more time to venture out and enjoy an array of gatherings. Check out some of the spring and summer events* happening in and around Los Angeles.
*A fuller list of upcoming recognition months and days of acknowledgement to honor the lives and contributions of various members of our incredible community is available online.
May
During the month of May, take some time to learn about the importance of caring for your mental health and help reduce the stigma of different mental health conditions.
Aim to raise awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and show support for those living with this neurodegenerative disease, along with caregivers and families, in the hopes of finding a cure.
Explore Latin Culture Beyond the Fifth of May
To honor the spirit of Cinco de Mayo beyond just one day in May, visit the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes or the Museum Of Latin American Art (MOLAA).
- The LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is a community hub where people gather to celebrate Latinx culture. Check out their many transformative exhibitions, music, dance, culinary arts and multigenerational art making and storytelling experiences.
- The Museum Of Latin American Art (MOLAA), located in Long Beach, is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to featuring and highlighting both modern and contemporary Latin American art. In addition to a permanent collection of more than 1,300 works of art, the museum has a 15,000 square-foot sculpture garden.
- Street Food Cinema Gather with family and friends or meet a new group of Angelenos while watching a movie outdoors! Enjoy food from some of LA’s favorite food trucks and listen to live performances from local bands before the film starts. For a list of outdoor film screenings happening in the Los Angeles area from April to September, check out this complete list from Time Out.
LA County Fair: Now thru May 26
Ignite your creative spirit with the fair’s “Art Unleashed” theme. Whether visual, performing, fine or culinary, the LA County Fair is celebrating the arts and highlighting visitor creativity. View all attractions, concerts, events and workshop.
Show Your Pride in West Hollywood
Attend any of the City of West Hollywood’s annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebration events for a colorful, fun, and entertaining time. Click below for specific time and location information for these free events.
- WeHo Pride Arts Festival: May 23 – 25
- WeHo Pride Street Fair: May 31 & June 1
- WeHo Pride Parade: June 1
Fiesta Hermosa: May 24-26
A beachside festival featuring live music, a carnival, a marketplace with more than 250 vendors and much more. Join this Memorial Day weekend event to see why it has been a fixture of Hermosa Beach for more than five decades.
Mental Health Wellness Fair: May 25
Come to Gloria Molina Grand Park from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to embrace mental wellness through the arts. This is an inclusive gathering for all ages and will include cultural presentations, workshops, booth activities and inspiring stage programs.
June
National Migraine Headache Awareness Month
During the month of June, raise awareness about headache and migraine disease. Support the education of and address stigma around these disabling disorders to build a stronger community of patient advocates.
Mark Pride Month and support the LGBTQ+ community by promoting acceptance and equality while commemorating LGBTQ+ activism and culture through the years.
Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite.
Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with an exclusive after-hours event at “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
There are many ways to celebrate Black history and culture when observing the Juneteenth holiday. These are just some of the festivities happening across the LA area this June.
Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration: June 14
Bring your family to a day-long celebration at Rainbow Lagoon Park for live music, family activities, food trucks and more.
Juneteenth Freedom Ride: June 19
Join a group bike ride through L.A., starting at Leimert Park and ending at a Juneteenth Celebration Festival.
Black in Mayberry Juneteenth Exhibition & Celebration: June 19-28
Attend the festival, art fair, ‘Family Day’, or one of the many Juneteenth exhibitions, happenings. Visit their website for date and location information for specific events.
LA County Celebrates Juneteenth
LA County will be celebrating Juneteenth with a number of community events and programs happening throughout the weekend. Visit their website for date and location information for specific events.
Venice Summer Fest: June 21
Welcome the summer season from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. It’s free and open to all ages, making it a welcoming and inclusive event for the entire community.
Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival: June 28-29
Explore SoCal beach culture at this free, all-ages festival.
July
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Make July a month for solidarity and education for the mental health struggles faced by underrepresented communities. Watch this short video to learn about author and advocate, Bebe Moore Campbell, for whom this awareness month is named and about her efforts to uplift marginalized communities.
Honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of people with disabilities and encourage expressions of pride among the disability community to raise awareness and educate the larger community.
Independence Day: July 4
Spend your Fourth of July at the Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Summer Block Party and celebrate community and the resilience shared among Angelenos wanting to build connections, allyship, and mutual support.
Join a LA Summer Tradition: July 12-13
Experience the 44th Annual Lotus Festival at Echo Park celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander cultures.
Celebrate Greek Heritage: July 18-20
Now in its 61st year of celebration, the SouthBay Greek Festival is full of music, dancing and food. Connect with friends over gyros and baklava in Redondo Beach.
Enjoy a Cultural Showcase: July 19
Immerse yourself in Afro-Latino(a)(x) and Caribbean cultures at the Afro-Latino Culture Fest, held at the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, starting at 1 p.m.
On the Water: July 26
See one of the largest dragon boat competitions in California, along with Chinese art demonstrations, food, music and martial arts performances at the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
