Memorial Day is fast approaching, which means that summer is just around the corner.
The holiday meant to commemorate the military personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty often kicks off with parades and services across Southern California. If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate the holiday weekend, there will be additional events that are family-friendly, outdoors and stacked with live entertainment.
From a strawberry festival, an afrobeats party, beach activities, and more, here are 10 ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend.
In this Friday, May 2, 2025, file photo, county fair guests ride the spinning chairs ride at the LA County Fair at the Pomona Fairplex. Memorial Day will be the fair’s final day. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
LA County Fair
The LA County Fair will be open through Memorial Day before saying goodbye until next year. The fair has been a staple of L.A. for over 100 years, and this year marks the beginning of warmer temperatures with summer right around the corner. It began as an agricultural fair and has maintained its popular family-friendly appeal while still holding traditional beauty and livestock contests along with more modern activities, such as acrobats, wine tastings, exhibitions, thrilling carnival rides, and tasty deep-fried foods. The fair also hosts live music and will feature separate ticketed performances by Cheap Trick on Friday, May 23, and Chris Janson on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25.
Where: Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona.
When: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. through Monday, May 26.
Admission: $18.50- $27.50 for ages 13 and older, $15.50 for kids 6-12 and seniors over 65 at the box office or via lacountyfair.com.
Afrobeats Day Party – Beverly Hills
If your Memorial Day weekend calls for dancing, good vibes, and global sounds, the Afrobeats Day Party in Beverly Hills is the place to be. Held at the chic Sofitel Hotel, this outdoor event promises a mix of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, Amapiano, and more, curated by Blaq Pages and friends. The crowd is 21+, and early arrival is recommended to beat the lines and get a spot. VIP table reservations are available for those looking to experience bottle service.
Where: Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 8555 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles.
When: Sunday, May 26, 3 p.m.
Admission: Prices vary; tickets and table reservations available at Eventbrite.com.
Allah-Las (pictured performing at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio Sunday, April 23, 2017) will perform at the Topanga Canyon Country Fair in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 24. (File photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, The Press Enterprise/SCNG)Topanga Canyon Country Fair
This annual Memorial Day fair nestled in the picturesque nature of the Topanga Canyon has quickly become a favorite among locals, and this year, it will honor local firefighters. Residents of all ages are invited to celebrate with live music, vegan food and healing arts programming all in the name of Mother Earth. The fair, which has a Woodstock-like feel to it, also hosts kid-friendly fun including three-legged races, water balloon basketball, tug-of-war, a DIY Memorial Day parade and more. Some of this year’s live music performances feature psychedelic surf rockers Allah-Las, The English Beat and Chevy Metal. Parking can get tight, but there is a free shuttle along Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
Where: Topanga Community Club, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Blvd., Los Angeles.
When: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26.
Admission: Tickets are $64, a two-day pass is $127, and a three-day pass is $148; the fun zone is $21–$48 at topangadays.com.
Strawberry shortcake will be among the strawberry-themed treats served at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival in Garden Grove over Memorial Day weekend from Friday, May 23, through Monday, May 26. (Photo by Amanda Beekman, Getty Images)Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
The Strawberry Festival is held annually over Memorial Day weekend at Village Green Park, between Euclid and Main Street in downtown Garden Grove. It celebrates the region’s rich agricultural history with strawberries at its center. Every year, the festival features live music, carnival rides, a 5k run, costume contests, and delicious strawberry-themed treats, including a giant strawberry cake-cutting ceremony.
Where: Village Green Park, 12732 Main Street, Garden Grove.
When: 1-10 p.m. Friday, May 23; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, May 26.
Admission: Free.
Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity
This Memorial Day weekend, take a break from the heat and explore the life and legacy of one of comic book history’s most influential figures. The Skirball Cultural Center’s Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity exhibition honors the co-creator behind icons like Captain America, the X-Men, and Black Panther. Through original artwork, rare prints, and personal memorabilia, the show highlights Kirby’s experience as a Jewish American, a World War II veteran, and an artist whose stories were unapologetically political from the start. The exhibition may be small in size, but it packs a powerful look at how heroism on the page was often rooted in real-life struggle.
Where: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles.
When: Open 12–5 p.m. Tuesday–Friday; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday–Sunday.
Admission: Included with museum entry starting at $18; more info at skirball.org.
In this July 20, 2023, file photo, campers paddle their outrigger canoes from the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort to the Newport Aquatic Center during their Surf and Paddle Camp. The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina will host a series of live music performances, food trucks and beach activities for Memorial Day weekend from Friday, May 23, through Sunday, May 25. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)Tunes at the Dunes
Family-friendly fun returns to the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina Tunes with beachfront entertainment features including live music, food trucks, a full bar, beach activities, an Inflatable Water Park and more. Live musical performances for this Memorial Day weekend include David Rosales, Showbiz Guys and Cali Conscious. While the performances begin at 5 p.m., attendees are invited to come early and bring their floats and beach chairs to enjoy the other beach activities and food trucks starting at 2 p.m. Parking can get pretty crowded on a holiday weekend, so early arrival is highly recommended. Public restrooms and an outdoor shower are available.
Where: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 23-Sunday, May 25.
Admission: Free.
Habitat Restoration Day at the L.A. River
If you’re looking to give back over the holiday weekend, consider spending a morning at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve. Organized by Friends of the L.A. River, this hands-on event invites volunteers to help remove invasive plants from the area’s habitat—an effort that not only improves the local ecosystem but also reduces fire risk. Along the way, participants can learn more about L.A.’s watershed and the environmental challenges unique to the region.
Where: Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, 6100 Woodley Ave., Los Angeles.
When: Saturday, May 24; volunteer shifts at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Admission: Free with registration at support.folar.org.
The Mount Wilson Observatory in Los Angeles will host a series of jazz performances over Memorial Day weekend on Sunday, May 25. (Photo by David McNew, Getty Images)Concert in the Dome
Enjoy a Sunday afternoon performance by jazz musicians in the dome structure housed on the 5,710-foot peak in the San Gabriel Mountains at the Mount Wilson Observatory, located near Pasadena. The Sunday show over the Memorial Day weekend includes performances by drummer Peter Erskine who has been voted Best Jazz Drummer of the Year ten times by the readers of Modern Drummer magazine; Bob Sheppard, saxophonist and professor of jazz studies at USC; Darek Oles, bassist and Poland native, who have performed with prominent jazz artists such as Pat Metheny, Bennie Maupin, Peter Erskine, Alan Pasqua and others. Guests will need to be able to climb 53 steps to reach the dome, and children under 12 aren’t permitted.
Where: Mount Wilson Observatory, Mount Wilson Road, Los Angeles.
When: 3 & 5 p.m. Sunday, May 25.
Admission: $60 at mtwilson.edu.
Fiesta Hermosa
Hermosa Beach’s signature Memorial Day weekend tradition is back, with rows of artist booths, food vendors, and live music stretching through the heart of town. Fiesta Hermosa is a casual, coastal blend of small-town charm and beachside bustle, offering something for just about everyone. Wander the stalls along Hermosa and Pier Avenues, pop into the Garden (a 21+ area with drinks and a $5 cover), or hit the beachside stage for live music. There’s also a family-friendly carnival happening a bit inland at Pier and Monterey, running into the evening on Saturday and Sunday. Whether you’re browsing handmade goods or just looking for a reason to post up near the water, this one’s a laid-back, long-weekend staple.
Where: Hermosa and Pier Avenues, Hermosa Beach.
When: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday–Sunday, May 24–25; 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday, May 26. Carnival hours vary.
Admission: Free; food, drinks, games, and access to The Garden cost extra. More information at fiestahermosa.net.
MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street
If you’ve ever wanted to play Monopoly in real life—but with way better snacks—MAINopoly might be your move this Memorial Day weekend. Taking over Santa Monica’s Main Street for one afternoon, the event turns the neighborhood into a whimsical game board where “MAINopoly dollars” get you bites from local spots like Ashland Hill, Jameson’s Pub, Sunny Blue, and Holey Grail Donuts. It’s a lighthearted way to support small businesses and sample the best of the Westside. Costumes are encouraged so expect to see plenty of monocles and top hats, and VIPs can hit up the beer garden and “Go to Jail” lounge for extra perks.
Where: Along Main Street in Santa Monica (various locations).
When: Sunday, May 25, 1–5 p.m.
Admission: General admission is $39; VIP is $71; tickets available at mainopolysm.com.
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