From big county fairs to smaller community festivals, there’s plenty of fun to go around this summer in sunny SoCal. So many of my childhood memories are attached to summer festivals, like the Malibu Chili Cookoff, which used to mark the end of summer for us San Fernando Valley and Westside kids.
LOS ANGELES SUMMER FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Here are 10 summer festivals and fairs that we’re excited about in Los Angeles and beyond.
Festival of Arts
July 3-Aug. 30; Closed July 4
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
This annual fine art show in Laguna Beach features more than 100 Orange County artists, daily live music on the outdoor concert stage and its most famous attraction, the Pageant of the Masters, a theatrical production that recreates famous works of art. Families will love the youth art classes, where kids ages 5 to 12 can learn from professional artists while parents browse artwork on display throughout the festival.
Pro tip: Although there are onsite dining options, I suggest you pack a picnic so you can be sure your kids have their favorite snacks — and you can save some cash. $5-$15 for Festival of Arts; $45-$280 for Pageant of the Masters; $25 for youth art classes. foapom.com
Lights of Dreams Lotus Festival
July 13-14
751 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles
The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks presents its 43rd annual festival celebrating the people and culture of the Philippines. Good times go down at Echo Park Lake with live entertainment, food, artisans and lantern launches at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Ticket includes one lantern kit, LED candle, markers and items to decorate.
Pro tip: It can get pretty hot midday in mid-July, so be sure to bring plenty of water, or opt for the evening lantern launch instead. $25-$35. laparks.org/lotusfestival
OC Fair
July 19-Aug. 18
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa
This classic county fair features 21 days of tribute bands, carnival rides, art exhibits, farm animals, community dance groups, face painting, culinary demos and local vendors.
Pro tip: It can get crowded on the weekends, so try a weekday to skip the lines. $9-$13; free for ages 5 and younger. ocfair.com
9th Annual Love Long Beach Festival
July 20-21
200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
Bring on the good vibes with live music, yoga, meditation, sound healing, arts and crafts and food trucks at this all-ages festival held at ShoreLine Aquatic Park in Long Beach.
Pro tip: There is no parking at the park, so carpool, take public transportation or use a rideshare service. $35-$60; free for ages 15 and younger. lovelongbeachfestival.com
Ventura County Fair
July 31-Aug. 11
10 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the Ventura County Fair will have its usual carnival rides, petting zoo, contests, rodeo, art and agriculture exhibits and food galore. And this year, fairgoers can attend concerts for free. Catch Sublime, Ludacris and more.
Pro tip: Save money by attending “Youth Day” on Aug. 2, where kids ages 12 and under are free with paid adult admission. $10-$49. venturacountyfair.org
Nisei Week
Aug. 10-18
244 San Pedro St., Los Angeles
Get a taste of Japan in Downtown L.A.’s Little Tokyo with a week of all-ages cultural events, activities, exhibits and food. The Grand Parade at 4 p.m. Aug. 11 features Japanese dancers, musicians and floats, and the Plaza Festival at JACCC Plaza Aug. 17-18 includes fun for the whole family.
Pro tip: If you can’t make the whole festival, come out on Aug. 18 for the Nisei Week finale. Everyone is welcome to join the ondo public street dancing and closing ceremony. FREE. niseiweek.org
Fiesta La Ballona
Aug. 23-25
4117 Overland Ave., Culver City
Since 1951, this Culver City festival has brought friends and families together for a community celebration at Veterans Memorial Park. Fiesta La Ballona returns this summer with carnival rides and games, a beer and wine garden, live music, food trucks and a kids’ zone.
Pro tip: Purchase a carnival wristband so kids can try as many rides for as many times as they like. fiestalaballona.org
El Segundo Art Walk
Aug. 24
314 Main St., El Segundo
More than 50 creative El Segundo businesses open their doors and act as a pop-up gallery with studio tours, local art and live music. Grab a bite from one of the food trucks in the parking lot of Smokey Hollow Studios in between galleries.
Pro tip: Although the entire event is walkable, we all know how little ones have their time limits. Fortunately, the art walk has a free shuttle service that makes multiple stops. FREE. elsegundoartwalk.com
Malibu Chili Cookoff
Aug. 30-Sept. 2
23575 Civic Center Way, Malibu
A Labor Day weekend tradition, the 42nd annual Malibu Chili Cookoff features its famous chili contest in addition to carnival rides, games, live entertainment and local vendors. All proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu.
Pro tip: Event admission isn’t sold on site, so plan ahead! $15-$40; Free for ages 5 and under. malibuchilicookoff.org
5th Annual Leimert Park Jazz Festival
Aug. 31
3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles
This celebration of jazz, community and culture returns to Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza with music, food, an art competition, community resources, a beer and wine lounge and a kids’ zone.
Pro tip: No outside food is allowed, so you may want to head straight to the food truck zone to avoid any “hangry” kids interfering with the music and good vibes. FREE. leimertparkjazzfestival.org
Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent
