It’s that time of year where the sun is out a little longer, the weather is a little warmer and we are all itching to get outside. This spring, many beloved festivals and fairs are back. From food and drink festivities to butterfly and bubbles celebrations, there is a spring festival for everyone in the family.
For the Foodies
626 Night Market Mini
The popular flagship food event 626 Night Market brings their first event to Santa Monica, 626 Night Market Mini. With over two dozen vendors, this event aims to bring food lovers together for some of the most unique eats Southern California has to offer. Food vendors include Shake Ramen, Tao’s Bao, and Rockin’ Gyoza.
Dates for 626 Night Market Mini are March 12-13, 26-27, April 9-10 23-24 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. This event is for all ages and is free to attend.
Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm
The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the berry that inspired the creation of the park, the boysenberry. In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of local eateries, live music, musical stage shows and fun activities for guests of all ages to enjoy. The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival occurs daily from March 18 – April 24. Prices vary.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival provides food, art and entertainment experience for the whole family. Festival events include culinary demonstrations, outdoor kiosks, family programming and more. For the parents, additional experiences include wine tasting and mixology seminars. The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is from March 4 – April 26. Free with California Adventure park admission.
Artichoke Festival
If you’re an artichoke aficionado, this is the perfect festival for you. Located at the historic Monterey County Fair & Event Center, the Artichoke Festival celebrates its 62nd year. June 11-12 events include artichoke cooking demonstrations by local chefs, a farmer’s market, live entertainment, wine tasting and more. The Artichoke Festival also has a Family Fun Run on June 12.
Media & Music
Composed: A Festival of Los Angeles Music from MUSE/IQUE
The nonprofit performing arts organization, MUSE/IQUE kicks off 2022 with multiple music events throughout the year, beginning with “Sunrise on Sunset” on March 12. Attendees must be a member of MUSE/IQUE to attend events. Membership prices start at $75.
PaleyFest LA
One of L.A.’s most popular television festivals, PaleyFest LA returns in person after three years. Highlights of the festival include an interactive Q&A and behind-the-scenes conversations with stars from acclaimed TV shows such as “This is Us”, “Blackish” and “Riverdale.” PaleyFest LA is from April 2 to April 10. Tickets are $35 and up.
Explore the Museums
26th Annual Butterfly Season at Kidspace Children’s Museum
From March 11 to May 31, the Kidspace Children’s Museum hosts their annual Butterfly Season with hands-on arts and science activities for butterfly lovers. Festival activities include create a caterpillar, bug safaris and flower showers, where children learn which plants to grow that help butterflies and other pollinators. Butterfly Season is included with general admission to the museum.
Bubblefest at Discovery Cube
One of Orange County’s most popular family friendly spring festivals, Bubblefest at Discovery Cube features the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show, a production that combines bubble artistry, music and lasers. Additionally, the outdoor Bubble Zone provides hands on bubble experiments such as the Bubble Wall and the Mega Bubble Courtyard. Bubblefest runs March 30 – April 17. Prices vary.
Getty Center celebrates 25 years with Family Festival
For their 25th anniversary, Getty Center is partnering with Community Arts Resources (CARS) of Los Angeles and local partners to provide free community art festivals beginning May 14 and ending Aug. 28. The 10-part series of festivals will take place in 10 cities: Inglewood, Lincoln Heights/East LA, Long Beach, Koreatown, Pacoima, Reseda, San Gabriel Valley, Wilmington, Crenshaw and Watts. Festival locations will be announced in the near future and will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Outdoor Adventures
Glow in the Park: A Spring Lantern Festival
In partnership with Tianyu Arts and Culture, Inc, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert hosts Glow in the Park – A Spring Lantern Festival. This evening event features intricate lantern creations and light displays representing wild animals and habitats around the world. Glow in the Park – A Spring Lantern Festival runs nightly from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. from March 27 through April 29. Children three and under are free.
Odd Nights at the Autry Museum
After a two year hiatus, The Odd Market event group has announced the reopening of Odd Nights at the Autry. Located across from the L.A. Zoo, Odd Nights at the Autry is an evening outdoor festival with food vendors, sellers, and live entertainment. Odd Nights at the Autry occurs every 3rd Friday of the month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from April to September. Admission is $5 and children 12 and under are free.
Bob Baker Day
The free annual festival returns to L.A. State Historic Park to honor Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s late founder. Bob Baker Day will feature roaming performers, live music, food, games, face painting and, of course, puppets. The free festival will also host a kids talent show. April 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All ages.
Shop ’till you drop
L.A. County Yarn Crawl
For those interested in knitting, crocheting or sewing, the L.A. County Yarn Crawl features 15 local L.A. yarn stores across four days. In honor of its 10th anniversary, attendees can enter to win prizes, while also gaining access to free and discounted patterns, yarns, and supplies. The L.A. County Yarn Crawl is free to attend and runs from March 24 – 27.
Spooky Swap Meet at Heritage Square Museum
Located at Heritage Square Museum, the Spooky Swap Meet features vendors that sell vintage clothing, Halloween decor and other eclectic items. While shopping, the Victorian manors of Heritage Square Museum will be decorated for trick-or-treating. The Spooky Swap Meet occurs April 30 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and May 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Tickets start at $15.
Immerse yourself in nature
48th Annual Festival of the Kite
One of the longest running kite festivals in the country, the 48th Annual Festival of the Kite returns to the Redondo Beach Pier on Sunday, March 13 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to prizes for kite-flyers, the event will feature live music, dance demos and a hot dog on a stick eating contest.
Spring Celebration at Descanso Gardens
Celebrate Spring at Descanso Gardens by learning about plants and their important relationship to pollinators. Explore Descanso Gardens’ new nursery, pollinator garden, and their work with partner organizations such as Latino Outdoors and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The Spring Celebration at Descanso Gardens is on March 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free with museum admission.
Springtime on the Farm at Underwood Family Farms
At over 50 acres, celebrate Springtime on the Farm at Underwood Family Farms with numerous activities for all ages. Activities include tractor-drawn wagon rides, baby duck feeding, animal petting and more. Springtime on the Farm runs Saturday, April 2 – 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Get Active!
9th Annual Wheelchair Sports Festival
Triumph Foundation hosts their 9th Annual Wheelchair Sports Festival that provides a space for individuals with disabilities to participate in sports. The festival will have over 30 sports, including basketball and wheelchair hockey. This free event allows for those of all ages to learn more about sports for individuals with disabilities. April 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
