Ah, it’s finally the weekend! With so many epic activities in Los Angeles, finding something to do can be quite a task. If you need plans or things to do this Memorial Day weekend—May 23-26, 2025—we’ve got you covered. (With some bonuses!) These are the best things to do in Los Angeles this weekend! 👇
1. Feast on fresh berries at the California Strawberry Festival
The California Strawberry Festival celebrates all things strawberry with delicious treats, live music, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. The festival is happening on May 17–18, 2025 at Ventura County Fairgrounds. With food vendors, fun attractions, and proceeds supporting local nonprofits, it’s a sweet kickoff to summer in Southern California. Learn more here!
📆 When: May 23 – 26, 2025
📍 Location: Village Green Park, 12732 Main St, Garden Grove, CA 92840
2. Africa Day: A festival of music, dance, art and food
📍 Location: The Fowler Museum at UCLA (308 Charles E Young Drive North, Los Angeles, CA)
3. Feast on award-winning delectable BBQ this Memorial Day weekend
The 3rd Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival takes place on May 23–24, 2025 at Shoreline Aquatic Park. It’s a delicious kickoff to Memorial Day weekend. Guests can enjoy barbecue from over 27 BBQ vendors, whiskey tastings, cooking demos with celebrity pitmaster, Logan Sandoval. Plus, attendees can enjoy live music and family-friendly games and activities. And it’s all set along the scenic Long Beach waterfront. Get more information here!
🗓️ Date: May 23rd & 24th, 2025
🕒 Time: 12 PM – 9 PM
📍 Location: Shoreline Aquatic Park (200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA)
4. Marvel at the springtime immersive site-specific experience at the Little Women Ballet
The “Little Women Ballet” returns to Heritage Square Museum this spring, offering an immersive, site-specific experience that blends dance and storytelling. Join Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they share their heartfelt journey of sisterhood, love, loss, and family through five distinctive performances. Each site-specific performance at Heritage Square showcases a fresh seasonal theme, complete with new music, décor, desserts, and refreshments. Audiences experience different aspects of the Little Women novel through a series of ballet vignettes, bringing the beloved story to life in a unique and immersive way.
📍 Where: Heritage Square Museum (3800 Homer St, Los Angeles, CA)
📆 When: May 23, 24, and 25, 2025
5. Annual Fiesta Days at Memorial Park
📆 When: Saturday May 24 – 26 from 7:30am – 9:00pm
6. 50th annual Topanga Days
Topanga Canyon’s beloved Memorial Day Weekend festival, Topanga Days, returns for its 50th year, celebrating community spirit while raising funds for the Topanga Community Center. Enjoy three days of live music, local food and vendors, and classic games like tug-of-war, sack races, and musical chairs. Plus, on Monday, May 26, there will be a special musical performance by Inara George.
📍 Where: Topanga Community Center (1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA)
📆 When: Saturday May 24 – 26 from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
7. Throw on your top hat and head to Santa Monica for MAINopoly
Polish your monocle and head to Santa Monica’s Main Street for MAINopoly. This event is a playful twist on the classic board game, reimagined as a food-lover’s walking tour. Stroll through more than 20 of Main Street’s top restaurants and bars, trading your “MAINopoly money” for delicious food and drink samples. As you collect stamps on your game board, you’ll also be entering to win a “Taste of Main Street” prize package worth over $1,000! Don’t forget to swing by the “Go to Jail” Beer Garden, where you’ll find live music, photo ops, tastings, and a whole lot of game-themed fun.
📆 When: Sunday, May 25 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm
8. Explore Navy ships at LA Fleet Week 2025
Official U.S. Navy Page from United States of America Petty Officer 1st Class Christop/Navy Office of Information West.
LA Fleet Week 2025 takes place from May 21 to 26, 2025 at the L.A. Waterfront in San Pedro. The event offers a vibrant and free celebration of the U.S. Sea Services. Attendees can explore active-duty Navy ships, enjoy live entertainment, and witness thrilling aircraft flyovers. Plus, other highlights include the Galley Wars, a culinary competition among military branches and the Military Has Talent showcase. Get more information here!
📍 Where: L.A. Waterfront in San Pedro
📆 When: May 21 to 26, 2025
9. Catch a cosmic concert 5,700ft above L.A. in Mount Wilson’s Iconic Dome
Afternoon Concerts in the Dome return to the iconic Mount Wilson Observatory this May. There’s nothing quite like hearing music in the company of stars. This year’s series begins on May 25. Find out more about the unforgettable Mount Wilson Observatory concerts here.
📍 Where: Mount Wilson Observatory
📆 When: Begins on May 25, 2025
10. Have family-friendly fun at Street Food Cinema
Returning to picturesque venues such as The Autry Museum and LA State Historic Park, Street Food Cinema (SFC) returns with another season of beloved films and entertainment suitable for all ages. This picnic-style series encourages guests to arrive early, settle on the grass, and bask in the sunshine. As dusk falls, the movies take center stage! With a variety of films and pre-movie activities, there’s a screening to delight every audience member.
11. Head to the movies for a new must-see film
From the period vampire horror hit Sinners to the extra-terrestrial English adaptation of Watch the Skies, the latest movie features are all the buzz right now. Personally, we can’t think of a better place to soak up the action than in a comfy reclining seat with a large popcorn and a crisp Coke. Check out the latest screenings here.
12. Gather up the whole family for fun at the L.A. County Fair
The LA County Fair is back at the Pomona Fairplex from May 2 to May 26, 2025. The fair is celebrating creativity with this year’s theme, “Art Unleashed.” Open Thursdays through Sundays and Memorial Day, the fair offers a vibrant mix of immersive art exhibits, carnival rides, live music, and diverse food options. Some of the highlights include hands-on art activities, a retro roller-skating rink, and a concert series featuring artists like The O’Jays, Chris Young, and Cheap Trick. It’s a perfect outing for families, foodies, and anyone looking to enjoy a classic SoCal tradition.
📆 When: May 2 – 26, 2025
13. Celebrate AAPI Month In Los Angeles
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and Los Angeles is celebrating with a variety of events that highlight the rich cultural contributions of the AAPI community. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the diverse AAPI cultures that enrich Los Angeles every day. Get all the information here!
14. Cinespia’s outdoor cinema series returns to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery this month
Cinespia’s beloved outdoor cinema series is returning to Hollywood Forever Cemetery for its 24th season, commencing on May 24, 2025. This iconic Los Angeles tradition offers movie enthusiasts the chance to watch classic films under the stars amidst the historic cemetery grounds. Attendees can enjoy lawn-style seating, bring their own picnics (including beer and wine), and partake in live DJ sets and free photo booths. The summer lineup features special tributes and anniversaries, including a David Lynch homage with a screening of Blue Velvet, and 30th-anniversary showings of Clueless and Showgirls. Get more information here!
📆 When: Starting Saturday, May 24, 2025
📍 Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery (6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA)
15. Catch a flick from the 1970s at this special L.A. cinema
Buckle up and get ready to travel back in time, this local theater is bringing special screenings of ‘70s classics you won’t want to miss. To celebrate this beloved time in cinema, Netflix is hosting a special screening series titled “1975: Fifty Is the New Hollywood” at the city’s iconic and legendary Egyptian Theatre. Some of the films you’ll get to enjoy include Barry Lyndon, Jaws, Chinatown and Dog Day Afternoon, and The Godfather Part II. Screenings will take place throughout the month of May. Get all the info here!
📍 Where: Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028)
📆 When: Multiple dates in May
16. Soar to new heights with these livestream eagle cams
Everyone’s looking for a little more joy in your day, and these animal livestreams will do the trick! Big Bear’s viral baby eaglets are an internet sensation, and you can get the latest updates here. If live birdwatching is more up your alley, then here are all the best tips on eagle-watching in SoCal. Plus, there’s an adorable platypus cam and 12 other epic animal livestreams that you don’t want to miss!
17. Enjoy fun and educational community events at The Huntington all month long
The month of May brings a flurry of activity to The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. There are so many activities on offer that everyone is guaranteed to find their passion. You can find the full schedule here. Here are just a few of their events on offer:
- Plein Air Watercolor Series
- Meet a Gardener: Cultivating Roses
- Reflective Writing and Intuitive Collage
- Culinary Workshop: Celebrating Ancestral Foodways
- Astronomy Lecture: The Messy Eating Habits of Black Holes
- Fiber Arts Month: Drop-In Crafts
📍 Where: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
📆 When: Multiple dates in May
18. Dr.Jart+ Korean Skin Mart Flagship Pop-Up
Step into the Dr.Jart+ Korean Skin Mart, where K-beauty meets the vibe of a convenience store in Seoul. Play games, win prizes, and score free samples. Plus, enjoy tasty Korean snacks and get a personalized skincare routine.
📍 Where: The Americana at Brand (889 Americana Way Glendale, CA)
📆 When: May 9 – 26 from 10 am to 9 pm
19. Wander through 20 acres of blooming lavender at 123 Farm
Celebrate the blooming of 123 Farm’s 20-acre lavender fields starting this May. Visitors can experience the fields illuminated by 100,000 lights during evening hours, creating a stunning backdrop for sunset photos and nightly live music performances.
📍 Where: 123 Farm, 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Beaumont, CA 92223
📆 When: May 2 – July 20, 2025
20. Experience an enchanting Candlelight Concert at an exquisite L.A. venue
Experience an Enchanting Candlelight Concert at an exquisite L.A. venue. This dreamy Candlelight concert series is ever-evolving and never ceases to dazzle audiences. This spring, you’ll find incredible performances happening at stunning locations around the city, bathed in flickering candlelight. From Prince to Hans Zimmer, you’ll get to listen to top talent performing curated pieces across a range of genres.
🎟️ Tickets: See Candlelight’s upcoming schedule and get tickets here
21. Watch a movie in theaters with the whole family
Sometimes you just need to sit in a dark theatre and chow down on popcorn. While Netflix has great movies, going to a cinema is a special and fun outing. Here are the must-see movies you need to catch in L.A. theaters this month.
22. It’s gonna be May… get ready for a flower-filled month of fun!
We’re in the heart of spring so it’s the best weather to explore the great outdoors before the relentless summer heat is upon us. From frolicking in flowers to sky-high concerts, here are some of the most wonderful things to fill your calendar with this May in Los Angeles. Get the full list here!
23. Summer is almost here! Here are all of the incredible June events in L.A.
As the warmer days of a new month arrive, so do some of the season’s most exciting plans. Summer is finally here—bringing weekend escapes, rooftop vibes, and lively music festivals. June also invites us to honor the richness and diversity of love with a full month of Pride celebrations. So dust off your summer bucket list and get ready to check off some unforgettable experiences with these amazing events and things to do in Los Angeles this June.
24. Find ways to relax and unwind this week
It’s been a rough month for all of us here in L.A., and it’s important to find ways to unwind and relax even if only for a moment. Recharging your batteries is so important not only for you, but also for your family and entire community. As they say, put on your own oxygen mask before helping others put on theirs. Take care of yourselves, Angelenos. 💚
25. Free Jazz Nights Are Back At LACMA
Jazz at LACMA is back for the 2025 season. There are free outdoor concerts every Friday at 6 p.m. from May through November. Held at the Smidt Welcome Plaza behind the iconic Urban Light installation, these performances feature some of L.A.’s finest jazz musicians. The concerts are open to the public with no tickets or reservations required, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
📍 Where: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
📆 When: May through November on Fridays at 6 p.m.
💲Price: Free
26. Watch it all play out on the ice at a Kings game
Whether you’re a sports fan or not, the buzz of a full crowd in the City of Champions cannot be missed. It’s fall after all, which means catching a Kings game is a must! Go Kings, Go — check out the 2025 Los Angeles Kings schedule here.
📍Location: Crypto Arena, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
27. Catch the Lakers in action at Crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles, keep up with the Lakers through the end of their 2024-2025 season as they take the court at Crypto.com Arena! With LeBron James leading the charge, this season’s matchups are delivering high-intensity action. Don’t miss your chance to witness this star-studded team in action.
📍Location: 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
28. Check out these free things to do around Los Angeles
The best things in life are free — and Los Angeles is home to many of them. Whether you’re a frugal wanderer or just like to save a few bucks each week, here’s our list of the best free things to do in Los Angeles.
29. Embark on a weekend getaway to Catalina Island
There are so many beautiful places within a a 3-hour drive from Los Angeles, and Catalina is one of those magic spots. From beaches to enchanted lakes, there are endless spots you can visit by car in the span of two days! Find out more here.
30. Get your read on at one of the West Hollywood Library
Escape the chaos and dive into a world of tranquility at the West Hollywood Library. This weekend in Los Angeles is the perfect excuse to unwind, explore, and let your imagination run wild with a good book. Get the full list of the best libraries around Los Angeles here.
📍Location: 625 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
31. Tour the iconic Warner Bros. studios
A visit to the iconic Warner Bros., movie studio, is a must for any Angelino, tourist or movie buff. The city not only hosts that studio but also many other big names like Universal, and Paramount. All of them offer a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood magic. You can explore movie sets, soundstages, and even meet the stars of your favorite films. These tours let you step into the heart of the entertainment industry and experience the world where blockbuster movies are made.
📍Location: 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
32. Rock out with Pinktastic Plastixx at The Whisky a GoGo
Pinktastic Plastixx is opening for the iconic 1980s band, Missing Persons, on May 30 at The Whisky a GoGo. Pinktastic Plastixx is an all girl band hailing from Los Angeles who perform original high energy Pop Punk. Come see why they were listed as the Top 10 to Watch for 2025 in BILLBOARD & SPIN Magazine! You can get more information here.
📍 Where: The Whisky a GoGo (8901 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA)
📆 When: Friday, May 30, 2025 at 10 pm
Edited by Sofía Delpueche and Jamie Ferrell