Can you believe we’re half way through the year already? Time is flying and Father’s Day is already this Sunday, June 18, 2023! No need to panic because Los Angeles is full of ways to celebrate Dad and the wonderful men in our lives this weekend. (And beyond!) From BBQ’s to music and art exhibitions, we’ve gathered some of our favorite activities and gift ideas to make this year a special one for your Dad. Check them all out below!
1. Lunch at the Aquarium of the Pacific
In honor of Dad’s everywhere, Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting a Father’s Day lunch. Family’s can enjoy a delicious meal and explore the aquarium full of amazing ocean animals. Tickets include all-day admission and lunch will be served on the Aquarium’s rooftop Veranda dining area overlooking the gorgeous Rainbow Harbor.
RSVP: Reservations will be offered hourly between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Make them here!
When: Sunday, June 18, 2023
Location: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
2. Fanny’s special Father’s Day BBQ
It’s Father’s Day weekend, and on Sunday, June 18, Fanny’s — the restaurant at the Academy Museum — will host a Father’s Day Steak Tutorial and BBQ at 12:30 p.m. The special ticketed event gets attendees a chef-led steak grilling tutorial on the patio; Old Fashioned cocktails; a BBQ lunch; and a parting gift that includes homemade steak sauce and a gift from the bar. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
RSVP: Make your reservation here!
When: Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 12:30 p.m.
Location: Fanny’s at the Academy Museum – 6067 Wilshire Blvd.
3. Pasadena Chalk Festival
The beloved Chalk Festival returns its 30th year this Father’s Day Weekend on the Plaza at the Pasadena Convention Center (300 E. Green Street). The annual celebration of art and culture is a beloved family-friendly event in the heart of Pasadena that is free and open to the public. Guests can expect over 200 chalk murals, 500 artists, vendors, classic cars, beer garden, and so much more!
When: Saturday & Sunday, June 17 & 18, 2023
Location: 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena CA
4. Brunch at CIRCA 55
The historic CIRCA 55 restaurant at The Beverly Hilton will serve Father’s Day brunch in a stylish, mid-century modern setting overlooking the pool, ideal for guests to celebrate fathers. The restaurant will be serving a number of locally-sourced and seasonally inspired creations with fresh ingredients for an elevated brunch, offering something for every discerning palette. The expansive menu offers a wide selection of classic favorites from West Coast Oysters to Baby Back Ribs at the carving station for guests to enjoy alongside live music and celebrity DJ.
RSVP: Make reservations here!
Location: 9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
5. Hoods Up! For Father’s Day at Petersen Museum
The Petersen Museum is known for their iconic cars, and for Father’s Day only, they’re lifting the hoods for all to see. Treat your family to an intimate viewing of the complex motors that power some of the rarest cars in the world. More info here!
When: Sunday, June 18, 2023
Location: 6060 Wilshire BLVD, Los Angeles, CA, 90036
6. Sunday Dinner Jazz Show
Spend Father’s Day in style! Bring the whole family and enjoy sweet sounds of the jazz show in Old Town Pasadena. Sunday nights feature a rotation of some of Pasadena’s best jazz groups including resident Jazz Group Liela Avila & Friends. Whilst you wind down with this gorgeous jazz, enjoy a two-course dinner. What better way to send off your weekend? RSVP here!
When: Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 5:15 p.m.
Location: 119 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 91105
7. Hilltop Luncheon at Tanaka Farms
They say the way to the heart us through the stomach, so spoil Dad with Tanaka Farms farm-to-plate luncheon at Tanaka Farms right on Father’s Day. The experience features a wagon ride up to the hilltop, interactive games, and of course, an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet.
RSVP: Make your reservations here!
When: Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 5:15 p.m.
8-15. Catch one of these 8 incredible exhibitions in L.A.
Los Angeles is home to some of the best exhibitions in the art world. Treat Dad to a day of culture and art. From the first-ever museum exhibition in Los Angeles of Keith Haring’s work to a cosmic display of lights — these are all the spectacular exhibits you need to see in town.
16. Let Dad know you’ll be there for him by gifting him a ticket to the Friends Experience
Is Dad a fan of the beloved sitcom FRIENDS™? Well, you’ll be elated to know that the FRIENDS Experience is full of realistic rooms that bring the universe of FRIENDS™ to life, with all of its iconic sets, costumes and hilarious references. There will also be unique merch, quirky photo-ops and plenty of memorabilia… bring your lobster because ‘The FRIENDS™ Experience’ has lots in store! Get tickets here.
17. Father’s Day Belly Flop Contest
Raging Waters Los Angeles is inviting families to come together this Father’s Day for their Father’s Day Belly Flop Contest. This Sunday at 1 p.m., swing by and flop till you drop! You can watch or you can join in and FLOP here. Raging Waters LA judges will rate belly flops on a scale of 1-10 based on splash, creativity, and crowd reaction. Ties will be broken by another jump. Highest score wins 1st place. Next highest scores win 2nd and 3rd place prizes. Prizes include:
- 1st Place: 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
- 2nd Place: Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit
- 3rd Place: $100 Home Depot Gift Card
Belly FLOP Contest Registration: Visit here!
When: Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 1 p.m.
Location: Raging Waters Los Angeles, 111 Raging Waters Dr, San Dimas, CA 91773
18. Make memories at Bubble World
Bubble World is a one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience featuring 10 stunning rooms that are all interacrive—each with their own theme. But there’s one thread connecting all of these enchanting spaces: bubbles! Bubble World invites Dads and kids aged 1 to 101 to play and stretch their imagination in this Pixar movie come to life. Get tickets here!
19. Juneteenth in L.A.
Get the whole family together and join Junetheenth in L.A.’s annual drive-thru parade, featuring 200+ registered cars driving through the streets of South Central. This powerful event is committed to brining folks together and honoring the community and celebrating Black independence. You can also take part in this parade by registering your vehicle here!
🗓️When: Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 12 p.m.
📍Location: Starts near La Brea and Manchester, concludes/culminates at Inglewood City Hall / Taste of Inglewood Food Festival
20. Taste of Inglewood Juneteenth Food Festival
In honor of Juneteenth, on Father’s Day the Taste of Inglewood Food Festival returns with a lineup of mouth-watering food and vendors. Their goal with this incredible event is to promote unity, build connections, and culture through food and fun! It the perfect place for family, friends, and Dad.
🗓️When: Sunday, June 18, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
📍Location: Market Street, Inglewood, CA 90302