LA County Fair

A classic LA County Fair experience with rides, animals, food stands, and live entertainment. Spend the day exploring exhibits, visiting the petting zoo, and enjoying one of the biggest annual events in Southern California.

Pricing

• Online: $15–$25
• At the gate: $17–$32
• Kids under 6: Free

Parking / getting there

• Parking is on-site but can get busy — arrive early.
• The fair takes place at Fairplex in Pomona, with large parking lots available at multiple gates.
• Main parking: enter through Gate 9 on White Ave or Gate 17 on Fairplex Dr for general parking.
• Valet option: available at Gate 3 on McKinley Ave if you want closer access.
• Cost: expect paid parking, typically around $20–$26, and it is card only / cashless.
• Ride share: drop-off is at Gate 1, which helps avoid parking traffic.
• Public transit is limited — closest bus stop is about a short walk from the fairgrounds, so driving is the easiest option.

Special note

• Sensory-friendly Thursday, May 28, from 11 AM–1 PM.

Things to do

• Carnivals
• Petting farms
• Success Zone and imaginary play — just for kids

Great Big Family Play Day — The Autry, Griffith Park

A large outdoor family festival at Griffith Park featuring live music, interactive play zones, and hands-on activities for kids. Expect popular performers like BeatBuds and LoveBug & Me, along with food, open play, and all-day entertainment.

Pricing

• Pricing varies based on the time you pick.
• Range: $5–$25.

Things to do

• Live music and performances
• Interactive play zones
• Hands-on activities for kids
• Food, open play, and all-day entertainment

Performers / events listed

• Doggyland
• The Beat Buds
• Chudney Ross
• Twinkletime
• Teacher Peter
• DJ Natalina

Sunday, May 17 performances

• Laurie Berkner
• Kids Imagine Nation
• Hollywood Princesses
• Love Bug & Me Music
• The Beat Buds
• Jam with Jamie

LA Fleet Week

A large Memorial Day weekend event at the LA Waterfront featuring ship tours, military demonstrations, and hands-on activities for kids. A unique chance to explore naval ships and enjoy a full day by the water with family-friendly programming.

Parking / getting there

• Parking can be busy — plan ahead.
• The main Expo is by Battleship IOWA, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro.
• Best option: park at the remote lot on 22nd Street between Samson Way and Miner Street and take the free shuttle.
• Shuttle service runs 8 AM–7 PM on public LA Fleet Week days.
• Free trolley service runs around the waterfront from 8 AM–midnight.
• Ride share: use Port of Los Angeles Administration Building, 425 S. Palos Verdes St., as your drop-off, then walk down 5th Street to the Expo.
• Public transit: take the Metro J Line to Beacon/1st St, about one block from Battleship IOWA.
• Ship tours note: active ship tours are only accessible by shuttle from the main Expo — no personal vehicle or pedestrian access to the ship tour area.

Things to do

• Free deck tours and hands-on activities for kids
• Kid-friendly STEAM activities
• Historic reenactors
• Sea shanty sing-alongs
• Knot tying
• Sailing history
• Unique photo ops aboard the ships and with pirate characters
• Face painting
• Crafts

Fiesta Hermosa

A large beachside festival over Memorial Day weekend with carnival rides, games, food vendors, and live music. Expect a lively atmosphere with plenty to explore for families right by the Hermosa Beach pier.

Parking / getting there

• Parking is very limited — plan ahead.
• Most streets close near the festival, so parking nearby is not realistic.
• Best option: park at the free shuttle lot at Northrop Grumman, Manhattan Beach, and take the shuttle.
• The shuttle runs throughout the day and drops you near both the carnival on PCH and closer to the beach on 10th St.
• Ride share: designated Uber/Lyft drop-off on 10th St & Hermosa Ave near the event.
• Public transit: Bus routes like 109 and 13 stop within a short walk of the festival area.
• Bonus: bike valet is available near the beach at 11th St.

Things to do

• Carnival rides and games
• Food vendors
• Live music
• Beachside festival atmosphere near the Hermosa Beach pier

Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Our Faire is 20 acres of pure fun. 13 stages offer a variety of entertainment all day long. In addition, the Faire includes a fully armored joust, the Queen and her glittering Court, arts and crafts, food, spirits, music, dance, parades, rides, and games.

Pricing

• Under 4 years old: Free
• Ages 5–12: $28
• Adults: $53

Things to do

• 13 stages of entertainment
• Fully armored joust
• The Queen and her glittering Court
• Amazing arts and crafts
• Food and fine spirits
• Music, dance, parades, rides, and games

California Watermelon Festival

A large outdoor summer festival at Hansen Dam featuring a kids zone, carnival rides, live music, and interactive activities. Expect watermelon-themed food, performances, and a full day of family-friendly fun to kick off the summer.

Pricing

• General price range: $17–$30
• Parking: $12
• 10 rides: $30
• Packages available at different pricing.

Things to do

• Huge kids zone with rides, petting zoo, crafts, and shows
• Live music and performances all day
• Carnival rides and games
• Interactive activities like face painting, bubbles, and meet-and-greets
• Unlimited watermelon and fun food options
• New this year: rodeo and car show

Salute to Recreation

A large, free community festival in Northridge with carnival rides, live performances, kids activities, and food vendors. Expect a mix of entertainment, games, and sports activities across a full weekend designed for families.

What to expect

• Carnival rides
• Live performances
• Kids activities
• Food vendors
• Games and sports activities