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Best things to do Memorial Day weekend in LA and Southern California: May 23 - 26
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Our Picks
I live in Venice, and this past weekend I slept in too late to see the actual half marathon, but not too late to see the exuberant runners hanging out in the neighborhood, strolling the boardwalk and checking out the party on Windward Avenue afterwards. I then learned the run was more than just a great community event; it’s a test of the new course for the Olympic Marathon that will start and end in Venice in 2028. So cool! L.A. 2028 is really starting to feel like it’s in sight.
This Memorial Day weekend, there are festivals up and down the coast and many ways to honor our military, including the Redondo Beach Memorial Day Ceremony and the annual L.A. National Cemetery ceremony.
For more to explore, visit LAist.com, where you can learn about the reopening plans for the Getty Villa, the end of one lilac fanatic’s landmark garden in Idyllwild, and — phew! — Sesame Street heads back to PBS Kids and strikes a deal with Netflix. Looking for the public media wins where I can, folks.
Events
Friday, May 23, 7 p.m.
Suppa Club: Office Hours
OffTop Design
2712 54th. St., Crenshaw
COST: $25; MORE INFO
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Jazz from the Don Brown Collective and food from Little Los Angeles are the draw for this Suppa Club event at OffTop Design’s space in Crenshaw. Drummer Don Brown was born and raised in South Central and puts together a great night of music with his talented friends.
Through Sunday, June 8
A Doll’s House Part 2
Pasadena Playhouse
39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena
COST: FROM $40; MORE INFO
Don’t worry, you haven’t missed Part 1. A Doll’s House Part 2 isn’t actually a part two. It’s Lucas Hnath’s modern answer to Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 play, A Doll’s House. And you don’t need to be intimately familiar with the original to "get" this version, written in 2017. It all takes place following the “slam heard round the world” — when the main character, housewife and mother Nora, leaves her domestic life behind. Elizabeth Reaser (Twilight) and Jason Butler Harner (Ozark) star as Nora and Torvald.
Sunday, May 25, 1 to 4 p.m.
Lucky Bead: Beginner beading workshop
The Chapter House L.A.
1770 Glendale Blvd., Glendale
COST: RECOMMENDED DONATION $10; MORE INFO
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The Chapter House, an Indigenous community space, is hosting an intro beading workshop taught by Gigi Modrich (Jicarilla Apache). Make a pair of bright “auntie” earrings and participate in an ancient craft that turns out beautiful, wearable things. Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite beads from home, too.
May 24-26
Topanga Days
Multiple parking locations (then a shuttle brings you to the event)
Topanga Canyon
COST: FROM $31; MORE INFO
The Allah-las, The English Beat and many more musical acts welcome the Topanga community back to Topanga Days after the fires, the biggest celebration of the year in the canyon. There’s music, games, a parade and lots of local food vendors at this little trip back in time. It’s a festival that has stayed true to its 1970s roots and marks 50 years this year.
Shuttle buses will run to the site in Topanga all day long, so leave the car at a convenient lot and don’t worry about battling the still-closed PCH overflow. Plus, on Memorial Day, local indie favorite Inara George sings "America the Beautiful" at the annual flag raising.
Through Monday, May 26
L.A. Fleet Week
L.A. Harbor
250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
A Los Angeles Fire Boat performs a water salute by spraying water from its fire extinguishers in the air for LA Fleet Week in San Pedro in 2024.
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Take a tall ship tour, check out the maritime expo and attend a Memorial Day tribute to military heroes at the USS Iowa during L.A.’s annual Fleet Week. The view of all those sailors in uniform isn’t bad either.
May 24-26
Fiesta Hermosa
Hermosa and Pier Aves., Hermosa Beach
COST: GARDEN PASS $10; MORE INFO
The party is in Hermosa Beach with an oceanside beer garden, tons of live performances, carnival games, food and much more. There’s a free bike valet, and the Marvin Braude bike path goes all the way from the Palisades to Hermosa, so there’s really no excuse not to go enjoy yourself!
May 23-26
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
Village Green Park
12732 Main St., Garden Grove
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Literally everything is strawberry at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, which celebrates its 65th year this summer. From strawberry shortcake to a strawberry-themed costume contest, the day is full of berry treats of all kinds. The annual parade's Grand Marshalls are actress Kate Linder and civil rights icon Sylvia Mendez, plus there’s music from a range of performers, from country bands to School of Rock grads.
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Outdoor Pick
Saturday, May 24, 11 a.m.
Soundbath, Sea and Sails
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey
COST: SUGGESTED $30 DONATION; MORE INFO
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Epic Media Events & Spiritual Gangster Productions
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All you need to bring to this sound ceremony by the sea is your yoga mat. Led by the founders of BodhiBLISS and Well and Whole, the morning features gongs, singing bowls and chimes to create a peaceful meditation environment. Start off your holiday weekend calmly overlooking the Marina.
Viewing Pick
Sunday, May 25, 8:30 p.m.
Cinespia: Clueless 30th Anniversary
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood
COST: FROM $24.11; MORE INFO
Stacey Dash and Alicia Silverstone in the 1995 movie "Clueless."
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30 years?! As if! Amy Heckerling’s iconic 90s high school comedy Clueless is the Memorial Day pick for Cinespia as the summer favorite outdoor film series gets going. It’s aged like a fine Paul Rudd. So, don your best yellow tartan skirt suit, make sure you don’t get gas in the Valley on your way, and grab your Dionne for movie night in the cemetery.
Dine & Drink Deals
Sunday, May 25, 1 to 5 p.m.
MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street
Main Street, between Strand Ave. and Pier Ave., Santa Monica
COST: FROM $30, FREE FOR KIDS UNDER 5; MORE INFO
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Spin Public Relations
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Each year, Main Street turns into a real-life Monopoly board, but instead of a Get Out of Jail Free card, you get MAINopoly dollars. They're good for tastings at local restaurants including Ashland Hill, JuneShine, Triple Beam Pizza, Sunny Blue and more. You can also take a pedicab, grab a drink in the beer garden, swing by the "Just Visiting" photo booth, and complete the game board to win prizes.
May 24-26, 12 to 9 p.m.
Valley Greek Festival
9501 Balboa Blvd., Northridge
COST: $5; MORE INFO
If you’re as sad as I am about Papa Cristo’s closing, get your next fill of Greek specialties at the Valley Greek Festival. Gyros, baklava, spanakopita, dolmades — it’s all here. Plus, enjoy live Greek dance performances, cooking demos and more.
Ongoing
Table 31 Experience
Tam O’Shanter
2980 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Feliz
COST: $69 (LUNCH), $89 (DINNER); MORE INFO
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Palm & Ocean
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Ever wanted to sit where Walt sat? Step into a piece of Hollywood and animation history at the Table 31 Experience at Tam O’Shanter in Los Feliz. Reserve Walt Disney’s favorite table and enjoy a curated, story-rich evening featuring one of Walt’s favorite dishes. Plus, get a personalized history session with Tam’s dedicated Table 31 Ambassador, who shares captivating stories and lesser-known details of Walt’s time at the restaurant, and take home a souvenir to commemorate your night.
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