The weekend's forecast calls for some rain, but there are still great reasons to go outside in Southern California.
CULTURAL PICK
Holi on the Beach
WHEN: Saturday, March 3 - Sunday, March 4; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: Sea Side Lagoon, 239 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach. MAP
COST: $15; MORE INFO
Festival of Colors – Riverside
WHEN: Saturday, March 3; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WHERE: Martha McLean Park, 5759 Jurupa Ave., Riverside. MAP
COST: $6; MORE INFO
Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates spring with a massive outdoor party where revelers wear white, throw colorful powder and spray each other with water. In Redondo, you'll toss colors while overlooking the ocean and dancing to beats provided by DJ Darsh. In Riverside, watch Aakansha's BollyPop dancers and do some yoga led by Mohara Devi. In either locale, it'll be a big rainbow burst of fun.
BEACHY PICK
Dana Point Festival of Whales
WHEN: Saturday, March 3 - Sunday, March 4; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WHERE: Dana Point Harbor. MAP
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
There's more than just whale watching — although that can be spectacular — as Orange County celebrates the annual migration of the California gray whale. A Saturday morning parade, complete with giant orca, blue whale and other sea creature balloons, kicks off the festivities. Then a fair takes over the streets while a sand sculpting competition happens on the beach.
GREEN THUMB PICK
Tomatomania!
WHEN: Friday, March 2 - Sunday, March 11
WHERE: Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar. MAP
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
This humongous heirloom tomato seedling sale is packed with juicy events. Horticulturalist David Rizzo helps you "ketchup" on the latest tips for growing tomatoes in cold weather, containers and more. You can also ogle the Tomato of the Year, a beefsteak known as "Madame Marmande."
MUSIC PICK
Air + Style
WHEN: Saturday, March 3 - Sunday, March 4; 1 p.m.
WHERE: Expo Park, 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles. MAP
COST: $79 one-day general admission, $149 weekend pass; MORE INFO
This festival mashes up music acts such as Zedd, Phoenix, Gucci Mane and Tinashe with world-class snowboarders like Olympian Shaun White and skateboarders like Pedro Barros. Check out their superhuman tricks in between listening to some amazing songs.
LITERARY PICK
L.A. Food Book Fair
WHEN: Friday, March 2 - Sunday, March 4; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WHERE: Ace Hotel Los Angeles, 929 South Broadway, downtown Los Angeles. MAP.
ROW DTLA, 787 Alameda St., downtown Los Angeles. MAP
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Get your fill of all the latest food trends — and find some inspiration for your kitchen — at a fair that brings together chefs and critics to discuss topics like the rise of Asian-American cuisine and how health and wellness are driving menus. On Sunday, head to Smorgasburg for a pop-up market to peruse all the offerings by the indie food media in L.A.
CULTURE VULTURE PICK
L.A. Dance Festival: Rise of the Female
WHEN: Thursday, March 1 - Saturday, March 3, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Theater Raymond Kabbaz, 10361 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles. MAP
COST: $25 adults, $15 students; MORE INFO
L.A.'s top female contemporary dancers and choreographers come together to showcase their latest works. Each night offers performances that celebrate women's contribution to the world of dance.