SoCal kids & families, May 2-9: LA County Fair, Star Wars Day, Cinco de Mayo and more
SoCal kids & families, May 2-9: LA County Fair, Star Wars Day, Cinco de Mayo and more
Encourage your children to learn and grow with our curated list of fun, artsy and engaging events and activities in LA and OC this coming weekend and beyond
Welcome to a new edition of TV or Not TV’s curated guide to fun, artsy, kid-centric and family-friendly events, activities and happenings all around LA and OC this weekend and beyond. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the Los Angeles Times’ Calendar.
Let’s have some fun!
Anaheim 5 de Mayo Fiesta Commemorate Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 with this weekend-long celebration that features live music and dance performances, carnival rides and games, food and drink — and a soccer tournament! La Palma Park, 1151 N. La Palma Pkwy., Anaheim. 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May 2-5. Performances, free; carnival tickets and wristbands, $2-$45. r2r.my.canva.site
LA County Fair Ride the rides, play the games, pet the animals and indulge in deep-fried you-name-it at the return of this month-long celebration that also includes musical performances by War, TLC, Pat Benatar and many others. Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. Pomona. Opening day, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 3; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays plus Memorial Day, thru May 27. $10-$30; ages 5 and under, free; season passes, $19, $78; additional fees for rides and carnival games; concerts, various prices (includes fair admission unless purchased on the day of the show). lacountyfair.com
Cinco De Mayo at the Rose Bowl This free and family friendly community celebration returns with live music and dance performances, food and drink, vendor booths, a youth soccer tournament and outdoor screenings of “Disney’s Coco” and “Beverly Hills Chihuahua.” The Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. Noon to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Free. visitpasadena.com
‘Noah’s Flood’ Performers from Los Angeles Opera are joined by a supersized cohort of local amateur singers, musicians, etc. for Benjamin Britten’s family friendly take on the biblical tale. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St., downtown L.A. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, May 3-4. Free (with a $1 handling fee). (213) 972-8001. laopera.org
‘May the 4th Celebration: Across the Galaxy’ The Academy Museum celebrates Star Wars Day with this family-friendly outing — costumes encouraged — that includes arts & crafts workshops, gallery tours, screenings of “Return of the Jedi” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and more. Academy Museum, 6067 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Closed Tuesdays. 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4. $15-$25; ages 17 and younger, free; screenings, $5; some activities free, others extra. (323) 930-3000. academymuseum.org
The Music Center’s ‘On the Record: Vinyl Fair’ This second annual celebration of tracks on wax features over one dozen album vendors, plus live DJs and performances, an open dance floor, arts & crafts and more. Jerry Moss Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Free. musiccenter.org
Soka Peace Festival Local heroes Ozomatli, hip-hop artist G Yamazawa and jazz pianist Michael Wolff are among the performers slated for this free and family-friendly affair that also features food trucks and a beer & wine garden. Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo. 2:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Free. $40-$85; discounts available. soka.edu
Cinco De Mayo Fiesta El Pueblo de Los Angeles — the birthplace of our fair city — celebrates with mariachi bands, folklorico dancers, food and drink, vendor booths and a dedicated kids zone. El Pueblo de Los Angeles, 125 Paseo de la Plaza, downtown L.A. Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 5. Free. cincodemayofiesta.net
‘Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak’ The beloved illustrator of such classic children’s books as “Where the Wild Things Are” is celebrated in this super-sized survey of paintings, drawings, toys and more; thru Sept. 1. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. Closed Monday. $8-$13; 2 and under, free; free on Thursdays. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org