For many Angelenos, Memorial Day kicks off a summer full of festivals, outdoor events, live music and all manner of culinary and cultural happenings. Start the season off right with these fun Memorial Day weekend events!
Enjoy live music, great weather, the work of local artists and artisans, good eats and much more at the 41st annual Topanga Days. Musical headliners this year include Lockdown, Wooden Roots and Royal Southern Brotherhood among others. 1440 N. Topanga Cyn. Bl.
Speaking of live music, this festival promises to be one of the grooviest in the country this weekend, with acts including Snoop Dogg, Aloe Blacc, Ky-Mani Marley, and many more. Tickets are $30-65, and the fest takes place outdoors at UCLA Intramural Field, 405 Hilgard Ave., in Westwood.
People will travel from all over the country this weekend to enjoy the 42nd annual “Fiesta Hermosa” in downtown Hermosa Beach. The annual celebration – in a gorgeous beach community – features more than 300 artists and artisans in addition to live music on two stages and an award-winning selection of international food, beer, wine and more. This is one not to miss! 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Hermosa Beach.
MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street May 25
This interactive event takes place along Santa Monica’s Main Street, and it mirrors the classic board game. You receive food tastings in exchange for special MAINopoly dollars and select restaurants will also be offering special happy hour menus and drink specials. Enjoy items such as goat cheese en pan tostada from Manchego, fresh ceviche from Enterprise Fish Co., Magic Brownies from M Street Kitchen, Freddos Iced Coffee from Peet’s and much more. It’s a good cause, too; proceeds benefit Summer SOULstice and Heal the Bay. 2-8 p.m. Main St., Santa Monica.
Unionmade Pop Up Shop May 24-26
Memorial Day is also a great time to shop, and this year there’s a special pop-up shot at The Grove for all the guys out there in need of summer wear. Browse handmade, locally-designed t-shirts, swim trunks and woven shirts from LA-based men’s clothing company M. Nii. The clothes are crafted from archival pieces and inspired by vintage surfing. 189 The Grove Dr., The Grove, Los Angeles.
Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade May 27 
Finally, what would Memorial Day be without a good parade? Head on over to Canoga Park on Monday to see horses, floats, community organizations and youngsters take part in this march. Now in its 25th year, the theme of this year’s parade is “Saluting the Price of Freedom,” so we can expect military companies paying tribute to the fallen, as well as some impressve flyovers. 11:00 a.m., May 27. Parade starts at Sherman Way and Owensmouth, Canoga Park.
