Handel’s Ice Cream is sweet on Los Angeles, and this time they’re scooping up real estate—and Rocky Mocha Blast—in Burbank. The new shop lands just off Pass Avenue on May 15, promising swirls of nostalgia, community-minded events, and, yes, a golden ticket: the first 50 guests will score free ice cream for a year. (That’s 52 weeks of sweet bribery—don’t forget your ID.) (Terms and conditions apply.)
News and Events
If you spot sails on the horizon this May, no, you're not imagining things—and no, Ventura isn’t filming a period drama. The Mystic Whaler, a towering 83-foot, two-masted schooner modeled after a 19th-century coastal cargo ship, is docking at Ventura Harbor Village from May 14 through Memorial Day, and you’re invited to step aboard.
Pomona is about to get a whole lot weirder—in the best way possible. The LA County Fair just dropped its 2025 theme, and it’s not another nostalgic nod to cows and cotton candy. This year, it’s “Art Unleashed.” Translation? Think less craft fair, more cosmic trip through what makes us tick, twitch, and maybe tear up a little.
Running May 2–26, the Fair is embracing the beautiful chaos of creativity in all its forms—culinary, visual, musical, and yes, even mechanical. If you’ve ever caught yourself admiring the engineering of a Ferris wheel mid-scream, congratulations: you’ve already tapped into the fair’s new ethos.
Let’s face it—most of us would happily trade a weekend of doomscrolling and errands for a sword, a crown, and a roasted turkey leg the size of our forearm. Good news: the Renaissance Pleasure Faire is back to grant your wish.
Running Saturdays and Sundays from April 5 through May 18, 2025, at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, the original SoCal Ren Faire promises a full sensory escape from modern life. And yes, that includes a full-contact joust or three.
By now, you’ve probably heard whispers (or maybe chaotic giggles) about the new kid-magnet making its way to the Westside. CAMP, the wildly imaginative “Family Experience Company,” is unleashing its latest immersive adventure—Fairytale CAMP—right here in Los Angeles starting May 23. And if your idea of a fairytale includes sneaker-clad princesses, dragon-induced disasters, and glitter explosions, then welcome to your happily-ever-after.
If your ideal Thursday night involves tap dancing, krumping, poetry, DJ sets, and Double Dutch—all under one roof—you’ll want to be at the GRAMMY Museum’s Second Annual Hip-Hop Block Party on June 5. And this year? They're not just throwing a party—they're turning the whole museum into a living, breathing tribute to hip-hop, R&B, and the local creative scene that keeps the culture alive.
This isn’t a panel discussion with a playlist. This is a full museum takeover.
Expect energy from the street level to the skyline, with activations on every floor—from a jam session hosted by the National Black Musicians Coalition, to a poetry open mic with Barbara Fant, Alyesha Wise, and Yazmin Monet Watkins that promises to stir something deeper than your average party banter.
Dust off your monocles and start practicing your best “Do not pass go!” because MAINopoly is back, and this time it's celebrating a whole decade of game board-inspired indulgence. On Sunday, May 25th, Santa Monica’s Main Street will once again transform into a culinary Monopoly board, where foodies, families, and folks in bowler hats will roam from Strand to Pier, collecting bites, sips, and Instagram fodder along the way.
By now, San Diego parents are well aware that spring in Chula Vista doesn’t just mean wildflowers and May Gray—it also means Elmo’s back at it again. Elmo’s Springtacular has returned to Sesame Place San Diego, and this year’s celebration isn’t just chalk, scavenger hunts, and storytime.
The California Science Center will premiere GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play on May 15, 2025 – a uniquely Los Angeles exhibition that will inspire people of all ages, backgrounds, genders and abilities through an array of exciting and immersive activities.
Designed by the California Science Center with the generous support and active collaboration of the Walter Family Foundation, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, and LA84 Foundation, this dynamic exhibition showcases the powerful connection between science, sports and play, while celebrating the joy of the human body in motion.
Queen Mary Unveils New Art Gallery and More at Community Day May 27th Named the top Specialty Museum in Long Beach by TripAdvisor, the Queen Mary is a living testament to elegance, history, and artistry. Moored in Long Beach, this historic ocean liner offers guests an immersive experience where art, architecture, and the ship’s storied past come to life.
The Queen Mary Unveils New Art Gallery, New Archives Museum, New Expanded Self-Guided Tours, Restored Artwork, and More
With its newly restored art deco masterpiece, captivating exhibits, and curated art gallery, the Queen Mary remains a cornerstone of Southern California’s cultural landscape.
On Tuesday, May 27, from 10AM to 5PM, the ship will host a Queen Mary Community Day, offering free admission for visitors to experience The Queen Mary’s artistic and historical treasures up close.
https://momsla.com/guide-to-legoland-california/
This year’s family-friendly cultural festival’s theme "Entangled in Community" marks five years of the Clockshop’s Community & Unity People’s Kite Festival at Los Angeles State Historic Park. Featuring kite flying, art-making workshops, live music, food vendors and more. The all-ages community celebration is free and open to the public honoring the communities surrounding Los Angeles State Historic Park …
CicLAvia Hosts their 60th Event with First CicLAmini of the Year - A more Pedestrian-Oriented Experience Featuring 1.4-Miles of Open Streets Along Pico Blvd Between Normandie Ave and Union Ave - Free for All on Sunday, May 18, 2025; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Inland Empire’s Favorite Family Destination, Castle Park, in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions, is welcoming guests to the region’s first-ever Neighbor Days. The event offers families unique opportunities to meet characters from the beloved PBS KIDS shows Donkey Hodie, Alma’s Way and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
Taking place every Saturday and Sunday starting May 17 through June 8, guests can enjoy character meet-and-greets, plus kid-centric unique entertainment, engaging story times, themed scavenger hunts and much more.
It’s time to get ready for one of the biggest family celebrations of play ever as LEGOLAND® California Resort reveals the full line-up of its new LEGO® Festival taking place from May 3 to June 8.
LEGO Festival has been created to encourage families to play more as recent research shows 76% of parents1 believe that children have less time and space to play, which is crucial for creativity and learning, developing social skills and building confidence.
Mark your calendars and start making plans to join California State Parks and partners in celebrating the fourth annual California State Parks Week from June 11-15. Presented by California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, Parks California and Save the Redwoods League, this exciting weeklong celebration with the tagline “This is Where You Live” offers more than 170 events, including both in-person and virtual experiences, highlighting the people, places and programs that make California’s 280 state parks truly unique.
Los Angeles Unified earned top national honors last night at the Magnet Schools of America (MSA) conference in Nashville, with awards spotlighting the district’s excellence and innovation in magnet education. Grover Cleveland Charter High School was named Best Magnet School in the Country and Rebecca McMurrin, principal of Ulysses S. Grant Senior High School, was named the Principal of the Year. Additionally, Naomi Talens, a George Ellery Hale Charter Academy student, won the national Student Art Contest.
Sweet News, LA! Voodoo Doughnut is Officially Opening on Melrose!
Get ready for some seriously quirky and delicious doughnuts, Los Angeles! The rumors are true – Voodoo Doughnut has opened its doors on Melrose Avenue!
The legendary Portland-based doughnut shop is officially setting up shop right here at 7101 Melrose Ave. (at La Brea). You won't miss it – they've given the building a fresh coat of their signature pink paint!
Calling all witches, wizards, and Muggles in LA! If you're a fan of that magical, butterscotch-y goodness known as Butterbeer, then get ready to celebrate! It's officially Butterbeer Season, and there are some fun new ways to enjoy the iconic Harry Potter drink right here in our world.
Hey SoCal Parents! Get Ready for Some Fin-Tastic Fun with Baby Shark at SeaWorld San Diego!
Mark your calendars, because starting April 18th and swimming all the way through June 22nd, everyone's favorite little shark, Baby Shark, is making a splash at SeaWorld San Diego! He's bringing his buddy Pinkfong along for a limited-time visit as part of SeaWorld's 10th-anniversary celebration – get ready for that catchy tune to be stuck in your head (again!).
