Updated for 2024
Families will never run out of things to do in Los Angeles. Our diverse city is home to a number of family-friendly festivals celebrating the cultures, traditions, holidays, and interests of Los Angeles families.
To make it easy for you, we’ve compiled a month-by-month list highlighting the best annual family events happening in and around Los Angeles.
All The Annual Family-Friendly Festivals in Southern California
Los Angeles Family Events — January
Festival of Human Abilities
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Festival of Human Abilities happens at the Aquarium of the Pacific one weekend each January. This special event highlights the “creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities” and features wheelchair dance, live music, sign language choirs, art demonstrations, and much more. This event is included in general aquarium admission.
Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
California African American Museum
Exposition Park, 600 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037
The California African American Museum hosts its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. This free, daylong event features a variety of programs and activities designed for visitors of all ages. Participate in drop-in art activities, visit the museum’s exhibitions, listen to a marathon reading of some of Dr. King’s lesser-known speeches, and much more.
Related: Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Los Angeles
Oshogatsu Family Festival
Japanese American National Museum
100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Each January, the Japanese American National Museum hosts the Oshogatsu Family Festival. This free one-day event celebrates the coming Lunar New Year with a large variety of activities. Families will enjoy arts and crafts, food, special kids’ activities (such as a raffle and scavenger hunt), performances, demonstrations, and more.
Related: Celebrate Lunar New Year in Los Angeles
Chinese New Year Festival and Parade
Central Plaza, 943-951 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Downtown Chinatown is the place to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Each year, families spend the day enjoying the Golden Dragon Parade as well as a variety of special activities including arts and crafts workshops, food trucks, music stages, a craft market, artisans, a special photo booth, and more.
February Los Angeles Family Events
Whale Fiesta
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro, CA 90731
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium invites families to celebrate the annual migration of the gray whale at its annual Whale Fiesta. This free, one-day event features many activities including music, guest lectures, games, arts and crafts, puppet shows, and more.
African-American Festival
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Each February, the Aquarium of the Pacific hosts its weekend-long African-American Festival. The Festival celebrates the “rich diversity of African-American and African cultures.” Families who attend will enjoy storytellers, musical and dance performers, interactive drum circles, special exhibitions, and more.
And click here to read our post “Where to Celebrate Black History Month In and Around Los Angeles.”
37th Annual Black History Parade and Festival
Robinson Park Recreation Center
1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103
The City of Pasadena hosts its annual Black History Parade and Festival each February. You can enjoy musicians, dancers, equestrians, community leaders, and more. The parade always begins at 10:00 am and ends at the Robinson Park Recreation Center. The Park will be the site of the Festival which features live entertainment, food vendors, information booths, a special children’s zone, and more.
Related: Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Los Angeles Family Festival Events — March
International Children’s Festival
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Each March, the Aquarium of the Pacific hosts the International Children’s Festival. See first-hand the “amazing talents of children of many cultures” at this special event. Enjoy martial arts demonstrations, children’s crafts and games, traditional dance performances, a children’s choir performance, an international percussion circle, and much more. The Festival is included in general Aquarium admission.
Related: Celebrate Mardi Gras at Home
Los Angeles Family Events — April
Grunion “Fishtival”
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro, CA 90731
The Grunion “Fishtival” is a special evening activity held at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Activities include an indoor presentation as well as a guided outdoor observation. Be sure to bring a flashlight and dress warmly for this special night.
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
University of Southern California
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books has been a family favorite since 1996. This two-day event features writers, poets, and artists all celebrating literary culture. It has been described as the “largest festival of its kind in the United States.” The Festival features panel discussions, author signings, vendors, live performances, a special kids area, and much more. Certain events do require a ticket, though general admission is free.
Earth Day Festival
STAR Eco Station
10101 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
STAR Eco Station hosts its Annual Earth Day Festival one weekend each April. This free, outdoor festival features live entertainment, children’s art exhibits, and more. Check with the website to see if they’re holding the festival this year.
Related: Celebrate Easter in Los Angeles
California Poppy Festival
AV Fair & Event Center
2551 W. Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536
The California Poppy Festival celebrates our state flower with a weekend full of fun. This colorful event is spread over 55 acres and features live musical entertainment, art, food, fun, and more. Parking is free; ticket information is available online.
Skirball Puppet Festival: Fantastic Creatures
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
Each year, the Skirball Cultural Center hosts its annual Puppet Festival. This special event celebrates “the art of puppetry and the magic of storytelling.” Enjoy live music, art-making opportunities, and a variety of puppets telling new and classic stories. Advance tickets are recommended.
Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival
William S. Hart Park
24151 Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita, CA 91321
The annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is a free event featuring two days of cowboy-related fun including musical performances, art, food, games, and lots of fun.
Los Angeles Family Events — May
Fiesta Broadway
Downtown Los Angeles
N. Broadway & W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA
Fiesta Broadway has been described as the “largest Cinco de Mayo festival in the country.” Enjoy carnival-style games and rides, art, live musical performances, delicious food, and more at this popular event.
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Olvera Street, Downtown LA
There may be no better place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than on Olvera Street. This free weekend-long festival features both popular and traditional music, cultural dancing, exhibitor booths, food, and fun.
Fiesta Hermosa
Downtown Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Fiesta Hermosa happens twice a year — on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. It is considered the “largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California.” Families can see the works of over 300 artists and crafters, enjoy live musical entertainment, and partake of refreshments at the food court. For families with small children, the Kiddie Carnival features rides, a rock climbing wall, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painters, and more.
L.A. County Fair
1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
There’s so much to do at the L.A. County Fair! Each year, families visit the fair and enjoy food, rides, animals, performances, and more.
Great Big Family Play Day
The Autry Museum, Griffith Park
4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Great Big Family Play Day is considered to be the “ultimate family festival and expo.” Enjoy live entertainment, interactive experiences for children of all ages, food, local businesses, vendors, raffles, and much more.
Los Angeles Family Events — June
Pacific Islander Festival
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Aquarium of the Pacific invites families to its Pacific Islander Festival. Families will learn about the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands and enjoy traditional island music, dance, and cultural crafts. There will be games, live entertainment, demonstrations, and more. The Festival is included in general Aquarium admission.
WeHo Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival
Multiple Locations in the City of West Hollywood
Each year throughout the month of June, the City of West Hollywood hosts its annual One City One Pride, now known as the WeHo Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival. This special event focuses on community pride as told through the art and history of the community. A variety of activities and special events are planned throughout the month.
Pasadena Chalk Festival
The Plaza at Pasadena Convention Center
300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101
For one weekend each June, the city of Pasadena hosts its annual Chalk Festival. This free, fun-filled event features live music and entertainment, a special Kids Chalkland, the “chalk of fame,” and much more.
Related: All The Best Fourth of July Celebrations In Los Angeles
Los Angeles Family Events — July
Lotus Festival
Echo Park Lake
751 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026
The annual Lotus Festival happens each July. This free event celebrates the arts and cultures of the Asian Pacific Regions. Families will enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts, a food court, kid-friendly activities, and much more.
Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival
Marine Stadium
5255 E. Paoli Way, Long Beach, CA 90803
The Annual Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival is super fun. Enjoy watching one of the largest dragon boat competitions in California! Additionally, there will be traditional art demonstrations, music, martial arts demonstrations, traditional dance, food, and more.
Festival of Arts — Pageant of the Masters
650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
If you’re unfamiliar with Pageant of the Masters it is described as “one of the most unique productions in the world,” where audiences witness “living pictures” — real people posing to look exactly like the original art pieces. Coinciding with Pageant of the Masters is the Festival Art Show featuring a wide variety of media as well as workshops, live music, special events, and more.
Los Angeles Family Events — August
Fiesta La Ballona
Veterans Memorial Park
4117 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230
This three-day event (beginning on a Friday and ending on a Sunday) features live entertainment, food trucks, carnival rides and games, artisan vendors, and much more. Admission is free, though certain attractions do require tickets.
Los Angeles Family Events — September
Dino Fest
Natural History Museum
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007
Each September, the Natural History Museum hosts its two-day Dino Fest, a celebration of all things dinosaur! Meet paleontologists, participate in hands-on activities, visit special exhibitors, view rare specimens from the museum’s collections, and much more. Check the website for ticket information and the best places to park.
Fiesta Hermosa
Downtown Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
The second Fiesta Hermosa of the year happens on Labor Day (the first is on Memorial Day). Scroll back up to May to learn more.
Moompetam: Native American Festival
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Moompetam: Native American Festival is the Aquarium of the Pacific’s annual festival celebrating local Native American cultures. This two-day event features traditional cultural crafts, storytelling, live demonstrations, music, dance, and more.
Abbot Kinney Festival
Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
The annual Abbot Kinney Festival is back – and happens on the last Sunday of each September. This free, day-long event features hundreds of vendors, food trucks, music stages, kids’ rides and games, and more.
Baja Splash Cultural Festival
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Celebrate Latino Heritage Month at the Aquarium of the Pacific at their yearly Baja Splash Cultural Festival. The Festival features educational programs, arts and crafts, live entertainment and performances, and more.
Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and Annual Simon Rodia Watts Tower Jazz Festival
Watts Towers Arts Center Campus
1727 E. 107th St., Los Angeles, CA 90002
Each September, the Watts Towers is the site of the annual Day of the Drum Festival and the annual Simon Rodia Watts Tower Jazz Festival. These special events happen over the course of one weekend and feature multiple dance and musical performances as well as other special activities. Tours of the Watts Towers will also be available.
Los Angeles Family Events — October
Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
Lost Hills Rd. and Juan Bautista de Anza Park, Calabasas, CA 91301
The annual Calabasas Pumpkin Festival happens one weekend each October. The fun-filled festival features live musical performances, vendors, pumpkin painting, professional pumpkin carving, food, pumpkin treats, and more.
Related: Harvest Festivals in SoCal
Harvest Festival
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
The Skirball’s annual Harvest Festival is a celebration of the fall harvest season as well as the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The daylong festival in October features musical and dance performances, interactive activities, and much more.
Annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
West Plaza
900 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival “celebrates a full harvest moon and is a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest, and to celebrate with our Los Angeles family in Chinatown style!” Families will enjoy live musical performances, traditional Chinese cultural demonstrations, the chance to view the moon through telescopes, Mooncake samples from Chinatown’s bakeries, food, and more.
Fall Festival
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
The Original Farmers Market hosts its annual Fall Festival during one weekend in October. This free event is like a “favorite country fair in the heart of the big city!” Enjoy a petting zoo, pie-eating contests, live musical performances, old-time artisans, giant inflatables, and more.
Los Angeles Family Events — November
Día de los Muertos
Olvera Street, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Each year, Olvera Street hosts a Día de Los Muertos event. Participate in this “colorful, ancient Mexican ceremony in remembrance of departed loved ones.” View beautifully decorated altars and art exhibits, and enjoy live entertainment.
Related: Where To Celebrate Día de los Muertos In and Around Los Angeles
Autumn Festival
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts its Autumn Festival, a celebration of Asian culture, each November. This weekend-long event offers families the opportunity to learn about the “arts, cuisines, cultures, and marine environments of Asia.” Enjoy arts and crafts, musical and dance performances, special exhibitions, and more.
American Indian Arts Marketplace
The Autry Museum
4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Each November, the Autry invites families to its American Indian Arts Marketplace, described as the “largest Native American arts fair in Southern California.” You can view and purchase art created by more than 200 Native American artists from more than 40 nations. Additionally, the weekend includes special performances, food, children’s activities, artist demonstrations, and more.
Los Angeles Family Events — December
Hanukkah Festival
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
This special event, celebrating the Jewish Festival of Light, includes musical performances, hands-on workshops, storytelling, and more.
Related: See all the Hanukkah Events all over SoCal
Christmas on the Farm
Underwood Family Farms
3370 Sunset Valley Rd., Moorpark, CA 93021
Celebrate the holiday season at Underwood Family Farms. This year you can purchase — or simply enjoy — fresh-cut northwest trees, mistletoe, and wreaths. In addition, Santa will be visiting the farm so check for details!
Related: Christmas and Holiday Events in Los Angeles
Winter Fantasy Sawdust Arts and Craft Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Laguna Beach invites families to its annual Winter Fantasy. The Sawdust Festival grounds will resemble a winter wonderland featuring 175 artists creating a variety of different art media including ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, woodwork, painting, and more. In addition, you’ll find live holiday entertainment, outdoor cafes, arts and crafts classes, Santa Claus, and more.
Annual Festival of Lights
The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa
3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa is known for many things, including its annual Festival of Lights. The six-week-long “holiday extravaganza” features “one of the nation’s largest holiday light collections of its kind.” The Hotel will be illuminated with 5 million holiday lights! In addition, the Festival of Lights features more than 200 animated figures, the world’s largest man-made mistletoe, horse-drawn carriages, and more.
And for more holiday festivals and celebrations click here to read our post “The Best Christmas and Holiday Events In and Around Los Angeles.”
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Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
