The Guide to Memorial Day Weekend Events in Los Angeles
Concerts, outdoor movies, cultural festivals and much more
Updated on May 23, 2018
Los Angeles is the city of the "Endless Summer," but for many people the unofficial start of the summer season is Memorial Day Weekend. From concerts to outdoor movies, cultural festivals and much more, read on for events happening across L.A. from Friday, May 25 to Monday, May 28.
Battleship IOWA (Memorial Day)
Anchored at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Battleship IOWA is a former World War II warship turned naval museum. On Memorial Day, visitors will be able to donate a dollar for a flag, allowing the banner to wave in honor of a loved one lost in battle or remembrance. City of Los Angeles dignitaries, veterans, current military and Battleship IOWA VIPs will be on board to speak about the national day of remembrance as well as honor visiting military. Memorial Day festivities include: the inaugural San Pedro Fish Market World Famous Shrimp-Eating Championship, featuring famed Major League Eater Joey Chestnut; performance by the San Pedro Ballet; face painting; BBQ and beer provided by San Pedro Brewing including “Battleship," a specially brewed IPA.
All the events will take place on board the museum’s decks. Gangplanks open at 10 a.m. and the last tour ticket will be sold at 4 p.m. Admission is free.
250 S. Harbor Blvd. San Pedro, CA 90731//} ?>
ROOFTOP CINEMA CLUB (May 25-26, 2018)
With locations in Downtown L.A. and Hollywood, Rooftop Cinema Club offers a premier outdoor movie experience with panoramic views, spectacular sunsets and state-of-the-art wireless headphones. This summer, Rooftop Cinema Club returns to the rooftop terrace at LEVEL in Downtown L.A. with an eclectic schedule of new releases, classics and cult favorites. On Memorial Day Weekend, LEVEL is screening The Godfather (May 25) and The Dark Knight (May 26). Rooftop Cinema Club's original L.A. location, the Ricardo Montalban Theatre on Vine Street, will be showing the sci-fi classic Blade Runner (May 25) and its sequel, Blade Runner 2049 (May 26).
For more Memorial Weekend screenings, check out our outdoor movie guide.
888 S. Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90014//} ?>
Los Angeles Dodgers (May 25-27, 2018)
The Dodgers welcome the San Diego Padres for a three-game home stand at Dodger Stadium on Friday-Sunday, May 25-27. Promotions include Friday Night Fireworks, Corey & Cody Caricature Tee, and Jr. Dodgers Fidget Spinner. On Memorial Day, the Boys in Blue take on the Philadelphia Phillies with a Memorial Apron giveaway.
1000 Vin Scully Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012//} ?>
Hollywood Bowl (May 25-26, 28)
There are few experiences more quintessentially Los Angeles than spending a summer evening under the stars, catching a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Throughout the year, the Bowl hosts fantastic "Lease Events" (non-L.A. Phil-produced events). During Memorial Day Weekend, the Bowl presents Walt Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" In Concert (May 25-26) and Paul Simon (May 28).
2301 N. Highland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90068//} ?>
Friday Night Wine Tastings - Barnsdall Art Park (May 25, 2018)
Barnsdall Art Park kicks off its 10th annual Friday Night Wine Tastings on Friday, May 25, featuring a Q&A with famed food critic Jonathan Gold and James Beard Award winner Chef Daniel Humm from Make It Nice (NoMad Los Angeles, Eleven Madison Park). The NoMad Truck will be on-site for the event with other chefs TBA. Boasting stunning city views, Barnsdall Art Park welcomes Angelenos to sip wine, picnic and watch the sunset. Ongoing partner Silverlake Wine will curate a selection of boutique artisanal wines and music will be presented by KCRW DJs. Tickets are $45. 21 and over.
4800 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027//} ?>
Lebowski Fest (May 25-26, 2018)
Celebrate 20 years of The Big Lebowski at Lebowski Fest Los Angeles 2018 on Friday and Saturday, May 25-26. The two-day event features a screening of the 1998 cult classic at The Wiltern on Friday, and a Bowling Party at Fountain Bowl on Saturday. Music by Kyle Gass Band (of Tenacious D) and special guests including Jack Kehler (Dude’s Landlord), Jerry Haleva (Saddam), Luis Colina (Angry Corvette Owner), Lu Elrod (Family Waitress), Jim Hoosier (Liam) and Ajgie Kirkland (Eagles Cab Driver) plus an appearance by Karl Hungus’ screen-used car from Logjammin.
3790 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90010//} ?>
Afternoon with Filipino Authors - Central Library (May 26, 2018)
As part of the Department of Cultural Affairs Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the landmark Central LIbrary hosts an Afternoon with Filipino Authors on Saturday, May 26. Join writer and blogger Cecilia Brainard and professor Paulino Lim as they discuss their work as Filipino American writers.
630 W. Fifth St. Los Angeles, CA 90071//} ?>
Kids Club Arts & Crafts - FIGat7th (May 26, 2018)
The FIGat7th Kids Club is a free arts & crafts workshop presented every second and fourth Saturday. On May 26, the Kids Club features Memorial Day Patriotic Star Art - create Red, White and Blue mixed media stars to hang up and memorialize the heroes who serve our country. The workshop takes place at TASTE (Lower Level, M1) from 2-4pm.
735 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017-7150//} ?>
LAFC vs. D.C. UNITED (May 26, 2018)
Described by the Daily Mail as "the most exciting new project in Major League Soccer," Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) kicked off its inaugural season on March 4 with a 1-0 win against Seattle Sounders FC. LAFC opened its new home, the $350-million Banc of California Stadium, by beating Sounders FC 1-0 on April 29. LAFC hosts D.C. United on Saturday, May 26. Whether you're a longtime MLS fan or a newbie, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to LAFC Match Day.
3939 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90037//} ?>
WAR with George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic - Greek Theatre (May 26, 2018)
Get down to a sizzling night of funk and multi-generational, globally inspired music when WAR headlines the Greek Theatre on Saturday, May 26 with George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, and Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich + Fussible.
The Roots of Monozukuri & Fine Tuning - Petersen Automotive Museum (opens May 26, 2018)
The Petersen Automotive Museum is opening a two-part exhibit that showcases Japanese car design and customization. The Roots of Monozukuri: Creative Spirit in Japanese Automaking is a comprehensive survey of the Japanese automotive industry before 1970, and includes vehicles that have never been shown in America. The exhibition pays special attention to the cultural interchange between the U.S. and Japan that grew into the symbiotic relationship of their economies and cultures.
Japanese custom cars can be categorized into several styles, from the classic tuner style to wild and elaborate customs. Fine Tuning: Customs showcases many vehicles that have never been examined in a museum setting - their inclusion is an opportunity to expand the visitor's perception of Japanese cars and explain the ideological and stylistic conversation between Los Angeles and Japanese car customizers.
6060 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036//} ?>
BAMBOO Opening Reception - Craft & Folk Art Museum (May 26, 2018)
On view at the Craft & Folk Art Museum from May 27 - Sept. 9, BAMBOO explores the evolution of Japanese bamboo basketry from a purely functional art form into complicated, distinctly Japanese sculptural forms of variable scale. A major selection of historical and contemporary works from the Los Angeles-based Cotsen Collection are central to the exhibition, as well as a large-scale, interactive bamboo installation by Japan-based artist Akio Hizume. Opening reception on Saturday, May 26 from 6-9pm. Admission is $12, free for museum members.
5814 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036//} ?>
Topanga Days (May 26-28, 2018)
Celebrating 45 years, Topanga Days is a quintessential Southern California experience. The family-friendly festival includes music acts on two stages, contests, games, local artisans, food vendors, Fun Zone, and a parade. The main stage headliners features bands that formed in Los Angeles: Milo Greene on Saturday, May 26; X on Sunday, and Breakestra on Monday. The Topanga Days Memorial Day Parade takes place along Route 27 (Topanga Canyon Boulevard) on Monday morning. This year’s Grand Marshal is Jason Momoa, the actor best known for Justice League, Game of Thrones and Stargate Atlantis.
Single day, non-member tickets are priced at $25 with various options for three-day passes, kids, seniors and military. On Memorial Day, all members of the armed forces (past and present) with military I.D. receive free entrance to the Festival. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Topanga Community Center.
MEXICO VS. WALES - ROSE BOWL STADIUM (May 26-28, 2018)
The Mexican National Team 2018 U.S. Tour will host a World Cup send off celebration at Rose Bowl Stadium this Memorial Day Weekend. The first-of-its kind tour celebration, “Rumbo a L.A. Victoria” culminates on Memorial Day with a Send Off Game hosted by the LA Galaxy, featuring Mexico against the Top 20 ranked national team of Wales. This will be Mexico’s last game in the States before this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Rumbo a L.A. Victoria kicks off on Saturday, May 26 with Men in Blazers taking over The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Downtown L.A. The Mexican National Team Open Training takes place at Rose Bowl Stadium at 5pm on Sunday, May 27. Starting at 1pm on Match Day, fans can enjoy the AT&T Futbol Fiesta, a 120,000 square-foot interactive experience featuring sponsor booths, food, music, and autograph sessions by Mexican soccer legends. Mexico vs. Wales is scheduled for 5:30pm.
Fiesta Hermosa (May 26-28, 2018)
Since 1972, the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce has produced Fiesta Hermosa, the ”largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California.” Over 300 artists and crafters are featured, including painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, and handcrafters along with live music, beer & wine garden, food court and Kiddie Carnival. The festival takes place Memorial Day Weekend starting at 10 a.m. in Downtown Hermosa Beach. With the ocean as a backdrop, Hermosa Beach is an ideal place for a summer festival with warm temperatures and balmy sea breezes.
Hermosa Ave. and 33rd St. Hermosa Beach, CA 90254//} ?>
VALLEY GREEK FESTIVAL (May 26-28, 2018)
The 45th annual San Fernando Valley Greek Festival is taking place on Memorial Day Weekend at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge. The festival evokes the sights, sounds and tastes that define the traditional Greek way of life. Enjoy the hospitality of the Valley’s Greek community and experience the simple pleasures of life in a Greek village. Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, shop the agora (outdoor marketplace), watch Greek dance performances and cooking demos, have fun with the kids, and tour the church. If you can't travel to Greece this year, the Valley Greek Festival is the next best thing to being there!
9501 Balboa Blvd Northridge, CA 91325//} ?>
MAINopoly: Taste Of Main Street (May 27, 2018)
Experience Main Street’s best restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shops and more at the 5th annual MAINopoly: Taste Of Main Street, benefiting Heal the Bay and Summer SOULstice. Enjoy tastings at 20 participating locations and get your board stamped for a play on the classic game. Take a walking tour of Main Street and visit every spot on the board for your chance to win a “Taste of Main Street” Prize Package. MAINopoly-themed attire is encouraged.
General Admission includes tastings at participating locations along Main Street, as well as food and drink specials. All ages and family friendly. The "Go to Jail" VIP Lounge includes hosted beer, curated cocktails, snacks, games, music, photo booth, and more. 21 and over. Tickets are $25 for GA and $40 for VIP entry.