Japanese Festivals, Rocket Fever, and More Things To Do in Los Angeles this Weekend with Kids
Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles this weekend? Here are some of our favorite events and activities to add to your list this weekend.
Everybody's going surfin' in Californi-a, with surfing competitions in both Huntington Beach and Torrance this weekend. As Luck would have it, surfing's not the only game in town, with the Ventura County Fair, a monstrous new Shakespearean send-up from the Actors' Gang, and, count your lucky stars: the Lucky Band headlines the return of the Getty Garden Concerts for Kids. There are also cool shows and exhibits opening this weekend, and whether your favorite animal is a flying monkey, some pig, or the mother of all dragons you're bound to catch what you're fishing for. Plus, free frozen treats! (That's not luck, you've earned it!)
For parents with kids in LAUSD schools, this is the last weekend before school starts, so we've rounded up 35 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before School Starts, and more back-to-school shopping ideas in our Back to School Guide. If you're not ready to face fall, we've also got a jam-packed Summer Activities Guide for Los Angeles Kids and our constantly updated event calendar!
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More Things To Do in Los Angeles This Week With Kids:
- Best of August: Top Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids
- Summer Activities Guide for Los Angeles Kids
- Los Angeles Day Camps to Sign Up for in Summer 2022
- Los Angeles Family Event Calendar
- Subscribe and Get this in Your Inbox Each Week
Be sure to check with the venue for its COVID guidelines and requirements before heading out to any event. Many places in LA require guests to show either proof of vaccination or a negative test; masking guidelines differ from venue to venue.
Rocket Fever! Photo courtesy of the Columbia Memorial Space Center
Best Things To Do This Weekend in Los Angeles
Dance DTLA
DTLA - Friday, August 12: K-popFree
The Music Center's Dance DTLA returns this summer for 11 Friday nights of free in-person lessons and dancing under the stars. The evenings include free lessons by LA's top dance instructors as well as music, art-making workshops, food and drinks, and more. read more
Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks
Hollywood - Friday & Saturday, August 12 & 13The music of Tchaikovsky blends dramatically with fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl. Conductor Bramwell Tovey leads the LA Phil for some of Tchaikovsky's most popular pieces, culminating with the thrilling 1812 Overture, complete with pyrotechnics. read more
Disney Princesses at the El Capitan
Hollywood - August 12 - 21The El Capitan brings back favorite Disney princess movies, with appearances by the princesses live on stage before the film. read more
Summer Swing Nights - 5th Anniversary
El Segundo - Friday - Sunday, August 12 - 14Summer Swing Nights return to the Automobile Driving Museum. Now in its fifth year, the swingafied music series features a live seven-piece band, swing dancing, and the tight vocal harmonies of The Swing Tones. read more
Nisei Week Japanese Festival
Little Tokyo - August 13 - 20Free, donations accepted
Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Japan during Nisei Week in Little Tokyo. Nisei Week is one of the longest running ethnic festivals in the United States. Guests can try Japanese cuisine, watch the gyoza eating contest, marvel at the vehicles in the car show, and enjoy a performance of Taiko drumming. read more
Back to School Celebration (Thousand Oaks)
Thousand Oaks - Saturday, August 13Free
Calabasas Mommy and the Conejo Family Events Community hosts a family-friendly event at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, celebrating all things back-to-school. Guests can enjoy a festive fair featuring crafts, giveaways, KidFIT fitness demos, and more. read more
Natsumatsuri Family Festival 2022
Little Tokyo - Saturday, August 13Free
Celebrate Japanese culture with a free day of fun at the Japanese American National Museum. This year, the Natsumatsuri Festival is back in person. Kids can decorate a pair of sunglasses, create a traditional Japanese fan, write their wish for the wishing tree, learn the art of origami, or take part in the 30th anniversary scavenger hunt throughout the museum. read more
Rocket Fever!
Downey - Saturday, August 13Free
The Columbia Memorial Space Center invites families to a fun-filled day of rocketing, with interactive exhibits, rocket flying fun, and more. The day includes free admission to the Space Center. Guests can enjoy on-site exhibitions, participate in hands-on STEM activities, and watch rocket launches. read more
Norton Simon Family Festival: Flower Art
Pasadena - Saturday, August 13Art is in full bloom at the Norton Simon, with a family festival that looks at flowers in art. read more
Cartoon Club
Mid-City - Saturday, August 13Cartoon Club celebrates the art and history of animation with Saturday morning screenings of rare cartoon gems. read more
Annual District 2 Picnic and Chili Cook-Off
Inglewood - Saturday, August 13Free
Councilman Alex Padilla hosts the Annual District 2 Picnic and Chili Cook-Off. New this year: a Movies in the Park screening of Encanto following the event. read more
Getty Garden Concerts for Kids
West LA - Saturday & Sunday, August 13 & 14: Inez Barlatier QuintetFree
We're feeling lucky! The Getty Center's Garden Concerts for Kids returns this summer for three weekends of shows. read more
Festival of Arts Birthday Bash
Laguna Beach - Saturday, August 13Free
The Festival of Arts is turning ninety - this calls for a party! The Birthday Bash is open to the public and admission is free to the Fine Art Show all day long read more
Day at the Park Health and Wellness Fair
East LA - Saturday, August 13Free
LA County invites kids to a special Day at the Park with backpack giveaways, arts and crafts, food, Zumba, games, raffles, and music. The county provides COVID-19 information and vaccinations, community resources, nutrition services, health screenings, and more. read more
A Faery Hunt in Sherwood Forest - Simi Valley
Simi Valley - Saturday, August 13Faery Trail Theater's interactive children's show leads audiences through trails and groves in Sherwood Forest (where the classic movie Robin Hood was filmed) on a fun and gentle quest in Fairyland. read more
Grand Performances Summer 2022
DTLA - Saturday, August 13: Extra AncestralFree
Grand Performances returns with free outdoor performances celebrating diversity and inspiring community. Guests are treated to music, dance, art, theater, and poetry at California Plaza. read more
Park After Dark: Scorpion Hike
Agoura Hills - Saturday, August 13Free
Paramount Ranch is an entirely different place at night, and scorpions roam wild. With the help of provided UV lights, hikers can search for these creepy critters on a guided night hike. Before the walk, rangers will bring out critters from the Paramount Ranch Chapel and hikers can check them out up close and personal. UV lights are limited, so make sure to RSVP to guarantee your spot. read more
Orange County Fair
Costa Mesa - Closing weekend!The Orange County Fair is back! This year's Toyota Concert series offers a broad range of entertainers including Jim Gaffigan, Counting Crows, Lindsey Stirling, Three Dog Night, Smokey Robinson, Brett Eldredge, Kool and the Gang, and Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. read more
Ventura County Fair
Ventura - Closing weekend!The Ventura County Fair rides again! The "country fair with ocean air" returns in August 2022! read more
Keep cool this weekend as the temperatures rise! Photo courtesy of Buccaneer Cove at Castle Park