TOPANGA DAYS MAY 28, 29 & 30
Photo by Rich Saputo
Topanga Days is an annual 3-day music festival. It was founded in 1973 by the artsy residents of Topanga Canyon to raise a few dollars for their Topanga Community House, which offers low-cost programs for children and seniors. The festival is still influenced by Topanga’s famous hippie vibes. More than 25 musical acts are scheduled for the weekend, with headliners Los Lobos performing on the main stage on Sunday, May 29, at 5:30 p.m.
The festival also features craft booths, belly dancing, creative face painting and a parade. Inspired by county fairs, there will be a number of contests, including the Baby Derby, Egg Russian Roulette, and Cherry Seed Spitting. Also in the tradition of county fairs you can stuff yourself with BBQ and funnel cakes. And yes, there will be beer. I would also expect flower crowns and fairy wings galore.
May 28th, 29th and 30th from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. The annual Memorial Day Parade will be happening Monday, May 30th, from 8:30 a.m. – Noon. Street parking is available with free shuttle service. Limited handicapped parking is provided on the Community House grounds. Only service dogs with appropriate papers are allowed. Tickets: 1 day $25, seniors and military $15, Kids (ages 6-12) – $15. 3-day pass $60, kids (ages 6-12) $40. The Topanga Community Club at 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd in Topanga, CA 90290.
SIMI VALLEY CAJUN & BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 28, 29
Photo by Rachel McKnight
LA’s best Cajun, Zydeco, Blues and Roots music festival celebrates its 27th year in Simi Valley with two stages, two dance floors, a Mardi Gras parade, crafts and dozens of food booths. And when it comes to Cajun, we are all about the food.
There is an amazing lineup this year with Leon Russell, Booker T, Eric Burdon, Grammy winners the Rebirth Brass Band, plus America’s Hottest Accordion winner, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers.
Sat./Sun., May 28-29 Showtime: 12 Noon til 6 p.m. The annual Mardi Gras Parade will take place both days at 4 p.m. Tickets: $20-$25 Rancho Santa Susanna Community Park day Passes $35. Kids under 12 are free. Tickets are only available online! Parking is ample and free.
FIESTA HERMOSA MAY 28, 29 & 30
Fiesta Hermosa, located one block from the beach, is “the largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California,” according to the local C of C. On display will be works by painters, photographers, ceramicists and other mediums (OK, I’m not sure ceramicists is really a word). The artwork will be up for sale as well as vying for prizes. It’s always a good place to buy handmade jewelry and accessories.
It is also tribute band heaven, with not one, but two stages of tribute bands. For the little ones, there is a kiddie carnival with face painting, a petting zoo with pony rides and a rock climbing wall. There is a beer and wine garden that can sometimes get a little rowdy. The food court offers countless choices with Thai, Greek, and Mexican foods as well as fair fare like funnel cakes and caramel apples.
10am – 6pm. Festival entry is free. Free Parking and Shuttle Bus service will run daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ~ Northrop Grumman Parking Lot located at SOUTHWEST corner of Aviation Blvd. & 33rd St. (one block north of Marine Ave.) in Manhattan Beach
