Exciting Weekend in LA: Festivals, Music, and BBQ Extravaganza Await!

The KCRW Festival at The Bowl is set to be a highlight of this weekend in Los Angeles. Indie rock enthusiasts can look forward to performances by Mt. Joy and Local Natives at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. The gates open at 5:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $20 and can be purchased through the Bowl’s official website. For those planning to attend, consider using the Metro for convenience. The B Line to Hollywood/Highland Metro Station offers a seamless connection, with a free shuttle service available at Ovation Hollywood for those with a valid Metro TAP card or GoMetro Round-Trip Pass.

Happy Sundays in Long Beach

The Happy Sundays festival in Long Beach’s Zaferia District promises a weekend filled with free music, comedy, and community engagement. This event spans multiple venues and features an impressive lineup, including Mike Watt & The Missingmen, Shamon Cassette, Soft Palms, and many more. The festival also includes unique activations such as DJ sets, live discussions, and space talks from local aerospace companies. A special highlight is the Long Beach Symphony’s “instrument petting zoo,” offering hands-on experiences with classical instruments. This family-friendly event is free to attend and provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the vibrant cultural scene of Long Beach.

Gardena Jazz Festival

The Gardena Jazz Festival, now in its 21st installment, will take place at Rowley Memorial Park. This year’s lineup includes performances by Mindi Abair, Take 6, Maysa, and the Inner-City Youth of Los Angeles Jazz Ensemble. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with general admission tickets priced at $32.75, including fees. This event is a must-attend for jazz enthusiasts and offers a day filled with soulful music and community spirit.

Smorgasburg’s BBQ All Stars

For food lovers, Smorgasburg’s BBQ All Stars event is the place to be this Sunday. Held at ROW DTLA, this event features a mouthwatering lineup of BBQ heavy hitters, including Oakland’s Matt Horn, Watts’ Locol, and BBQ Brawl finalists Smoke Queen. Regular vendors will also participate, offering unique promotions such as Battambong BBQ Tomahawk steak hour and Evil Cooks’ suckling pig special. Entry to Smorgasburg is free, so come hungry and ready for a serious barbecue feast.

Our advice on the city

Los Angeles is a city that never sleeps, offering an endless array of activities and events for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, or someone who enjoys cultural festivals, there’s something for everyone. For occasional travelers, we recommend taking advantage of the city’s excellent public transportation system to explore different neighborhoods and events without the hassle of driving and parking.

For expert travelers, consider delving deeper into the local culture by attending community-driven events like the Happy Sundays festival in Long Beach or the Gardena Jazz Festival. These events offer a unique glimpse into the city’s diverse cultural landscape and provide opportunities to connect with locals.

In conclusion, Los Angeles is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich tapestry of events and activities. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Enjoy your time in the City of Angels!