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As we slide into another holiday weekend, lots of options on deck.
In store this May 22-25 in Los Angeles, you’ll find a VisitBritain x Vulture collab at The Grove, punks and comics at the Skirball, Latin Sounds at LACMA, Steve’s Backhouse 1st Birthday Party, a Prickly Monster Fest Cactus, Fiesta Hermosa, Culture Fest in the SGV, and more.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Step into the Story: Journey to the Real Star of the Show – FA > This Friday, embark on a cinematic “train journey” across the United Kingdom right in the heart of Los Angeles. Co-presented by Vulture and VisitBritain, this multi-sensory pop-up installation at The Grove transports visitors to the real-world filming locations behind hit television shows and movies. Interactive, genre-inspired “stops” allow guests to explore the historic heritage of Scotland, the vibrant urban energy of Northern England, and the dramatic, fantasy-style landscapes of Wales. Curated giveaways and travel prizes are hidden throughout the experience. It all runs from noon to 8 p.m., and is free to attend with RSVP. More info here.
New Exhibitions at the Skirball – TP > Looking for a way to spend a few indoor hours this weekend, why not enjoy an afternoon of comics and punks? Earlier this week, the Skirball Cultural Center welcomed spring with a trio of new exhibitions: Inventing America: The Comic Book Revolution; Outsiders, Outcasts, Rebels + Weirdos: Punk Culture 1976–86; and Robert Russell and Lisa Edelstein: A Palace in Time. All three are absolute gems, and each be on view all summer long! More info here.
WASHOKU | Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine – M FA > Uncover the profound philosophy behind Japan’s culinary traditions with a new exhibition at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, starting this Friday. Making its debut outside of Japan, this UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage exhibition explores how geography, ingenuity, and a deep reverence for nature shape washoku. Developed in collaboration with the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo, the gallery features a rich array of natural specimens, life-size seafood replicas, historical meal recreations, and interactive multimedia installations. WASHOKU remains on view through October 18, 2026. Free to visit. More info here.
WeHo Pride: Harvey Milk Day – FA > This Friday, celebrate the legacy of LGBTQ+ pioneers as the City of West Hollywood officially observes Harvey Milk Day. This year’s centerpiece event is the José Sarria Drag Pageant, named in honor of the first openly gay person to run for public office in the U.S. and the founder of the Imperial Court System. The pageant brings together local performers for a high-energy competition that honors the intersection of drag artistry and political activism. Runs 6 to 8 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Tacos Por Gaza Pop-Up -> On Friday, gather for an evening of community solidarity, education, and mutual aid at Midnight Books LA in the Arts District. Organized by Latino & Muslim Unity alongside the Palestinian Youth Movement, this event pairs a halal taco pop-up with a facilitated information session. The discussion will examine the structural connections between international military spending and domestic issues impacting communities in Los Angeles and San Diego. All proceeds from food sales directly fund emergency medical services via the Palestine Red Crescent Society and local advocacy work supporting families impacted by raids and immigration detention. Pop-up runs 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. More info here.
Latin Sounds at LACMA – M FA TP > Latin Sounds return to LACMA for 2026 this Saturday with a performance by Son Mayor. The annual series of evening, outdoor concerts at Hancock Park (adjacent to the museum campus) brings world-renowned artists performing everything from Indigenous music to sounds from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, and Los Angeles. Free to attend. Runs 5 to 7 p.m. More info here.
Street Food Cinema at The Autry -> For Street Food Cinema’s second event of the 2026 season, they’ll swing over to The Autry for a screening of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Expect an assortment of onsite food trucks, live music, and even a few original costumes on display from the film. GA tickets start at $29.94 include fees. Doors open at 6 p.m. More info here.
Culture Fest at Blossom Market -> Celebrate the rich diversity of the San Gabriel Valley at the inaugural Culture Fest, hosted by Blossom Market Hall this Saturday. This one-day community festival highlights minority-owned businesses, local performers, and global culinary traditions. The ground floor food hall will showcase specially curated cultural food and drink specials from resident chefs, while the second-floor gallery converts into a vibrant marketplace for local small businesses selling cultural goods. Runs noon to 7 p.m. More info here.
Steve’s Backhouse 1st Birthday Party -> Celebrate a milestone for a beloved neighborhood creative hub this Saturday as Steve’s Backhouse turns one. This Melrose Hill backyard studio and retail space is throwing a block-party-style birthday bash featuring deep discounts on local ceramics, interactive art workshops, and a lineup of collaborative food and beverage pop-ups from rising culinary talents across Los Angeles. Located at 4866 Clinton St. Runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Fiesta Hermosa – FA > Memorial Day weekend in Hermosa Beach means one thing: Fiesta Hermosa! This three-day (Saturday to Monday) festival features a marketplace with over 250 vendors, a wine garden, food fair, live music and a carnival. Admission is free. More info here.
Topanga Days – > The annual fundraiser festival for the Topanga Community Center returns over Memorial Day weekend for three days (Saturday to Monday) of games, food and live music, capped by a Memorial Day parade. Adult single day tickets for non-members start at $63.60 per person. More info here.
Concerts in the Dome -> On Sunday, Mount Wilson Observatory’s annual Concerts in the Dome series this returns with a musical performance inside the legendary 100-inch telescope dome—renowned for its extraordinary acoustics. For the 2026 premier, audience will experience Piano and Strings—a program featuring Mendelssohn Trio in D minor and Fauré Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor, marking the debut public performance of Mount Wilson Observatory’s new Steinway grand piano. Tickets are $65, with two concerts taking place at 3 and 5 p.m., and a reception held in between. More info here.
Prickly Monster Fest Cactus and Succulent Festival Spring 2026 – FA > Step into a green sanctuary this Sunday at Prickly Monster Fest, a massive botanical marketplace taking over Common Space Brewery. This spring gathering converts 10,000 square feet of the brewery’s production area and covered patio into a lush oasis featuring over 30 specialized plant vendors, rare succulent growers, and ceramic artisans. Plant collectors can browse a massive selection of desert flora, hand-thrown pottery, crystals, and botanical art while relaxing to live music in the DJ lounge. Runs from noon to 5 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
MAINopoly -> Board game meets food fest at the 11th annual MAINopoly, taking place on Main Street in Santa Monica this Sunday. Advance GA tickets start at $39.31 per adult, which get you an allotment of credits (MAINopoloy dollars) you use to pick up bites at restaurants up and down the block. Each spot you visit helps fill up your game board which offers a shot at prizes. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Yellow Paper Burger Fest (May 23) -> Eagle Rock’s Yellow Paper Burger is turning its parking lot into a burger lover’s paradise this Saturday. An all-star lineup of LA’s best burger makers descends for a free, one-day festival featuring HANGABURS, River Street BBQ, Hamburgers Nice, Tripp Burgers, Standing’s Butchery Melrose, LA BURG, and A’s BBQ, with Sad Girl Creamery scooping ice cream and a few surprises still under wraps. Free to attend. More info here.
Curry & Calamansi Dinner Party (May 23) -> In honor of AAPI Month, South Indian chef Meghna and Filipinx chef Paru come together for a one-night dinner that puts Filipino and Indian cuisines in delicious conversation. The three-course menu is full of inspired collisions: Beef Samosa Lumpia, Chicken Curry Adobo, Kerala Calamansi Shrimp Skewers, and Mango-Cardamom Tapioca Pudding with Jasmine Tea Syrup, all paired with natural wine and beverages. Tickets are $85 per person. Location in Studio City revealed upon booking. More info here.
BBQ Invitational at Santa Anita Park (May 23-25) -> Over Memorial Day Weekend, Smorgasburg LA will be open Sunday as usual, while also hosting a three-day BBQ Invitational at Santa Anita Park from Saturday through Monday. Taking place in the infield during live horse racing, six of LA’s most popular BBQ pop-ups will showcase regional styles spanning Texas, Filipino, Japanese, Cambodian, Cuban, and more. The weekend will also include carnival rides and games alongside the food programming. General parking is free and infield admission is $5, with ticket bundles available that include BBQ and carnival access that start at $37.54. More info here.
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