Father’s Day events: Pops is tops all year long, and on June 21 we’ll dote on dads in a host of happy and celebratory ways. The famous Pasadena Chalk Festival isn’t happening over Father’s Day Weekend in 2026, do keep in mind, but the Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is returning (and is still free, woot woot). Other ideal outings? A rare behind-the-scenes tour of Rose Bowl Stadium (there are a few spots left) and tours of the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale.
Juneteenth: Freedom Day, marking the end of slavery, is honored each year on June 19, and several Southern California museums, cultural venues, libraries, and parks will offer a host of community events. These include a roller skate celebration at Pasadena City Hall on June 20 and a June 20 Long Beach festivity. LA County Parks is also offering a host of happenings around the system, so check the department’s Juneteenth calendar; local LA library branches will also have talks, activities, and readings, too.
Summer Solstice fun: Griffith Observatory always has an engaging eye trained on what’s happening in the sky, and on June 21 an event on the West Terrace will revel in the longest day of the year (and the science behind it). Other uplifting to-dos are on the solstice swirl this weekend, with music, dance, and the Main Street Summer Soulstice Festival popping up in Santa Monica on June 20.
Smorgasburg LA turns 10: How many bobas, tacos, burgers, ice cream cones, burritos, matchas, and Micheladas have been served and savored over the last decade at this Row DTLA delight? The numbers are big and bursting with flavor, which should surprise any fan of this free-to-enter foodie market. June 21 is its major milestone, ten years, and several tasty alumni are returning for the day.
Make Music Day: June 21 is also a day of free-to-enjoy music at spots around Southern California, courtesy of this international occasion. The event began in France over 40 years ago, and now string quartets, solo guitarists, and anyone eager to play some terrific tunes head out to perform at various spots. Fullerton is a major place for the music merriment, and there are some locations on the LA map, too.