![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/OCR-L-FREEMAY-0501-01.jpg\")
The L.A. Music Center\u2019s 47th annual Very Special Arts Festival will take place 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)<\/p>\nIt\u2019s the merry month of May, and it\u2019s bound to be beautiful. So don\u2019t sit home just because money is tight. Here are 21 fun things you can do for free.<\/p>\n
The L.A. Music Center\u2019s 47th annual Very Special Arts Festival will take place 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)<\/p>\n
May 2 \u2014 Downtown Los Angeles: It\u2019s time for the Music Center\u2019s 47th annual Very Special Arts Festival: Family Day, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the outdoor Music Center plaza. Enjoy live music and dance, art activities and a magic show. Performances include Ballet for All Kids, TLC\u00a0 Youth Orchestra, Down for Dance, Drumatix, Korean Classical Music and Dance,\u00a0 Little Tokyo Service Center and more. Paid parking. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. musiccenter.org\/tickets-free-events\/tmc-arts\/very-special-arts-festival-family-day\/<\/a><\/p>\n May 2 \u2014 Fontana: Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country at the Fontana Days Parade, taking place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the city\u2019s downtown area. The preshow starts at 9:30 with a ceremony honoring veterans, parade at 10 a.m. Other events include a battle of the bands, best float competition, city street dance-off and more. The parade, sponsored by the Exchange Club and City of Fontana, starts downtown at Arrow Boulevard and Sierra Avenue and ends at Miller Park. 17004 Arrow Blvd., Fontana. exchangecluboffontana.org\/fontana-days-parade\/<\/a><\/p>\n May 2 \u2014 Lawndale: This week\u2019s Movie at the Library is Disney\u2019s \u201cMoana\u201d\u00a0 (PG, 2016)<\/a>. which tells the story of an adventurous teenager who undertakes a dangerous journey to save her people. The film screens from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Lawndale Library Meeting Room. Learn more and sign up to attend here: 14615 Burin Ave., Lawndale. visit.lacountylibrary.org\/event\/16074328<\/a><\/p>\n May 2 \u2014 Winnetka: Enjoy music, dance, fun for kids, food and more as the San Fernando Valley celebrates the cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands at Pierce College. It\u2019s the 5th Annual Valley Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival<\/a> sponsored by the West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 20499 Victory Blvd Los Angeles. Enter Pierce College from the Victory entrance at Mason Ave. winnetkanc.com\/event\/join-us-for-the-5th-annual-valley-asian-pacific-islander-cultural-festival\/<\/a><\/p>\n May 2 \u2014 Rancho Palos Verdes: Enjoy the easy Los Serenos Nature Walk along the McBride Trail. It\u2019s 1.7 miles with panoramic views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Catalina Island. Learn about the native coastal sage scrub habitat along with a history lesson on the Palos Verdes area. The walk is from 9 to 11 a.m. Trailhead begins at the western cul-de-sac of Ocean Terrace Drive. losserenosrpv.org\/nature-walks\/<\/a><\/p>\n May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 \u2014 Carson: Get energized at 9 a.m. every Saturday at the free outdoor zumba fitness party at the SouthBay Pavilion (weather permitting). You must register in advance for each class. This is held outdoors in the parking lot near the food court. 20700 S. Avalon Blvd., Carson. Sign up here: eventbrite.com\/e\/outdoor-zumba-party-every-saturday-tickets-506727043227<\/a><\/p>\n May 3 \u2014 Newhall: Bring your acoustic musical instrument and get ready for some toe-tapping fun. Local musicians are hosting an acoustic music jam, and everyone age 18 and older is welcome to join in. fThis drop-in jam, from 1 to 3 p.m., is held the first Sunday of the month at Old Town Newhall Library. No registration required. 24500 Main St., Santa Clarita\u00a0 santaclarita.librarycalendar.com\/event\/afternoon-acoustic-jam-26055<\/a><\/p>\n May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 \u2014 Long Beach:\u00a0 Learn to relax and get gentle exercise at a free Tai Chi class overlooking the water. Classes take place every Sunday through June 29, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (Rain cancels). Meet on the grass near the water at Long Beach Marine Stadium. Free parking. 5199 E Paoli Way, Long Beach.\u00a0 meetup.com\/free-beginners-tai-chi-long-beach\/<\/a><\/p>\n May 4, 11 \u2014 Los Angeles area:\u00a0Would you like to see a taping of \u201cAmerican Idol<\/a>\u201c? If so, apply in advance for tickets and hopefully there will be some available. Tapings of the show, currently starring Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, begin at 3 p.m. and are standing-room-only. Ages 12 and up. Location will be announced when tickets are released. Learn more here: on-camera-audiences.com\/shows\/american-idol\/<\/a><\/p>\n May 5, 12 \u2014 Costa Mesa: Put on your dancing shoes and head to Tuesday Night Dance \u2014 Latin Rhythms on the Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Take a 6:30 p.m. free Latin Dance class to learn salsa, bachata, and flamenco styles. Beginners and experienced all welcome. Instructor Claudia de la Cruz is an experienced choreographer. After the lesson, stay for salsa funk dancing to the Latin beats of La Verdad. Event is free, but you must pay for parking. No registration required. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sign up free here (not mandatory): eventbrite.com\/e\/tuesday-night-dance-latin-rhythms-tickets-1985946042072<\/a><\/p>\n May 6 \u2014 San Fernando: Join others for a screening of the musical film \u201cAllegiance<\/a>\u201d (unrated), which is inspired by stories from actor George Takei<\/a>\u2019s life during World War II, when he and 120,000 other Japanese American citizens, were incarcerated in camps. 5:30-7:40 p.m. For adults. San Fernando Library, 217 North Maclay Ave., San Fernando. visit.lacountylibrary.org\/event\/16159402<\/a><\/p>\n May 6-June 24 \u2014 Pasadena: Come learn how to do Aztec-style dancing for free. These workshops run on Wednesdays at the Villa Parke Community Center. Start off learning basic movements, then dance steps, accompanied by live Aztec drumming. These classes are for all ages. Call 323-363-5931 for more information. Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St., Pasadena.<\/p>\n May 8 \u2014 Lennox:\u00a0Celebrate Asian Heritage Month<\/a> with a free cooking demonstration from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Chef Phoebe Chow<\/a> will present a hands-on workshop teaching you how to make mooncakes. After you make them, you can enjoy or save for later. This program is designed for adults. Lennox Library Meeting Room, 4359 Lennox Blvd., Lennox.\u00a0 Learn more and sign up to attend here: visit.lacountylibrary.org\/event\/16074340<\/a>.<\/p>\n May 12 \u2014. Lancaster:\u00a0Join the monthly Movie Night at the library, with a wide variety of films. This month:\u00a0 \u201cThe Naked Gun\u201d (2025)<\/a> PG-13. For adults. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Lancaster Library, 601 West Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster visit.lacountylibrary.org\/event\/16069210<\/a><\/p>\n May 15 \u2014 Pasadena: Coloring with Cats. Are you fond of felines? Then stop by the Tailtown Cats lounge in Pasadena from 5-6 p.m. for some fun adult coloring or just enjoying time with the 30 to 40 rescue cats that hang out there. (They\u2019re all adoptable, by the way.) This event is sponsored by the Altadena Library.\u00a0 1780 E Washington Blvd., Pasadena. Learn more and register to attend: altadenalibrary.libnet.info\/event\/16074048<\/a><\/p>\n May 16 \u2014 San Pedro: Head on over to the Crafted Courtyard for the 5th annual San Pedro Music Festival themed \u201cJazz, Blues, Reggae & More.\u201d There will be a kids zone, games, dance, visual art, vendors and food trucks. Local and international bands. Get tickets in advance on the website. General admission is free. 112 E. 22nd St., San Pedro. sanpedromusicfestival.com<\/a><\/p>\n File photo by David Bauman, The Press-Enterprise\/SCNG<\/p>\n Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey, left, and Councilman Jim Perry scoop up portions for visitors at the 23rd annual Ice Cream Social at Riverside\u2019s Heritage House in 2016. \/File photo by David Bauman, The Press-Enterprise\/SCNG<\/p>\n May 17 \u2014 Riverside: Enjoy this year\u2019s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Museum of Riverside\u2019s Heritage House. It\u2019s a celebration of our nation\u2019s 250th anniversary. Free ice cream, live music, house tours, crafts, games and more from noon until 4 p.m. 8193 Magnolia Ave., Riverside. facebook.com\/events\/1573273567102550\/<\/a><\/p>\n May 17 \u2014 Silverado: Head out to the back country for a special art event. \u201cPhoto Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset\u201d will feature opportunities to sketch and take beautiful photos in a secluded canyon of sandstone cliffs. You must sign up in advance beginning May 2. This will fill up quickly. Participants will board a 4-wheel-drive for a bumpy 13-mile tour with frequent stops for pictures, sketches and questions. Bring water, hiking gear and closed-toed footwear. Register here: letsgooutside.org\/activities\/2026\/05\/17\/photo-journey-limestone-canyon-the-sinks-loma-ridge-backcountry-and-sunset-16\/<\/a><\/p>\n May 18, 19 or 20 \u2014 Culver City: Go to a live taping of the popular \u201cWheel of Fortune\u201d game show with Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White. There are tapings on all three days at Sony Pictures Studios (formerly the historic MGM Studios lot where \u201cThe Wizard of Oz\u201d was filmed). You\u2019ll be there for hours, so eat beforehand and bring water. Ages 8 and older. No large bags or backpacks. You must bring a government-issued ID with you, even the kids. 3970 Overland Ave., Culver City.\u00a0 Get your advance tickets here: on-camera-audiences.com\/shows\/wheel-of-fortune\/<\/a><\/p>\n May 20 \u2014 Fullerton: The free Fullerton Movie Classics movie matinee screening monthly at the Fullerton Library is even better now, with a true theater-style experience featuring a 184-inch screen and surround sound. No registration required \u2014 just show up and grab a seat. This month: \u201cMeet Me in St. Louis<\/a>\u201d (1944) with Judy Garland<\/a> starts at 4 p.m. A loving family has its ups and downs and attends the 1904 World\u2019s Fair. Directed by Vincente Minnelli<\/a>. 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton. fullertonlibrary.org\/movie-program<\/a><\/p>\n May 23 \u2014 Pasadena: Head on over to the 30th annual Family Fun Day at La Pintoresca Park, sponsored by the city of Pasadena. There will be live entertainment, arts and crafts, a bubble zone, free food, skateboard expo, games and more. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. La Pintoresca Park, 45 E. Washington Blvd.\u00a0 cityofpasadena.net\/parks-and-rec\/event\/family-fun-day-2\/<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It\u2019s the merry month of May, and it\u2019s bound to be beautiful. So don\u2019t sit home just because…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":293366,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[53944,7,9,8,3372,29787,12740,5842,27314,124916,47,137,611,1977,8634,612,5518,1439,200,420],"class_list":["post-293365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-california","tag-antelope-valley","tag-california","tag-california-headlines","tag-california-news","tag-costa-mesa","tag-fontana","tag-free-and-cheap","tag-lancaster","tag-lawndale","tag-lennox","tag-los-angeles","tag-los-angeles-county","tag-orange-county","tag-pasadena","tag-riverside","tag-riverside-county","tag-san-bernardino-county","tag-san-pedro","tag-south-bay","tag-things-to-do"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=293365"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293365\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/293366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=293365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=293365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=293365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Disney's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/OCR-L-FREEMAY-0501-02.jpg\")
Disney\u2019s \u201cMoana\u201d will screen for free at the Lawndale Library Meeting Room.\u2019 (Disney via AP)<\/p>\n![\"Chayce](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SBS-L-CHAYCEIDOL-0601-01.jpg\")
Chayce Beckham, center, and Willie Spence, right, wait for \u201cAmerican Idol\u201d host Ryan Seacrest, left, to announce which of them is the winner of the 19th season\u2019s competition. (Photo by Eric McCandless\/ABC)<\/p>\n![\"Visitors](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/OCR-L-FREEBIE-0501-02.jpg\")
Visitors take part in a free dance class on the Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. (Photo by Stan Sholik, Segerstrom Center for the Arts)<\/p>\n![\"Chef](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ChefPhoebeChow-e1776968670918.jpg\")
Chef Phoebe Chow teaches and demonstrates Chinese cooking 2025 (Photo courtesy of Phoebe Chow)<\/p>\n![\"Riverside](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/social.jpg\")
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