Introduction to Free Fun in Southern California
Yes, my friends, it’s the merry merry month of May, my favorite time of year. So let’s put on your favorite shoes and get out and enjoy it. What? You don’t want to spend any money? Well, guess what? These things to do are all free!
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
May 4 — Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Santa Ana
The Bowers Museum will host a Cinco de Mayo festival outdoors with live music and dance performances, art projects, face painting, and treats. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main St., Santa Ana. 714-567-3600. bowers.org/index.php/programs/festivals/cinco-de-mayo-festival.
May 5 — Cinco de Mayo on the Queen Mary, Long Beach
For its Cinco de Mayo celebration, the ship is offering free admission on Monday, May 5 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. You must make a free reservation online in advance at queenmary.com/whatsondeck. The party’s in the Observation Bar. Live mariachi music and drinks and food for sale. Parking is a discounted $10; make sure to get your ticket validated at the bar. Address: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach.
Cultural Experiences
May 7 — Taiko Drum Performance, Van Nuys
Learn about Japanese Taiko drumming outdoors at noon under shady trees in front of the Van Nuys Branch Library main entrance, then try them yourself. Seating will be available. All ages. The program includes performances, the history and cultural significance of taiko drums, and the chance for audience members to try their hands at playing them. 6250 Sylmar Ave. Van Nuys. 818-756-8453. lapl.org/whats-on/events/la-made-presents-japanese-taiko-drumming-2
May 9 — California Botanic Garden, Claremont
Visit the beautiful 86-acre California Botanic Garden for free in honor of National Public Gardens Day. California Botanic Garden is the largest dedicated exclusively to the state’s native plants and works to conserve native and rare species. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont. 909-625-8767. Reserve your free tickets online at calbg.org.
More Free Events
May 20 — South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Estates
The lovely South Coast Botanic Garden spread over 87 acres is free on the third Tuesday of every month. Check out 2,500 plant species, rose, fern, and Japanese gardens, and more. Make reservations online. It’s open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Estates. 424-452-0920. southcoastbotanicgarden.org.
May 21 — See the Film ‘Paper Moon’ in Fountain Valley
Movie Matinee In-Person Join other classic movie lovers to see “Paper Moon” at the Fountain Valley Library. This 1973 film by director Peter Bogdanovich stars real-life father and daughter Ryan and Tatum O’Neal, playing con artists in the Dust Bowl era. Tatum O’Neal became the youngest person ever to win an Oscar for her performance. A trivia contest follows. The movie is recommended for older teens and adults. 2-4 p.m. 17635 Los Alamos St., Fountain Valley. ocpl.libcal.com/event/14330263
May 22 — Learn About Henna Art in Tarzana
Learn about the significance of henna, how to make henna paste, and get your own Henna tattoos. 4 p.m. at the Encino-Tarzana Branch Library. 18231 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. 818-343-1983. lapl.org/whats-on/events/la-made-presents-henna-art-khushboo-manchanda
May 24 — Tango Concert in Panorama City
Fabio Zini presents South American Tango Music and other Argentine rhythms. Enjoy an instrumental concert featuring classical guitar. Learn about the musical culture of Argentina, with the famous Argentine tango, as well as with other rhythms of Argentine folklore. 2 p.m. Panorama City Library, 14345 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City. 818-894-4071. lapl.org/branches/panorama-city
May 27 — Free Admission to Queen Mary, Long Beach
The ship has some new features, including an archives museum, art gallery, and more. To celebrate, visitors can get in free during the Queen Mary’s Community Day. Hours to be announced. Parking is a discounted $10. Address: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. Learn more: queenmary.com/whatsondeck
May 31 — Amigos de Bolsa Chica Bird Walk, Huntington Beach
Amigos de Bolsa Chica Bird Walk. Learn about a variety of birds from the Amigos birding experts. The Bolsa Chica provides feeding and nesting habitat for thousands of birds and is considered one of the prime birding sites in Southern California. 8:30 a.m. Meet in the south parking lot at the Bolsa Chica Reserve, on Pacific Coast Highway halfway between Warner Avenue and Seapoint Street, across from the entrance to Bolsa Chica State Beach. amigosdebolsachica.org/bolsa-chica
May 31 — Violin and Piano Concert, Woodland Hills
Former Los Angeles Philharmonic violinist Paul Stein and pianist Margaret Chen will perform a program featuring Beethoven and Mozart. 1 p.m. at the Platt branch library, 23600 Victory Blvd. Woodland Hills. 818-340-9386. plattlibrary.org/piano-violin-concert-may-31-1pm
More Free Things to Do
For more information on these and other free events, check the respective websites or call the numbers provided for each event.
Conclusion
May in Southern California is filled with free events and activities that cater to all interests, from cultural experiences and outdoor activities to concerts and film screenings. Whether you’re interested in nature, art, music, or just want to spend a day out with the family, there’s something for everyone. So mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy the best of what Southern California has to offer without spending a dime.
FAQs
- Q: Are all events listed completely free?
- A: Yes, all events mentioned are free to attend, though some may require reservations or have discounted parking fees.
- Q: Can I attend all events with my family?
- A: Most events are family-friendly, but some, like the film screening of "Paper Moon," are recommended for older teens and adults due to the content.
- Q: Do I need to reserve tickets for all free events?
- A: While some events require reservations, others are open on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s best to check the event details to confirm.
- Q: Are the events only in May?
- A: Yes, all listed events are scheduled for May, but some locations, like the South Coast Botanic Garden, offer free admission on specific days of the month regularly.
- Q: How do I find more free events in Southern California?
- A: Besides the events listed, you can find more by checking the websites of local libraries, museums, and community centers, or by searching online for "free events in Southern California."
