2014 Upcoming Events

 

 

SEPTEMBER

 

Los Angeles Greek Fest

Award-winning actor Tom Hanks and his talented wife, actress Rita Wilson, are slated to host the annual festival.

When: Sept. 5-7

Where: Saint Sophia Cathedral, 1324 S. Normandie Ave., Los Angeles

Information: www.lagreekfest.com

 

Lobster Festival-palooza

The Original Long Beach Lobster Festival kicks off three weeks of local lobster fests for foodies craving the butter-soaked crustacean.

When: The Original Long Beach Lobster Festival Sept. 5-7; Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival Sept. 12-15; Redondo Beach Lobster Festival Sept. 19-21

Where: Rainbow Lagoon, [400-403] Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach; Ports O' Call Village, 77 Berth, San Pedro; Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach

Information: www.originallobsterfestival.com; lobsterfest.com; lobsterfestival.com

 

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

Chinatown Los Angeles hosts this yearly tradition with a variety of cultural activities that celebrates China's food, music and more.

When: Sept. 13

Where: Central Plaza and West Plaza, 943-951 N. Broadway, Los Angeles

Information: 213-680-0243; www.chinatownla.com

 

Italian Feast of San Gennaro in Hollywood

The event is kicks off each year with hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla. Proceeds benefits the San Gennaro Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping children and families in need.

When: Sept. 26-28

Where: The Jimmy Kimmel Live! backlot, 1651 N. Highland Ave, Hollywood

Information: www.feastofla.org

 

OCTOBER

 

Oktoberfest

Alpine Village holds the title of the oldest and largest Oktoberfest in Southern California, with several weekends worth of parties to celebrate German beer and bratwurst.

When: Friday through Sunday Sept. 5-Oct. 26

Where: Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance

Information: 310-327-4384; www.alpinevillagecenter.com

 

Joshua Tree Fall Music Festival

Enjoy music in the great outdoors surrounded by the trees that have inspired many, including the band U2.

When: Oct. 10-12

Where: The Joshua Tree Lake Campground, 2601 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree

Information: www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com

 

Calabasas Pumpkin Festival

Everything pumpkin plus a whole lot more including contests, nature shows, a costume parade and more.

When: Oct. 18-19

Where: Juan Bautista de Anza Park, Calabasas

Information: 818-222-5680; www.calabasaspumpkinfestival.com

 

Village Venture Arts & Crafts Faire

Shop at the Inland Empire's largest autumn arts & crafts fair, hosted along the tree-lined streets of the Claremont Village.

When: Oct. 25

Where: Claremont Village

Information: www.thevillageclaremont.com

 

NOVEMBER

 

 

Sawdust Arts & Craft Festival Winter Fantasy

Nearly 200 artists create, display and sell original creations over the course of four weekends.

When: Weekends Nov. 23-Dec. 14

Where: 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach

Information: 800-877-1115; www.sawdustartfestival.org

 

Festival of Lights

Get in the holiday spirit with an outdoor ice skating rink, live entertainment and more in a scene lit by thousands of holiday lights.

When: Nov. 28, 2014 through Jan. 3, 2015

Where: The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside

Information: www.missioninn.com

 

DECEMBER

 

Oxnard Tamale Festival

Satisfy that tamale craving at this annual event with traditional and unique flavors that include everything from carnitas to cranberry sauce. Proceeds of the festival go to local nonprofits that serve more than 100,000 youth each year.

When: Dec. 6

Where: Plaza Park, downtown Oxnard

Information: www.oxnardtamalefest.com

 

X103.9 Merry Meltdown

The annual Merry Meltdown gets headbangers in the holiday mood. Last year's headliners included Korn and Stone Temple Pilots.

When: Dec. 13

Where: Citizen Business Bank Arena, 4000 E. Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario (tentative)

Information: www.x1039.com

 

Naples Island Annual Holiday Boat Parade

This merry tradition is sure to light up the holiday season as homes and boats are decked in festive decor. Carolers and plenty of cheer.

When: Dec. 20

Where: Naples Island, Long Beach

Information: www.naplesca.com

 

Rose Parade

Ring in the new year with a Southern California tradition hosted by the Tournament of Roses. Just don't forget to claim a spot early along the more than 5-mile parade route to check out the numerous ornate floats, many of which take nearly a year to complete.

When: Jan. 1, 2015

Where: Pasadena

Information: www.tournamentofroses.com