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21 free fun things to do in Southern California in May

April 30, 2026

It’s the merry month of May, and it’s bound to be beautiful. So don’t sit home just because money is tight. Here are 21 fun things you can do for free.

The L.A. Music Center's 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) — The L.A. Music Center’s 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)

May 2 — Downtown Los Angeles: It’s time for the Music Center’s 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 Youth Orchestra, Down for Dance, Drumatix, Korean Classical Music and Dance, 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/

May 2 — 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’s 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/

Disney's "Moana" will screen for free at the Lawndale Library Meeting Room.' (Disney via AP) — Disney’s “Moana” will screen for free at the Lawndale Library Meeting Room.’ (Disney via AP)

May 2 — Lawndale: This week’s Movie at the Library is Disney’s “Moana” (PG, 2016). 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

May 2 — 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’s the 5th Annual Valley Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival 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/

May 2 — Rancho Palos Verdes: Enjoy the easy Los Serenos Nature Walk along the McBride Trail. It’s 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/

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 — 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

May 3 — 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 santaclarita.librarycalendar.com/event/afternoon-acoustic-jam-26055

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 — Long Beach: 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. meetup.com/free-beginners-tai-chi-long-beach/

Chayce Beckham, center, and Willie Spence, right, wait for "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest, left, to announce which of them is the winner of the 19th season's competition. (Photo by Eric McCandless/ABC) — Chayce Beckham, center, and Willie Spence, right, wait for “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest, left, to announce which of them is the winner of the 19th season’s competition. (Photo by Eric McCandless/ABC)

May 4, 11 — Los Angeles area: Would you like to see a taping of “American Idol“? 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/

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)

May 5, 12 — Costa Mesa: Put on your dancing shoes and head to Tuesday Night Dance — 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

May 6 — San Fernando: Join others for a screening of the musical film “Allegiance” (unrated), which is inspired by stories from actor George Takei’s 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

May 6-June 24 — 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.

Chef Phoebe Chow teaches and demonstrates Chinese cooking 2025 (Photo courtesy of Phoebe Chow)

May 8 — Lennox: Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with a free cooking demonstration from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Chef Phoebe Chow 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. Learn more and sign up to attend here: visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/16074340.

May 12 —. Lancaster: Join the monthly Movie Night at the library, with a wide variety of films. This month: “The Naked Gun” (2025) PG-13. For adults. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Lancaster Library, 601 West Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/16069210

May 15 — 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’re all adoptable, by the way.) This event is sponsored by the Altadena Library. 1780 E Washington Blvd., Pasadena. Learn more and register to attend: altadenalibrary.libnet.info/event/16074048

May 16 — San Pedro: Head on over to the Crafted Courtyard for the 5th annual San Pedro Music Festival themed “Jazz, Blues, Reggae & More.” 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

Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey, left, and Councilman Jim Perry scoop up portions for visitors at the 23rd annual Ice Cream Social at Riverside's Heritage House in 2016. /File photo by David Bauman, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG — File photo by David Bauman, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG

Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey, left, and Councilman Jim Perry scoop up portions for visitors at the 23rd annual Ice Cream Social at Riverside’s Heritage House in 2016. /File photo by David Bauman, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG

May 17 — Riverside: Enjoy this year’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Museum of Riverside’s Heritage House. It’s a celebration of our nation’s 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/

May 17 — Silverado: Head out to the back country for a special art event. “Photo Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset” 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/

May 18, 19 or 20 — Culver City: Go to a live taping of the popular “Wheel of Fortune” 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 “The Wizard of Oz” was filmed). You’ll 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. Get your advance tickets here: on-camera-audiences.com/shows/wheel-of-fortune/

May 20 — 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 — just show up and grab a seat. This month: “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944) with Judy Garland starts at 4 p.m. A loving family has its ups and downs and attends the 1904 World’s Fair. Directed by Vincente Minnelli. 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton. fullertonlibrary.org/movie-program

May 23 — 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. cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/event/family-fun-day-2/

21 free fun things to do in Southern California in May Orange County Register

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21 free fun things to do in Southern California in May

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