Looking for a fun way to ring in spring? We’re bringing you a round-up of festivals in the area to give you a break from spring cleaning and get you outdoors to enjoy the beautiful superbloom we’re expecting this year. Events organized by start date.
Chumash Day
April 1-2
The City of Malibu is hosting their 23rd Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and will take place on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2 at Malibu Bluffs Park at the intersection of PCH and Malibu Canyon, opposite Pepperdine University. Parking is also free, but located off site at 23575 Civic Center Way. Free shuttles will be available to ferry attendees to the event. Chumash Day honors the history and culture of the area’s Native American heritage, and will feature tribal ceremonies, dancing, and storytelling. The event will also offer food trucks and merchandise vendors. For more information, please visit MalibuCity.org/ChumashDay.
Renaissance Faire
April 8 – May 21
The Original Pleasure Faire returns! In its second running season after being closed for the pandemic, the faire will be open on weekends from Saturday, April 8 until Sunday, May 21, at its usual location at the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area in Irwindale. Dressing for the theme is strongly encouraged, and if the Renaissance is not your period of choice, several theme weekends are also spread throughout the fair, welcoming the likes of time travelers and pirates. For more information, please visit RenFair.com/SoCal.
Whale of a Day
April 15
The 38th annual Whale of a Day event will be hosted by The City of Rancho Palos Verdes and Los Serenos de Point Vicente on Saturday, April 15 from 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. Free shuttled parking will be available at Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall. This exciting event is a celebration of the migration of the majestic Pacific Gray Whale as it makes its annual journey from Baja California back to the Arctic, where the whales spend the summer months. Food trucks, vendors, crafts, and other activities will be available at this free event, open to the public. Please visit WhaleofaDay.com for more information.
Grunion Fishtival
April 21
Visit the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on Friday, April 21 from 8-11:55 P.M. to find out more about this small, silvery fish that spawns on local beaches in the spring. Grunion Fishtival attendees will be able to help hatch grunions, participate in grunion-themed arts and crafts, and interact with tide pool animals. Tickets are available online, please visit CabrilloMarineAquarium.org for more information.
California Poppy Festival
April 21-23
Pop into Lancaster from Friday, April 21 – Sunday, April 23 to see the California Poppy Festival. Featuring food, live music and entertainment, a beer garden, live animals, dozens of vendors, and of course, poppies! Revel in the fleeting beauty of our state flower and enjoy a fun weekend with family and friends. Find out more online at CityofLancaster.org.
Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival
April 22-23
On Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival comes to Old Town Newhall. Featuring three stages of music in genres of cowboy, folk, and bluegrass, the festival offers live music, vendors, dutch oven peach cobbler, drinks and grub, and a rootin’ tootin’ good time! Activities include panning for gold, hatchet throwing, and dancing. Visit CowboyFestival.org for more information.
Butterfly Day
May 7
Visit Topanga’s own Mountain Mermaid on Sunday, May 7, for their fourth annual Butterfly Day. Co-hosted with Topanga Elementary School, Butterfly Day features live music, face painting, art activities, environmental education exhibits, and native butterfly plants for sale. The event benefits environmental action and educational organizations. Shuttled parking is available at Theatricum Botanicum. Tickets sell out fast, find out more at ButterflyDay.org.
Oxnard Strawberry Festival
May 20-21
Visit the Ventura County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21, to partake in the Oxnard Strawberry Festival. Featuring strawberry-flavored food and drinks, carnival rides, live entertainment, and vendors, there’s sure to be something fun for the whole family. Visit CAStrawberryFestival.org for more information.
Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival
May 21
Swing your honey on down to Paramount Ranch on Sunday, May 21 for the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival. There will be live music and dance, food trucks, vendors, and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit TopangaBanjoFiddle.org.
Topanga Days Country Fair
May 27-29
The 48th annual Topanga Days Country Fair will be held Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29, at the Topanga Community Center. Tickets will be available online only beginning on May first. The event will feature live music, vendors, games, and a parade, and benefits the Topanga Community Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Find out more at TopangaDays.com.
Whether it’s dressing like a pirate or a cowboy, doing marine life-inspired crafts, or just some spring cleaning, TNT has got you covered with different ways to celebrate the season of renewal, growth, and life. Tag us in your springtime adventures at #topanganewtimes, we’d love to see!
