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First fireworks of the season: The Chino Fireworks Spectacular. Photo courtesy of the City of Chino
First fireworks of the season: The Chino Fireworks Spectacular. Photo courtesy of the City of Chino
6/23/21 - By Toby B

Y'all might not have noticed, but it is now officially and truly summer in these parts, and the events this weekend reflect it. There's a rooftop block party, camping and fishing in local parks, and a music and art fest featuring Las Cafeteras. And those are just a few of our favorite things to do in LA this weekend! We are minutes away from the 4th of July weekend, which—spoiler alert—is going to have fireworks aplenty this year. In fact, some are even taking place early, like this weekend.

And while favorites, like the Hollywood Bowl and the Cabrillo Aquarium, are back, we're also saying goodbye to a beloved local railway. There's still time for one last ride into the sunset, so grab your tickets and climb aboard.

It's time for beaches, summer camps, hot summer blockbusters, blooming lilac fields, and all manner of fun in the sun—just check out our Summer Fun Guide for all the best summer activities in LA. Meanwhile, keep reading for our hottest picks for this weekend in LA...

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to have all the latest and greatest from Mommy Poppins arrive in your inbox. There's also a new national newsletter with fun crafts, recipes, and boredom busters to keep kids busy all summer. We also recently added the chance to book virtual camps and classes right on Mommy Poppins!

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Our Top Picks this Weekend in LA

The Final Highball

Fillmore
June 26
Fans of the Fillmore and Western Freeway can get "all aboard" for one last round-trip vintage train ride. READ MORE

Chino Fireworks Spectacular

Chino
June 26
The City of Chino invites the community to celebrate (in a socially distanced space) the spirit of the Independence Day holiday with entertainment and fireworks. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics. READ MORE

Hello Sunshine: Rooftop Block Party

Sherman Oaks
June 26
Westfield Fashion Square and My Valley Pass are kicking off summer with music, games, scratcher giveaways, food trucks and a beer garden, a Galpin paint truck, and movie cars on display. READ MORE

Limited Engagement: Summer of Soul at the El Capitan

Hollywood
June 25 - July 6
A larger than life event deserves to be seen on the big screen. The Summer of Soul plays in a limited release engagement at the El Capitan. Part music film, part historical record, this documentary weaves together performance footage with interviews to shed light on this almost forgotten event. READ MORE

Santa Fe Dam Overnight Family Fishing and Camping

Irwindale
June 25
Families can enjoy some socially distant outdoor fun at monthly overnight family fishing & camping events at Santa Fe Dam. READ MORE

2021 Pop Up Music and Arts Fest

Thousand Oaks June 25: Las Cafeteras, June 26: The Tom Corbett Trio
Enjoy pop-up public performances (including local talent, in addition to nationally recognized performing artists) and activities at a variety of locations throughout the city. READ MORE

My PlayClub with Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration

Studio City
June 26
Children of all ages and abilities are invited for a My PlayClub Inclusive Play Date at the park. The theme is "Out of This World" and space-themed activities include crafts, tattoos, snacks, and a special guest from JPL who talks all about the planets. READ MORE

Open: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

San Pedro (ongoing)
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium reopened to visitors on June 19. Guests can see the new Rocky Intertidal Exhibit and the refreshed Tidepool Habitat. The facility is now covered with scientific illustrations of local sea creatures, in addition to colorful images of local marine life throughout the courtyard. READ MORE
Summer Concerts in the parks have returned. Photo courtesy of OC Parks
Summer Concerts in the parks have returned. Photo courtesy of OC Parks

The Best Outdoor Movies and Concerts in LA this Week

OC Parks 2024 Summer Concert Series

Fullerton
June 24: Flashback Heart Attack
OC Parks hosts free weekly concerts at rotating locations this summer. Concert-goers should bring blankets and beach chairs. Picnics are welcome; food trucks on-site, with a beer and wine garden available to those 21 and over.  READ MORE

Rooftop Cinema Drive-in in Santa Monica

Santa Monica
June 24: Ratatouille, June 25: Lion King
These "rooftop" screenings are actually at the airport: Santa Monica Airport to be specific. READ MORE

My Valley Pass: Movies on Location

Lake Balboa
June 25: Rad
San Fernando's My Valley Pass features movies filmed in the Valley. Films are shown at the very locations where they were filmed! (Or in some cases at settings that are thematically linked.) READ MORE

Marina Drive-in Movie Series

Marina del Rey
June 25: Dora & the Lost City of Gold & Rogue One, June 26: The Princess and the Frog
The Marina Drive-in series allows moviegoers a chance to enjoy films by the sea and under the stars—all from the safety of their own cars. READ MORE

Drive-In at the Roadium

Torrance
June 25: Finding Nemo
The Drive-In at the Roadium is back, offering moviegoers the 1950s drive-in experience for this summer. READ MORE

Dana Point Movies in the Park

Dana Point
June 25: Abominable
Dana Point offers free movies for the whole family in various parks on Fridays in June. These free movie nights bring back the nostalgic feel of a drive-in movie, but without the car.  READ MORE

Electric Dusk Drive-In 2024

Glendale
June 25: Jumanji (1995), June 26: Grease, June 27: Pinocchio
Electric Dusk Drive-In offers two options for movie viewing: in your car or sitting on a lawn chair in the Astroturf section. Movies are shown on a giant inflatable screen.   READ MORE

Concerts on the Green 2024

Woodland Hills
June 27: Original R & B Emerging Artists
The summer concert series at Warner Center Park returns for the 2024 season.  Swifties can unite at the penultimate concert, featuring Taylor Swift tribute Blank Space. READ MORE
The Mysterious Benedict Society. Photo courtesy of Disney Plus
The Mysterious Benedict Society. Photo courtesy of Disney Plus

This Weekend's Best Virtual Festivities

Series Premiere: The Mysterious Benedict Society

June 25
After winning a scholarship competition, four gifted orphans are recruited by the peculiar Mr. Benedict for a dangerous mission to save the world from a global crisis known as The Emergency. READ MORE

Youth Pride

June 26
A vibrant carnival-style block party sets the tone for the KiKi Coalition’s annual Youth Pride Fest, celebrating LGBTQ+ youth during Pride Month. READ MORE

Inprint Cool Brains! Jacqueline Woodson Livestream Event

June 27
Inprint invites you to a free live virtual event featuring four-time Newbery Honor winner Jacqueline Woodson. Jacqueline presents her new novel, Before the Ever After, then responds to video messages and questions submitted by kids. READ MORE

Virtual Festival of the Summer Solstice Goddess

June 27
The Bowers celebrates the power of women in art, music, dance, and healing at its Virtual Festival of the Summer Solstice Goddess. READ MORE

American Girl: We Are Team USA

June 27
Cheer on eight amazing athletes from Team USA to help inspire girls around the country to be their very best. Parents can watch with their children as the athletes share their stories, reveal their fun facts, participate in a virtual trivia game, and gear up for a future of greatness. READ MORE

Camps and Classes To Book Now

Funky Divas & Dudes Rockstar Beach Camp

Weekly sessions through mid-August
Santa Monica
Get funky this summer with Rockstar Beach Camp, designed to keep kids active, healthy, and happy. Learn dance routines to your favorite pop tunes, go on silly scavenger hunts, build sandcastles, play in the ocean, make art projects, dress up for theme days, and even take a walk to the Aquarium! Campers will receive a music video to keep. If you want to rock out at the beach this is the camp for you! READ MORE

Mommy & Me Music Class - Free Trial

Wednesdays and Saturdays
Glassell Park
Ready to shake it? Minibop offers fun, in-person, music classes created especially for infants, toddlers, and young children with their parents or caregiver at three locations around Los Angeles. You and your tot will sing, dance, play instruments, and games for a fun 45-minute class.  Indoor and outdoor locations are available.  READ MORE

Outdoor Zumbini with Jan Music and Movement Classes

Classes take place at your home or a park near you
These popular Zumbini classes are now being offered outdoors for your family or pod. Jan will come to your backyard or local park for a 40-minute class to dance, sing, and spark the imaginations with stories, games, and songs.  READ MORE
Take a family road trip to the new Redwood Sky Walk. Photo courtesy of Sequoia Park Zoo
Take a family road trip to the new Redwood Sky Walk. Photo courtesy of Sequoia Park Zoo

Best Things To Do this Summer with Kids in Los Angeles

The Stunning Redwood Sky Walk: Take Your Family To the Treetops

A stunning new family adventure just opened in California. READ MORE

Water and Amusement Park Discount Tickets in LA: How To Find Price Breaks

How to score savings at favorite theme and water parks this summer. READ MORE

23 Road Trips From Los Angeles for a Weekend Family Getaway

Hit the road and put LA in your rearview mirror! READ MORE

Hidden Gem Beaches: LA's Secret Seaside Spots that Only Locals Know

Escape the heat and the crowds at one of these secret SoCal beaches. READ MORE

77 Free Things To Do in Los Angeles This Summer With Kids

Keep kids entertained all summer, without spending a cent. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Various locations in Thousand Oaks, including:Thousand Oaks Community Park
Various OC Parks, such as Craig Park
Santa Monica Airport Interim Open Space
Various Locations, including: Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Station
Marina del Rey Parking Lot 2
Various Parks including: Sunset Park
Glendale Old Sears Parking Lot
Shutters Hotel on the Beach
Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo