Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles area.
Today
LA County Fair: The fair’s theme in 2026 is “Play Your Way,” through May 31. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, and also open on Memorial Day (Monday, May 25). Concerts are a separate cost. Carnival information, tickets and wristbands (click on Los Angeles County Fair option): rcsfun.com/Ride. Admission and parking are cashless at the gate. Details on hours, admission and parking: lacountyfair.com/general-information/. Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. Updates: facebook.com/lacountyfair. lacountyfair.com/
Community Litter Pick-Up on May 16 – Volunteers Cleaning Communities: Must register in advance to volunteer for a 2-hour slot time for a clean-up event on Vanowen Street between Topanga Canyon Boulevard (Canoga Park) and Vineland Avenue (North Hollywood), 9-11 a.m. May 16. Sections assigned when you register. Tools will be provided. Souvenir t-shirt for this event. Information about the event on the April 5 post on the Facebook link. In addition, find out the upcoming schedule for the nonprofit that welcomes new volunteers and donations year-round. Email: jill@vcc.world. facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066393290619. volunteerscleaningcommunities.com
Friday
Wildflower Hotline – Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants: The Sun Valley-based foundation presents its 2026 hotline on the best locations for viewing spring wildflowers in Southern and Central California. New wildflower reports are released on Friday through May (depending upon this year’s bloom season). In addition, read the illustrated written report on the link. 818-768-1802, Ext. 7. theodorepayne.org/learn/wildflower-hotline/
Granada Hills Grubfest and the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market: The Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce presents the food truck “Grubfest,” 5-10 p.m. (on Chatsworth Street between Zelzah and White Oak avenues; granadachamber.com/food-trucks/); and the certified market, 6-9 p.m. (White Oak Avenue between Chatsworth and Los Alimos streets; granadachamber.com/56292-2/; 818-298-9790). Both events run on Fridays; check website for seasonal changes in hours. 818-368-3235. granadachamber.com/
Saturday
Old Town Newhall Farmers Market: A certified market, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Location, parking lot, 24500 Main St., Newhall. 661-253-4300. Santa Clarita Farmers Markets: tinyurl.com/2evb6evz. Details: facebook.com/OldTownNewhallFarmersMarket
NoHo Farmers Market: A certified market, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Location, 500 Colfax Ave., Valley Village. 818-471-0793. farmersmarketnorthhollywood.com
Main Street Canoga Park Farmers Market: A certified market, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Location, 7248 Owensmouth Avenue, between Sherman Way and Wyandotte Avenue. Coastal Pacific Markets, 805-643-6458. Email: pacific209@hotmail.com. facebook.com/canogafarmersmarket
El Nido Farmers Market – Pacoima: El Nido Family Centers and the City of Los Angeles present the certified market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Location, Pacoima Family Source Center, 11243 Glenoaks Blvd. elnidofamilycenters.org/farmers-market
Woodland Hills Farmers Market: A certified market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Location, 5650 Shoup Ave. 818-300-3023. Facebook: tinyurl.com/ybbchwbb
Bug Fair – Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: The 40th annual event, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 16-17. See the website for exhibitors and special activities. Reserve tickets in advance. Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older and ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger (but a ticket is required). Location, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. nhm.org/calendar/bug-fair
California Strawberry Festival: The 40th annual celebration of the red fruit with strawberry-theme foods, strawberries for sale, arts and crafts marketplace, entertainment and carnival rides, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. May 16-17. Admission $15; $10 ages 62 and older; $8 ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and younger (advance online purchase is available). The festival is a nonprofit and proceeds go to various charities and organizations: castrawberryfestival.org/info-center/faq/. Parking at the fairgrounds is $30 (limited space). Shuttle locations near the fairgrounds available: castrawberryfestival.org/getting-here/. Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. facebook.com/CaliforniaStrawberryFestival . castrawberryfestival.org/
California Science Center: “Mummies of the World: The Exhibition,” through Sept. 7 (californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/mummies-of-the-world-the-exhibition). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is free to the center’s permanent galleries, but there is a charge for special exhibits. Admission to the “Mummies of the World” exhibit: $27.95 (ages 18-64); $23.95 (ages 65 and older and students ages 13-17); $19.95 (ages 3-12). Timed tickets are required for special exhibits, and also the Imax Theater (californiasciencecenter.org/visit). 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. facebook.com/CaliforniaScienceCenter
Artazan Handcraft Market: Contemporary handcrafted items including candy, ceramics, clothing, jewelry and wine, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 16-17. Admission $8 online; $10 at the door; free for ages 17 and younger. Pasadena Convention Center, Hal B, 300 E. Green St. facebook.com/Artazanshow. artsandcraftsshow.com/pasadena.php
The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire: Final weekend to immerse yourself in the time of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign and have some fun with cosplay of the time period, speaking the lingo, shopping in the marketplace, listening to music and laughing at performances, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 16-17 (renfair.com/socal/special-events). Fun dress code: period “faire” costume. Admission $44 ages 13 and older; $28 ages 5-12. No pets allowed. Mandatory car entry fee, $15 (cash is recommended), to the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area (renfair.com/socal/directions-weather/). Parking is free, first-come, first served; VIP parking $30 (must be purchased in advance online; VIP parking cost does not include the mandatory car entry fee). Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale. 626-969-4750. renfair.com/socal
Salute to Recreation Family Festival – Northridge Recreation Center: The event includes a children’s area, carnival games and rides, entertainment, food and marketplace vendors, noon-10 p.m. May 16-17. Free admission. Presented by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. 10058 Reseda Blvd. laparks.org/salute-recreation
Sunday
Encino Farmers Market: ONEgeneration presents the certified market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Location, 17400 Victory Blvd. (between Balboa Boulevard and White Oak Avenue). Farmers market manager, 818-708-6611 or email: farmersmarket@onegeneration.org. onegeneration.org/farmers-market/
Farmers Market – The Vineyards at Porter Ranch: The certified market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. Bring your own reusable shopping bags. Location, parking lot at 20000 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. thevineyards.com/event/weekly-farmers-market-84
Good Times Farmers Market: A certified market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. Los Angeles Valley College, parking lot A, 5800 Fulton Ave. (at Burbank Boulevard), Valley Glen. 818-282-5490. Email: goodtimesfarmersmarket@gmail.com. goodtimesfarmersmarket.com/
Smorgasburg Los Angeles and Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Find a variety of specialty foods, beverages and merchandise, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 17. Free admission. No pets allowed at this venue. Row DTLA, 777 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles. la.smorgasburg.com. See the flyer posted on May 4: facebook.com/SmorgasburgLA/
Museum of Tolerance – Harnessing the Power of Genetic Genealogy to Help Holocaust Survivors Find Family: Holocaust Reunion Project’s co-founders and genealogists Jennifer Mendelsohn and Dr. Adina Newman discuss the topic along with a daughter of a survivor who was able to trace her family back five generations, 3 p.m. May 17. Free to attend. Reservations required (link: tinyurl.com/pzex8rvk). Location, 9786 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. holocaustreunions.org. museumoftolerance.com/
Pan-Asian Pacific Arts and Cultural Festival – Museum of the San Fernando Valley: The 5th annual event includes dance and musical performances, a children’s art creativity area, specialty food trucks and vendors, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. May 17. Free admission; donations appreciated. Rancho Cordillera del Norte, 18904 Nordhoff St. (southwest corner of Nordhoff and Wilbur Avenue), Northridge. Jackie, 818-347-9665. Email: themuseumsfv@gmail.com. themuseumsfvnow.org
Monday
Descanso Gardens: “What’s in Bloom in May” (depending on the weather): descansogardens.org/gardens-and-collections/whats-in-bloom. Hours: 9-5 daily. Advance tickets are required for non-members. Admission $18; $14 ages 65 and older and students with ID; $8 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger (descansogardens.org/events-and-activities/admission-and-event-tickets). 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. 818-949-4200. descansogardens.org. facebook.com/DescansoGardensLA
Tuesday
Convergence – Contemporary Artists of Armenian Descent: Forest Lawn Museum – Glendale presents art work from more than 20 artists. Artist talks, 2 p.m. June 14; July 12; Aug. 9. The exhibit runs through Aug. 9. Free admission. Museum hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. The exhibit is part of the 2026 Hyper SoCal programming (brandlibrary.org/hyper-socal). 1712 S. Glendale Ave. 323-340-4782. Email: museum@forestlawn.com forestlawn.com/museum. forestlawn.com/exhibits/convergence-contemporary-artists-of-armenian-descent/
California African American Museum: New special exhibit: “Willie Birch – Stories to Tell,” through Oct. 21 (caamuseum.org/exhibitions/2026/willie-birch-stories-to-tell). Ongoing special exhibits: “A New Song – Langston Hughes in the West,” through Sept. 13 (caamuseum.org/exhibitions/2026/a-new-song-langston-hughes-in-the-west). “Free and Queer – Black Californian Roots of Gay Liberation,” through Feb. 28, 2027 (details tinyurl.com/wzthz2e7). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday (caamuseum.org/visit/hours-directions). Free admission. Parking $20 before 5 p.m., $24 after 5 p.m. (parking lot entrance at West 39th and South Figueroa streets). Museum location, corner of Exposition Boulevard and South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles (in Exposition Park). 213-744-7432. facebook.com/CAAMinLA/. caamuseum.org
Wednesday
Canyon Country Farmers Market: A certified market, 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays. Canyon Country Community Center, parking lot, 18410 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country. 661-253-4300. Santa Clarita Farmers Markets: tinyurl.com/2evb6evz. facebook.com/CanyonCountryFarmersMarket/
Friday
America 250 – Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum: The exhibit celebrates 250 years of the United States with artwork, letters and historical objects including William J. Stone’s engraving of the Declaration of Independence, opening on May 22 and through Sept. 20 (reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/special-exhibits/america-250). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except closed on some holidays). Timed admission. Tickets $32.45; $29.45 ages 62 and older; $25.45, ages 11-17; $22.45 ages 3-10; free for ages 2 and younger (prices include ticket fee). Location, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. 805-577-4066. facebook.com/RonaldReagan. reaganfoundation.org/library-museum
UPCOMING
Discovery Cube Los Angeles – Sylmar: New special exhibit: “Wild Kratts: Creature Powers,” opens May 23 and runs through Sept. 13 (discoverycube.org/los-angeles/exhibits/wild-kratts-creature-power), through May 10. The museum has an Eco-Adventure Carousel with sculptures of animals native to the surrounding mountains of the museum (additional fee for rides on the carousel). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except closed on selected dates). Admission $25 ages 15-61; $20 ages 62 and older; $20 ages 3-14 (weekend admission prices; lower admission prices during weekdays; admission vary by date). Parking lot: From Osborne Street, enter through Dronfield Avenue (free parking). Location, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. discoverycube.org/los-angeles/visit/
Autobooks-Aerobooks: Paul Kenny signs “Whitney Straight – Racing Drive, War Hero, Industrialist,” 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 23. Reserve a book in advance. Location, 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. 818-845-0707. autobooks-aerobooks.com
Front Row Card Show – Cards, Comics, Collectibles: Trading sports and card games cards, autographs, comic books, action figures, video games, sports memorabilia, and vintage toys, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 23-24. Admission $10 online; $15 at the door; free for ages 10 and younger. Also, a VIP early entry at 10 a.m. is available, $20 in advance online or $25 at the door (one day); or $25 in advance online or $30 at the door (two-day). Online ticket sales end at midnight on May 22. Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St. frontrowcardshow.com
Topanga Vintage Market: Find collectibles and other treasures plus new handcrafted items, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. May 24. Admission $5; free for ages 12 and younger. No pets allowed. Free parking. Upcoming dates: June 28, July 26; the market is held on the fourth Sunday of the month (except for December). Pierce College, enter from Victory Boulevard at Mason Avenue, Woodland Hills. 310-422-1844. Updates: facebook.com/TopangaVintageMarket. topangavintagemarket.com/
Glendora Genealogical Group: Meeting begins with a professional genealogist’s presentation “So You Want to Join a Lineage Society: Now What?” at 6 p.m., followed by a group discussion on “Solving Brick Walls,” 7 p.m. May 26. Free admission. La Fetra Senior Center, Elm Room, 333 E. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. 909-592-4030.
Marriage and Ceremony – Civil War and Southern Black Family Re/Creation: Pasadena Civil War Round Table present the talk by author and UCLA History professor Brenda E. Stevenson, PhD, 7:15 p.m. May 26. Use this link to pre-order Stevenson’s “What Sorrows Labour in My Parents Breast?” from Vroman’s by May 18 for a booksigning at the meeting (pasadenacwrt.org/next_presentation). Free parking behind the building (use the driveway at 160 N. Madison Ave.). Blinn House, 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena. 626-664-6627. Email: pasadenacwrt@gmail.com. facebook.com/PasadenaCivilWarRoundTable. pasadenacwrt.org
Pasadena Armenian Festival: Second annual celebration of Armenian culture with dance, music and song performances, food and crafts vendor booths, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. May 30. Free admission. Victory Park, 575 Paloma St., Pasadena. pasadenaarmenianfestival.com
Fritz Coleman: “Unassisted Residency” comedy show, 3 p.m. May 31. Tickets $46 and up. Also, 3 p.m. July 26, Aug. 30. El Portal Theatre, Monroe Forum, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-508-4200. elportaltheatre.com/. elportaltheatre.com/fritzcoleman.html
Head in the Clouds Music and Arts Festival: Tickets are on sale for the “best of Asian culture and talent” event, with headliners Katseye (Grammy Awards nominated for Best New Artist), on Aug. 8. Brookside at the Rose Bowl. facebook.com/hitcfestival. Festival details and to purchase tickets: la.hitcfestival.com
ONGOING
African American Firefighter Museum – Donation Drive: The museum (1401 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles) has been closed due to a recent arson fire. Donations are being accepted to help renovation of the museum that opened on Dec. 13, 1997 (aaffmuseum.org/about/about/). Donations may be made through PayPal: tinyurl.com/2u8wwdrh. Digital content: aaffmuseum.org/our-stories. 213-744-1730. Email: aaffmuseumla@gmail.com. Up-to-date news on Facebook: facebook.com/AAFFMUSEUM
Autry Museum of the American West: Special exhibit: “Creative Continuities: Family, Pride, and Community in Native Art,” through June 2027 (theautry.org/creative-continuities). Ongoing exhibits: theautry.org/exhibitions. Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission $20; $15 ages 62 and older, and ages 13-18 and also students older than 18 with ID; $9 ages 3-12 (theautry.org/visit). Location, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org
The Getty Center: Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. Free admission but a timed-ticket admission is required (tinyurl.com/yu6fsv3s). Parking $25 (getty.edu/visit/center/parking-and-transportation/). Location, 1200 Getty Center Drive (at North Sepulveda Boulevard), Los Angeles. 310-440-7300. getty.edu
Museum of the San Fernando Valley: Museum hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, and also, 1-5 p.m. Tuesday (always check the website to confirm hours and days open). Free admission; donations appreciated. Rancho Cordillera del Norte, 18904 Nordhoff St. (southwest corner of Nordhoff and Wilbur Avenue), Northridge. 818-347-9665. Email: themuseumsfv@gmail.com. themuseumsfvnow.org
Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: “Butterfly Pavilion,” see the seasonal outdoor exhibit through Aug. 23; reservations required by timed ticket (30-minute time slots; $10; must also purchase museum admission; details and to purchase in advance (tinyurl.com/4asy4c62). Special exhibit: “Unearthed – Raw Beauty,” an exhibit of mineral specimens displayed in their natural and uncut form, through April 18, 2027 (nhm.org/unearthed-rare-mineral-exhibition). Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Sunday (but closed on the first Tuesday of the month and some holidays). Admission: $18, $14 ages 62 and older and ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger, but a ticket is required. 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. nhmlac.org
Petersen Automotive Museum: Ongoing special museum exhibits include “A Fast and Furious Legacy – 25 Years of Automotive Icons,” petersen.org/exhibits. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Admission $22; $20 ages 62 and older; $13 ages 12-17; $12 ages 4-11 (a valid ID is required for ages 12 and older; also, vault access tickets are, respectively by age groups, $51; $45; $42; $25; petersen.org/tickets). Location, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-930-2277. petersen.org
Valley Relics Museum: Take a trip down San Fernando Valley memory lane, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (check the website for hours; subject to change). Admission $15; free for ages 10 and younger. The museum is located at 7900 Balboa Blvd., Hangar C3 and C4, entrance is on Stagg Street, Van Nuys. 818-616-4083. facebook.com/valleyrelics. valleyrelicsmuseum.org
Send calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to be considered to handres@scng.com.