Quick, hit the brakes—there's a three-day weekend just ahead! Memorial Day, the holiday generally considered the first harbinger of summer, is on the horizon, and the forecast is for one of those LA Story, 70s-and-sunny weekends. There's only one problem: you were so busy looking for summer camps that you forgot to book a campsite or a beach getaway, right? No worries—when your kids ask why you're not going anywhere this weekend, just tell them you're staying in town to catch some of the great Memorial Day festivals and parades that only happen once a year.
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All weekend:
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
It doesn't have Memorial Day in the name, but this huge summer festival has happened every Memorial Day weekend for 55 years. More than just strawberries, get reads for rides, a parade, and lots of honors and attention for anyone whose hair color could be considered "strawberry."
La Cañada Fiesta Days
Another Memorial Day weekend tradition, La Cañada's Fiesta Days launches the season right with music, rides, fireworks, a screening of Minions, loads of grillin', and a veteran-loving parade.
Topanga Days Country Fair
If you cut through Topanga commuting between the Westside and the Valley, you might have the impression that these folks are always involved in some kind of country fair. If so, just think how much more laid back and summery this place must get when they actually call it a country fair! Music will be played; watermelon seeds will be spit; sacks will be raced in, and a Monday parade wraps it all up.
Memorial Day Weekend at the Beach House Pool
Not so much a festival as a preview of things to come, Santa Monica's Annenberg Beach House opens up its pool, splash pad, restaurant, and other great family beach fun for the holiday weekend - just to give everyone a reminder of how great life will be once school lets out.
Fiesta Hermosa
Hermosa Beach rings summer in and out each year with a community-wide festival that fills the streets on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Count on a carnival, petting zoo, games, music - all that a good summer weekend deserves.
Memorial Day Monday only:
Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade
Canoga Park sets the bar high with the return of its annual Memorial Day Parade, preceded by a 5k run of the parade route, and followed by a festival in the park.
Memorial Day Concert at the Nixon Library
If you think more about history and less about parades and hot dogs on this holiday, you might want to head for the free festivities at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library on Monday. Veterans and the former president and first lady are honored with wreaths and concerts.
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Memorial Day Ceremony
Looking to honor fallen veterans in a simpler setting that focuses only on the meaning of the day? The annual ceremony at Burbank's McCambridge Park is all about the military honoring its own.
Holiday Monday at LACMA
The LA County Museum of Art celebrates all Monday holidays the same way: with a free family day. Head on down for tours, live music, and a stop in the Boone Children's Gallery.
Forest Lawn Memorial Day Ceremony
If you're looking for an event that is all about the meaning of the day, Forest Lawn has you covered with wreath laying, rousing patriotic music, and a key note address.
Memorial Day Observance
Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica pays tribute to our servicemen and women for the 78th year with a ceremony, concert, and flyover.
Originally published May 22, 2012
Photo credit: Darien Library via flickr
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