Lebowski Fest – Friday May 25th – Sunday May 27th
The dude will abide at this loyal homage to the cult Jeff Bridges stoner classic. The two-day festival is back, and “achievers” (fans of the film) show up in droves for a The Big Lebowskiscreening, bowling, trivia and costume contests, and, of course, White Russians. Grab your bowling shoes and viking helmets and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the movie. The Friday night film screening will feature music by the Kyle Gass Band (of Tenacious D fame), and expect actors from the film to make appearances throughout the weekend as well.
Eat Drink Vegan – Saturday May 26th
Formerly the LA Vegan Beer and Food Festival, Eat Drink Vegan is setting up shop at the Rose Bowl, and will feature more than 75 breweries, wine, kombucha and cold-brew vendors. Pair your pint with vegan and vegetarian eats from local food vendors.
Fiesta Hermosa – Saturday May 26th – Monday May 28th
Roam the 400 stalls at this arts festival, sample the fine foods and listen to the music —and then take a dip in the nearby Pacific. Look out for the Fiesta over both Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
L.A. Zine Fest Sunday May 27th
Forget blogs: Get out from behind your computer screen and into the world of printed lit at LA Zine Fest. The all-day event showcases over 175 exhibitors of zines and small press publications from across the country, bringing together the best of SoCal nerds for the exchange of art, ideas and more. Don’t miss the fest’s free readings and workshops.
Topanga Days Country Fair – Saturday May 26th – Monday May 28th
Tucked away in picturesque Topanga Canyon, this Memorial Day weekend festival has become a favorite local tradition. Bohemian locals of all ages as well as curious onlookers converge to celebrate music, food, arts and Mother Earth. Some complain that the masses have commercialized this neighborhood event, but there are still plenty of true ‘60s hippies, vegan food vendors and healing arts to make you think you’re in Woodstock.
MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street Sunday May 27th
Everybody likes a good theme party, and this Memorial Day Weekend, Main Street in Santa Monica is giving the people what they want. In an effort not only to entertain Westsiders, but also to raise funds for Summer SOULstice and Heal the Bay, Main Street between Pier Avenue and Bay Street will transform into an interactive Monopoly board game, allotting attendees special “MAINopoly dollars,” to be exchanged for food tastings across the street’s finest establishments.
Stoned and Dusted – Saturday May 26th – Sunday May 27th
As a throwback to the gasoline genrator-fueled desert parties in the early ’90s, this on-the-down-low offshoot of Desert Generator is celebrating stoner rock and the desert music scene with a two-day fest. Brant Bjork, co-founder of seminal stoner rock band Kyuss, the Obsessed, Nebula and more are all set to play. Details are hush-hush, so you’ll need to request access to attend (we just know it’s somewhere near Joshua Tree).
Paul Simon Tuesday May 22th – Monday May 28th
When you listen to Paul Simon’s latest albums you’re quickly reminded: Wait a minute—this guy is a pop star. That is to say, not just a prescient urban-folk bard and boomer hero but an actual hit maker. His songs are often wildly infectious, effortless-seeming reprisals of Graceland’s brain-teasing, booty-moving mastery. Catch him over two nights at the Hollywood Bowl on this farewell tour.