Festival Guide

Event Type
Fairs & Festivals
Culture & Community
Event Department
Cultural Affairs
Description

LéaLA, the premier Spanish Book Fair & Literary Festival, returns from September 19-22, 2024, at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes located at 501 N. Main Street in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, this year’s event, themed Building Peace Together, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the rich traditions, language, and culture of the Latino community through literature, art, and intellectual dialogue.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, LéaLA will highlight the profound influence of Latino heritage on global literature and culture. The event will feature a wide range of activities for all ages, including author discussions, poetry readings, film screenings, and children’s workshops. Highlights include the opening event, El Mariachi, where Juan Villoro will read his story of the same name, and a special screening celebrating the 20th anniversary of A Day Without a Mexican, with filmmakers Yareli Arizmendi and Sergio Arau in attendance. Guests will also enjoy comedy, gastronomy, and thought-provoking discussions on literature and contemporary issues.

“We invite you to join LéaLA in celebrating our Latin roots, which form a bond stronger than nationalities and unite us under a shared identity: the Spanish language,” said Marisol Schulz Manaut, Executive Director of LéaLA. “This year, as we observe Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to showcase the cultural wealth and literary talent of the Spanish-speaking world.” Notable participants include Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Cristina Rivera Garza, cartoonists Jis & Trino, and writers Rosa Beltrán, Évolet Aceves, Benito Taibo, and Élmer Mendoza. This year, LéaLA will host over 40
publishers offering a wide selection of Spanish-language titles, further enriching the festival’s offerings.

Join us in this vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month through Spanish literature and culture! All activities are FREE and open to the public.

La Feria del Libro en Español y Festival Literario de Los Ángeles

La Feria del Libro en Español y Festival Literario LéaLA 2024 regresa este verano en uno de los lugares más emblemáticos de Los Ángeles, LA Plaza de la Cultura y las Artes. Durante cuatro días tendremos a las voces más importantes de nuestro idioma en diálogos abiertos a todo público.

Con el objetivo de continuar y fortalecer sus programas de difusión de la cultura y las artes para la comunidad de origen latino en la ciudad de Los Ángeles, California, la Fundación Universidad de Guadalajara USA realizará durante cuatro días en septiembre un festival literario a manera de foro abierto a las ideas y la reflexión.

LéaLA 2024 tiene como propósito la promoción de la lectura y el libro en español, así como el reconocimiento a la cultura y costumbres de la comunidad latina en Estados Unidos de Norteamérica, una población que cada vez adquiere más importancia a nivel cultural, político y económico.

Asimismo, habrá sesiones de lectura de poesía, sesiones de discusión académica y talleres infantiles a cargo del programa Letras para volar de la Universidad de Guadalajara.

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, en el corazón histórico de Los Ángeles, será la sede de todas las actividades que se realizarán del 19 al 22 de septiembre, con acceso gratuito.

Los libros de los autores participantes y una selección de títulos de interés en español para todas las edades estarán a disposición del público gracias a la participación de la Librería Carlos Fuentes de la Universidad de Guadalajara.

LéaLA 2024 es organizado por la Fundación Universidad de Guadalajara USA, con el apoyo del Legado Grodman y la colaboración del Consulado General de México en Los Ángeles, la Asociación de Egresados de la Universidad de Guadalajara en Los Ángeles, así como varias instituciones públicas y privadas de ambos lados de la frontera.

Event Date
-
Event Location

La Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
United States

Event Lat/Long
34.0564554, -118.2398448
Fee Required
No
Event Cost
Free
Contact Phone
(213) 542-6259
Event ID
10335769
Event Main Image
Event Type
Culture & Community
Fairs & Festivals
Family Activity
Event Department
Cultural Affairs
Description
Join the Aquarium for its twentieth annual Pacific Island Festival. This festival features traditional music and dance, cultural displays, and craft demonstrations and celebrates Pacific Islander cultures, including Hawaiian, Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, Chamorro, Marshallese, and Māori.
Event Date
-
Event Location

Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
United States

Event Lat/Long
33.7621679, -118.196966
Fee Required
Yes
Event Cost
Check website for ticket prices
Contact Phone
562.590.3100
Event ID
10319331
Event Main Image
Event Type
Culture & Community
Fairs & Festivals
Family Activity
Music
Tours
Event Department
Cultural Affairs
Description

Celebrate the 42nd anniversary of the Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival, and the 47th anniversary of the Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival at the Watts Towers Arts Center Campus. The music-centered festival welcomes residents and families from across Los Angeles to unite in the sounds and expressions of local and internationally recognized jazz artists, and cross-cultural percussionists and dancers. In addition to enjoying and dancing to over a dozen performances, visitors can explore the historic Watts Towers Arts Center Campus, which will be activated with art and crafts and local food vendors, family arts workshops, and visual art exhibitions, including the opening weekend of A Woman in Charge, Robin Strayhorn. Activities on both Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29 are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A Woman in Charge, Robin Strayhorn, curated by Rosie Lee Hooks, is a one-woman exhibitionon view in the Noah Purifoy Gallery. A Woman in Charge highlights the cumulative work of the multidisciplinary artist featuring graphite, collage, acrylic, and monoprints. The exhibition spans her 40 years residing in Los Angeles up to her most recent work reflecting time spent living and studying in India. On view from September 28, 2024 to March 8, 2025.

The festivals take place at the DCA’s Watts Towers Arts Center Campus at 1727 East 107th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90002. Free admission and complimentary valet parking. For more information, please call 213.847.4646 or visit www.wattstowers.org

Festival Schedules:

42nd Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival
Saturday, September 28, 2024 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Master of Ceremonies: James Janisse and Torrence Brannon Reese

10:00 a.m. Danza Azteca Xochipilli
Aztec traditional dancing with Huehuetl and Teponaxtle drums

11:00 a.m. Hemant Kulkarni
Tabla solo accompanied by Makheer Singh on Dilruba

12:00 p.m. Afro Peruvian Experience
Presenting African Ancestors from Peru

1:00 p.m. TAIKOPROJECT
Based in Little Tokyo, one of LA’s leading Taiko groups
2:00 p.m. IGABA
Ron Powell’s journey through Brazil and the Diaspora

3:00 p.m. Jaz Sawyer Drum Summit
Jaz Sawyer teams with Emi Desiré & Aisha Gaillard, two young exciting percussionists

4:00 p.m. Leon Mobley – DA LION
Traditional African American Drum Music

46th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival
Sunday, September 29, 2024 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Master of Ceremonies: James Janisse and Torrence Brannon Reese

10:00 a.m. Alaadun
Yoruba ground blessing uniting all cultures based on common themes and principles

11:00 a.m. Kevin Flournoy
Inspirational music with contemporary R&B influence

12:00 p.m. The Jasmine Tommaso Group
Italian Jazz and West Coast Soul

1:00 p.m. Kirk Andrés Wilson
Delta-Chicago Jazz and Blues with a touch of R&B

1:45 p.m. Tai Chi Chuan
School of Healing Martial Arts

2:00 p.m. Community Presentations

2:30 p.m. Nedra Wheeler & Friends
Honoring our Jazz Legends while celebrating our Young Prodigies

3:30 p.m. MEDUSA Tha Gangsta Goddess
The Godmother of West Coast Hip Hop

4:30 p.m. Munyungo’s Jungle Jazz
Jungle grove music you cannot help but move to

All Day Activities at the Festivals:

Watts Towers Amphitheatre

Drum Pavilion: Universal Drum Circle Led by Matt Gibson II
Food Court

Watts Towers Arts Center

A Woman in Charge by Robin Strayhorn and curated by Rosie Lee Hooks in the Noah Purifoy Gallery
International Musical Instruments inside the Dr. Joseph & Bootsie Howard Gallery

Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center

Fertile Ground  exhibition at the Charles Mingus Gallery
Children’s Activities: 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Garden Studio Gallery

Tiling and Gardening Activities 

Directions:

Watts Towers Arts Center Campus
1727 East 107th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90002
213.847.4646

wattstowers.org

The Campus is easily accessible from:

  1. the 105 East Freeway at Wilmington Avenue by taking Exit #10;
  2. via the 108th Street Bus Stop, 55 Route (North/South);
  3. via the 103rd Street / Graham Bus Stop, 117 Route (East/West);
  4. the 103rd Street / Watts Towers Station via Metro A Line (Blue);
  5. the 110 Freeway, Century Boulevard exit (Southbound) Imperial Highway exit (Northbound). Self-parking and valet parking are free. 

ADA:

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request.

Event Date
-
Event Location

Watts Towers Arts Center Campus
1727 E. 107th St
Watts, CA 90002
United States

Event Lat/Long
33.9388723, -118.2419457
Fee Required
Yes
Contact Phone
213.847.4646,
Event ID
10336880
Event Type
Culture & Community
Fairs & Festivals
Family Activity
Music
Tours
Event Department
Cultural Affairs
Description

Celebrate the 42nd anniversary of the Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival, and the 47th anniversary of the Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival at the Watts Towers Arts Center Campus. The music-centered festival welcomes residents and families from across Los Angeles to unite in the sounds and expressions of local and internationally recognized jazz artists, and cross-cultural percussionists and dancers. In addition to enjoying and dancing to over a dozen performances, visitors can explore the historic Watts Towers Arts Center Campus, which will be activated with art and crafts and local food vendors, family arts workshops, and visual art exhibitions, including the opening weekend of A Woman in Charge, Robin Strayhorn. Activities on both Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29 are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A Woman in Charge, Robin Strayhorn, curated by Rosie Lee Hooks, is a one-woman exhibitionon view in the Noah Purifoy Gallery. A Woman in Charge highlights the cumulative work of the multidisciplinary artist featuring graphite, collage, acrylic, and monoprints. The exhibition spans her 40 years residing in Los Angeles up to her most recent work reflecting time spent living and studying in India. On view from September 28, 2024 to March 8, 2025.

The festivals take place at the DCA’s Watts Towers Arts Center Campus at 1727 East 107th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90002. Free admission and complimentary valet parking. For more information, please call 213.847.4646 or visit www.wattstowers.org

Festival Schedules:

42nd Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival
Saturday, September 28, 2024 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Master of Ceremonies: James Janisse and Torrence Brannon Reese

10:00 a.m. Danza Azteca Xochipilli
Aztec traditional dancing with Huehuetl and Teponaxtle drums

11:00 a.m. Hemant Kulkarni
Tabla solo accompanied by Makheer Singh on Dilruba

12:00 p.m. Afro Peruvian Experience
Presenting African Ancestors from Peru

1:00 p.m. TAIKOPROJECT
Based in Little Tokyo, one of LA’s leading Taiko groups
2:00 p.m. IGABA
Ron Powell’s journey through Brazil and the Diaspora

3:00 p.m. Jaz Sawyer Drum Summit
Jaz Sawyer teams with Emi Desiré & Aisha Gaillard, two young exciting percussionists

4:00 p.m. Leon Mobley – DA LION
Traditional African American Drum Music

46th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival
Sunday, September 29, 2024 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Master of Ceremonies: James Janisse and Torrence Brannon Reese

10:00 a.m. Alaadun
Yoruba ground blessing uniting all cultures based on common themes and principles

11:00 a.m. Kevin Flournoy
Inspirational music with contemporary R&B influence

12:00 p.m. The Jasmine Tommaso Group
Italian Jazz and West Coast Soul

1:00 p.m. Kirk Andrés Wilson
Delta-Chicago Jazz and Blues with a touch of R&B

1:45 p.m. Tai Chi Chuan
School of Healing Martial Arts

2:00 p.m. Community Presentations

2:30 p.m. Nedra Wheeler & Friends
Honoring our Jazz Legends while celebrating our Young Prodigies

3:30 p.m. MEDUSA Tha Gangsta Goddess
The Godmother of West Coast Hip Hop

4:30 p.m. Munyungo’s Jungle Jazz
Jungle grove music you cannot help but move to

All Day Activities at the Festivals:

Watts Towers Amphitheatre

Drum Pavilion: Universal Drum Circle Led by Matt Gibson II
Food Court

Watts Towers Arts Center

A Woman in Charge by Robin Strayhorn and curated by Rosie Lee Hooks in the Noah Purifoy Gallery
International Musical Instruments inside the Dr. Joseph & Bootsie Howard Gallery

Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center

Fertile Ground  exhibition at the Charles Mingus Gallery
Children’s Activities: 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Garden Studio Gallery

Tiling and Gardening Activities 

Directions:

Watts Towers Arts Center Campus
1727 East 107th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90002
213.847.4646

wattstowers.org

The Campus is easily accessible from:

  1. the 105 East Freeway at Wilmington Avenue by taking Exit #10;
  2. via the 108th Street Bus Stop, 55 Route (North/South);
  3. via the 103rd Street / Graham Bus Stop, 117 Route (East/West);
  4. the 103rd Street / Watts Towers Station via Metro A Line (Blue);
  5. the 110 Freeway, Century Boulevard exit (Southbound) Imperial Highway exit (Northbound). Self-parking and valet parking are free. 

ADA:

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request.

Event Date
-
Event Location

Watts Towers Arts Center Campus
1727 E. 107th St
Watts, CA 90002
United States

Event Lat/Long
33.9388723, -118.2419457
Fee Required
Yes
Contact Phone
213.847.4646,
Event ID
10336879
Event Type
Family Activity
Theater
Event Department
Cultural Affairs
Description
On the eve of her 60th birthday, Maria fires up her new karaoke machine to regale her granddaughter with her astonishing life story. As a lounge singer who escaped a gangster-controlled nightclub in Manila to become a free-range mother of five in the United States, Maria is a matriarch not to be trifled with.

 

Tuesdays – Fridays, 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sundays, 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Event Date
-
Event Location

Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
United States

Event Lat/Long
34.0635118, -118.4443932
Fee Required
Yes
Event Cost
Check the website for ticket prices
Contact Phone
310.208.5454
Event ID
10322759
Event Main Image
Event Type
Culture & Community
Theater
Event Department
Cultural Affairs
Description
Theatricum is a vital creative force recognized internationally for interpreting Shakespeare’s work. This summer season, plays are The Winter’s Tale, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Wendy’s Peter Pan, Tartuffe: Born Again, and The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote.

 

Check the website for events, dates, times, and prices.
Event Date
-
Event Location

Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga, CA
United States

Event Lat/Long
34.1108513, -118.5928551
Fee Required
Yes
Event Cost
Check website for ticket price
Event ID
10319018
Event Main Image
Event Type
Family Activity
Film
Event Department
Cultural Affairs
Description

The Acadmy Museum presents the Film Series Beware the Elements! Natural Disasters on Film

Following a summer of record-breaking heatwaves, extreme wildfires, historic floods, and a truly unprecedented “hurriquake,” we find the perilous realities of climate change increasingly impacting our daily lives. This screening series considers natural disasters through our planet’s primary elements—earth, wind, water, and fire—and seeks to highlight key moments in the history of the disaster film genre as a source of entertainment and portrayal of science, and as a tool to raise our collective consciousness about science-based solutions to the mounting global climate crisis. Click the here to see the featured films selected for this series. The film series runs between January 4th to January 28, 2024.
Event Date
-
Event Location

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
6067 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
United States

Event Lat/Long
34.0633867, -118.3608799
Fee Required
Yes
Event Cost
$5 – $10
Contact Phone
323.930.3000
Event ID
10287509
Event Main Image
Event Type
Family Activity
Film
Culture & Community
Event Department
Cultural Affairs
Description
Jamaica Bay Inn presents a free outdoor movie series every Sunday with a movie starting at dusk. Warm drinks, snacks, and treats are available for purchase. Bring low chairs, blankets, and pillows. Seating is first come, first served.
Event Date
-
Event Location

Jamaica Bay Inn
4175 Admiralty Way
Marina Del Rey, 90292
United States

Event Lat/Long
33.9826498, -118.4576818
Fee Required
No
Event Cost
Free
Event ID
10317972
Event Main Image
Event Type
Culture & Community
Family Activity
Music
Event Department
Cultural Affairs
Description
The Leimert Park Artwalk is a monthly public celebration of Art, Music, Cinema, and History. This event features galleries, food, gift shops, free movies, children’s art making, a variety of music such as Pop, Jazz R&B, Hip Hop, and spoken word, and a continuous African Drum Circle in scenic Leimert Park. It also includes the Art and Practice gallery with displays of known and emerging artists.
Event Date
-
Event Location

Leimert Park Village
43rd Place
Los Angeles, CA
United States

Event Lat/Long
34.0048283, -118.2587638
Fee Required
No
Event Cost
Free
Event ID
10284705
Event Main Image
Event Type
Culture & Community
Family Activity
Tours
Event Department
Cultural Affairs
Description

Create fun memories during summer vacation with a free tour of The Music Center’s sprawling campus. The 90-minute tours encompass The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and Walt Disney Concert Hall.

 

Tuesdays – Fridays, 11:00 a.m., Saturdays – Sundays, 10:15 a.m.

Event Date
-
Event Location

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Lobby
111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, 90012
United States

Event Lat/Long
34.0553468, -118.2499213
Fee Required
No
Event Cost
Free
Contact Phone
323.850.2000
Event ID
10318120
Event Main Image