Summer is the perfect time to explore and take advantage of all that Los Angeles has to offer. Make a pact to visit a new area of Los Angeles or participate in a new activity—a cultural art project, a walking tour in a new area, a concert in a unique outdoor setting, a festival celebrating a foreign culture, a special summer-only event, or a bike ride exploring a new part of Los Angeles, just to mention a few options. The experience will open your eyes to the richness of where we live.

Two favorite events of mine are happening this month, Los Angeles River Ride on Sunday, June 9, and CicLAvia on Sunday, June 30 (though a new route to me). I highly recommend both. You’ll enjoy Los Angeles in a totally different way.

How will you explore the richness of Los Angeles this month?

* WEEKEND OF JUNE 1 & 2 *

Undiscovered Chinatown Walking Tour, Throughout Chinatown, Downtown LA, Saturday, 6/1, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Offered every first Saturday of the month). Visit a temple, an herbal shop, art galleries, antique stores, and more! The 2 1/2 hour walking tour will take visitors to a number of off-the-beaten-track points of interest and will guide those interested in shopping to some of Chinatown’s best bargains and its trendiest shops. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to wind your way through a myriad of alleyways, plaza stalls, and classical courtyards to discover the charm of LA’s Chinatown. RSVP here.

France – Medieval Beasts (Barnsdall Art Sundays), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday, 6/2 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Every Sunday art instructors present a free art project featuring a different culture and media. All materials are provided.

Palm Trees, Lamp Posts, & a Boulder (Andell Family Sundays), LACMA, Los Angeles, Sunday, 6/2, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Make, look, and talk about art at Andell Family Sundays. Drop in anytime between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. This weekly family event features artist-led workshops and friendly gallery tours and activities thematically based on special exhibitions and LACMA’s permanent collection. This month (6/9, 6/16, 6/23, and 6/30), learn about Primal Palm Garden, and other large outdoor artworks such as Urban Light and Levitated Mass on a family-friendly tour. Then participate in dance and art workshops.

* WEEKEND OF JUNE 8 & 9 *

REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival, Saturday, 6/8, & Sunday, 6/9, Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater in the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown LA. The annual REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival returns with three full weekends of exhilarating short-film programs to enchant moviegoers of all ages. The festival showcases work from around the globe—including Chile, Cuba, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, and United Kingdom—to inspire the whole family. View brochure for schedule and film information.

Undiscovered Chinatown Highlighted Walking Tour, Downtown LA, Saturday, 6/8, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. This highlighted walking tour is held in conjunction with the Chinatown Summer Nights event starting at 5 o’clock.Visit a temple, an herbal shop, art galleries, antique stores, and more when guided to the unique treasures–not to mention great bargains–to be found in Chinatown. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to wind your way through a myriad of alleyways, plaza stalls, and classical courtyards to discover the charm of LA’s Chinatown. For those interested, please rsvp online here.

Chinatown Summer Nights, Central Plaza, Downtown LA, Saturday, 6/8, 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Part food event, part summer party, Chinatown Summer Nights presents an exciting hot spot for Angelenos every 2nd Saturday of the month during the summer (June 8, July 13, and August 10). Taste the many culinary offerings of Chinatown and LA’s gourmet food trucks; sample the neighborhood’s wares; watch Chinese chefs perform cooking demonstrations; experience large-scale, outdoor video projections; take part in hands-on, Chinese cultural activities; sip on craft brews and dance in Central Plaza with 89.9 KCRW’s DJs!

19th Annual Los Angeles River Ride, Autry Center in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, Sunday, 6/9. There’s no better way to explore the city we live in than by bike. Join over 2,000 riders and supporters at the 19th annual Los Angeles River Ride. From the free 2-mile Kids’ Ride and 15-mile Family Ride to the 36-Mile Ride, 50-Mile Half Century, and Century Ride along the LA River Path, there’s an adventure for everyone. All proceeds benefit the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, a nonprofit organization working to transform LA into a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable city for everyone.

Greece – Amphora (Barnsdall Art Sundays), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday, 6/9, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Every Sunday art instructors present a free art project featuring a different culture and media. All materials are provided.

Self-Portraits at USC PAM (Free Second Sunday), USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, Sunday, 6/9, 11:00 a.m. Explore the art of self-portraiture, inspired by the special exhibition Tsuruya Kōkei: Modern Kabuki Prints Revised and Revisited. Create your own mask, participate in a contemporary artist’s performance, go on a docent led tour of the exhibit, and listen to storytime for kids.

Palm Trees, Lamp Posts, & a Boulder (Andell Family Sundays), LACMA, Los Angeles, Sunday, 6/9, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Make, look, and talk about art at Andell Family Sundays. Drop in anytime between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. This weekly family event features artist-led workshops and friendly gallery tours and activities thematically based on special exhibitions and LACMA’s permanent collection. This month (also 6/16, 6/23, and 6/30), learn about Primal Palm Garden, and other large outdoor artworks such as Urban Light and Levitated Mass on a family-friendly tour. Then participate in dance and art workshops.

* WEEKEND OF JUNE 15 & 16 *

REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival, Saturday, 6/15, & Sunday, 6/16, Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater in the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown LA. The annual REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival returns with three full weekends of exhilarating short-film programs to enchant moviegoers of all ages. The festival showcases work from around the globe—including Chile, Cuba, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, and United Kingdom—to inspire the whole family. View brochure for schedule and film information.

The Irish Fair & Music Festival, Orange County Great Park, Irvine, Saturday, 6/15, & Sunday, 6/16. This family fun festival is a celebration of all things Irish. There will be musicians, dancers, and bagpipes, plus sports, dogs, sheep, performers, and plenty of booths featuring imported Irish goods and displays. For the young folk, there will be the Leprechaun Kingdom with games, rides, Irish storytelling, and contests. And of course, there will be plenty of Irish food and beverages.

Kaiju-Con, Japanese American National Museum, Little Tokyo, Downtown LA, Saturday, 6/15, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. In conjunction with the exhibit Kaiju vs Heroes, JANM is hosting a day-long Kaiju-Con that will include a vendor hall, workshops, panel discussions, and demonstrations all related to kaiju and Japanese toys. The day will culminate in a special free outdoor screening of Mothra vs. Godzilla from 1964 at 8:30 p.m. on JANM’s plaza. Early bird pricing available through May 31. Click here for schedule and ticket information.

Juneteenth Celebration 2019, California African American Museum, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, Saturday, 6/15, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Join CAAM for a day of family and community celebrating the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger declared that Texas’s enslaved people were free. Bring your picnic blankets and enjoy an afternoon with DJ sets by Francesca Harding and family activities for all to enjoy. Visit website for list of activities and to RSVP.

Family Day – Cyanotypes, Chinese American Museum, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, Downtown LA, Sunday, 6/16, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Create prints with sunlight in a hands-on activity inspired by the cyanotypes of Wu Chi-Tsung, a featured artist in Lightscapes: Re-Envisioning the Shanshuihua. You’ll be able to make your own cyanotype prints and visit the immersive exhibition. Admission to the museum and this public program is free. All materials will be provided. This family program is free and open to the public; however, RSVPs are kindly requested. To RSVP, visit website.

Palm Trees, Lamp Posts, & a Boulder (Andell Family Sundays), LACMA, Los Angeles, Sunday, 6/16, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Make, look, and talk about art at Andell Family Sundays. Drop in anytime between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. This weekly family event features artist-led workshops and friendly gallery tours and activities thematically based on special exhibitions and LACMA’s permanent collection. This month (also 6/23 and 6/30), learn about Primal Palm Garden, and other large outdoor artworks such as Urban Light and Levitated Mass on a family-friendly tour. Then participate in dance and art workshops.

* WEEKEND OF JUNE 23 & 24 *

REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival, Saturday, 6/23, & Sunday, 6/24, Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater in the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown LA. The annual REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival returns with three full weekends of exhilarating short-film programs to enchant moviegoers of all ages. The festival showcases work from around the globe—including Chile, Cuba, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, and United Kingdom—to inspire the whole family. View brochure for schedule and film information.

England – Theater Masks: Summer Solstice Mid-Summer Nights Dream (Barnsdall Art Sundays), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday, 6/23, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Every Sunday art instructors present a free art project featuring a different culture and media. All materials are provided.

Palm Trees, Lamp Posts, & a Boulder (Andell Family Sundays), LACMA, Los Angeles, Sunday, 6/23, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Make, look, and talk about art at Andell Family Sundays. Drop in anytime between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. This weekly family event features artist-led workshops and friendly gallery tours and activities thematically based on special exhibitions and LACMA’s permanent collection. This month learn about Primal Palm Garden, and other large outdoor artworks such as Urban Light and Levitated Mass on a family-friendly tour. Then participate in dance and art workshops.

* WEEKEND OF JUNE 29 & 30 *

Little Tokyo Walking Tour, Japanese American National Museum, Downtown LA, Saturday, 6/29, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Learn about past and present-day Little Tokyo on a walking tour led by an in-the-know JANM docent. From murals to monuments, explore both the popular and lesser-known gems of this bustling neighborhood. $12 members, $15 non-members. Museum admission included. Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Weather permitting. Limited to 20 participants.

CicLAvia – Mid City Meets Pico Union, Sunday, 6/30, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Join CicLAvia on June 30 as they transform Venice Blvd, 7th Ave, and Washington Blvd into public parks for the day. They’ll be closing the streets to cars and opening them up for people of all ages and abilities to ride, walk, stroll, roll, run, and smile!

USA – Navajo: Tree of Life Quilt (Barnsdall Art Sundays), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday, 6/30, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Every Sunday art instructors present a free art project featuring a different culture and media. All materials are provided.

Palm Trees, Lamp Posts, & a Boulder (Andell Family Sundays), LACMA, Los Angeles, Sunday, 6/30, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Make, look, and talk about art at Andell Family Sundays. Drop in anytime between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. This weekly family event features artist-led workshops and friendly gallery tours and activities thematically based on special exhibitions and LACMA’s permanent collection. This month learn about Primal Palm Garden, and other large outdoor artworks such as Urban Light and Levitated Mass on a family-friendly tour. Then participate in dance and art workshops.

Fowler Families: Yoga for Little Travelers, Fowler Museum at UCLA, Westwood, Sunday, 6/30, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Join families of all skill levels as Alex Reed leads participants in a 45-minute imaginative yoga session featuring mindful play, breathing exercises, and relaxing stretches. Little yogis (ages 4+) are invited to pack their bags and join Alex on a whimsical journey around the world during this new monthly yoga series. After yoga, learn about art around the world by traveling through our permanent exhibition Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives with your very own passport in a self-guided gallery adventure! Yoga mats will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Space is limited. The first ten participants to RSVP will receive a guaranteed spot.

* LOOKING AHEAD TO JULY *

Ford Family Series: Big World Fun, Ford Amphitheatre, Hollywood, Saturday mornings, July & August. One-hour music and dance events that represent the region’s diverse communities are presented on Saturday mornings in July and August in the Ford’s shaded outdoor amphitheatre. This summer experience music and dance inspired by the many regions of Latin America (July 6), colorful costumes and exuberant movements from Brazil (July 13), Bluegrass music (August 3), and classical dance from India (August 10). Perfect for children ages 4 to 12 and their families. Kids are admitted free; adults pay $5. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. for pre-show kid-friendly nature and craft activities. The LA County Library also provides tailored book lists to accompany each show. See website for schedule of performances and ticket information.

The Jeweled Isle: Art from Sri Lanka, LACMA, Los Angeles, closing July 7. The first comprehensive survey of Sri Lankan art organized by an American museum, The Jeweled Isle: Art from Sri Lanka presents some 240 works addressing nearly two millennia of Sri Lankan history. The exhibit includes precious decorative objects fashioned from gold, silver, and ivory, and 19th-century photographs documenting Sri Lanka’s extraordinary monuments, scenery, and flora. Featuring LACMA’s rarely displayed collection of Sri Lankan art—one of the finest and most extensive in the U.S—the exhibition presents a timely exploration and celebration of a geographically complex, ethnically diverse, and multicultural South Asian hub.

39th Lotus Festival, Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles, Saturday, 7/13, & Sunday, 7/14, 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Celebrate the people and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands with free entertainment for the whole family! Enjoy a food court, Thai Pavilion, silent auction, children’s area, handcrafted artwork, gift bazaar, Japanese teahouse ceremonies, origami workshop, and dragon boat races. Visit website for parking information.

2019 Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival, Marine Stadium, Long Beach, Saturday, 7/27, & Sunday, 7/28. In addition to hosting one of the largest dragon boat competitions in California, there will be Chinese traditional art demonstrations, Chinese acrobats, traditional dance, hip hop, music, and martial arts performances. Come for fun, food, and excitement!

Feel free to add events for this month in the comments below. I also welcome feedback on any events you have attended. If you have tips on future events and celebrations to include in upcoming months, please email me with details. Thank you!