Plaza Mexico Presents ‘Golazo Fest’

Plaza Mexico presents ‘Golazo Fest’ celebrating Mexico’s participation in the big international soccer tournament with two free watch parties.

Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11, 2026 at 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Mexico vs. Czech on June 24, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Join us for the ultimate soccer watch party experience as fans come together to cheer, and watch every moment of the big game on a giant LED screen surrounded by an electric atmosphere. Celebrate at ‘El Angel’ monument here at Plaza Mexico in Lynwood.

Enjoy live music & entertainment, beer garden, brand activations & giveaways, photo opportunities and great food & refreshments.

Bring your team colors, your game-day spirit, and get ready for an unforgettable celebration of soccer, community, and fun.

Plaza Mexico would like to thank many of the ‘mercado’ tenants for their support, as well as partners: Power106, Boost Mobile, Curacao, Fox Deportes, Mega 96.3, Entravision, Fundacion Jalisco, El Clasificado and Milagros de México.

Throughout 2026, Plaza Mexico will be your go-to spot for programming a variety of events—from lively festivals and artisan markets to kids’ activities, live music, and community celebrations.

Register: https://www.plazamexico.com/events-1/mexico-vs-south-africa-soccer-watch-party-at-plaza-mexico

ABOUT PLAZA MEXICO
Located at 3100 E. Imperial Hwy in the emergent city of Lynwood California, only 14 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, Plaza Mexico is a unique 420,000 square foot retail, food, and office space blended together with Mexican culture to create an Hispanic wonderland of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plaza Mexico is bounded by Imperial Highway, Long Beach Boulevard, State Street, and the 105 Freeway, so no matter where you live you are never too far from this little piece of Mexico in Southern California.

Plaza México stands as a cultural landmark in Lynwood, California, celebrating the beauty, history, and spirit of Mexico. Inspired by traditional Mexican architecture and iconic landmarks, the plaza was designed to transport visitors into the heart of Mexico through its vibrant atmosphere, handcrafted details, and authentic sense of community.

More than a shopping destination, Plaza México is a place where culture, commerce, and connection thrive. The plaza hosts a wide variety of events year-round — from traditional celebrations like Día de los Muertos and Fiestas Patrias to live music, artisan markets, and family festivals that bring people together from across Southern California.

Visitors can stroll through beautifully designed spaces that feature replicas of Mexico’s most renowned monuments, including El Ángel de la Independencia, Kiosko de San Miguel de Allende, and Aztec Calendar. Each landmark offers a glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and provides a unique opportunity for guests to embark on a self-guided cultural tour right here in Lynwood.

Whether you’re visiting for shopping, dining, entertainment, or simply to connect with the vibrant Mexican culture, Plaza México invites you to experience a piece of Mexico — without leaving California.

Plaza Mexico is located at:
Plaza Mexico 3100 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262 Entrance + Parking: free, family-friendly, pet friendly all are welcome. Bring your lawn chairs.
https://www.plazamexico.com/

Credit: Plaza Mexico.

 Learn about the history of this holiday and its significance to the African American community and

                           beyond. Discover the traditions of this annual celebration through ​live music, spoken word, and a

                           gratitude practice. The Juneteenth Celebration will also be live streamed on the Aquarium’s

                           YouTube page.

WHEN:          Friday, June 19, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

WHERE:        Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST:            Included with general admission and free for Aquarium members and children under age three /

                     Reservations required

TO TUNE

IN LIVE:        Please visit the Aquarium’s YouTube page at pacific.to/juneteenth at 1:00 p.m. PST on June 19, 2026. 

INFO:            (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/juneteenth/

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

All are welcome to attend Pride Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific in partnership with The LGBTQ Center Long Beach for a celebration of LGBTQ+ communities. This all-ages event will include LGBTQ+ performances, rainbow-themed programming, and DJs spinning in locations around the Aquarium. Attendees will also get the chance to learn about The Center and other local organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community in Long Beach. Pride Night is a celebration of local communities. The Aquarium welcomes everyone and hopes this event brings people together to appreciate each other and work together to protect our ocean planet. 

During Pride Night, the Aquarium will be honoring Gay for Good’s Orange County/Long Beach chapter with the Heritage Award that recognizes outstanding community service and promoting diversity awareness. This organization is dedicated to mobilizing LGBTQ+ and ally volunteers to promote diversity, foster inclusion, and strengthen ties to the broader communities. There are more than twenty-three chapters of Gay for Good, including Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, and San Francisco.

WHEN:           Friday, June 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

WHERE:         Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST:            $24.95 per person. Free for Aquarium members (food and drinks sold separately). Reservations required.

INFO:             (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/pride_night/

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

With the World Cup kicking off and Pride Month in full swing, Downtown Santa Monica will transform the Third Street Promenade this Saturday into a full-day celebration of music, culture, and community.

From daytime Pride celebrations to a nighttime block festival and night market, Downtown Santa Monica will host two signature back-to-back experiences, activating the Promenade and the City’s Entertainment Zone from morning through late night.

The day begins with Pride on the Promenade including a drag brunch, featuring LGBTQ+ performers, live entertainment, bottomless mimosas, and a celebratory community atmosphere in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica. Reserve a table here: https://downtownsm.com/pride2026

In the evening, Santa Monica Block Fest Vol. IV transforms the Promenade into a multi-block open streets festival featuring live music across multiple stages, 20+ food vendors, and immersive entertainment into the night. Admission is free, and more than 5,000 attendees are expected. RSVP here: https://posh.vip/e/santa-monica-block-fest-vol-iv-free-music-festival

This weekend marks the kickoff to a high-impact summer season in Downtown Santa Monica, with upcoming programming including World Cup Golden Hour activations, the COAST 2026 open streets festival on July 19, and multiple new business openings throughout June, including the Official FIFA Pop-Up Store, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and the world’s first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzeria.

WHEN: Saturday, June 13

Pride on the Promenade Drag Brunch (two seatings)

10:30 AM – 3:00 PM 

Remarks and media availability: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM 

Santa Monica Block Fest Vol. IV

5:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Media Availabilities: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM; 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

WHERE: Third Street Promenade (Downtown Santa Monica)

Drag Brunches: 

1212 Santa Monica

1212 Third Street Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401

Santa Monica Block Fest Vol. IV

All three blocks of the Promenade

Media Interviews: Third Street Promenade and Arizona Ave. 

Parking information provided upon RSVP. 

WHO: Pride on the Promenade Drag Brunch (two seatings)

Drag Queens: Divos, Angelique Devereaux, Thai Teaze, Average Lavigne

Remarks: Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis

Santa Monica Block Fest Vol. IV

DJs include: BIJOU, AUTOGRAF, HAYLEE WOOD, JUSTIN IRSBY, SIRENS, and more!

20+ local food vendors including: Villa’s Tacos, Sevan Kebab House, Shake Ramen, and more!

Credit: Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.

Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.) warmly welcomes to announce four highly anticipated grand openings on Third Street Promenade this summer, bringing bold new flavors, one-of-a-kind concepts, and global excitement to one of Southern California’s most beloved destinations.

“These grand openings are exactly the kind of bold, dynamic concepts that add to the energy and appeal of Downtown Santa Monica,” said Debbie Lee, DTSM, Inc. CEO. “They are a reflection of the investment, innovation, and momentum that continue to strengthen Downtown Santa Monica’s position as Southern California’s premier beachside destination.”

An official FIFA World Cup Pop-Up Store, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Dragon Alley Coffee, and the world’s first official Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzeria are all opening their doors on the Promenade this month, offering visitors and locals a fresh lineup to enjoy Downtown Santa Monica.

“A thriving downtown depends on strong partnerships, and these new openings are a testament to what can be achieved when the City, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., property owners, and businesses work toward a shared vision,” said City of Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis. “Together, we are fostering a downtown that strengthens our local economy, creates opportunities for businesses to succeed, and enhances the quality of life that makes Santa Monica such a special place.”

Meet the Additions:

The Official FIFA World Cup Pop-Up Store

• Open Now!
• 1427 Third Street Promenade, Suite 101, Santa Monica, CA 90401
• Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday
• The official FIFA World Cup Pop-Up Store makes the Third Street Promenade a must-visit destination for football fans from around the world this summer. Stocked with official World Cup merchandise, apparel, and collectibles, the pop-up offers an exclusive retail experience tied to one of the most watched sporting events on the planet and a natural complement to the global energy already building throughout Downtown Santa Monica.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

• Grand Opening: June 10, 2026
• 1401 Third St. Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401
• Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. daily
• Raising Cane’s brings its cult-favorite menu to the Promenade, joining a passionate national fanbase that has long awaited a Westside location. Known for its craveable menu built around fresh chicken fingers, Cane’s sauce, crinkle-cut fries, and coleslaw, Raising Cane’s is an instant draw for locals, families, and visitors alike.

Dragon Alley Coffee

• Grand Opening: June 15, 2026
• 312 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
• Hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily
• Dragon Alley Coffee Shop is a distinctive addition to the Promenade’s café scene. The concept is rooted in the belief that coffee is more than a drink; it’s a moment of clarity, a pause, a reset. Brewed with magic and served with passion, Dragon Alley’s flagship location on the Third Street Promenade is poised to become a go-to destination for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind café experience in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzeria

• Grand Opening: June 20, 2026
• 1444 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
• Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday – Sunday
• Serving classic New York-style pizza with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles twist, the pizzeria is equal parts dining experience and pop-culture destination, designed to delight fans of all ages. Whether you grew up watching Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo save the city or you’re discovering the franchise for the first time, this is one slice of history you won’t want to miss. Cowabunga!

The grand openings arrive at an exciting moment for Downtown Santa Monica, which is gearing up for a landmark summer of events and activations tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026. With Golden Hour celebrations on the Promenade, the massive open streets festival COAST 2026 on July 19, and the district’s unbeatable location just steps from the California coast, Downtown Santa Monica is the premier place to visit and enjoy the season’s festivities. 

The district’s unbeatable location just steps from the California coast, world-class dining, and now four bold new concepts calling the Promenade home, and Downtown Santa Monica isn’t just a great place to watch the World Cup; it’s the premier destination to make the most of summer 2026.

Credit: Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.

Learn about Pacific Islander cultures through cultural displays, artisanal craft demonstrations, music, and dance

WHAT:  Everyone is invited to celebrate Pacific Islander cultures, including Chamorro, Fijian, Hawaiian, Māori, Tahitian, and Samoan, at the Aquarium of the Pacific during its twenty-third annual Pacific Islander Festival. This weekend festival will feature cultural displays, artisanal craft demonstrations, and live music and dance performances. Guests are also invited to explore the Aquarium’s Tropical Pacific Gallery to get up close with marine life found off the coast of Pacific islands, from colorful reef fish to sea turtles. On the Saturday of the event, the Aquarium will also include its annual Heritage Award ceremony at 1:00 p.m. in the Honda Pacific Visions Theater.

This year during the festival, the Aquarium is honoring Bill Laolagi and posthumously honoring Rose Laolagi, who spent her lifetime helping others and sharing cultural traditions and heritage through her involvement with ten Polynesian cultural organizations. Many of the organizations she was involved with fundraised to offer college scholarships for students. Bill Laolagi emceed events like Ho’olaule’a Alondra Park, played the guitar and sang while Rose Laolagi coordinated her students. Rose Laolagi was the vice president of Hawaii Inter Council of Southern California and together with Bill Laolagi co-founded Nualaniʻs Polynesia, which shares cultural dances of Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga. Rose Laolagi passed away in January 2026. She will be remembered and honored for her work with students from the community and helping spread Polynesian cultures at festivals, including the Aquarium’s Pacific Islander Festival. The award ceremony will take place at the Aquarium on Saturday, June 6 at 1:00 p.m. in the Honda Pacific Visions Theater.

WHEN:           Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, 2026, 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

WHERE:         Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST:            Included with general admission: $49.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-

                    11), $46.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three /

                     Reservations required 

INFO:            (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/pacific_islander_festival/

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific.

On Saturday, June 6, the Natural History Museum (NHM) will host Pride in Bloom, a vibrant, all-ages celebration that will transform the museum through fun, glamour, and natural science. This marks the fourth installment in the museum’s Partners in Commons series, which invites community partners to share their work and reach audiences at NHM Commons, the museum’s newest wing and community hub.

Co-created with Drag Arts Lab and sponsored by the Los Angeles Public Library, the event features the return of “Natural HERstory: A Drag Musical,” led by the iconic entertainer Pickle. Pickle is the Executive Director of Drag Arts Lab, an organization that expands and elevates the art of drag in LA County. She has partnered with institutions like LACMA and the Academy Museum and currently runs the LA chapter of Drag Story Hour. In the musical, she and other performers explore themes of transformation and resilience, reimagining nature’s wonders through “dino discos,” “vogueing birds,” and “arthropod eleganza.”

TIMED PROGRAMS, 12 – 5 PM:

1 PM, 3 PM | Performance | NHM Commons Theater

Natural HERstory: A Drag Musical

Watch the magic unfold as Drag Arts Lab, Inc. takes the stage, reimagining nature’s transformations through the art of drag. Spaces are limited; wristbands for the shows will be released one hour prior to each showtime on a first-come, first-served basis.

12 PM–5 PM | Scavenger Hunt | Theater Lobby

Pride Flag Scavenger Hunt

Learn a brief history of the Pride flag and find all the colors to connect the symbolic meaning of the Pride Flag’s colors to the Museum’s collections! Physical copies will be available in the Theater lobby (while supplies last).

12 PM–5 PM | Activity | NHM Commons Plaza

Self-Expression Station

Express yourself with fun and easy activities for all ages (while supplies last)

12 PM–5 PM | Activity | NHM Commons Plaza

Mini-Resource Fair

Come to our mini-resource fair. Learn more about who we partner with and how they support their communities. Featuring the Los Angeles Public Library, Rainbow Labs, Allies for Every Child, Great Autos, and The Friends of Ballona Wetlands.

WHERE:

NHM Commons

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

900 Exposition Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90007

WHEN:

Saturday, June 6, 12 PM–5 PM

Cost: Free with paid admission | Free for Members

Link: https://nhm.org/calendar/pride-bloom

Credit: Natural History Museum

CALIFORNIA WATERMELON FESTIVAL

“A Sweet Slice of California”

Featuring watermelon dishes, live music, arts & crafts, rides, games, the always popular Kids Zone, and for the first time a rodeo!

Hansen Dam Recreation Area Soccer Fields – June 6 & 7, 2026

Vesper Public Relations, April 2026. Los Angeles, CA—A San Fernando Valley tradition, the California Watermelon Festival offers “a sweet slice of California” and celebrates the beginning of summer with a vibrant California harvest.

The California Watermelon Festival takes place Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10:00 am- 10:00 pm & Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 10:00 am-8:00 pm at the Hansen Dam Recreation Area Soccer Fields, an area equal to four football fields.

The California Watermelon Festival continues to grow, offering a wider range of experiences. This year, attendees can enjoy unique watermelon-inspired dishes and an expanded Kids Zone. A complimentary slice of watermelon will be given upon entry to each paid ticket (while supplies last), and freshly sliced watermelon will be available for purchase, either plain or with chamoy. Whole watermelon will also be sold on-site.

This year, the California Watermelon Festival will host a real- life rodeo, a high-stakes sport and deeply rooted tradition in the American Southwest, evolving from the working skills of 19th-century vaqueros and cowboys. Known for its adrenaline-fueled, dangerous, and “roughstock” events, the rodeo is considered a cornerstone of Western culture that celebrates resilience, camaraderie, and, in many cases, a Mexican-American heritage. The California Watermelon Festival is proud to include this important aspect of Southern California culture.

The event will feature live bands and DJs, as well as demonstrations from graffiti artists. There will be watermelon carving stations, a car show and a pinup girl contest. For social media influencers, there’s a variety of watermelon themed signage, props along with our fun mascots, Wedgie & Melony that will definitely enhance your social media experience.

We invite you to bring a big appetite to enjoy unique watermelon-inspired dishes created by some of today’s most adventurous chefs experimenting with the many flavors of summer.

Watermelon inspired dishes include: Tacos, Pupusas, Cannoli, Cheese cake, Bread, Corndogs, deep fried Watermelon, Micheladas, Gummy Candy, Waffles, Soda, Crepes, Sushi, Funnel Cake and Italian Ice.

Kids Zone features: Live singing and dancing performances of popular princess’ and classic children songs. Arts & Crafts (make watermelon themed friendship bracelets), Watermelon Eating Contest, Costume Contest, Bubble Show, Face painting, Kids Slime and Carnival Rides, agriculture area with Petting zoo and Pony rides. Kids Zone Schedule here: https://watermelonfest.org/fun/#kids

Says Edward Campos, Festival Owner – “We’ve gone all out to make this year’s Watermelon Festival not only fun for the whole family, but we want you and your family to come back each year, making the Watermelon Festival San Fernando Valleys launch into summer fun for generations to come.”

The California Watermelon Festival would like to thank its sponsors: California Ford, Imagination Works Graphics and Printing, Los Tóxicos Mariscos, Party City, Telemundo 52, T Mobil, Tajin, Hamer Toyota, Budweiser and Luilab.

Safety Rules:
Dogs (except certified service dogs), bicycles, rollerblades, tables, boom boxes, chairs, and ice chests/coolers are NOT permitted on festival grounds. In compliance with the Los Angeles County Health Department, non-Festival food & drinks are not permitted within the festival grounds. The festival is also a smoke-free environment. The California Watermelon Festival is not responsible for lost or stolen items, but will maintain a lost and found at the information booth near the entrance.

About the California Watermelon Festival:
The California Watermelon Festival started in the early 1960s in Sunland-Tujunga Park, CA. At that time, it was called the Lions Club Sunland-Tujunga Watermelon Festival. It was hosted at Sunland-Tujunga Park until the park became too small for the event. Eventually, management moved it to the Pasadena Rose Bowl for one year and Santa Anita Park for another year. Ultimately, the event relocated to Hansen Dam Soccer Fields, which offers a cooler, more centralized location accessible from Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County. After moving to Hansen Dam Soccer Fields, the festival was renamed the California Watermelon Festival. The objective of the California Watermelon Festival is to create a fun, family-friendly two-day celebration of watermelon with food, games, and visuals.

About Edward Campos, California Watermelon Festival Owner:
Festival Owner Edward Campos is a San Fernando Valley native, a UCLA graduate, and a business owner who currently resides in Sylmar, CA. Campos founded Imagination Works Graphics and Printing, which has been designing and printing for businesses in the Los Angeles area for over 20 years. His company has serviced Modelo Beer, Jack Daniels, Magic Mountain, Party City, Pepsi Cola, KC Lights, and the City of San Fernando. In the last 10 years, Campos has made the California Watermelon Festival one of the most successful festivals in Los Angeles.

EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE:
 The California Watermelon Festival will be at Hansen Dam Recreation Area Soccer Field, 11480 Foothill Blvd, Sylmar, CA 91342.
 Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Watermelon Festival website. On-site parking is $15, payable by card only.
 Adult tickets are required for attendees ages 12 and older.
 Child tickets are required for attendees ages 5-11. *Free attendance for kids under 5.*
 Must be 21 or over to purchase beer or wine. ID must be shown.
 Tickets grant attendees entry into the festival and include a complimentary slice of fresh watermelon.
 Live Music –Top 40s, 80s, rock en español, cumbia, swing, country and banda.
 An enhanced Kids Zone.
 For the first time, a rodeo, a high-stakes sport and deeply rooted tradition in the American Southwest.
 Watermelon food vendors offering a bounty of flavors to eat and drink.
 Food booths accept cash and credit cards unless otherwise indicated. ATMs will be available on-site.

Buy tickets online and skip the line at the gate!
https://watermelonfest.org/