Something larger-than-life is making its move in Laguna Beach at the end of this month. In partnership with the Laguna Beach Arts Commission and the City of Laguna Beach, the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters will bring a rare public spectacle to the streets as monumental chess set pieces parade to City Hall before becoming a new summer art installation for the community to enjoy.

On Friday, May 29 at 8:30 a.m., three oversized chess sculptures from the Pageant’s celebrated “Indian Chess Set” will make a grand public procession from the Festival of Arts grounds to Laguna Beach City Hall, creating a playful visual moment as towering pieces roll through town in a real-life artistic “opening move.”  Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill will join the 8:30 a.m. procession and help kick off the unique community art moment. The Pageant’s giant chess pieces are expected to arrive at City Hall at approximately 8:45 a.m., where they will be installed for public display through July 24, 2026.

The immersive installation features a King standing more than 13 feet tall, accompanied by a Bishop and Knight each standing more than six feet high. Hand-built and sculpted by Pageant artisans Dickson Janda and Alexandria Trudgen, the pieces were originally created for the 2025 Pageant of the Masters and inspired by an intricate 19th-century ivory chess set from the Norton Simon Museum.

Following the procession, the giant chess pieces will remain on display on the front lawn of Laguna Beach City Hall through July 24, inviting residents and visitors to stop by, take photos, and experience a piece of Pageant history in a new setting. Guests are also encouraged to participate in a social media photo opportunity by snapping a picture with the chess pieces and tagging @FestivalPageant and @LagunaBeachCulturalArts for a chance to win a four-pack of tickets to the 2026 Pageant of the Masters. The contest will start May 29, 2026 and end June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

“This is a fun and unique way to bring art into the community while giving people a rare opportunity to experience the scale and artistry behind the Pageant re-creations beyond the stage,” said Sharbie Higuichi, Festival of Arts Marketing, Merchandising, and PR Director. “We love the idea of transforming the front lawn of City Hall into a place where public art can surprise people and create moments of curiosity and connection.”

For the first time, these monumental sculptures are making a rare move beyond the Pageant stage and into the heart of the community, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the artistry and craftsmanship behind one of Laguna Beach’s most beloved traditions up close. The installation arrives as excitement builds for this summer’s Pageant of the Masters production, The Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.), opening July 9, 2026. Celebrating legendary artists and masterpieces across history, this year’s production explores the timeless question: who truly deserves the title of “greatest of all time?”

This is a program of the Arts Commission and funded by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach. Laguna Beach City Hall is located at 505 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. The public and press are both invited to see the chess pieces “moving” from the Festival of Arts grounds through Laguna Beach to City Hall, starting at 8:30 a.m. 

The Pageant of the Masters production of “The Greatest of All Time” will run nightly July 9 – September 4, 2026. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.foapom.com or call (800) 487-3378. To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Fine Arts Show visit www.foapom.com or follow @FestivalPageant on social media. To support the Festival of Arts, please visit www.foapom.com/supportnow.

Credit: Festival of Arts.

Anchors aweigh!  Hoist the sails and step back in time aboard the Mystic Whaler, a 110-foot, two-masted schooner modeled after 19th-century coastal vessel, that will set sail on 

May 20, 2026, and make its voyage up the Santa Barbara Channel along the California Coast to the Ventura Harbor.  This majestic tall ship will drop anchor early afternoon at Ventura Harbor Village C Dock (near Ventura Boat Rentals, in front of Brophy Bros. and On the Alley restaurants). www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Dockside Tours at Ventura Harbor Village will also give visitors a chance to set foot on deck and explore the storied ship, meet the crew, and learn the ropes of schooner life.  Lovers of the sea can also hear captivating sea stories and discover how the Mystic Whaler keeps maritime traditions alive, while enjoying Ventura Harbor Village’s vibrant waterfront. Visits aboard the tall ship are free, with a suggested donation for adults

$5 (kids are free). All activities are weather pending, and the schedule is subject to change.

Public Dockside Tours at “C” Dock at Ventura Harbor Village:

Wednesday, May 20          Arrival at C Dock early afternoon (in front of Brophy’s and On the Alley Restaurants)

Thursday, May 21              Deck Tour (2 – 6 PM)

Friday, May 22                    Deck Tour  (12 – 6 PM)

Saturday, May 23               Deck Tour (12 – 6 PM)

Sunday, May 24                  Deck Tour (12 – 6 PM)

Monday, May 25                Deck Tour  (12 – 6 PM)

Thursday, May 28              Deck Tour  (2 – 6 PM)

Friday, May 29                    Deck Tour  (12 – 6 PM)

Saturday, May 30               Deck Tour  (12 – 6 PM)

Sunday, May 31                  Deck Tour  (12 – 6 PM)

Monday, June 1                  Depart from C Dock (8:30am)

The seafaring beauty blends maritime history with modern adventures and offering family fun activities on select days from 10 -11 AM: “Plankton Pals” May 23 and 30 (Science based) and “Ship in a Bag” May 24 & 31 (Nautical Activity) as part of the Ventura Harbor experience. Reservations for the special activities are required to participate at https://www.mysticoceanadventures.org

Operated by the nonprofit Mystic Ocean Adventures (MOA) with a passion for preserving maritime heritage, Mystic Whaler is more than a ship, it’s a floating classroom and an environmental advocate. Mysitc Ocean Adventures’ mission is to utilize adventure through sailing and the sea to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) comprehension, environmental stewardship, teamwork, self-confidence, and nautical skills for the communities of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties with a special focus on youth.

The arrival of this magnificent vessel coincides with Ventura Harbor Village’s ongoing Spring seaside events/activities throughout May 2026, including a stellar lineup of seaside music on Ventura Harbor Village’s Promenade Stage and Channel Islands Courtyard.  Live bands perform from 1- 4 pm on Friday, May 22, Saturday and Sunday May 23- 24, Monday Memorial Day May 25, and Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, 2026  On Friday, May 22, celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Ventura Harbor Village offering a free “Gyotaku” fish printing craft from 1-4 pm honoring a traditional Japanese art form dating back over 100 years, used by fishermen to record their catches.  Ventura Harbor Village’s Boatyard Pub Seafood & Spirits and Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant also offer live music weekends.  

Plan and make a day of it to wine and waterside at many of these Ventura Harbor Village restaurants and eateries. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/dine/

For more information about the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler deck tour information visit https://www.mysticoceanadventures.org For the latest updates regarding the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler and other spring events, visit  https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/ 

Visitors from near and far are encouraged to take photos at the Village’s docks and share their Instagram-worthy Tall Ship Mystic Whaler photos by using #SeaTallShip and tag @VenturaHarbor on Instagram!

About Mystic Ocean Adventures (MOA) Tall Ship Mystic Whaler:

Rich in history and seaside lore, the Tall Ship Mystic Whaler, designed by V.B. Crockett, was built in Tarpon Springs, Florida in 1967, and is representative of a late 19^th Century cargo two-masted schooner.  Following a significant overhaul in 1995, Tall Ship Mystic Whaler then operated on the East Coast for 26 years and provided educational programs/charters throughout Long Island Sound, Connecticut, and the Chesapeake Bay.  The schooner then started a three-month journey to California in October 2021 and was donated to Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation in January 2022. The organization’s mission is to utilize adventure through sailing and the sea to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) comprehension, environmental stewardship, teamwork, self-confidence, and nautical skills for the communities of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties with a special focus on youth ages 10-18 years old.

About Ventura Harbor Village:

Nestled along the scenic California Central Coast, Ventura Harbor offers breathtaking views and a vibrant maritime atmosphere. Ventura Harbor Village is the perfect Springtime waterfront destination. For more information about activities and live music at Ventura Harbor Village contact 805-477-0470, visit VenturaHarborVillage.com or join in the conversation on social media with @VenturaHarbor.

My Community Health Fair Presents the 4th Annual DTLA Spring Health Fair at Lafayette Park.

Saturday, May 16, 2026
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Free & All Ages

Providing free essential healthcare services and educational resources for the community in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month.

What distinguishes this health fair is that the main objective is to bring what the organizers consider “Meaningful health screenings beyond the standard blood pressure checkup”. We focus on health screenings that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Every year, the DTLA Spring Health Fair brings together more than 25 healthcare organizations many with their Mobile Units (a medical office on wheels) to offer free eye exams and eyeglasses, dental exams, cancer screenings, general health screenings, and educational workshops for people of all ages.

Workshops include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, promoting mental health awareness, understanding nutritional information, and recognizing the early signs of health issues. Attendees will also be able to receive assistance in signing up for Medi-Cal, Medicare, and other public health services.

My Community Health Fair was created to bring essential health services directly to the community. As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month this May, My Community Health Fair is proud to continue its mission of supporting both physical and mental wellness for families in Southern California.

Yearly, the fair continues to grow attracting well over 3,000 attendees and is open not only to the Los Angeles area but also to counties such as the Inland Empire and Riverside.  Just last year, thanks to the services provided, many women were able to have early detection of illnesses, showcasing the effectiveness of programs like these.

Participating health organizations that provide on-site health screenings that are essential to making this event a one of a kind opportunity for the community.

• UCLA Stein Eye Institute – eye exams and free eyeglasses for children
• Alinea Medical Imaging – mammograms
• Wesley Health Centers – dental exams for children
• Claris Health – women’s health screenings

DTLA SPRING HEALTH FAIR

Lafayette Park
625 S Lafayette Park Pl.
Los Angeles, CA 90057

10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Free Admission
Street parking available

Registration: https://www.mycommunityhealthfair.com/

Website: www.MyCommunityHealthFair.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiFeriaDeSalud
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycommunityhealthfair/

Setting the stage to linger longer, Ventura Harbor Village is continuing its live entertainment  series of free, family-friendly music on the Seaside Promenade at the waterfront throughout May 2026.  The ongoing music series showcases a dockside selection of top-notch musicians who present a variety of genres, including Pop, Rock and coastal surf rock.

Revel in the perfect coastal day with live music from 1 – 4 PM. Relax by the water as talented local musicians set the scene with a mix of lively and 

laid-back tunes. Whether you’re dining at a waterfront restaurant or simply soaking up the ocean breeze, the vibrant music adds the perfect soundtrack to your visit.

Here’s a lineup of what’s happening in May 2026:Saturday May 16, 2026 – Mary White – Entertainer Mary White sings current classic pop songs from all genres1-4 PM

Friday, May 22, 2026 – Petty ‘Round The Campfire – Singer  Tommy Quale will play and sing classic rock tunes from the 60’s 70’s 80’s and 90’s with some classic Tom Petty songs.
Saturday May 23, 2026 – The Gamble – This powerful trio plays Classic Rock from all ages the way it should be played1-4 PM
Saturday May 24, 2026 – Mark Mason – Guitarist Mark is  the leader of the popular jam band SHAKY FEELING! .1-4 PM Monday May 25, 2026 – Ben Betts – Popular Singer and Steel Drummer, who also plays guitar while building his songs with a Looper1-4 PM
Saturday May 30, 2026 – Pier 101 Band – This band will take you to the islands with their classic Hawaiin, Jamaican and Jimmy Buffet-style music 1-4 PM
Sunday May 31, 2026 – Steel Drums – The Caribbean sounds of the steel drum will  echo throuhgout Ventura Harbor with its classic  Caribbean songs from the past and present!!1-4 PM

Check the event page for latest performance schedule and featured artists at:  www.venturaharborvillage.com

About Ventura Harbor:

Nestled along the California Central Coast, Ventura Harbor is a vibrant seaside marine destination just minutes from US Highway 101.  It features wide-open spaces for boating, recreation, beach access, Ventura Harbor Village shops and restaurants, and the nearby Channel Island National Park Visitors Center which is open daily.  

For more information, visit www.venturaharborvillage.com or call 805-477-0470.  Follow and share your adventures using #VenturaHarbor

Seasonal events, dining experiences and weekly activations bring the community together throughout the month

Victoria Gardens, the luxury open-air shopping center, invites guests to celebrate the season with a thoughtfully curated lineup of events and experiences throughout May, including a new weekly Western-inspired line dancing series and Mother’s Day programming designed to bring the community together.

Beginning Wednesday, May 6, Victoria Gardens introduces Western Wednesdays, a new weekly series running through May and June that brings a lively, country-inspired atmosphere to the center. Hosted by Pepper, a renowned line dancing instructor in Southern California, the series will take place every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Victoria Gardens Food Hall and will feature line dancing lessons, interactive instruction and a high-energy, social setting. Designed for all experience levels, Western Wednesdays offers guests a fun and approachable way to gather, connect and enjoy an evening of music and movement. Attendance is free and open to the public; RSVPs are encouraged via Eventbrite.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, Victoria Gardens will host a Mother’s Day Flower Bar Workshop on Friday, May 8 in Chaffey Town Square, offering guests a hands-on floral design experience where they can create a custom bouquet using hand-selected blooms. The workshop will take place in two sessions from 2-3 p.m. and 4-5 p.m., and will include guided instruction, a photo-ready setting and an opportunity to celebrate meaningful moments with loved ones. Space is limited and advance RSVP is required via Eventbrite.

Mother’s Day celebrations continue across Victoria Gardens’ dining, shopping and entertainment destinations, with special offerings throughout the weekend:

Dining

• Punch Bowl Social is celebrating moms with a brunch experience that’s more than just a meal – delicious food, live jazz music and specials are the perfect way to spend a weekend together.
• Seasons 52 Fresh Grill will feature specialty brunch offerings on May 9 and 10.
• Paul Martin’s American Grill will offer a prix-fixe brunch on Sunday, May 10, with menu highlights including Tres Leches French Toast, Smoked Salmon Benedict and seasonal brunch favorites. 

Shopping

• Guests can visit the CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty Boutique for a personalized shopping experience featuring fragrance, beauty and curated gifting options, complete with elevated wrapping, perfect for celebrating Mom.
• Looking for a last minute gift? Kiehl’s is offering 25% off your entire purchase (exclusions apply).
• M.A.C. lip products are 30% off May 6–10 (exclusions apply).

Experiences

• Whether Mom wants to jump in and play or take the day off while the family has fun, Immersive Gamebox has fun for the whole family on Mother’s Day. Get one free game with the purchase of one general admission ticket for a 60-minute game

Through a mix of seasonal programming, experiential events and community-focused offerings, Victoria Gardens continues to evolve as a dynamic destination for shopping, dining and lifestyle experiences in the Inland Empire.

For more information and a full list of events, visit shopvictoriagardens.com/events and follow on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates. 

About Victoria Gardens

Victoria Gardens is an open-air, luxury shopping center tucked in the heart of Rancho Cucamonga. It is home to a prestigious collection of retailers including Apple, ZARA, Nike and Williams Sonoma. Guests can enjoy an inspired selection of eateries like Silver Lake Ramen, Seven Grams, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ or Brio Italian Grille, and explore entertainment at AMC Theatres, the Victoria Gardens Cultural Art Center or The Escape Game.

Santa Monica Place invites the community to enjoy a full calendar of free events this May, alongside curated shopping and dining experiences designed to make celebrating Mother’s Day effortless. Positioned as a one-stop destination, visitors can spend the day shopping for thoughtful gifts, enjoying brunch or dining by the coast in the heart of downtown Santa Monica.

For Mother’s Day, Santa Monica Place offers a thoughtfully curated mix of gifting options across fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Shoppers can find cozy yet elevated pieces like Intimissimi loungewear and cashmere staples, everyday luxury accessories including handbags and sunglasses from brands like Elie Tahari, and stylish activewear sets from Nike for the on-the-go mom. Timeless jewelry from Pandora and Brilliant Earth offers meaningful, lasting gifts, from charm bracelets to fine jewelry pieces designed to be treasured for years to come.

From weekly line dancing and family-friendly programming to live music, Santa Monica Place offers something for visitors of all ages throughout the month.

Western Wednesdays

Dust off your boots, gather your crew and head to Western Wednesday, a free weekly celebration of country vibes by the coast. From first-timers to experienced dancers, all are invited to join in with step-by-step lessons led by professional instructors. Guests can also take advantage of happy hour specials at Santa Monica Place restaurants and pick up a complimentary bandana while supplies last.

Dates:

May 6, May 13, May 20 and May 27

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: Center Plaza

Santa Monica Place Kids Club

Families can sing and dance at Santa Monica Place Kids Club, featuring family-friendly performances along with crafts, giveaways and interactive activities designed for young visitors. All supplies are complimentary courtesy of Santa Monica Place.

Date: May 8

Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Location: Center Plaza

Sounds of Santa Monica

Enjoy the sounds of Santa Monica with live acoustic music and DJ performances that enhance the vibrant atmosphere of Center Plaza throughout the weekend.

Dates: May 8-10

Time: 12-6 p.m. daily

Location: Center Plaza

LouLou Mother’s Day Brunch

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a lively and elevated brunch experience at LouLou Santa Monica, featuring DJs and live performances beginning at 11:30 a.m. Guests can enjoy a special buffet alongside a seafood tower, priced at $95 per adult and $60 per child, making it a festive way to gather and celebrate by the coast.

Date: May 10

Time: Beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Location: LouLou Santa Monica, Level 3

Mats & Matcha with Club Studio

Enjoy a morning of movement and matcha. In partnership with Club Studio and Gather Two, guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary Mat Pilates class paired with handcrafted matcha to kick off the weekend. Recently opened as a temporary community showroom ahead of its August debut, Club Studio will offer attendees an exclusive preview of its upcoming full studio experience before the official launch later this summer.

Dates: May 16

Time: 10-11 a.m. 

Location: Club Studiocommunity showroom

WHERE

Santa Monica Place is located at 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, at Broadway and Third Street Promenade. The event will take place on level one in Center Plaza.

Credit: Santa Monica Place.

Vesper Public Relations. Los Angeles. April 2026. Plaza Mexico celebrates Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla with its annual Cinco de Mayo event full of tradition, culture, music, and community on May 3, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Comité Mexicano Cívico Patriótico will join the celebration by conducting a Cinco de Mayo Civic Ceremony. As part of the ceremony, they will be joined by the military band Aguilas de Mexicali and participating actors personifying historical figures.

LA Galaxy will join us with a special inflatable wall that mimics a soccer goal, letting fans shoot a ball into one of five targets. This is part of the LA Galaxy’s decades-long tradition of honoring the rich traditions, backgrounds, and cultures of its fans, players, and staff.

The festivities include musical guests Plenazo Tribe, a vibrant musical collective that was part of Bad Bunny’s halftime show at the Super Bowl earlier this year. Also performing are Los Caminantes, Manuel Bernal y Sus Allegados, Grupo Fuerza Letal, Buknas de Culiacan, El Internacional Grupo La Migra, Josie Sánchez, Gabriel Arteaga, Banda El Rosario de Jalisco, Roció La Tigrita, Elvira Pérez, Jazmyne Maravilla, and El Chilaquil with Nallely as the host.

Lastly, this celebration will feature food vendors and arts & crafts for the entire family.

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated annually on May 5, commemorating the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under General Ignacio Zaragoza. The victory provided a moral boost for Mexico and, some argue, prevented France from aiding the Confederacy during the American Civil War.

Plaza Mexico would like to thank many of the ‘mercado’ tenants for their support, as well as partners: LA Galaxy, Telemundo 52, and WSS.

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.

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/