In celebration of the beauty and diversity of cultures found from Mexico to Central and South America to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and beyond, the Aquarium of the Pacific will host its twenty-fifth annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event features cultural dance and music, programming in English and Spanish, booths from participating organizations, and an award ceremony honoring SACNAS in recognition of their outstanding and long-time commitment to cultivating a truly inclusive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) environment.

Folk dancers and musicians will share their traditions during the festival. Participants include those who have been part of Baja Splash for twenty-five years such as Danza Azteca Cultural Ketzaliztli and musician and teaching artist Martin Espino, who will lead interactive music programs for all ages. Visitors can also explore booths from participating organizations.

The name Baja Splash was inspired by Baja California, Mexico’s Gulf of California, which is one of the most important wildlife havens in the world. Visitors can learn more about this important ecosystem and how people can help protect it by exploring the Aquarium’s Gulf of California exhibition created with World Wildlife Fund México.

The festival is included with Aquarium admission. General admission is $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 are required for everyone.For more information on the festival and to make reservations, you can visit the Aquarium’s website.

AQUARIUM: The non-profit Aquarium of the Pacific is dedicated to world-class conservation, outstanding animal welfare, and connecting people to nature through more than 12,000 animals and one hundred exhibits, including Jelly Dreamscapes. In addition to its public education programs for all ages, the Aquarium is involved in numerous conservation efforts, including breeding endangered animals for release, rehabilitating rescued species, community science programs, and more. The Aquarium is home to the only sea turtle rehabilitation program in Greater Los Angeles. To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit the donation webpage. To visit, reservations are required and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100.

Where else can you experience Bavaria with ocean breezes, family-friendly surf-town vibes, dogs in lederhosen, brats and craft beer? It’s all happening at the 30^th Annual Encinitas Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 27 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. This beloved community tradition and premier Oktoberfest in San Diego County is back for its 30^th year, bigger and better than ever, and it’s completely FREE to attend.

German music, dance troupes, and a ceremonial parade at noon set the festive tone, while more than 130 local artisans and food vendors transform Mountain Vista Drive into a lively marketplace where you can support local businesses and eat, drink and be merry while shopping for unique crafts, jewelry and handmade goods. A kids play zone with inflatable slides, an obstacle course, games and a rock-climbing wall ensures fun for the whole family.

Festivalgoers can cheer on furry friends in the crowd-favorite Dog Costume Contest, where pups parade in their best German-themed outfits for prizes. The action doesn’t stop there: two lively beer gardens will be pouring everything from authentic German brews to local craft favorites. The Craft Beer Tent will feature local breweries including Burgeon Beer Co., Carlsbad Brewing Co., Culture Brewing, Fox Point Brewing Company, Societe Brewing Company – and the Tap Truck, dispensing beer from a 1921 Buick. Booch Craft, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer and Skimmers Vodka Iced Tea will also be pouring while a DJ keeps the tent buzzing with high-energy music, interactive games and plenty of reasons to raise a glass and join the fun. For those who prefer wine, official event vendor Authentic Wine Selections will offer a variety of pours to complete the Oktoberfest experience.

Carlsbad Brewing Company returns as this year’s Family Tent Beer Sponsor, exclusively pouring its brews in a lively gathering spot where friends and families can relax, play games and enjoy the festival together. Nearby food tents will tempt every appetite with sizzling sausages, brats, warm pretzels and other traditional favorites from Tarantino’s Gourmet Sausage and Taste of Poland.

And of course, what’s Oktoberfest without competitions? Guests can join the Stein Holding Contest for adults and kids, and win prizes from local attractions.

“Encinitas Oktoberfest brings the best of Bavaria to the California coast and is the perfect way to kick off the fall season,” said Carol Knight, CEO of the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visit Encinitas. “For three decades, Encinitas Oktoberfest has brought residents and visitors together to kick off fall with great food, lively entertainment and unmistakable coastal spirit. It’s festive, family-friendly and truly one of a kind—just like Encinitas.”

The festival spans one-third of a mile along Mountain Vista Drive off El Camino Real, between Wandering Road and Rambling Road, and draws more than 15,000 guests each year. A free shuttle will run between the Flora Vista Elementary School parking lot and the corner of Mountain Vista and Wandering Road from 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Bike parking will be available at both ends of the festival, with a complimentary bike valet hosted by The Encinitas Project at the Wandering Road entrance. Guests can also stay hydrated at the EDCO-sponsored water refill station and refresh their wardrobes at a clothing swap hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego and made possible with support from Cox.

The German roots of Encinitas go back to the northeastern colony of Olivenhain which was founded by German farmers in 1884. The Encinitas Oktoberfest coincides with Germany’s start of Oktoberfest in mid-September.

So grab your stein, lace up your dancing shoes, and don’t forget Fido’s lederhosen—Encinitas Oktoberfest is where fall fun begins! Prost! For more details, visit www.encinitasoktoberfest.com.

SMBF Vol. VII takes over all three blocks of Third Street Promenade with live electronic music, headline performances, and a sprawling food night market.    

Santa Monica Block Fest (“SMBF”) returns Saturday, September 12, transforming all three historic blocks of Third Street Promenade into an open-air celebration of music, food, and local culture. Festivalgoers are expected to enjoy a multi-stage lineup of live electronic music, anchored by a food night market on Arizona Avenue.

Santa Monica showed up all summer, and the response was strong enough to keep the celebration going. Following three successful Block Fest events that drew an average of more than 20,000 attendees each night, SMBF will now continue as a monthly series through the end of the year, returning on the second Saturday of each month.

SMBF Vol. VII moves through house, bass house, and tech house, with Belters Only, EC Twins, and Nate Band headlining. The 1200 Stage will feature an open mic night during a takeover by Broke Artist Nation. Inside Barney’s Beanery, live band Dirty Monday’s will turn up the energy with a high-spirited bar performance featuring musicians above the crowd, big choruses, and a room full of people singing along.

Back by popular demand, the SMBF night market returns with fan favorites: Dave’s Hot Chicken, Luckyball BBQ, Bar Xuntos, and more lining Arizona Avenue with a rotating roster of new and returning vendors.

Reserve free tickets here: https://posh.vip/e/santa-monica-block-fest-vol-vii-free-music-festival  

WHO:               DJs include:

BETTERS ONLY              NATE BAND

EC TWINS                     ANDREW CALABRIA

JECKETT                       AUSTIN MILLS

WESTSIDE V                 ZAANEE

ARIEL BRAYY                 SANTO

LEECIE PAIGE

                        Local food vendors including:

                                        Dave’s Hot Chicken

Bar Xuntos

Luckyball BBQ

WHEN:            Saturday, September 12

  5:00 pm – 12:00 am

WHERE:         Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401

                        All three blocks and Arizona Ave.

ADMISSION:      Free and open to the public. Click here to reserve a ticket.

About Santa Monica Block Fest: Santa Monica Block Fest is a free, all-ages music festival co-founded by YAPPY STUDIOS, QuickServe, and Downtown Santa Monica Inc., in collaboration with the City of Santa Monica. Since launching in October 2025, the community and cultural event has transformed all three blocks of Third Street Promenade into Santa Monica’s biggest free block party, bringing world class DJs, full production, and thousands of music lovers to downtown Santa Monica.

About Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.: DTSM, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works with the City of Santa Monica to promote economic stability, planning, development, growth and community life within Downtown Santa Monica through management and coordination of programs, projects and services designed to benefit the community as a whole, which includes downtown businesses, property owners, residents, and visitors.

Greater Ontario California (GOCAL) is excited to announce that the 13th Annual Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion will return to the iconic Euclid Avenue in Ontario on September 18 and 19, 2026. Coinciding with the Route 66’s centennial celebration this year, the beloved classic car show is planning its biggest community activation yet.

Spanning more than 22 square blocks, over 1,000 classic cars, from original Model Ts and Woodies to gleaming hot rods and one-of-a-kind custom builds, will line the streets. Thousands of local car enthusiasts, families and visitors are expected to join in on the weekend celebration.

“Cruisin’ Reunion has become one of the great traditions of our community, and celebrating alongside the 100th anniversary of Route 66 is going to make this year extra special,” shared President & CEO of GOCAL, Michael Krouse. “Over the past 13 years, Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion has generated more than $25 million for local businesses in Greater Ontario. We’re inviting everyone to join us for a weekend of classic cars, great music and to experience the welcoming community in Ontario.”

Guests can look forward to live music, food vendors, family activities, a kids zone with games and prizes and much more. A full schedule of programming will be announced soon.

There will also be free nightly concerts.

Concert Details

• Friday, September 18 free show: Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
• Saturday, September 19 free show: Lou Gramm

Both shows will take place at Ontario Town Square in the evening. No ticket required.

New this year, the event will host a Breakfast & Poker Run benefitting Cucamonga Service Station. Breakfast will be cooked by the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department, and participants will cruise between five different locations in Rancho Cucamonga collecting one playing card from each.

Breakfast Event Details

• Date: Friday, September 18, 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
• Location: Rancho Cucamonga Sports Center (8303 Rochester Ave)
• Breakfast Price: $20 per person

Poker Run Event Details

• Date: Friday, September 18, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
• Check-In: Rancho Cucamonga Sports Center (8303 Rochester Ave)
• Poker Run Price: $25 per participant

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

For more information, visit gocalevents.org/p/route-66-cruisin-reunion and follow @GOCAL. 

Credit: ROUTE 66 CRUISIN REUNION, Greater Ontario California.

Ignite the afternoon with vibrant rhythms and rich traditions as Riverside Plaza hosts its first-ever Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on September 19th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  This free event invites the community to experience an unforgettable afternoon honoring cultural heritage through infectious Latin beats, soul-stirring mariachi music and the colorful grace of traditional folklórico dancers. 

WHEN:

Saturday, September 19th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE: 

Riverside Plaza is located at 3639 Riverside Plaza Dr., Riverside, CA 92506.

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information and a full store directory, visit shopriversideplaza.com

Credit: Riverside Plaza, Vestar.

Artists from Tahiti visit the Center! One weekend only:

Artist-at-Work: Tapa Making and Stories in Ink: Tātau Bookmark Workshop

Friday–Sunday, Sep 18–20, 2026

Getty Center

Drop-in at 11am, 1pm, and 2:30pm

Discover the Polynesian art of tapa making with artist-researchers from Tahiti. See how tree bark is transformed into cloth and decorated with patterns using natural dyes and traditional tools. Learn about the cultural meanings and stories behind this vibrant, living practice. Then, connect with the traditional art of tātau, Polynesian tattoo. Led by members of ʻARIOI, an Indigenous cultural center in Tahiti, this drop-in workshop explores the powerful history, symbols, and patterns of tātau, and the stories they tell. Design your own bookmark inspired by this living practice. These events complement the exhibition Joshua Reynolds’s Portrait of Mai and 18th-Century Portraiture. 

A bilingual (English/Spanish) mosaic workshop:

Artist-at-Work: Making Mosaics and Modern Mosaics: Family Workshop

Select Saturdays, Oct 10 and 24, Nov 14 and 21, Dec 5 and 12, 2026, and Jan 16, 2027

Getty Villa

Drop-in 11am–3pm

Join artist Andrés Cortes for live mosaic-making demonstrations. Meet the artist, ask questions, and discover different materials and techniques for constructing mosaics. From adorable to a little ferocious, animals take center stage in many mosaics on view at the Getty Villa. In the workshop, create your own mosaic inspired by animals who call Los Angeles home, using contemporary materials and ancient Roman techniques. This hands-on program is developed in partnership with Collage Garage. This event is presented in English and Spanish.

Last chance! This weekend:

Papyrus Scroll Making: Family Workshop and Artist-at-Work: Papyrus Making

Sunday, Sep 13, Drop-in 11am–3pm

Getty Villa 

Presented in English and Spanish

Create your own papyrus scene inspired by vignettes from the Book of the Dead, a collection of spells that provided ancient Egyptians with guidance for the afterlife. Join local Egyptologists to discover how papyrus paper was made and explore the many uses of the papyrus plant in ancient Egypt and in the exhibition The Egyptian Book of the Dead.

Credit: The Getty.

The Mexican Civic Patriotic Committee celebrates 95 years of being one of the most important pillars of the Mexican-American community in Los Angeles

Featuring Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis as Co-Grand Marshal

Sunday, September 13, 2026

The 80th Annual East LA Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival is set for September 13, 2026, featuring Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis as Co- Grand Marshal.

The largest and longest-running parade of its kind in the country will take place in East Los Angeles on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The parade will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a festival from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Coinciding with this event, the organizing body, the Mexican Patriotic Civic Committee Inc., will also celebrate its 95th anniversary in the city of Los Angeles. For 95 years, the Los Angeles Mexican Civic Patriotic Committee has organized the Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival in East Los Angeles for 80 of those years. This parade is recognized as a symbol of community unity and joy, attracting thousands of participants each year and consistently exceeding attendance expectations.

Since its establishment in 1931, the Los Angeles Mexican Civic Patriotic Committee has become a pillar of the Mexican-American community in Los Angeles.

The traditional live broadcast of the parade will occur from 10:00 a.m. to noon on ABC 7, a major television network in the country.

East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade & Festival is organized by the Mexican Civic Patriotic Committee with the support of the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles and Los Angeles County.

The parade will take place along E. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, starting at Mednik Avenue and ending at Gage Avenue. The celebration will continue on Mednik Avenue, between E César E. Chávez Avenue and First Street, with music, entertainment, attractions, food, and fun for the whole family. Everyone is welcome!

PLAZA MÉXICO PRESENTS “FIESTAS PATRIAS”

A Mexican Independence Day Celebration

Sunday, September 13, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Community, Culture & Tradition

Vesper Public Relations: Los Angeles, September 3, 2026. Plaza México presents “Fiestas Patrias,” celebrating Mexican Independence Day.

Plaza México in Lynwood is a gathering place for all of Los Angeles to share in our communal story and is honored to host this annual celebration of Mexican Independence Day, Fiestas Patrias, once again.

The event opens with an Aztec dancing ceremony that will perform a blessing. This will be followed by the Comité Mexicano Cívico Patriótico, which will conduct the Mexican Independence Day Grito ceremony, ringing the bell and shouting a patriotic cry. As part of the ceremony, they will be joined by the Águilas de Mexicali military band and actors portraying historical figures.

The festivities include musical guests presented by Los Angeles radio station José 97.5/107.1, featuring radio personalities El Piolín and La Cachanilla, along with musical guests Mariachi de Piolín, Ballet Folkorico Mixteco ,  Banda La Grande de Jerez, and more.
Mexican Independence Day commemorates the start of an 11-year war against Spanish rule, sparked by key figures like Miguel Hidalgo, José María Morelos, and Vicente Guerrero. It is celebrated on September 16, marking the moment Mexico began its path to freedom. Mexican Independence Day (September 16) is celebrated beginning on the night of September 15th with “El Grito de Dolores,” a historic reenactment of the 1810 call to arms against Spanish rule.

Plaza Mexico would like to thank many of the ‘mercado’ tenants for their support, as well as partners: Entravision.

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.

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.