Just in Time For Summer, Explore Lompoc is inviting travelers, including couples, grandparents, families with children of all ages, including  toddlers and teens, from near and far to celebrate the season with a sojourn to Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm for its  3rd Annual Lavender Festival, July 11th, 18th, and 25th 2026, Noon to 5 PM in the bucolic Santa Rita Hills in Lompoc, California located in Santa Barbara County. https://explorelompoc.com/events/
In celebration of this year’s bloom, Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm has planned a FREE to the public Lavender Festival when the lavender is at its peak! Come and join the Farm as they open the field with a celebration of lavender in all its splendor! Parking is also FREE.

Highlighted will be a local vendor market, featuring regional artisans selling handmade lavender goods that include lavender sachets and pillows, and variety of lavender bath and body products. As part of the Festival, there will be artisans selling custom leather goods, wood carvings, jewelry, homemade bread and jams and jellies. Local 

food trucks will prepare  a wide variety of  lavender delicacies. Live music will be provided by several  musicians; Mark Bouras on the 11th, Dave Tate on the 18th, and Daniel Vera on the 25th. Be sure to sign up for one of the Farm’s Lavender Wreath Making classes ($55 including all supplies) and Lavender Essential Oil Distillation Demonstration (Free) scheduled throughout the three weekends to create a personalized lavender wreath using flowers from the field! To sign up on the 11th click here, to sign up on the 18th click here, and to sign up on the 25th click here. Base ticket includes one 10″ wreath frame with all materials and instruction. 

The Farm also produces and sells its handmade lavender products that include a estate grown and distilled essential oil, and culinary lavender products such as lavender coffee salt, sugar, olive oil, Balsamic vinegar and honey.https://www.santaritahillslavender.com/full-catalogThe event this year is FREE to attend and visitors can obtain tickets by signing up here. 

FREE Parking is also available onsite. Visitors are asked to wear closed toed shoes and be aware that the Farm’s lavender also attracts bees, so prepare accordingly. We are on sandy soil so those that have physical handicaps we recommend coming on a different day so we can accommodate you appropriately. 

ABOUT SANTA RITA HILLS LAVENDER FARM:

Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm is nestled on 8.5 acres and boasts stunning views of the valley out to the Pacific Ocean from the Farm. The Farm is a labor of love created by 

mother/son team Denise and Lucas Neumann, and was established in May 2020 at the height of the pandemic. The Farm grows 3000+ lavender plants which produces 20,000 

bundles of lavender and over 5 gallons of lavender essential oil. Denise has credentials as a Master Gardener and has created a 1/4 acre of seasonal cut flowers! The 

lush lavender fields are surrounded by pomegranate, crab apples, blackberries, pears, medicinal herbs using regenerative farming practices. 

While on the farm you can also see a wide variety of California native plants and wildlife.

Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm is open from 10 AM to 5 PM daily, except Tuesdays with hours subject to change, and is located at 1900 Tularosa Road in Lompoc California. 

For more information about Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm in Lompoc’s new Summer events in July, 2026, visit www.santaritahillslavender.com  or 

https://www.goldenstateapothecary.com/  or contact Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm at 805-395-6568.

Credit: SANTA RITA HILLS LAVENDER FARM

Stars, stripes, and a celebration 250 years in the making! The Queen Mary in Long Beach is gearing up to welcome guests aboard for an unforgettable Independence Day as its signature 4th of July event returns on Saturday, July 4, 2026. This year’s festivities mark a rare moment in history, honoring America’s 250th birthday alongside the iconic ship’s 90th anniversary year, bringing two milestone celebrations together for one spectacular day on the waterfront. Tickets are on sale now.

“This year’s 4th of July celebration is especially meaningful as we honor the 250th birthday of the United States of America,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director, The Queen Mary. “We’re bringing together the best of what makes this holiday so special: history, entertainment, community, and family,  all set against the backdrop of one of the most iconic destinations in the world, the Queen Mary.”

From 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the historic ocean liner will transform into a high-energy tribute to the moments, traditions, and cultural icons that define America. This year’s theme, “Cheers to 250 Years!”, sets the tone for a full day of immersive entertainment featuring live performances across multiple stages, strolling entertainers, interactive games, and a lineup of food and beverage offerings inspired by all-American favorites.

Guests can explore themed experiences throughout the ship’s decks and venues, each highlighting elements of American culture that have become household names. From classic summertime fun and live performances to festive activities designed for all ages, the celebration offers a dynamic, patriotic atmosphere from start to finish. Adding to the excitement, a special 250th anniversary WWII aircraft flyover will take to the skies, honoring the nation’s history and the Queen Mary’s own storied legacy. 

As the evening builds, anticipation turns skyward for the grand finale with a fireworks spectacular that is widely regarded as the best on the West Coast. Set against the Long Beach waterfront, this year’s display will be the longest firework show to date, lighting up the night across the bay for 20-minutes synchronized to patriotic music, delivering a show-stopping close to an unforgettable day.

The Queen Mary’s 4th of July celebration runs from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with tickets starting at $75 for general admission and $45 for children . VIP admission is $225 per person for ages 4+ and includes additional access to the Grand Salon Buffet, the Verandah Grill, Britannia Salon, Secret Speakeasy, and premium firework viewing. Hotel packages and reserved tables are also available. 

Tickets are available now at https://www.queenmary.com/fourth-of-july.htm, with early purchase encouraged as the event is expected to sell out. For more information, upcoming events, programming, and more, visit www.queenmary.com/seasonal-events.htm and queenmary.com/whatsondeck, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.

Credit: The Queen Mary.

 The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and artist john gerrard announce the Summer Solstice launch of SPIRITS, a landmark year-long artwork commissioned by LACMA’s Art + Technology Lab and presented on LACMA’s homepage from Winter Solstice 2025 to Winter Solstice 2026, on June 21, 2026. Highlighting LACMA’s opening celebrations for its new David Geffen Galleries, designed by Peter Zumthor, gerrard will present SPIRITS SUMMER SOLSTICE DANCE  a live event on the East West Bank Commons, headlined by a DJ set from acclaimed electronic music pioneer Richie Hawtin. The Summer Solstice event will mark the debut of Peak Oil, an original psychoacoustic composition by john gerrard. The event is free and open to the public with RSVP.

SPIRITS is a rumination on our world’s petroleum addiction, aimed at highlighting the impossible bind we find ourselves in through the over consumption of and reliance on forever chemicals and plastics. A digitally native interactive work, SPIRITS is the the first institutional project in the world to use gaussian splatting, a spatial imaging technology that composes objects from cloud-like points of data. The Summer Solstice (Mediterranean Sea) launch marks the most significant public moment of gerrard’s most expansive year to date, and the first time in LACMA’s history that a major solo exhibition has been presented exclusively in the browser on LACMA’s homepage.

“SPIRITS begins in techne. The making, doing or crafting in ancient Greek – now assigned to technology and the algorithm. Over several years we have called these works up, from the realms of game engine, AI gaussian splat and tone.js composition. They took languages from art sims on the landscape and pushed into the touch screen and the cultural super space of the phone. On June 21 we welcome the extraordinary Richie Hawtin. We welcome thousands of dancers. We enter a form of participatory techno dance intersecting with both very old and very new knowledge, ecologies and power. We shall see where it takes us on solstice night on the beautiful new commons under the David Geffen Galleries at LACMA , LA” — john gerrard

“As a visual artist John has often cited music & rave culture as an important influence as he discovered (and danced to) Techno in the early nineties. As a musician, the structure and subtractive nature of my studio works would have never materialized without a deep interest and analysis of the mid-century works of Rothko, Barnet Newman and Donald Judd. For our collaboration at LACMA, John and I will explore the meeting point between sight & sound, rhythm & repetition and analog vs. digital.” — Richie Hawtin

“Bringing together Richie Hawtin’s pioneering approach to electronic music and john gerrard’s meditation on the world’s oceans, SPIRITS SUMMER SOLSTICE DANCE invites audiences to gather in celebration of the summer solstice, reflecting on the systems and cycles that connect us all.” — Joel Ferree, Art + Technology Lab, LACMA

JOHN GERRARD: SPIRITS
Organized around four bodies of water and four astronomical events, SPIRITS transforms 96 discarded plastic sandals and shoes, collected along the shores of the Pacific, Indian, Mediterranean, and Atlantic oceans, into luminous, interactive virtual sculptures rendered in real time in the browser. These are not images, not video, and not AI, rather they are what gerrard calls image objects: dimensional, world-built sculptures crafted over two years, in which the physics of the earth itself is embedded into each sculptural form. The viewer’s finger is the central cultural actor, each touch transforming the object with overlays of oil slicks, ocean currents and other forms.

The work unfolds in four 24-hour events, each releasing 24 new spirits hour by hour across a single day, tracing a full solar year. SPIRITS is conceived as a full solar wheel, opening and closing on December 21:

• Winter Solstice (Pacific Ocean): December 21, 2025 — now on view at lacma.org 
• Spring Equinox (Indian Ocean): March 20, 2026 — now on view at lacma.org 
• Summer Solstice (Mediterranean Sea): June 21, 2026 —  preview here 
• Autumn Equinox (Atlantic Ocean): September 22, 2026

SPIRITS uses WebGL, Babylon.js, Tone.js, and gaussian splatting technologies and is presented by LACMA’s Art + Technology Lab.

THE SPIRITS SUMMER SOLSTICE DANCE: JUNE 21, 2026
On the longest day of the year, SPIRITS SUMMER SOLSTICE DANCE marks both the inflection point where the days shorten and the wheel tips along with the release of the Summer SPIRITS. The activation is meant to connect the core concept of the work: petroleum and our planet at a location adjacent to the La Brea Tar Pits, the oldest petroleum deposits in Los Angeles. As the sun wanes, ancient sunlight is also trapped beneath the dancer’s feet. Entirely waste free by design, the activation will span four hours as the day moves from light to dark. Upon entry each guests will receive a prismatic vessel titled UISCE (the Irish word for water, and the root of uisce beatha, “water of life.”) These vessels are intended to be kept as a gift from the artist  and serve as serving ware for refreshments for the evening.

Kicking off SPIRITS SOLSTICE DANCE Jelani and Anastasia Giovanitake the stage, two performers from Los Angeles inherit the SPIRITS world and perform the simulations live on the LED wall as the sun begins to set. At 7:30pm, Richie Hawtinarrives to lead the dance for two and a half hours.Inspired from data generated by Gerrard’s simulations, Hawtin will explore how the visual streams influence elements of his set in real time. Using his unique setup of the analog MODEL 1 mixer and integrated digital systems like Bitwig & Traktor, Hawtin will translate this unique moment into musical expression.

At the four corners of the floor stand four ocean sentinels, monumental sound and lighting towers, each holding one ocean of the world. At the center, a four point mister continuously cools the dancers through the night, each facing each cardinal direction toward its ocean. Dancers fill iridescent vessels from water vats and return to the floor. The event is designed by john gerrard with material care throughout: all surfaces are made from logs gathered from California’s burnt forest landscapes; a commissioned chill-out area features golden, sun-dried aromatic grasses and hay, hand-cut and baled with non-plastic twine. Food and drink are sourced from producers who work with care within post petroleum agriculture.

PEAK OIL
The Summer Solstice event will mark the debut of Peak Oil, an original psychoacoustic composition by john gerrard*. Conceived as a sonic expansion to SPIRITS, Peak Oil will be performed live at LACMA before being given to artists and DJs globally for remixing, with the track seeding into clubs across globally through July and August as the work travels to Silencio Ibiza at the end of June.

The composition extends gerrard’s investigation into petroleum, plasticity, and the material conditions of the contemporary world into the register of sound, adding an auditory dimension to the broader SPIRITS project and its meditation on what we have extracted from the earth and left behind on its shores. Built on dichotic listening, the words “peak oil” moving from one ear to the other at high repetition. The phrase shifts, morphs, becomes something else, then returns.

SPIRITS SUMMER SOLSTICE DANCE WITH RICHIE HAWTIN AND JOHN GERRARD
LACMA, East West Bank Commons
June 21, 2026 | 6:30 PM–10 PM
Free with RSVP

 

Plaza Mexico celebrates Father’s Day with music, food, raffles, red carpet, and Panini & Loteria tables. Join us as we honor the men who give so much of themselves for their children.

Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Loteria & Panini tables), raffles, music throughout 4:00 pm.

Performances by Banda La Elegida, Grupo Blanco and Grupo Prendi2.

Register for a special gift for fathers while supplies last: https://www.plazamexico.com/events-1/fathers-day-celebration-honoring-dads-at-plaza-mexico.

Plaza Mexico would like to thank many of the ‘mercado’ tenants for their support.

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 emerging 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 with Mexican culture to create a 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 featuring replicas of Mexico’s most renowned monuments, including El Ángel de la Independencia, Kiosko de San Miguel de Allende, and the 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/

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.

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.