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/

Poetry in the Garden: Scores

Sunday, Apr 12, 2026

11:30am–6:30pm

Getty Center

FREE

During National Poetry Month and Earth Month, join us for a full day of live performances set among the Getty Center’s Central Garden, featuring poetic and musical collaborative soundscapes. The lineup includes DJs, musicians, and poets. Rest on a bench, lay on a blanket on the lawn, admire the view, or wander the pathways among the blooming spring plants!

Roman Garden: Seed Ball Workshop

Select Saturdays, Drop-in 11am–3pm

Apr 4 and 18, and May 9 and 30

Getty Villa

FREE

Celebrate nature and get your hands delightfully dirty in this seed ball-making workshop! Mix and mold seed balls filled with fragrant flowers and herbs once popular in ancient Roman gardens and kitchens. This event is presented in English and Spanish.

Superpower Portraits: Collage Workshop

Select Sundays, Drop-in 11am–3pm

Apr 12 and 19, May 3, and Jun 14

Getty Center

FREE

Explore creative collage techniques and transform recycled materials into vibrant Superpower Portraits. Layer colors, patterns, textures, and images that reflect your story. This event is presented in English and Spanish.

A Bouquet of Drawings

May 6 and 7, 2026 at 2pm

Getty Center

FREE

Join drawings curator Stephanie Schrader and Getty’s sustainability director Camille Kirk for a behind-the-scenes experience in the private study room of Getty’s drawings collection. Look closely and hear about works that depict nature and flowers in celebration of Mother Earth and Mother’s Day.

Join us for a family-friendly event where we’ll roll up our sleeves and tackle the aftermath of the rains, clearing away debris and revitalizing the riverbanks.

Your help is crucial in making the LA River a healthier and more beautiful place for all to enjoy. Not only will you be removing harmful debris, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the river’s rich history, assist in water quality tests with LA Waterkeeper, and take home native seed bombs to support local pollinators.

Don’t miss out on this rewarding experience filled with community, learning, and making a real difference for our environment.

Please save your spot by registering at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/creekstocoastcleanups2026/event/earthday2026/

Learn more about Los Angeles Waterkeeper: https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/. For more information about this event, contact Kelly Shannon McNeill at kelly@lawaterkeeper.org.

Earth Day River Cleanup: Follow Clues. Find Trash. Show the LA River Some Love! with LA Waterkeeper 

Saturday, April 25, 9:00a-12:00p       Free event 

North Atwater Park, 3900 Chevy Chase Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90039 

Event link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/creekstocoastcleanups2026/event/earthday2026/

Registration required. 

Dozens of dachshunds, corgis, and small dogs will race along the Ventura Harbor waterfront next month as the viral pup Rowdy Dachshund, a professional skateboarding dog and champion racer with over 304,000 Instagram followers, hosts “Short Dawgs in Da House” for the first time ever.

The dog-chella event of the year will take place on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn on April 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Completely free to attend and participate, guests will experience a full day of small dog races and family-friendly entertainment at the waterfront:

• Dachshund, corgi, and small dog races
• Best trick and best outfit contests
• A harbor-wide scavenger hunt
• Live music and photo ops
• A community vendor village featuring pet accessories and treats
• Dog-friendly boat rentals in the harbor

“We are so excited to host our first-ever Rowdy Dachshund Festival event at the Ventura Harbor,” said Ivan Cano and Kim Estrada, event promoters and owners of Rowdy. “Ventura is an incredibly pet-friendly town, and we can’t wait for dog lovers to enjoy and experience Short Dawgs in Da House.”

Short Dawgs in Da House will bring together over 15 dog-friendly vendors in the Community Vendor Village. Live music by “Blake Quake” and MC “John Wick” will keep the party going.

Pizzanista!, an iconic New York-style pizza shop based in Southern California, is Short Dawgs in Da House’s official race sponsor. Founded by Skateboarding Hall of Famer and legendary street skater innovator Salman Agah, Pizzanista! has released pro skateboards —of which Rowdy has one— and has hosted guest chef nights and artistic collaborations with brands like Vans, Patagonia, Nike, Volcom, and skateboard icons such as Christian Hosoi and Steve Caballero. Pizzanista! will be an on-site vendor where attendees can purchase Rowdy Pro Deck Skateboards and merch.

Food and beverages will be available at local Ventura Harbor Village restaurants and shops for attendees.

“Rowdy the Dachshund has become part of the Ventura Harbor family, and is the perfect ambassador for our pet-friendly Ventura Harbor Village,” said Brian Pendleton, Ventura Harbor Port District General Manager. “Short Dawgs in Da House, a new event for us, will be a great opportunity for our residents and visitors alike to enjoy some friendly dog competition, sample our seaside restaurants, browse our curated retail shops, and enjoy the many ways to get on the water. At the Ventura Harbor, anything is paws-ible!”

Attendees can extend their trip to the Ventura Harbor Village by staying at nearby harborfront hotel properties like Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort, or Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor by IHG, and make it a weekend beach getaway. Other parts of Ventura also host a variety of pet-friendly activities and experiences.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their dogs, get ready to meet other dog lovers, support local vendors, participate in contests, and enjoy a festival built just for them and their pup.

Rowdy is a longtime Ventura fan, promoting the new Westpark Skatepark in a social media video garnering over 216,000 views, and showcasing the pet-friendly boat rentals at the Ventura Harbor in a video that got over 117,000 views.

“We have all tails wagging to welcome Rowdy, her fans, and dog-lovers to Ventura’s first-ever Short Dawgs in Da House dog racing and festival,” said Marlyss Auster, President & CEO of Visit Ventura, a partner on the event with Ventura Harbor Village. “This is truly a dream come true. Our connection with Rowdy and her parents, Ivan and Kim, began two years ago at the X Games, and since then, Rowdy has helped us spotlight Ventura’s pet-friendly hotels, activities, and restaurants. Ventura is the perfect beach town to celebrate our four-legged friends who love a beach vacation just as much as their humans.”

The latest information and race registration can be found HERE.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts partners with OC Animal Care, to host a special dog adoption event in conjunction with its upcoming family series production, New Owner. The performance follows Bart, an energetic shelter puppy, and Mabel, a lonely widow, whose lives are transformed when they find each other, capturing the unconditional love at the heart of every adoption story. Attendees can follow Bart’s journey to finding his forever home and then step outside the theater to meet real dogs on the same path.

This partnership brings together a love of live performances and a love for paws to help shelter dogs find their forever homes. This is a great opportunity for families to explore lessons in kindness and commitment, and give potential adopters the opportunity to begin a new chapter. Whether attending the show or looking to meet some furry friends, families are invited to come meet adoptable dogs, learn about the shelter’s mission, and support shelter pups by donating dog treats. To learn more about the adoption event or to purchase tickets for New Owner, visit www.scfta.org.

WHEN: April 25, 2026 from 12pm- 3 pm (New Owner performance at 1- 2 pm)

April 26, 2026 from 12 pm – 5 pm (New Owner performances from 1 – 2 pm, and 3:30 – 4:30 pm)

WHERE: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Santa Monica Place invites the community to enjoy a full calendar of events this April, including weekly line dancing, family-friendly programming, live music and activities in the heart of downtown Santa Monica. From artisan markets to live performances, Santa Monica Place offers something for visitors of all ages throughout the month.

Western Wednesdays

Grab your boots, round up your friends and learn to line dance at Western Wednesday, a free weekly dose of country on the coast. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned two-stepper, everyone is welcome to join the fun with guided lessons led by professional instructors. Guests can also enjoy happy hour at LouLou Restaurant Rooftop and Lounge and The Cheesecake Factory, along with complimentary giveaways while supplies last.

Dates:

April 1 (with photo booth), April 8, April 15, April 22 and April 29

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: Center Plaza

Santa Monica Place Kids Club

Families are invited to sing, dance and play at Santa Monica Place Kids Club, featuring a live performance by The BeatBuds, an interactive musical duo dedicated to engaging young audiences through rhythm, movement and creativity. The experience includes hands-on activities, crafts and giveaways, all complimentary for attendees.

Date: April 10

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: April 10-11

Time: 12-6 p.m. daily

Location: Center Plaza

The Makers Hive Market

Discover unique handcrafted goods at The Makers Hive Market, featuring more than 35 local artisans and makers selling jewelry, art, home goods, accessories and more. This month’s market will also feature a candle and perfume workshop, offering guests an opportunity to create their own custom scents.

Date: April 12

Time: 12-5 p.m.

Location: Center Plaza

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.