Best Things to Do in South Los Angeles & Long Beach This Weekend (May 1–3, 2026)
12 Can’t-Miss Things Happening This Weekend in South LA & Long Beach (May 1–3, 2026)
May kicks off with beach festivals, outdoor markets, waterfront events, art, and food experiences all across South Los Angeles County. Whether you're looking for date-night ideas, family-friendly outings, or local gems worth exploring, this weekend has something for every lifestyle. Here’s your curated guide to what’s worth leaving the house for.
Location: Redondo Beach
Dates: Friday–Sunday, May 1–3
Time: Friday: 2 PM – 10:30 PM, Saturday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM, Sunday: 12 PM – 9:15 PM. *Gates are subject to change
Tickets: Single-day + weekend passes available
Why Go:
This is the marquee event of the weekend. Oceanfront music, food, art, surf culture and one of SoCal’s signature spring festivals. Worth the drive even if you’re based in Long Beach or South LA.
2. First Fridays Art Walk in Bixby Knolls
Location: Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
Day: Friday, May 1
Time: 6 PM–9:30 PM
Tickets: Free
Why Go:
Gallery openings, pop-ups, street vendors, live music and creative energy. Great low-cost Friday night plan.
3. Farmers Market + Picnic Day at Wilson Park
Location: Wilson Park, Torrance
Day: Saturday, May 2
Time: 8 AM – 1 PM
Tickets: Free
Why Go:
One of the best farmers markets in the South Bay—flowers, artisan foods, coffee, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe.
4. South Bay Coastal Bike Ride + Beach Day
Route: The Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Day: Saturday or Sunday
Time: Anytime
Tickets: Free
Why Go:
Perfect active weekend plan. Bike or walk the coast from Redondo through Hermosa and Manhattan Beach.
5. Food Crawl in Gardena
Neighborhood: Japanese + Korean food corridor
Day: Best day to go is Saturday evening
Budget: $–$$
Why Go:
Gardena is quietly one of the best food cities in LA County. Build your own ramen, yakitori and dessert crawl.
6. Spring Family Day at California Science Center
Location: Los Angeles
Day: All weekend
Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
Tickets: Many exhibits free
Why Go:
Great family outing or low-key educational date idea.
7. Waterfront Weekend at Shoreline Village
Location: Shoreline Village, Long Beach
Day: All weekend
Time: Daytime
Tickets: Free entry
Why Go:
Live music (Summer Concert Series Coming Soon,) harbor views, casual dining, paddle rentals and spring weather. Always a solid Long Beach move.
8. Vintage Market at Hollywood Park
Location: Retail District at Hollywood Park
Day: One Saturday a Month
Time: 8 AM – 3 PM
Tickets: Free entry
Why Go:
Inglewood has been getting stronger on independent markets, vintage vendors and creative pop-ups. Great for treasure hunting.
9. Sunday Brunch + Stroll at The Hangar at Long Beach Exchange
Location: The Hangar | LBX Exchange
Day: Sunday
Time: 11 AM – 3 PM
Tickets: Free entry
Why Go:
Food hall brunch, shopping, occasional live entertainment and easy Sunday energy.
10. Outdoor Concerts + May Events Across LA
Check city calendars for special May programming—many kick off outdoor concert season this weekend.
Cities worth checking:
Bonus: My “If I Had One Weekend” Itinerary
Friday: Bixby Knolls, Long Beach Art Walk
Saturday: BeachLife Festival + Redondo waterfront dinner
Sunday: Long Beach Exchange brunch + Shoreline Village sunset
That’s a perfect SoCal weekend.
Why This Weekend Feels Special
Early May is that sweet spot before summer crowds fully arrive. Festivals are launching, patios are packed, outdoor markets return, and South LA County really shows off this time of year.
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