LA County Weekend Guide: Taste of Soul, Fall Festivals & Free Fun

October 16–18, 2026

Taste of Soul is back on Crenshaw—and it’s the centerpiece of this weekend’s South LA plans. The free family festival brings food, live music, local businesses, and community celebration together on Saturday, October 17.

Across southern Los Angeles County, the weekend also brings waterfront Halloween fun in Long Beach, fall celebrations in Inglewood and Torrance, and concerts worth making a night of. Whether you’re heading out from Gardena, Carson, the South Bay, or Long Beach, there’s plenty to put on your calendar.

All times are Pacific. Check the linked event pages before heading out for schedule updates, registration requirements, and current ticket availability.

Friday, October 16

1. Make Time for Yourself at Carson’s Women’s Health Conference

• Location: Carson Event Center, 801 E. Carson Street, Carson

• Day: Friday, October 16

• Time: 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

• Ticket information: Registration required; check the city’s registration information for current fees and availability.

• Why go: Built around the theme “Reclaiming My Time,” this conference offers a purposeful start to the weekend with conversations about women’s health, wellness, and empowerment. Bring a friend and make room for yourself on the calendar.

• Details: Carson events and registration information.

2. Turn Friday Night Into a Juanes Concert Night

• Location: Kia Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood

• Day: Friday, October 16

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Ticket information: Paid admission through the venue’s official Ticketmaster link; prices vary. Parking is sold separately.

• Why go: Give your usual Friday plans a musical upgrade with Juanes in Inglewood. An early dinner followed by the concert makes an easy date-night or friends-night itinerary.

• Tickets: Juanes at Kia Forum.

Saturday, October 17

3. This Weekend’s Headliner: Taste of Soul on Crenshaw

• Location: Crenshaw Boulevard, between Obama Boulevard and Stocker Street, South Los Angeles

• Day: Saturday, October 17

• Time: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

• Ticket information: Free admission; no ticket required. Budget separately for food and shopping.

• Why go: Taste of Soul celebrates Black culture, neighborhood businesses, and the sound of South LA with a full day of food, family activities, community resources, and live performances. The 2026 lineup includes Lucky Daye, Alex Isley, Daley, Thelma Houston, Switch, Midnight Star, and Deitrick Haddon across its music stages. Come hungry, bring the family, and give yourself time to explore.

• Getting there: Consider Metro’s E or K Line. The festival website lists nearby stations and shuttle pickup information.

• Details: Taste of Soul 2026: lineup, transportation and festival guide.

4. Start With Free Cars, Coffee & Fall Fun in Torrance

• Location: American Honda Collection Hall, 1919 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance; entrance at Main Street off Harpers Way

• Day: Saturday, October 17

• Time: 9 a.m.–noon

• Ticket information: Free admission, including museum entry.

• Why go: Cars, Bikes & Coffee adds seasonal fun to its automotive showcase with mariachi music, traditional Mexican dance, children’s trick-or-treating, and costume contests. Free coffee and museum access make this a particularly appealing morning outing.

• Details: Cars, Bikes & Coffee event information.

5. Celebrate an Inclusive Halloween at ICAN’s Free Festival

• Location: Southern California Regional Occupational Center, 2300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Torrance

• Day: Saturday, October 17

• Time: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

• Ticket information: Free; register through ICAN’s website. Food and merchandise are available for purchase.

• Why go: Created for people with disabilities of all ages, this celebration welcomes families and caregivers for costumes, games, magic shows, and community connection. It’s a thoughtful choice for an inclusive fall outing.

• Registration: ICAN Halloween Festival.

6. Enjoy a Neighborhood Afternoon at Inglewood’s Harvest Festival

• Location: Inglewood City Hall, South Mall, Inglewood

• Day: Saturday, October 17

• Time: 1–5 p.m.

• Ticket information: The city calendar does not list an admission price or ticket requirement; confirm with the organizer.

• Why go: Keep your fall plans close to home with an afternoon celebration in the heart of Inglewood. It’s a convenient option for residents looking for a seasonal community outing.

• Details: Inglewood Harvest Festival.

7. Catch Waterfront Reggae at Holo Holo Music Festival

• Location: Marina Green Park, 386 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach

• Day: Saturday, October 17

• Time: Gates open at noon; music runs from 1–10 p.m.

• Ticket information: Paid festival passes through the official website’s Tixr link; check current prices and availability.

• Why go: Spend Saturday outdoors with island-inspired music and a waterfront backdrop. The current lineup lists Steel Pulse, Ekolu, The Green, and Siaosi—an inviting combination for reggae fans planning a full festival day.

• Tickets: Holo Holo Long Beach.

8. Explore Culture at the Aquarium’s Southeast Asia Day

• Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach

• Day: Saturday, October 17

• Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Ticket information: General Aquarium admission required; purchase tickets through the Aquarium website.

• Why go: Pair a marine-life outing with music, dance, and cultural programming at the Aquarium’s 22nd annual Southeast Asia Day. It’s a family-friendly way to mix discovery and entertainment.

• Tickets and details: Southeast Asia Day.

9. Make Date Night a Film Festival in Torrance

• Location: James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance

• Day: Saturday, October 17

• Time: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

• Ticket information: Paid festival tickets cover all screenings; a VIP Festival Pass is also offered. Check current pricing online.

• Why go: The Riptide Film Festival brings independent California filmmakers to the big screen for an evening of fresh storytelling and an awards presentation. Movie lovers can turn a familiar night out into something more memorable.

• Tickets: Riptide Film Festival.

10. Dress Up for Long Beach’s Free Zombie Walk

• Location: Shoreline Village, 429 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach

• Day: Saturday, October 17

• Time: Family activities are listed for 5:30–8 p.m.; Zombie Walk begins at 8 p.m.

• Ticket information: Free community event.

• Why go: Enjoy waterfront Halloween fun with crafts, trick-or-treating, roaming performers, and costumes. Arrive early with younger children; the Zombie Walk is recommended for older kids and adults comfortable with scarier surprises.

• Details: Shoreline Village Zombie Walk & Halloween Party.

Saturday, October 17 & Sunday, October 18

11. Plan a Pop Music Night With Charli XCX

• Location: Kia Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood

• Days: Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18

• Time: Saturday’s performance is listed at 8 p.m.; Sunday’s performance is listed at 8 p.m.

• Ticket information: Paid admission through the venue’s official ticket links; prices and availability vary by performance.

• Why go: Charli XCX brings her Music, Fashion, Film Tour to Inglewood with Underscores. Two weekend performances give friends a little flexibility when choosing their concert night.

• Tickets: Saturday performance | Sunday performance.

Sunday, October 18

12. Wind Down at The Maya’s Free Wellness Market

• Location: The Maya (formerly Hotel Maya), 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach

• Day: Sunday, October 18

• Time: 3–5 p.m.

• Ticket information: Free market admission; check separately for tickets to the evening sound ceremony.

• Why go: Browse local artisans, handmade goods, wellness offerings, and creative small businesses at an easy Sunday pace. It’s a relaxing way to round out a busy weekend and discover something local.

• Details: Community Wellness Market at Hotel Maya.

Stay Connected to the Neighborhoods You Love

From Taste of Soul on Crenshaw to waterfront celebrations in Long Beach, these are the experiences that make our neighborhoods feel like home.

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