What you should know
- 82nd Nisei Week in Little Tokyo
- 10 to 18 August 2024
- The grand parade takes place on August 11. Look out for cultural exhibits and activities in the area.
82. Nisei Week in Little Tokyo: Moving events, cultural exhibitions, musical moments and stirring sights fill this venerable festival, a week-long event that includes a variety of beautiful hands-on activities, uplifting performances and the eye-catching LA Tanabata Festival. The pompous grand parade will include taiko drumming, street dancing and the royal court; be there on August 11 at 4 p.m.
D23 Exhibition: It’s the “ultimate fan event” for Disney fans, a biennial celebration that’s grown as big as the Matterhorn. Movie stars make regular surprise appearances, theme park announcements are big attractions, and the D23 Mousequerade costumes are creative and whimsical. Highlights in 2024 include the Disney Legends Ceremony and “Donald Duck’s 90th Quacktacular.” Come to Anaheim August 9-11 for some fun.
HollyShorts Film Festival: Happy 20th anniversary of this acclaimed celebration of short films in Hollywood, an Oscar-qualifying event that puts the spotlight on the best filmmakers from around the world. Insightful panels grace the program, and there are plenty of short films making a splash, too. Film categories include adult animation, family drama, and LGBTQIA+. The cinematic splendor ends on August 18.
River Festival: Want to write a love letter to the LA River that’s bubbling with emotion? You could, but there are other ways to honor our surprising Splashway, an urban landmark that’s both a movie/TV star and a watery destination that wildlife loves. There’s a free party with poetry and music at LA State Historic Park on August 11, but register in advance. The Friends of the LA River are the party organizers.
Roll @ Santa Monica: So you say you like to strap on your gloves and do laps at the seasonal ice rink that opens in downtown Santa Monica around the holidays? That frosty fun is months away, but for a few months there will be a roller skating rink at the corner of 5th and Arizona that will feature catchy tunes and classes led by the Skate Hunnies. Starting August 10, the wheels will be rolling with real rock.
