A little Friday evening rain won't stop travelers from making Los Angeles their Memorial Day destination.
Thousands of people will flock to typical Southern California hot spots over the three-day weekend. Beaches will be overcrowded, as will campsites. Summer blockbusters Tomorrowland and Poltergeist debut to millions of moviegoers. Even Disneyland is prepared for record-breaking attendance as their 60th anniversary celebration begins with an all-nighter that runs through Sunday.
Not everyone has a Disneyland-sized trip budget. Taking the family out over the Memorial Day weekend shouldn't have to, not with countless festivals and block parties happing throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.
Let's take a look some inexpensive way to reign in the summer.
Festivals:
Valley Greek Festival (May 23-25) - Northridge
Gyros and grilled lamb chops are among the Mediterranean dishes during the 42nd annual Valley Greek Festival. There will be music, folk dancing, and cooking demonstration, among other entertainers. The weekend's big prize comes in a trip for two to Greece, which can be won with a $2 raffle ticket.
Parking is free and admission is $3, but you can get a $1 discount on food or a non-alcoholic beverage by donating a can of food.
Strawberry Festival (May 22-25) - Garden Grove
The 56th annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival includes a 5k run, celebrity autograph signing session, and various contests for the whole family. The "Berry Berry Beautiful" baby contest is open to children under 3 years old, and the "Strawberry Idol" karaoke contest is open to anyone 16 years and older.
What begins with a strawberry cake cutting ceremony on Friday night - everyone in attendance gets a free piece - concludes with a Monday afternoon performance in the park's amphitheater. Admission is free and ride tickets are $1 each with multiple tickets required.
I Madonnari (May 23-25) - Santa Barbara
Now in its 29th year, I Madonnari continues its tradition by inviting street artists to create over 150 vibrant and colorful large scale images. Madonnari, or street painters, do it to benefit the Children's Creative Project, which serves 50,000 children in 100 schools. Admission to the Santa Barbara Mission-event is free.
Activities:
LA Salsa Fest (May 20-25) - Downtown
Over 40 countries will participate in the 17th annual LA Salsa Fest, taking place at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel. All ages are welcome to the Downtown celebration, which includes tributes to Cheo Feliciano and Tito Rodriguez. Advanced tickets for Saturday begin at $50 while Sunday's are $60.
Main Street Memorial Day Weekend Block Party (May 24) - Santa Monica
From 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday, Santa Monica becomes the go-to spot for anyone looking to enjoy that extra day off. The coastal city offers food and drink specials at participating restaurants, along with live DJs. VIP passed begin at $10 and reduce with the more people that join. A group of 12 gets into the party for just $75.
Fiesta Hermosa (May 23-25) - Hermosa Beach
Over 300 artists and crafters add to the ambiance Fiesta Hermosa brings to the seaside town of Hermosa Beach this weekend. Activities include carnival rides, a petting zoo, and an extensive food court. Older patrons can spend some time in the Charity Beer and Wine Garden, which will be bartended by the city's mayor, councilmen, and non-profit organizations.
Freebies:
Nixon Presidential Library and Museum - Admission is free on Memorial Day
24-Hour Fitness - The fitness club is offering free admission to everyone - military or not - from May 22 through Memorial Day.
Los Angeles Dodgers game - Active military members get discounts ranging from $25 for a Preferred Field Box seat to $50 for Loge Box MVP seating. The Memorial Day game includes a free Tommy Lasorda garden gnome for all fans.
Red Robin - Between May 23 and May 25, the restaurant chain will offer all veterans and their spouses a free appetizer with any purchase of at least $10.
Knott's Berry Farm - All active and retired U.S. military personnel get free admission to the Buena Park theme park through the weekend. They can also buy up to six discounted tickets for family and friends.
Lowe's and Home Depot - both home improvement stores will grant a 10 percent discount to veterans who present valid proof of service.
Boston Market - Military personnel get 25 percent off any Family Meal on Memorial Day.
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