Summer Festivals and Events in Los Angeles

In Southern California, summer begins with festivals, concerts, and various fun events. This year promises to be no different from years past in terms of fun festivals and summer events. Here are top festivals and events to kick-start your Southern California summer.

Lightning in a Bottle: This festival is a magical forest adventure in Santa Barbara happening May 22-May 25^th. In the past, the event had taken place at the Live Oak Campground, but this year they are looking for a new location. It is a festival that includes camping, live concerts and art show, opportunities to be in the wild, enjoying the natural scenery of the great outdoor. It is the perfect festival for an avid outdoor lover! The Do Lab brings it to you. You can find more information about this festival by logging on to www.thedolab.com.

Los Angeles Film Festival: June 18^th-June 28^th 2009. This is the IT festival for film lovers! It is an annual event showcasing over 200 films from local and international filmmakers. This event takes place at Westwood Village and features star premieres, outdoor screening, and lots more. Lovers of Indy Films will find this event memorable, as you get up close encounter with up and coming actors, filmmakers, critics, as well as seasoned professionals. Awards are given in various categories including Best Documentary Short Film, Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature Film, Best International Feature, and much more. It is a great Family fun event that happens annually. Tickets are now on sale at www.lafilmfest.com. Passes for the ten-day event range from $200 ($150 for FIND members) to $1000 ($800 for FIND members). Individual tickets sell for $12 ($10 for FIND members).

Hard Summer Festival: On August 8, 2009, this is the grandest electronic summer music festival in Los Angeles. It features live performance from UNDERWORLD, Jack Beats, Crookers, 12^th Planet, Chromeo, and many more. You can get tickets from www.hardfest.com or ticketmaster. It sells fro about $55 for presale and $60 afterwards.

African Marketplace and Cultural Faire: August 22 -30^th and September 5^th-7^th at the Rancho Cienega Recreation Complex in Los Angeles. This is an opportunity to browse through arts, fabrics, clothes, and various items from Africa, the Caribbean, and other exotic places. Enjoy food and live music as well as fun activities for the entire family. It is often a free admission or very cheap tickets. The website is under construction now, but you can check back later at www.africanmarketplace.org or call 323-293-1612

Jazz Reggae Festival A Culture of Change: Join the fun at the annual Jazz Reggae Festival at UCLA! This two-day event begins Memorial Day Weekend on May 24^th -May 25^th at the UCLA Intramural Field from 12-7pm. Tickets are on sale for $45 for the two days or $25 for each day. VIP passes also on sale for more dough! Artists on the line up include Erykah Badu, Leela James, People Under The Stairs, De La Soul, and much more. Log on to www.jazzreggaefest.com for more info.