Skip to main content

Best Things to Do in SoCal and LA This Week: June 15-21, 2026

Every week, I highlight a few events across the SoCal region. This week, celebrate Juneteenth, World Cup, and the opening of the David Geffen Galleries, imagine the future, and experience art inspired by water.

LACMA block party and parade

To celebrate the opening of the new David Geffen Galleries, LACMA is throwing the biggest gathering they’ve ever hosted by inviting the public for the LACMA Block Party. Visitors can enjoy free admission to the entire museum, family-friendly art activities inspired by the museum’s collection, and live performances ranging from cumbia and house music to funk as well as a special edition of their Latin Sounds concert series. And don’t miss the Art Parade, filling Wilshire Blvd with local artists and plenty of surprises throughout the day.

LACMA Block Party, color blocked infographic
LACMA
5905 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles , CA 90036
Saturday, June 20, 10:00 AM
Free

When the world comes to you

Celebrate the world's biggest soccer tournament at the LA World Cup Fan Zone at The Original Farmers Market. Fans can gather to cheer on their favorite teams while enjoying an international celebration of food, music, and culture from the Market’s 40+ eateries and specialty shops. From beer gardens to live DJs, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities, this fan festival invites the public to experience the intersection of nations and communities.

LA World Cup Fan Zone, text over an image of a building with a blue and green background
The Original Farmers Market
6333 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Thursday, June 18, 7:01 AM - June 21
$6.30

The shape of water

Descanso Gardens presents Sound of Water: Feminine Expressions of Fluidity, marking the 60th anniversary of the Japanese Garden. This group show brings together six contemporary Japanese women artists whose work explores water as both a life-giving force and unpredictable. Curated by Japanese art historian Meher McArthur, the exhibition spans sculpture, printmaking, and paintings, revealing water’s many moods and manifestations.

DESCANSO GARDENS TO CELEBRATE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS JAPANESE GARDEN WITH "SOUND OF WATER: FEMININE EXPRESSIONS OF FLUIDITY" an  digital looking art work of a fish
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Dr
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Saturday, June 20, 10:00 AM
$18

Ride for freedom

Celebrate Juneteenth on two wheels at Black Folk's 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Ride, a community and pedal-powered event that blends culture and cycling through the streets of Los Angeles. Cyclists of all ages are invited to join this uplifting ride through Central Los Angeles, passing significant Los Angeles landmarks while honoring the legacy of freedom and Black excellence. Be a part of a collective journey that culminates at the Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival, where live music, art, and a community celebration awaits.

Black Folk 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Ride, two people riding bikes holding up peace signs
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza
3650 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Friday, June 19, 8:01 AM
Free

Imagine the future

Step into a world where innovation, artistry, and storytelling converge at the 2nd Annual Afrofuturist Art Fair: Industry Night Celebration. Held at The Colony Theatre in Burbank, this immersive gathering invites artists, writers, cultural workers, and curious minds to explore Afrofuturism through visual art, literature, live performances, and conversations. Inspired by the principles of Sankofa, the evening features curated exhibitions, book signings, live music, networking opportunities, and an interview taping with multidisciplinary artist Shola Adewusi.

2nd Annual Afrofuturist Art Fair: Industry Night Celebration, event flyer with peole smiling and laughing in groups behind text that gives time date and location information
The Colony Theatre Company
555 North 3rd Street
Burbank, CA 91502
Monday, June 15, 5:00 PM
Free

Support Provided By