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Best Things to Do in SoCal and LA This Week: June 22-28, 2026

Every week, I highlight a few events across the SoCal region. This week, celebrate World Cup in Union Station and Olvera Street, enjoy the radical act of play, and honor ancestors in a festival of masks.

Art, activism, and music

The Huntington Library presents a special screening of Nobuko Miyamoto: A Song in Movement, an inspiring look at the life and legacy of the Los Angeles-born artist, dancer, singer, activist, and community builder. Directed by Tadashi Nakamura and Quyên Nguyen-Le, the documentary traces Miyamoto’s remarkable journey from her family’s wartime incarceration experience to decades of groundbreaking artistic and social activism that united communities across generations and helped redefine what Asian American storytelling could be.

Film Screening—“Nobuko Miyamoto” at the Huntington Library, photo of families enjoying atheir time at a food court under a large sunroof
Huntington Park Library
6518 Miles Ave
Huntington Park, CA 90255
Sunday, June 28, 10:01 AM
$34 with reduced prices for EBT holders

Memory of masks

LA Commons presents Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks. Rooted in the traditions of Africa and the African diaspora, this annual gathering honors ancestors through art, music, and dance. Multicultural, multigenerational and multimedia, the festival’s libation ceremony and community procession invites participants to celebrate the enduring connections between past and present. Featuring dynamic performances and tributes to influential cultural figures including S. Pearl Sharp, Horace Tapscott, and Aiysha Sinclair, this free event offers a meaningful opportunity to experience one of Leimert Park’s most cherished community traditions.

Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Marks - Story Gathering
Aziz Gallerie
3343 West 43rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Sunday, February 22, 1:00 PM
Free

One city, one world

Come celebrate the inaugural El Pueblo de Los Angeles Heritage Festival in the city’s birthplace during the excitement of the FIFA World Cup. This three-day festival blends live music and family-friendly fun in the heart of Downtown LA. Festivalgoers can enjoy performances by hometown favorites Ozomatli and Latin jazz legend Poncho Sanchez and connect with the diverse traditions that continue to define the city. With a fan hub at Pico House and a Kid Zone featuring face painting, arts & crafts, and puppet shows, this free festival is a fitting tribute to Los Angeles as a global crossroads of culture.

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Heritage Festival, flags hung up across buildings and infographic text over the image
El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument
125 Paseo de la Plz
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Friday, June 26, 10:01 AM - June 28
Free

Kickoff in the city

Union Station is the ceremonial front door to Los Angeles and home of an official Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone. Watch live FIFA World Cup matches on big screens, enjoy music and interactive experiences, and soak in the atmosphere as fans from around the globe gather in one of L.A.’s most iconic landmarks. Come enjoy the Beautiful Game with a front row seat in a city-wide celebration.

LA World Cup Fan Zone - Union Station
Los Angeles Union Station
800 North Alameda Street
Los Angeles , CA 90012
Thursday, June 25, 10:31 AM
Free

Summer's biggest recess

The LA84 Foundation and the Play Equity Fund present Play Day Block Party, an annual celebration of movement and play for all ages. Held in honor of the National Day of Play, this free event transforms the neighborhood into a giant playground filled with sports clinics, games, interactive activities, and a dedicated Junior Zone for younger children. Recognizing the benefit of sport and play, this family-friendly festival is a reminder that active communities are stronger communities.

Play Day Block Party
LA84 Foundation
2141 W Adams Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90018
Saturday, June 27, 10:00 AM
Free

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