Cultural Celebrations Los Angeles

West L.A. Belly Dance Showcase Community Celebration

Join us for a warm, cozy, and intimate evening celebrating dance, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced performer or spectator, this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your skills, network and engage with the community. **\*Doors open 6:00p.m. Show starting around 7:30 pm** This event is open to friends and family, so feel free to invite your loved ones to either come cheer you on or enjoy an evening of beautiful performances. There is no cost to participate or attend. Instead of an admission fee, we kindly invite guests, if they are able, to bring a new backpack or school supplies to support students in our community. Donations are completely voluntary but greatly appreciated. What to Expect · Belly dance performances · A friendly and supportive atmosphere · Light refreshments and snacks · A pre-birthday cake celebration \* Shop Vendor Tables- unique items/gifts available for purchase · An opportunity to connect with fellow dancers and the local community

2026 Afrobeats Block Party & Jollof Cook-off

[GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW!!](https://AfrobeatsBlockpartyLA2026.eventbrite.com/?aff=MC) 🔥 The biggest Afrobeats celebration in Los Angeles is back—and this year, we’re celebrating FIVE incredible years! Join us on **Saturday, September 12, 2026**, at **The Beehive** for the **5th Anniversary Edition** of the **Afrobeats Block Party & Jollof Cook-off**. Get ready for an unforgettable day of music, food, and culture with thousands of Afrobeats lovers from across Southern California and beyond. 🎶 Nonstop Afrobeats vibes. 🍛 The ultimate Jollof showdown. 🎤 Live performances and top DJs. 🌴 An epic outdoor experience under the LA sky. **Five years. One village. One unforgettable celebration. Don’t miss the biggest edition yet! 🔥** Gather your crew and join us as we celebrate the music, the food, and the community that have made the **Afrobeats Block Party & Jollof Cook-off a Los Angeles** tradition. 🌴🔥 ### Vendor, Talent & Volunteer Opportunities **\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-** * **[Vendor Opportunities - Click Here To Apply](https://www.afropolitancities.com/copy-of-vendor-registration-1 "https://www.afropolitancities.com/events-data/2897bd30-7522-4849-b91b-663f3ac2bee4")** * **[Talent Opportunities (Click link to submit application to be considered for performances](https://www.afropolitancities.com/events-data/ad59150d-09b8-449c-90f6-7c88f5cd92a6 "https://www.afropolitancities.com/events-data/2897bd30-7522-4849-b91b-663f3ac2bee4")** * **[Volunteer Opportunities - Click here to submit volunteer application](https://www.afropolitancities.com/events-data/ad59150d-09b8-449c-90f6-7c88f5cd92a6 "https://www.afropolitancities.com/events-data/2897bd30-7522-4849-b91b-663f3ac2bee4")**

FREE: The Grammy Museum . . . for Smithsonian Day. (other museums too!!!!)

Museum Free Day from the Smithsonian is a nationwide thing. [Smithsonian Day](https://nationaltoday.com/smithsonian-day/) is always September 17th Here is the expected full list: * Japanese American National Museum * The Grammy Museum * LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes * California African American Museum * Autry Museum of the American West * The Wende Museum * USC Pacific Asia Museum * Descanso Gardens * The International Printing Museum in Carson * Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach * Los Angeles Maritime Museum * Point Fermin Lighthouse Historic Site and Museum * Photo: @sfwineblog * Latino Art Museum in Pomona * Heritage Museum of Orange County * Dr. Willella Howe Waffle House and Medical Museum in Santa Ana * The Santa Ana Fire Museum * Yanks Air Museum in Chino * Laguna Art Museum * Fillmore Historical Museum Some of these museums are normally free. And others may be closer to you. BUT . . . for the moment . . . the plan is The Grammy Museum. . . FOR FREE!!!! On Wed the 17th. What a win. To attend this event #1 **RSVP on this event with the red RSVP button** *AND THEN* #2 **[Fill out the event form](https://forms.gle/FW4aozDwU1ngkqVu6)**[ https://forms.gle/FW4aozDwU1ngkqVu6](https://forms.gle/FW4aozDwU1ngkqVu6) This way you get the reminder as they update the new list with the 2026 info (spoiler alert: ***if you do not fill out the form you will not get accurate or updated event info)(Meetup messages is not reliable or efficient at getting out info. Too many have notifications turned off)*** **Got questions?** **[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881)**[ to send a Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) (be sure to mention the what event you are talking about) NOTICE: For our events we do not discriminate by Age, Gender, Gender Preference, Ethnicity, National Origin, Race, Color, Religion, or even Belly Button Lint. **[CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/join)**[ To see all our other events and join in on them.](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/join) Art makes for great social fun. Over the course of the year we a bunch of arty events. If you have any suggestions or if you wish to post an event the group or lead an event: **[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881)**[ to send a Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881)

Mid-Autumn Moon Celebration @ Huntington Library (San Marino)

Join me for a beautiful evening at **The Huntington's spectacular Chinese Garden (Liu Fang Yuan)** as we celebrate the **Mid-Autumn Moon Festival**, one of the most important traditional festivals in Chinese culture! 🌕🏮 We'll **meet at 6 PM** before heading into the special evening celebration at 6:30 PM. 🌕 What is the Mid-Autumn Festival? The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is traditionally celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest. The festival has a long history dating back more than 2,000 years and is centered around themes of family reunion, togetherness, gratitude, and wishing for happiness and prosperity. One of the most beloved traditions is sharing mooncakes, a round pastry symbolizing completeness and family unity. Families traditionally gather together, admire the full moon, enjoy food and tea, and spend time with loved ones. 🏮 What makes this event special? The Huntington transforms its stunning Chinese Garden into a magical nighttime setting for the celebration. We'll have the opportunity to stroll through the moonlit garden, enjoy the beautiful scenery and atmosphere, and experience the Mid-Autumn Festival in a unique cultural setting. The combination of Chinese architecture, ponds, gardens, lanterns, the evening moon, and the festival atmosphere makes this a particularly beautiful experience—and a great opportunity for photos! 📸🌕 This should be a fun and relaxed evening whether you're familiar with Chinese culture or experiencing the Moon Festival for the first time. 🎟️ Tickets **Everyone is responsible for purchasing their own ticket.** Tickets are expected to be released by The Huntington in early September and may be limited, so please keep an eye on the official event page. Once tickets become available, we'll update the Meetup event with the ticket information. Please do not wait until the last minute if you want to attend. 📍 **Meeting Location** The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108 We'll meet at 6 PM and enter together for the 6:30 PM event. Come join me for a unique cultural experience, beautiful gardens, moonlight, lanterns, and a little taste of one of the most celebrated traditions of East Asia! 🌕🏮🥮 Hope to see you there!

Water Lantern Festival (free version - Simi Valley)

Meetup people, let’s invade this year’s Water Lantern Festival, which will take place in Simi Valley. This is a free event to attend if you just intend to watch the lanterns. A lot of people did that the last time I went to this event, but if you want to purchase a ticket I will provide the link below. Here is a promo video about the festival, so you can get a sense of what to expect (https://youtu.be/VLaJA7xAFtg). Also I will upload some photos that I took from last year’s event. So join me because I promise you this will be more exciting than feeding the ducks with some bread. Goal #1: Find each other at the festival Goal #2: Socialize and have some drinks Goal #3: Play some Giant Jenga Goal #4: Play some Giant Uno Goal #5: Check out the live music Goal #6: Build our lanterns, group photos Goal #7: Release our lanterns on the water Info about the event: Parking lot opens at 4:30pm Event and live music at 5:00pm Lantern Launch Window is between 7:55pm - 9:00pm Event ends at 9:30pm Link to tickets (https://www.waterlanternfestival.com/events/simi-valley) \*\*You can still attend this event without tickets. Tickets are for the lantern itself, but you can enter the park for free and watch the event. I watched a lot of people do that the last time I was there. Person in charge: -Your fearless leader: Nestor Q. -“If you attend this event, all of your dreams will come true.” Driving to the event: -Type in “Rancho Simi Community Park” or 1765 Royal Ave., Simi Valley -Parking might be free, but bring cash just in case. -If the parking lot is full, try finding residential parking. Just look out for any “No Parking” signs. The Official Meetup Spot: -I will do my best to get there at 5:00pm to secure a good spot. -I will upload a photo of our spot, and text people my GPS coordinates. I will upload the following documents: (a) List of people banned from my events (b) The Official Checklist (c) The Official Plan of Action What to bring: -A positive attitude -cash for parking (just in case) -Your ticket or not (you decide your path) -Sunscreen / Hat / Bug spray -Food / sandwich -Plenty of water -A blanket to lay on -Beach chair or lawn chair -A sweater (it will get cold) -comfortable shoes -Save the date more details to come out -Long live this meetup group -We need more Meetup organizers - sign up today. -You’re not alone, you just haven’t met the right people. -Nostradamus had a vision of this event when he saw a lit candle next to a pond back in 1588 A.D. -Share the event with your friends, coworkers, neighbors, siblings, Zoom pals, roommates, mailman, Instagram followers, bartender, bank teller, waiter, hair stylist/ barber, Starbucks barista, TikTok followers, step-brothers and step-sisters, cashier, pets, cousins, exes, etc. **Past meetup performance is not indicative of future results**

San Gabriel Valley Chinese Language Meetup

The primary reason for this meetup is for a friendly language exchange between English speakers and Chinese(all dialects) speakers. The end goal is to improve in the language that each person seeks to learn. The secondary reason is for an exchange of cultures(all cultures 😃).

Fall ArtNight Pasadena. An art extravaganza!! As well as . . .A Winebar Social

ArtNight Pasadena happens in Spring and Fall. Moved to FALL HOWEVER . . . if you wish go and host . . . Message me!!! What will happen at ArtNight Pasadena? * Have a ton of fun. * See & experience some Arts 'n' Culture. * Have a great time socializing. **[CLICK HERE](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/artnight/) for what is on the Dance Card for the Evening. (from Fall 2023)** So here is how it works. There are many locations in multiple areas of the city. All with different exhibitions or temporary installations. It's a wider area than you can go on foot for the whole area. So there are shuttles on multiple routes that will loop the city. All this also provided for free and ticketless. **[CLICK HERE](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/artnight/shuttle-map/#all-routes) for the Shuttle Map (from Fall 2023)** There is MORE than you can see in one night. Meaning you will never be able to see everything. So it is best to curate your adventure. For this Meetup . . . We are taking the smart approach. Our Start Point (and end point) The Grdn. The Grdn is the informal and casual step-child of The Cellar, A Wine Library winebar in Pasadena. Yes. That is correct. We have reserved space to have drinks or a bite before, during or after. In other words . . . a home base. Meeting Point: **The Grdn (and The Cellar) are located at:** **26 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105** The Cellar is . . .like the name implies . . . underground in the cellar. It's also super-fancy. Grdn will be more our speed. The ArtNight event goes from 6PM to 10PM. Our Meet-point will be The Grdn at 6PM. We will have a drink and socialize and then head out around 7:00PM The idea is get to Grdn. Say hello. More and more will arrive. And then head out in groups when ready. There are multiple options of what to do. If folks want to make own plans and head out . . . sure. No prob. I have created a more user friendly version of the locations for folks to use. It is sorted by the routes. And has the numbers that correspond to the map **[CLICK HERE](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gtN4XI9CdYirk2GDGnmK8292onsjwnCWV9aV4lbX1-4/edit?usp=sharing) for the simple digest** **For the main meetup** ***Our plan is to leave Grdn and go by foot to:*** 1. ***Armory Center For The Arts*** 2. ***Parson’s Nose Theater*** 3. ***Light Bringer Project At Dayone*** 4. ***Pasadena City Hall, Transportation Hub*** 5. ***Usc Pacific Asia Museum*** **The option will be for folks to catch shuttle route at either of those and then make it back to Grdn for the afterparty.** Or you can do the 1 thru 5 and make to Grdn for mellow social. Chances are some (or many) may just stay at GRDN the whole time. And Chances Are that others will arrive to Grdn after we have left and will keep the seats warm till we return. Either way . . . Grdn is expecting us and has space for us. **Parking?** Parking: parkOpedia.com ParkMe.com ParkingPanda.com SpotHero.com OR [https://www.cityofpasadena.net/transportation/parking-info/find-public-parking/#parking-lots-garages](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/transportation/parking-info/find-public-parking/#parking-lots-garages) To attend this event #1 **RSVP on this event with the red RSVP button** *AND THEN* #2 **[Fill out the event form](https://forms.gle/FW4aozDwU1ngkqVu6)**[ https://forms.gle/FW4aozDwU1ngkqVu6](https://forms.gle/FW4aozDwU1ngkqVu6) (spoiler alert: ***if you do not fill out the form you will not get accurate or updated event info)(Meetup messages is not reliable or efficient at getting out info. Too many have notifications turned off)*** **Got questions?** **[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881)**[ to send a Direct Message to Marc (screen name Oddie)](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=273063881) (be sure to mention the what event you are talking about) NOTICE: For our events we do not discriminate by Age, Gender, Gender Preference, Ethnicity, National Origin, Race, Color, Religion, or even Belly Button Lint. We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister groups we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events. This event is cross-posted. The number RSVP'd here combine with other groups for fun and filled event. **[CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/events/297321198/)**[ for the Main event link for this event](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/events/297321198/) for other rsvp's. **[CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/join)**[ To see all our other events and join in on them.](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/join) Art makes for great social fun. Over the course of the year we have a bunch of arty events.

Beach Day / Bonfire Potluck 🌴🌅🔥🏖️🏄🌊🏐⛱️

Big Gay Sunday @ AT Center

OneRepublic + Fireworks + Group Picnic at The Hollywood Bowl

Come join me for one of the most iconic summer nights in LA at the **Hollywood Bowl** for the **OneRepublic Fireworks Finale**! 🎶✨ Enjoy an unforgettable night of live music, an incredible performance by **OneRepublic**, and a spectacular fireworks finale under the stars! 🎆 It’s going to be an amazing summer night you won’t want to miss! 📍 **Location:** Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles 📅 **Date:** Saturday, September 12th, 2026 🕗 **Showtime:** 8 PM (meet at 6 pm for the group potluck picnic) 🎉 **Meetup Plan** We’ll gather early for a group potluck picnic before the show: 🕕 **Meetup Time:** 6 PM (earlier is better if you can make it) * 🧺 Bring a dish or snacks to share * 🍷 Bring your own wine and drinks * 🎶 Relax, hang out, and enjoy the atmosphere before we head in together 🎆 **About the Show** Known for their powerful hits like Counting Stars, Apologize, I Lived, Secrets, and Good Life, OneRepublic brings an incredible mix of pop, rock, and anthemic songs that are perfect for an outdoor concert under the stars. And just when you think the night couldn't get better, the evening culminates in a grand fireworks finale lighting up the Hollywood sky! 🎆✨ 💰 **Cost & RSVP** 🎟️ $65 per person (includes show ticket + fireworks experience) Spots are limited due to ticket availability Please sign up and send payment ASAP to secure your spot Come ready for a magical summer night of music, community, food, and fireworks under the stars. PERFORMANCE WITH FIREWORKS **Payment Options:** Zelle: 626-986-8593 Venmo: @Darren-Van-1 CashApp: $Darren515 PayPal: darrenvan515@gmail.com Seats will be in the R, S, T section or better.

Taste of South Africa: Culture, Cuisine & Community

***Our First Official Black Foodies of L.A. Group Outing!*** Welcome to our inaugural meetup! We are kicking off an ongoing culinary and cultural expedition celebrating the vibrant foods, traditions, and flavors across the African Diaspora. For our first adventure, we are gathering for an immersive cultural celebration in Mid-City featuring authentic regional South African bites, refreshing drinks, a live band straight from Johannesburg, an African art exhibition, and an outdoor drum circle. **Exclusive Group Perk: Private Museum & Gallery Walkthrough** Because this event is expected to draw a large public crowd once the doors officially open at 6:00 PM, the museum owner and host has generously invited the Black Foodies of L.A. to come early for an intimate, guided discussion of the curated artwork. * **4:30 PM:** Arrival, Check-in & Meetup Mixer *(Find street parking and meet fellow members)* * **5:00 PM – 5:45 PM:** Private Guided Art Discussion with the Host * **6:00 PM – 10:00 PM:** Main Celebration: Live Music, Food & Drinks, Socializing & Drum Circle **Event Details** * **Date:** Saturday, September 12th * **Time:** Arrive by 4:30 PM for the private tour; main event runs until 10:00 PM * **Location:** Private Gallery/Museum in Mid-City Los Angeles *(Exact street address will be sent directly to confirmed RSVPs via Meetup message)* * **Cost:** Free admission, food, and drinks **Important Notes for Attendees** * **RSVP Integrity:** Capacity for our private pre-event tour is limited to keep the walkthrough comfortable. Please only RSVP if you are confident you can attend, and update your RSVP promptly if your plans change. * **Arrival:** Please plan for L.A. traffic and street parking so we can begin our private tour together promptly at 5:00 PM before the public arrives. * **Questions?** Drop a comment below on this event page or send a direct message through Meetup. This is more than a Meetup — it's a cultural experience. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to connect with community over food, art, and sound.

A San Marino/Lacy Park & Beyond, 10k-Steps Challenge #43 [TCP MOAI Adventure]

**Welcome to [The Canis Pack IKIGAI 10K Adventure] + Purpose, Friendship, Togetherness & Support!** **We Will Not Wait Until Life Is Not Hard To WELCOME Strength, Beauty & Joy Into Our Lives!** **SNIFF - EXPLORE - EXERCISE** [**THIS IS A WALK FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE DOGS - AND FOR THOSE WHO DO**] **AGENDA;** **\- Gathering at 5:45 \- 1485 Virginia Rd\. Lacy Park** **\- Leaving at 6:00 pm Promptly** **\- Bathroom Break as we head out** **\- Continue with the Inner and Outer Loop walk** **\- After the Loops\, then exploring the surrounding San Marino neighborhood\.** **\- This will be a 10K Walk – About 6\.2\-5 miles** **\- 2 Hours or so Walk** **\- 8:00 pm \- Returning to Lacy Park** **WHAT TO BRING;** **\- Water** **\- A Warm Jacket for Chilly Nights** **\- Flash Lite** **\- Bug Spray** **\- Snacks if needed** **\- Good walking shoes** **\- Comfortable walking clothes** **\- A bright Jacket for the Dark days** **LISTEN THERE'S MORE;** **Goal: A STRONG LIKE-MINDED TOGETHERNESS!** \* We will Establish Togethereness \* We will Bring about a Strong Awareness \* We will Establish a Strong National Presence \* We will Be Active and Responsible \* We will Always Think as a Like-Minded Group \* We will Put our Health and Wellbeing First \* We are a Pack-Family **\* We will Gather and Walk with Harmony** I know—10,000 steps might not sound like a lot, but for those of us who sit at desks or stand in one place all day, it's not always easy to hit that goal. And while 15,000 or 20,000 steps would be great, they also require more time. So to make it fun and manageable, we’re starting with 10k steps as a challenge—and we may increase the goal in future events. **THE IMPORTANT POINTS ARE THESE;** Space is limited, so **please RSVP only if you’re 100% sure you’ll attend.** 🙏🏾If you RSVP and don’t show, you will be 🚩Red Flagged 🚩for future events—we all appreciate reliability and respect for others' abilities to get a spot to walk!🙏🏾 Expect to hit somewhere between **10,000–12,000 steps (approximately 7.5-9 miles),** depending on the pace and group. This **midweek walking event** is going really well. So, let’s **stay active together** and **make this a Strong part of our routine.** **See You There.** [COMMENT BELOW IF YOU ARE IN AGREEMENT] **NOW IS THE TIME, LET’S GET TO WALKING;** Btw. Yes, Lacy Park allows dogs. However, they must be on a leash and it will be your own responsibility. No running involved. Just a casual, social walk. Bring water if you need it. **Free street parking is available in the surrounding areas. Please avoid parking inside the park lot, as the gates may close before we finish our walk.** **Park closes at dusk so I strongly advise against parking inside any of the lots. Just drive around, and you can easily find free open parking spaces.** **Lacy Park is located at 1485 Virginia Road, San Marino, CA 91108**