A rodeo, tacos and comedy. Your must-go SoCal festivals in May
A rodeo, tacos and comedy. Your must-go SoCal festivals in May
Paris Barraza, USA TODAYWed, April 29, 2026 at 6:35 PM UTC
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A rodeo, tacos and comedy. Your must-go SoCal festivals in May
Coachella and Stagecoach may be what comes to mind when we say “festival,” but Southern Californians know that countless more take place across the region throughout the year.
Here’s a few this May, including ones with free admission, that both residents and visitors can check out.
Celebrate literature with LitFest in the Dena
On the heels of the L.A. Times Festival of Books in April comes LitFest in the Dena, another literary celebration. Explore their programming calendar to see which sessions you want to attend at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church, from poetry and young adult literature, to spirituality and science fiction. Also happening at nearby businesses are author signings, zine-making and other activities as part of LitFest in the Dena.
When: May 1-2
Where: 585 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Dig into tacos with L.A. Taco’s Taco Madness
L.A. Taco brought back its bracket-style tournament to find the best tacos in the Los Angeles County area earlier this year. With their March-Madness-for-tacos, a.k.a. Taco Madness, comes an in-person celebration of all things tacos in Los Angeles. General admission — which is $25 — gets you the opportunity to try out “the very best taqueros in town” in one location, L.A. Taco said, plus other festivities. Admission is free for children 14 years old and younger.
When: May 2
Where: Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles
Comedy galore with Netflix is a Joke Festival
Some of the biggest names in comedy are coming to Southern California thanks to the Netflix is a Joke Festival. Nikki Glaser, Joel Kim, John Mulaney, Conan O’Brien, Robby Hoffman and Ali Wong are among the many acts performing at various venues across Los Angeles County.
When: May 4-10
Where: Various venues in Los Angeles County
Celebrate Louisiana with Gator By The Bay
It’s “Mardi Gras in May” thanks to the Gator By The Bay festival in San Diego. Expect multiple stages of live music, free dance lessons and plenty of Southern cooking at this “Louisiana throwdown,” as the festival says. General admission starts at $80, and children 17 and younger can get free admission as long as they’re with a paid adult.
When: May 7-10
Where: 3900 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego
Jam out with the Joshua Tree Music Festival
The Joshua Tree Music Festival returns on May 14 with a lineup that includes rapper Ruby Ibarra and numerous DJ sets. This self-described family-friendly festival brings an eclectic mix of music to the desert twice a year, so you’ll have another chance to attend in October if you can’t make it this time around.
When: May 14-17
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Where: Joshua Tree Lake Campground in Joshua Tree
Explore the California Strawberry Festival
Grab yourself strawberry beer (yes, strawberry beer) and check out over 40 food vendors when the California Strawberry Festival returns to Ventura County, according to the event. Enjoy live music and stop at various arts and crafts booths for this two-day festival. Admission online starts at $17.48 for adults.
When: May 16-17
Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds
Celebrate your favorite franchises with Universal Fan Fest nights
Just like the Disneyland Resort has events separate from regular park programming, so does Universal Studios Hollywood with its Universal Fan Fest Nights. “Scooby-Doo,” “Harry Potter" and “One Piece" are among what will be featured at the event that’s all about celebrating fandom. Expect character interactions, photo opportunities, curated food and more, according to Universal Studios Hollywood.
When: Select nights through May 16
Where: Universal Studios Hollywood
Celebrate art with Balboa Island Artwalk
Spend the day at the 31st annual Balboa Island Artwalk, which showcases scores of artists’ work along the waterfront. Admission is free, according to the event.
When: May 17
Where: South Bayfront at Balboa Island
Spend Memorial Day weekend with LA Fleet Week
LA Fleet Week returns to the LA Waterfront and to other communities in Southern California for several days of festivities ahead of, and on, Memorial Day. Spend an evening in San Pedro for food and music as part of the city’s official welcome party that kicks off LA Fleet Week, tour Battleship USS Iowa and explore the LA Fleet Week Expo nearby.
When: May 19-25
Where: LA Waterfront and other locations in Southern California
Experience a rodeo with Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival
Experience the two-day Memorial Festival in San Diego County, where free admission gets you access to line-dancing lessons, live music and to shop local food vendors, according to the event. Part of the festivities include a ticketed rodeo on both days. General admission is $35 for the rodeo.
When: May 22-23
Where: Star Valley Park at Valley Center
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SoCal has a ton of unique festivals. Here’s a few in May
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