“Long weekend” may be the most exhilarating phrase in the English language at this point, and L.A. knows how to do long weekends right. From a drag fest to a ’90s music extravaganza, there are our picks for the best things to do in L.A. this weekend. And for more Memorial Day doings, check our list here.
RuPaul’s DragCon
May 24-26
RuPaul’s DragCon returns to the L.A. Convention Center with more camp than the Met Gala could ever dream of shaking a stick at. Drag queens and drag-adjacent celebs pack the house for autograph signings, panels, performances, and celebrity drag makeovers. And bring the kids for a weekend packed with drag queen story hours. Ru herself will be in the house to DJ too.
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
May 24-27
In the mood for a Memorial Day weekend road trip? Grab the kids, set your Google Maps for Garden Grove, and cruise to the 61st annual strawberry fest for slices of free strawberry cake (yum!), carnival rides (woohoo!), and at least one punny attraction (the Berry, Berry Beautiful Baby Pageant).
Viva La Muxer Festival
May 25
Las Fotos Project, a non-profit that encourages teenage girls to engage with the world and find their voices through photography, hosts its fifth annual fundraiser, featuring live music from Irka Mateo, Linafornia, Te Aho Nui, and others; Migrant Mamas Virtual Reality Theater; food and gift vendors; and workshops in photography, wheatpasting, and other forms of art.
National Burger Day at Smorgasburg
Chow down at everyone’s favorite food pop-up, Smorgasburg. In honor of Memorial Day, this Sunday’s edition is a special Burger Day theme. Try burgers from regular vendors, plus some special folks coming in just for the occasion. Sun., May 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Smorgasburg at ROW DTLA, 777 S. Alameda St., downtown.
L.A. Zine Fest
May 26
Let’s hear it for the little indie publishers that could, many of which you can catch during this fest at Culver City’s Helms Bakery. All of the bookish festivites wrap up at 6 p.m.; finish your night right by grabbing Sichuan dumplings at nearby Lukshon or one of Father’s Office’s famous burgers.
New Kids on the Block
May 26
On the eve of Memorial Day 2019, the Hollywood Bowl goes full 1989 when OG Bostonian boy band New Kids on the Block stop by with guests Salt-N-Pepa, Tiffany, Debbie Gibson, and Naughty by Nature. Only one way to find out if they still have THE RIGHT STUFF (sue me).
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The post The Best Things to Do in L.A. This Weekend appeared first on Los Angeles Magazine.