Memorial Day is more than just time off from work. It's a day when all American citizens salute the fallen soldiers who fought to keep this country great by grilling meat over an open flame and drinking domestic beers in their honor. With every BBQ'd slab of ribs we devour and ice cold Miller High Life we throw back, we celebrate our freedom.
This weekend is about our rights. But most of all, our right to PARTY.
Los Angeles Marathon, 5K Run/Walk and Acura LA Bike Tour May 25
Bright and early Monday, May 25 morning a crowd of brave thousands will try to overcome their body's limitations and the late May heat by taking on the famed Los Angeles Marathon, starting in downtown LA. The 26.2-mile marathon will run concurrently with a shorter 5K run/walk and the Acura LA Bike Tour, in which participants will ride out the long stretch of city sites. Afterwards, a Finish Line Festival will take place where runners and spectators can revel in the triumph of the day.
Memorial Day Street Fair May 25
This largley Latino themed street fair sees nearly 30,000 participants each year flood the colorful and street food laden intersection of Wilshire Blvd. and Alvarado St. Taco trucks, carnie games and rides, live music and all kinds of souvenirs, sundries and widgets are expected to converge in a may-lay of May day fun. This event will probably be responsible for most of the tired children with cotton candy hangovers in LA classes on Tuesday morning.
Topanga Days May 22 - 25
It doesn't get much more American than a bunch of free thinking, hemp-wearing folks getting together for high times, good music and classic Americana like pie eating contests, egg tosses, sack races and face painting. Topanga Days combines a free-thinking fundraiser for the arts set against a backdrop of natural beauty, making it the ultimate Memorial Day Weekend love-in option. Just make sure to wear some flowers in your hair while you remember our vets.
Vineland Drive-in Memorial Day Weekend Tailgate May 24
Enjoying a drive-in movie is something so classically California and therefore intrinsically American that pairing it with a holiday meant to celebrate our freedoms and remember those who fought for them makes so much sense. The Southern California Drive-in Movie Society has been striving to preserve this piece of American culture by setting up tailgate events at local drive-ins. This Sunday the schedule makes its way to the Pacific Theaters Vineland Drive-in, a little more than 20 minutes outside LA.
Fiesta Hermosa May 23-25
Freedom of artistic expression goes hand-in-hand with one of our most important rights. No where is this freedom more greatly lauded this weekend than at the Fiesta Hermosa arts and crafts fair. Nearly every artistic medium is explored and on sale along with the live music at this celebration by the beach. Plus, a sprawling selection of food choices and a beer and wine garden make it nearly impossible not to exercise your inalienable right to gorge yourself while getting sunburned.
Jazz/Reggae Festival @ UCLA May 24-25
Much of what we call classic American food, culture and music actually comes from somewhere else. Hamburgers and hot dogs? German. Christmas trees? European. Rock & Roll? Basically a conglomeration of African rhythms originated by the ancestors of slaves and then co-opted by Caucasian dreamboats with slicked back hairdos. Only one art form has truly come out of the United States in the country's short lifespan and that is the sublime art of Jazz. UCLA's Jazz Raggae Festival has become a SoCal Memorial Day Weekend staple that brings together the music, soul and sustenance surrounding that indigenous American sound. Erykah Badu headlines this year with De La Soul also on the list.
Classic Beach Bonfire
If you'd like to spend Memorial Day weekend sleeping in, this option is not for you. But if you have an appetite for the sun drenched bliss of a sandy afternoon by the soothing Pacific ocean waves and a balmy night lit by the flickering fire of crackling wood, the classic beach bonfire is the only thing to sate it. Dockweiler Beach is the last in Los Angeles with fire rings so getting there super early may be the only answer.
Old School Park BBQ
There isn't a park in all of LA that doesn't beg to be barbecued in. Tall, friendly palm trees, plenty of room to swing a bat at a pinata or blow up a bouncy house, ample space for impromptu kickball games and most come fully equipped with built-in grill pits, ready for fresh coals and sizzling delights. Plus there are so many, you're bound to find a spot to celebrate in peace. Just take your pick.
Cinefamily 5min game and BBQ May 25
Movies have been a part of this country's cultural fabric since the first moving picture with sound made its groundbreaking debut in New York City. The Silent Movie Theater keeps up the fine tradition of movie watching this Memorial Day with its 5min game and BBQ. They'll play the first five minutes of 15 different films and then have a vote from the group as to which should be watched in its entirety. They'll also fire up their patio grill and throw on whatever eats the audience brings along.
Re Edit Memorial Excursion May 22-25
Housed inside the 740 Basement Lounge downtown, Re Edit's Memorial Excursion is a four-day funkfest of techno and electronica ending in a finale on Memorial Day afternoon at the Flat Lounge pool that will feature live DJs, fresh barbecue, bikinis and drinks galore.
Memorial Day Mini-Cruise & BBQ
The Booze Cruise is probably not an American invention but it's safe to say us rowdy Yanks have pretty much perfected getting good and sloshed at sea. This event covers a multi-leveled luxury yacht and includes DJ's, barbecue, extensive liquor options and a game deck with all the favorites including karaoke, pinball, Foosball, video games and air hockey. It's kind of like Freshman year of college, only on a boat.
National Moment of Remembrance
Where ever you are, whatever/whoever you're doing on Memorial Day, set an alarm for yourself on your cell phone, iPhone, Blackberry or ironic digital '80s era watch/calculator combo (I'm talking to you, Hipsters) for 3PM. This is the nationally recognized time when every US citizen should take a minute to pause and reflect on the real reason behind this holiday and the real people who have dutifully served out country through the years.
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