Surfing, anime

Events in Southern California cater to fans of anime, Ecuadoran food and outer space.

Santa Barbara

Equestrian parades, food markets and historical music and dance are part of the fun at the 95th Old Spanish Days, a five-day celebration of the city’s multicultural heritage. Shop for crafts, tour the Santa Barbara Mission and play at a family carnival by day, then head to the Casa Cantina for live music and dancing by night. When: Check website for event times and locations. July 31-Aug. 4

Cost, info: Free. (Some activities cost, though.) Family friendly. Only service dogs permitted. (805) 962-8101, oldspanish days-fiesta.org

Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach

South Bay surf fans unite each year to swim, paddle and run at the International Surf Festival near the piers on Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Watch lifeguards compete in relay races or check out the winners of a sandcastle design contest. When: Check website for event times and locations. July 31-Aug. 4

Cost, info: Admission free, participation in events up to $45. Family friendly. No dogs. (310) 405-4275, surffestival.org

Pomona

Hang with lovers of all things anime and Japanese pop culture at Animanga at the Pomona Fairplex. The weekend includes costume contests, gaming tournaments, arcades, anime screenings, panels and performances. When: 10 a.m. Aug. 2-4 Cost, info: $15 to $125. Family friendly. Only service dogs permitted. (786) 878-9766, animanga usa.com

Pasadena

Take an evening yoga class, listen to roaming acoustic musicians and craft a paper lei at the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair in Central Park. More than 200 artisans will sell jewelry, home decor and other handmade goods. Food trucks and a beer garden will offer refreshments. When: 5 p.m. Aug. 2, 3 p.m. Aug. 3 Cost, info: Free. Family friendly. Dogs OK. (323) 989-2278, jackalopeart fair.com/pasadena

Agoura Hills

Gaze at the Milky Way over the Santa Monica Mountains at the Night Sky Festival at Paramount Ranch. Astronomers will help you spot Saturn, Jupiter and distant galaxies through telescopes, then park rangers will lead you on a bat-detecting expedition. Kids can craft planispheres and play games about the night sky. When: 7 p.m. Aug. 3 Cost, info: Free. Family friendly. Dogs OK. (805) 370-2301, bit.ly/samo nightskyfest

Los Angeles

Celebrate Ecuadoran independence at Taste of Ecuador on Los Angeles Street near El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. On the menu will be hornado (roast pig), patacones (twicefried plantains) and other regional dishes. You can also watch a parade, play carnival games and shop from crafts vendors. When: 10 a.m. Aug. 4 Cost, info: Free. Family friendly. Not recommended for dogs. (818) 734-2701. bit.ly/tasteof ecuador