Summer festivals
Watch agriculture themed competitions, play in a neon wonderland, partake in four days of music, celebrate facial hair or eat tacos for a cause at events that are within driving distance.
Los Angeles
Music from surf pop and neo-soul to jazz-tinged hip-hop and Beatles tributes at the ninth annual Echo Park Rising, a four-day music and events festival held throughout Echo Park. When: Check website for event times and locations. Aug. 15-18 Cost, info: Free. Familyfriendly (except for some 21-and-older events). Dogs are permitted only in certain venues, so be sure to check. epr.la
Lancaster
New at this year’s Antelope Valley Fair & Alfalfa Festival are never-before-seen carnival rides, a facial-hair contest called Beards & Brews, and an aerospace center with robotics and a high-tech petting zoo. Don’t miss the Rural Olympics, which nod to the valley’s agricultural history with tractor races, hay-bale games and fireworks. When: 4 p.m.-midnight Aug. 16-25. (It closes at 11 p.m. on Aug. 25) Cost, info: $13. Familyfriendly. Only service dogs are permitted. (661) 948-6060; avfair.com/ av-fair
Commerce
Snack on light-up cotton candy, explore an igloo made of neon pool floats and show off your moves on an LED dance floor at Summer Fest, a colorful block party at the Citadel Outlets in Center Court (in front of the Coach store). Other activities include interactive art installations, life-size board games, and discounts and giveaways from outlet stores. When: Noon- 9 p.m. Aug. 17 Cost, info: Free. Familyfriendly. Dogs are permitted. (323) 888-1724, bit.ly/summerfest commerce
Los Angeles
Cross a few items off your taco bucket list at the L.A. Taco Festival at Grand Park. The lineup includes Korean-Mexican tacos from Kogi, Thai-inspired creations from Thai-Mex Cocina and a dozen others — as well as live salsa music and a playground for kids. Part of the proceeds benefits Jovenes Inc., which offers housing and other services to homeless youth. When: Noon-8 p.m. Aug. 17 Cost, info: Free. Familyfriendly. Dogs OK. latacofestival.com
Los Angeles
For every guest at the Back to School Block Party at ROW DTLA, school supply retailer Yoobi will donate one year’s worth of school supplies to a student in need who attends school in the Los Angeles Unified School District for the 2019-20 school year. Expect live music and dancing, food trucks, a beer garden and vendors. RSVP required. When: 2-8 p.m. Aug. 17 Cost, info: Free. Familyfriendly. Dogs OK. bit.ly/ LAback2school Note: Always check before you go because weather or other factors can affect events. Children should always be accompanied by an adult. Assume dogs must be on a leash. To suggest an event, email travel@latimes.com at least four weeks before the event.