Monterey Park in Los Angeles County, California is an urban city over 100 years strong since its incorporation on May 29, 1916. From a tourism perspective, the city offers many free events throughout the year that visitors can enjoy.
With access to downtown Los Angeles, sports arenas, concert venues, museums and Los Angeles County Arboretum, Monterey Park is ideally situated.
Festivals abound! Most are produced by the City of Monterey Park, which features a first-class Parks & Recreation department. Professional and community-minded, the city's employees help foster a stronger community and promote tourism through their outreach and activities such as these events:
Lunar New Year Festival: Possible the signature event for Monterey Park, the festival attracts up to 100,000 people! It includes 7 blocks of street fair entertainment, large carnival fun zone booths, food and best of all, it's FREE! Held in Downtown Monterey Park on Garvey Avenue between Ramona and Alhambra Avenues, see LunarNewYears.com
Cherry Blossom Festival: Founded in 1997, the two day festival held on a
Saturday and Sunday (most recently in April) includes street fair with
vendors, live performance entertainment and foods for sale. Monterey Park's
majority population at more than 65% Asian descent (Chinese, Japanese,
Vietnamese, etc.) participate at this heritage celebration which includes
traditional costumes, dancing, taiko drums, martial arts, and
the ancient art of the tea ceremony. All ages are welcome at this free
festival.
Cinco de Mayo: This Hispanic culture festival was founded in 1982. Mariachi, Folklorico dancing and
a Dance Competition are typically among the line up at the one day event
held in Barnes Park on a weekend surrounding May 5.
Farmers' Market
Fourth of July: Usually held on the July 4, the festival celebrates America's Independence with concerts, family fun and free fireworks displays. Donations help make this event happen so it's wise to confirm before going, and donate a few bucks to the cause through City parks & rec.
Geranium Festival: Founded in 2014, this relatively new Fall event includes old-fashioned games such as hula hoops, watermelon eating contest and 3-legged and potato sack races, an art walk and dog-friendly elements.
Concerts in the Park & Movies : Usually held during the summer months is fantastic, free entertainment with bands performing in parks at free summer concerts. The city also hosts a spectacular, free fireworks display on the 4th of July Independence Day most years.
To stay up to date on events be sure to check out the city website or visit City Hall, City of Monterey Park 320 West Newmark Ave. Monterey Park, CA 91754 montereypark.ca.gov