Los Angeles Hungry Ghost Festival

The roots of this cultural fest near the center of Chinatown go back more than 2,000 years. Historically, the “hungry ghosts” refer to the wandering spirits of returning ancestors that walk the earth one month of the year. Today, Los Angeles’s third annual fest honors tradition with Chinese lion and dragon dance performances, kung fu demonstrations, fan dancers, local musicians and a closing costume parade—so dress in your most spirited attire. For kids, there’s face painting, a bounce house and shadow puppetry.