The Music Center

The Music Center’s longstanding Very Special Arts Festival is expanding with this half-day fest at Jerry Moss Plaza, where art and science will unite with dozens of educational, hands-on activities. Open to Angelenos of all ages and abilities, the free, family-friendly event will offer dance performances, Taiko drumming lessons, art-making workshops with an educational angle and more. Afterward, you can head across the street to Gloria Molina Grand Park for more art, music, dance, food at the also-free Arts Fest by LAUSD (9am–4pm).

LA Opera is hosting a free early Cinco de Mayo celebration of Latino artistry and culture at the Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza. Immediately after the opera’s matinee performance of Ainadamar, all are welcome to enjoy musical performances by all-female mariachi ensembles Las Colibrí and Mariachi Divas, flamenca dancers Jessica Perez and Jasmine Elis San Nicholas, and LA Opera Connects’ Zarzuela Project. Meanwhile, local artisans—from booksellers to painters—will be selling goods at an outdoor mercado. For refreshments, tacos, buñuelos and signature cocktails will be on offer.