Los Angeles Memorial Day 2019 Free Museum Days And Community Events

Los Angeles during Memorial Day weekend 2019 offered numerous free activities and museum days for residents and visitors seeking affordable entertainment options. The city provided a diverse range of experiences from cultural institutions to outdoor events, allowing people to honor the holiday while enjoying quality time with family and friends without admission fees. This comprehensive guide highlights the free museum days, special events, and community activities available throughout the Los Angeles area during the May 2019 Memorial Day weekend.

Free Museum Days in May 2019

Los Angeles boasts an impressive array of museums that offer free admission on specific days throughout May 2019, with several opportunities coinciding with the Memorial Day weekend. These free admission days provide an excellent opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the city's rich cultural offerings without financial barriers.

Several museums maintained consistent free evening hours during May. The Japanese American National Museum offered free admission from 5 to 8 p.m. on multiple dates, including May 2, May 9, and May 23. Similarly, the Skirball Cultural Center provided free admission from noon to 5 p.m. on May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23, and May 30. The USC Pacific Asian Museum followed the same evening schedule (5 to 8 p.m.) on May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23, and May 30, while the Long Beach Museum of Art extended its hours from 3 to 8 p.m. on those same dates.

The Museum of Latin American Art featured free admission on May 5, May 12, May 19, and May 26, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on May 23. The Craft and Folk Art Museum operated on a "pay what you can" basis on May 5, May 12, May 19, and May 26. The Norton Simon Museum welcomed visitors without charge from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 3.

Several institutions offered special free family programs. Kidspace Children's Museum hosted Free Family Night from 4 to 8 p.m. on May 7. The Natural History Museum provided free admission during the same time slot on May 7, with additional note that L.A. County residents could receive free admission Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. by presenting valid ID or a utility bill. The La Brea Tar Pits Museum also participated in this free admission period.

On May 14, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) offered free admission, with additional reminder that L.A. County residents with valid ID could enter free after 3:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays throughout the month. The Autry Museum of the American West also participated in free admission on May 14.

A significant event occurred on May 19 with Museums of the Arroyo Day, when six museums and historic homes near the Arroyo Seco Parkway offered free admission. This annual event provided an excellent opportunity to explore multiple cultural institutions in one day.

Botanical enthusiasts had several options with free admission days at the Los Angeles County Arboretum on May 21, South Coast Botanic Garden on May 21, and Descanso Gardens on May 21.

Special consideration was noted for the Huntington Library on May 2, which required advance pass reservations for its free day, with the warning that these passes booked up quickly. Visitors were encouraged to plan ahead for future months by checking June's free days and preparing to secure tickets online as soon as they became available.

The Memorial Day holiday itself featured several free museum opportunities. LACMA provided free admission on May 27, specifically for the Memorial Day Holiday. Additional free museum opportunities continued on May 30 with the Skirball Cultural Center (noon to 5 p.m.), USC Pacific Asian Museum (5 to 8 p.m.), and Japanese American National Museum (5 to 8 p.m.).

Museums with Consistently Free Admission

Beyond the specific free days listed, Los Angeles is home to over two dozen museums that offer free admission throughout the month of May and year-round. These institutions provide excellent cultural experiences without any admission fees, making them accessible options for budget-conscious visitors.

Notable among these permanently free museums are The Getty, California Science Center, and The Hammer Museum. These world-class institutions maintain their commitment to accessibility by eliminating admission barriers, allowing visitors to focus on the art, science, and cultural experiences without financial concerns.

The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) in Long Beach offers free docent-led tours at 2 p.m. on Sundays. While exhibits are always open on Sundays, free tickets are recommended and can be booked online in advance. The museum is located at 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, and offers complimentary parking for visitors.

Memorial Day Weekend Events and Ceremonies

Memorial Day weekend featured several meaningful ceremonies and parades honoring the holiday's significance. In Canoga Park, the 32nd annual Memorial Day Parade included floats, music, and more. The event began at 10 a.m. with a wreath-laying and commemoration, followed by the parade starting at 11 a.m. along Sherman Way from Owensmouth to Cozycroft.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley hosted a memorial ceremony outdoors with live music starting at 9 a.m. and a program at 10 a.m. at the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument. The ceremony featured a live band, color guard, aircraft flyover, and keynote speakers. Notably, admission to the museum was not included in this free ceremony. The library is located at 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, with RSVPs suggested for attendance.

Similarly, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda offered free activities including a wreath-laying ceremony and speech outdoors at 10:15 a.m., followed by a patriotic band concert indoors at 11 a.m. Museum admission was not included in these free events. Free tickets could be reserved online for these ceremonies. The library is situated at 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda.

Festival and Fair Activities

The Los Angeles County Fair, themed "Art Unleashed" in 2019, provided all-ages entertainment with hands-on art activities, skating rink, petting zoo, concerts, carnival, and barnyard races. Heritage Square featured arts and crafts vendors and demonstrations. The fair operated from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Thursday, May 15, through Sunday, May 26, at Fairplex in Pomona.

Another significant event was the Festival of Sail at LA Fleet Week, held from Friday, May 23, through Monday, May 26, at the West Harbor Promenade in Downtown San Pedro Harbor. Hosted by the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI), the festival featured four daily sails, including Cannon Battles and Explore the Coast Bilingual, STEM-based Educational Sails. The event also offered free deck tours and hands-on activities for children and adults in the TallShip Village, all taking place on the LA Waterfront in association with the Sherry Griswold Foundation.

Outdoor Activities and Beach Options

Despite the common assumption that beaches would be overcrowded during Memorial Day weekend, early planning allowed for enjoyable beach experiences. Crystal Cove, located between Laguna and Newport Beach, was recommended as a favorite destination. Visitors were advised to make reservations at The Beachcomber Cafe to coincide with their beach visit, noting that OpenTable wasn't available for day-of reservations, requiring advance planning. Breakfast service began at 7 a.m. at the cafe.

For those traveling with pets, Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach offered off-leash fun and is the only off-leash dog beach in L.A. County. Located in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach, the beach was open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nearby Panxa Cocina provided outdoor patio seating accommodating both humans and their canine companions.

The Memorial Day Carnival at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia operated from Saturday, May 24th, through Monday, May 26th, with wristbands available for $30 providing unlimited rides. A 15% discount was offered through a specific promotion link.

Family Entertainment Options

Families seeking entertainment had several options during Memorial Day weekend. The LA County Fair continued its run through the weekend, offering rides, concerts, and carnival activities with hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For those interested in maritime experiences, the Festival of Sail at LA Fleet Week provided educational opportunities through bilingual, STEM-based educational sails that combined learning with adventure.

Honoring the Holiday

Memorial Day Weekend provided opportunities for both celebration and reflection. Beyond the festivities, the holiday offered meaningful ways to honor the nation's fallen heroes. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue that has hosted everything from Olympic Games to Super Bowls to concerts, contains a museum that tells the story of the Coliseum and its role in LA's history. Visitors could pay their respects at the nearby Los Angeles National Cemetery while at the Coliseum.

Olvera Street hosted the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony, providing a unique opportunity to commemorate the holiday while celebrating the bond between people and their animal companions.

Planning Tips for Free Museum Visits

When planning visits during free admission days, several considerations could enhance the experience:

1. Advance Planning: Some museums, like the Huntington Library, required advance reservations for free days, and these passes often booked up quickly. Visitors were encouraged to check official museum websites well in advance of their planned visit.

2. Timing Considerations: Many free admission periods occurred during specific hours rather than all-day access. For example, several museums offered free evening hours from 5 to 8 p.m., while others provided afternoon access.

3. Special Exhibitions: Free admission days might not include specially ticketed exhibitions. Visitors should check museum websites to determine whether special exhibitions required separate tickets.

4. Parking Information: While admission might be free, parking could still incur costs. Visitors were advised to verify parking fees and availability before their visit.

5. Identification Requirements: Some museums offered extended free hours to local residents with valid identification. L.A. County residents, for example, could receive free admission at certain museums on specific weekdays with proper ID.

6. Verification of Status: Due to potential changes in schedules or special events, visitors were encouraged to verify the status of free days before their visit by checking official museum websites for the most current information on visiting hours, parking costs, and any other pertinent details.

Conclusion

Los Angeles during Memorial Day weekend 2019 offered numerous free activities and cultural experiences that allowed residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday without financial barriers. From world-class museums with free admission days to community parades, outdoor festivals, and beach activities, the provided diverse options for entertainment and reflection.

The free museum days throughout May provided exceptional value, with many institutions offering specific evening or afternoon access at no cost. Museums of the Arroyo Day on May 19 brought together six cultural institutions in a single day of free exploration. Meanwhile, the Memorial Day holiday itself featured free admission at LACMA and other venues, creating meaningful opportunities for cultural engagement.

Beyond museums, the city hosted parades, ceremonies, and festivals that honored the holiday's significance while providing entertainment for all ages. The Los Angeles County Fair, Festival of Sail at LA Fleet Week, and beach activities offered additional options for families and individuals seeking to make the most of the long weekend.

For those interested in year-round free cultural experiences, Los Angeles's over two dozen permanently free museums—including The Getty, California Science Center, and The Hammer Museum—provide ongoing access to world-class exhibitions and programming.

By taking advantage of these free offerings and planning ahead for any requirements like advance reservations or specific timing, visitors could maximize their Memorial Day weekend experience while honoring the holiday's significance through community engagement and cultural exploration.

Sources

1. Free Museum Days in Los Angeles – May 2019
2. 12 Free Things to Do in Southern California on Memorial Day Weekend
3. Things to Do Los Angeles SoCal This Memorial Day Weekend
4. Free Memorial Day Los Angeles
5. Top 20 Things to Do in LA Over Memorial Day Weekend