Topanga Days

When I first moved to Los Angeles in 1995, I fell in love with Topanga Canyon because of its leafy trees, its unpredictable winding roads, and its culture.  The Topanga Canyon neighborhoods are eclectic and varied, and the folks there celebrate on Memorial Day weekend with the Topanga Days festival.  Now in its 37th year, the festival is a three day party featuring music, fine arts and crafts, and food and drink.

Music lovers will appreciate the opportunity to discover new sounds and talents.  An amazing roster of acts is planned for this year, including local acts you’ve never heard of and bands that have been there, done that.  My own friend Charlie Vaughn and his band The Daily Routine are on the bill for Monday.  This live act is not to be missed.  Just imagine it – you’re outside in the dusty canyon, a cold beer in your hand, music pumping through your body, happy people all around you.

Oh wait, that was when I was 24 and single and childless.  Luckily, there are things for kids too.  Ah, but when I return to Topanga Days, I am transported back to that year when I first visited the festival and a band called Lode was playing.  The band itself never made it, but the singer became the famous Inara George.  Check out Lode’s track “Legs and Arms,” which to this day I suspect was written using Magnetic Poetry.

In addition to the wonderful music and festival atmosphere, there are also activities and games (including a watermelon seed spitting contest), a parade, and a kid zone.  The festival takes place at the Topanga Canyon Community Club – admission is $20 per day for those over 5 years old.  Parking along Topanga gets rather dicey, so the fair has shuttles running from various lots nearby – check the website for details.

[photo from Topanga Days website]