Fiesta La Ballona: Culver City’s Small-Town Carnival in the Big City
One of the things people love most about Culver City is how it blends the energy of Los Angeles with the heart of a small town. Nowhere is that more true than at the La Ballona Festival, our very own community carnival held right in the middle of the city.
Every year, just before school starts, families, neighbors, and friends gather for a weekend that feels like the perfect summer send-off. The streets transform into a lively fairground, filled with rides, games, and music — the kind of experience that reminds you kids can still grow up with a real hometown carnival, even in the middle of a big city.
What makes La Ballona Festival special?
Rides & Games – from spinning rides to classic carnival games, it’s nonstop fun for kids.
Bike Parking Lot – ride over and park your bike with ease (very Culver City).
Food Trucks & Eats – local vendors serve up everything from carnival classics to global flavors.
Beer Garden – a favorite hangout for adults while kids enjoy the rides.
Live Music Stage – bands and performers keep the energy high all weekend long.
Community Booths – local organizations share what they do to make Culver City thrive.
It’s more than just a carnival — it’s a tradition that brings everyone together. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just getting to know the neighborhood, the La Ballona Festival is the perfect way to meet your neighbors, support local groups, and soak in that small-town feel that makes Culver City so different from anywhere else in LA.
So if you’re new to the area, put this one on your calendar. And if you grew up here, you already know: the La Ballona Festival is a Culver City classic. A weekend of rides, food, music, and community — the perfect way to wrap up summer.
