As Father’s Day approaches, the countdown to making meaningful memories begins.
Whether you’re looking to share a unique experience, try something creative, or simply spend quality time together, Southern California offers plenty of options to make the day special. From vibrant chalk art to thrilling horse races and hands-on workshops, we’ve compiled a list of events to consider that go beyond the usual gifts and are tailored to creating lasting memories.
Here’s a list of events to hit during the Father’s Day weekend.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Is the dad in your life into sealife and brewskies? For Father’s Day, the Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting a special lunch where families can enjoy a meal and explore the home of some of the ocean’s most breathtaking animals. Tickets for the lunch served on the Aquarium’s rooftop Veranda dining area that overlooks the beautiful Rainbow Harbor include all-day admission. All fathers at the lunch will receive a complimentary beer or soft drink. Reservations will be offered hourly between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
When: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sunday, June 15.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach.
Admission: $85 for adults and $65 for children (3-11), including general admission, available at aquariumofpacific.org.
The Dad Games at Dave & Buster’s
Whether you have a father who likes to compete or will come ready to win, Dave & Buster’s will be hosting an event to see which dad or father figure has what it takes to win a year of free game play. Participating fathers will receive unlimited video game play all day with admission, along with a buffet of food for competitive fuel, including cheeseburger sliders, flatbread cheese pizza, crispy chicken bites, pretzel dogs, French fries, macaroni and cheese, unlimited soft drinks and iced tea.
When: Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 15.
Where: At participating Dave & Buster’s locations.
Admission: $34.57 per person at daveandbusters.com.
Dine with Dad at SoFi Stadium
If your dad is a fan of football, treat him to a premium brunch buffet served inside an exclusive suite, complete with beautiful views and first-class hospitality. After brunch, enjoy a behind-the-scenes guided tour of SoFi Stadium, which includes access to the stadium’s locker rooms, premium suites, the Owner’s Club and more. A separate add-on that explores the NFL Los Angeles and the NFL’s West Coast Headquarters is also available.
When: Brunch will begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 15. Allow enough time to enjoy a brunch meal before your tour time.
Where: SoFi Stadium, 1001 S. Stadium Drive, Inglewood.
Admission: Brunch tickets, including the stadium tour, are $95. Beer and wine vouchers are $17.40 and the NFL add-on is $23.15. All tickets are available at sofistadium.com.
Dad Day at Angels Stadium
The Los Angeles Angels will be hosting “Dad Day at the A,” where dads can take swings in the Angels batting cages, enjoy a behind-the-scenes stadium tour, chow down in the Lexus Diamond Club and have a chance to meet Angels alumni. Fans can also stick around for the baseball game, which is happening on the same day, where the Angels will face off against the Baltimore Orioles.
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 15.
Where: Angels Stadium, 2000 E Gene Autry Way, Anaheim.
Admission: $132 per adult and $69 for children at mlb.tickets.com.
Newport Beach Father’s Day Dinner Cruise
If your dad prefers the sea, this cruise features a front row seat to the ocean with open-air decks, a chef-prepared gourmet meal and unlimited craft beer. The boat will journey through Newport Beach’s landmarks, including the Balboa Fun Zone, Balboa Island Ferry, and the Balboa Pavilion, while a live DJ sets the mood for celebration.
When: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15.
Where: 2431 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach.
Admission: $344.19 per adult and $225.06 at eventbrite.com.
Pasadena Chalk Festival
Spend Father’s Day weekend soaking in art under the sun at the annual Pasadena Chalk Festival. This vibrant, family-friendly event invites the community to watch hundreds of artists transform the pavement into stunning, large-scale chalk murals at The Paseo shopping center. From whimsical illustrations and iconic pop culture references to powerful tributes and museum-worthy recreations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Guests can also check out a Silent Auction featuring original works, shop for festival merchandise, and support arts education programs through the Light Bringer Project.
When: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15.
Where: The Paseo, 300 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Admission: Free; more at pasadenachalkfestival.com
(Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Father’s Day Pottery Class: Rustic Ceramic Dad Mug
Get hands-on this Father’s Day with a unique pottery experience in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Hosted by The Potters Bar, this beginner-friendly workshop invites guests to craft a custom rustic ceramic mug from scratch, and no experience is required. Set in a private penthouse terrace art studio inside a historic DTLA loft, the class is guided by a professional ceramicist and includes all materials. Participants can choose from 12 glaze colors for their mug, which will be finished and ready for pickup three weeks later. Guests are also welcome to bring their own favorite drinks to enjoy during the class.
When: 12:45 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: L.A. Cornell Building, 743 Santee St., Los Angeles
Admission: $65 per person; tickets available at thepotterybarceramics.com
Father’s Day at Santa Anita Park
If your dad’s idea of a great day involves photo finishes and premium BBQ, Santa Anita Park has a full lineup of experiences to match—from trackside feasts to whiskey tastings. Nestled in the San Gabriel Valley, the park is offering a full slate of events for Father’s Day, including exciting high-stakes races like the $100,000 San Juan Capistrano Stakes. Guests can choose from a variety of premium experiences—from a classic FrontRunner buffet with track views, to a BBQ picnic with craft beer and ice cream, or whiskey tastings in the Chandelier Room.
When: Gates open at 11 a.m.; first post at 12 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Dr., Arcadia
Admission: Options range from $10 general admission to premium dining packages starting at $50. Details and tickets at santaanita.com.
(Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Father’s Day Scotch Masterclass: A Rare Tasting Experience
For the whisky-loving dad—or the one curious to explore—Vintage Wine & Spirits is offering a rare and refined tasting event this Father’s Day. Guests will sample nine premium Scotch whiskies, including the exclusive 27-Year Bowmore valued at $550 a bottle. Guided by Jay Roberts, co-founder of The Whiskey Lab, the masterclass blends storytelling and expertise with a curated flight of exceptional pours. Your $10 ticket includes a full store credit, making this a great opportunity to sip and shop. Space is extremely limited, with only 36 spots available.
When: 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: Vintage Wine & Spirits, 16938 Saticoy St., Lake Balboa
Admission: $10 plus fees (includes store credit); tickets available at vintagewineandspirits.com.
(Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Father’s Day Paint & Sip Brunch
Paintbrush in one hand, mimosa in the other—this laid-back brunch experience is a colorful way to bond with Dad while creating a keepsake together. Guests of all skill levels will be guided step-by-step through a painting project by experienced instructors, making it a relaxed and fun way to bond with Dad over canvas and conversation. All supplies are included, and spots are limited—early reservations are recommended.
When: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15
Where: Autumn Flynn Art Paint Studio & Gallery, 1355 Westwood Blvd. #210, Los Angeles
Admission: $45 per person; tickets available at Eventbrite.com.