Lotus Festival in Echo Park, Saturday & Sunday 7/8 & 7/9, noon

Free, with free parking. Link

Ever hear of dragon boats? Apparently, there is a serious subculture devoted to them; there are at least 50 local teams devoted to paddling in dragon-shaped boats, as drummers pound out the beats. And unlike, say NASCAR, these races have the added effect of driving away evil and disease.

In addition to the races, the Lotus Festival features food from Asia and the Pacific Islands, traditional performers, an art show, health fair, arts and crafts for the kiddies, and fireworks to the beat of taiko drums. Last year's attendance was over 100,000.