The vibrant culture and history of the Samoan people will be celebrated in Los Angeles later this month as the Samoan Heritage Festival returns for its fifth year.
The festival will take place on June 27, at James M. Foisia Park in Carson, about 20 miles south of downtown L.A.
In its fifth year, the Samoan Heritage Festival will feature musical performances and demonstrations that honor and showcase the people and culture of the Samoan islands.
“The Samoan Heritage Festival is all about embracing tradition and empowering tomorrow,” event organizers said. “Attendees have a front row seat to the celebration of traditions that are thousands of years old, and how movers and shakers today are pushing the culture forward.”
Highlights of the event include fire knife dancing, traditional tattooings, Samoan food and craft vendors, cultural resources from local organizations, and an ‘ava ceremony—one of the most important ceremonies in Samoan culture.
“The ‘ava, or kava ceremony, is one of Samoa’s most important chiefly customs,” according to the Auckland Museum. “Sharing the ceremonial ‘ava drink marks important milestones in Samoan society and is a very formal tradition.”
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The event will also feature live music from several Polynesian performers, including New Zealand singer/songwriter Aaradhna, legendary Hawaiian family band Kapena and Missouri-based R&B singer Alo Key.
Kap Teo-Tafiti, artist and ambassador from the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii, will also perform.
What to expect at the Samoan Heritage Festival
Although the Samoan culture will be celebrated and honored during the event, organizers say people from all walks of life are welcome to attend and immerse themselves in the history and customs of Samoa.
“Where the music and dance hits different, the food is abundantly delicious, and the alofa (love) fills every corner of Foisia Park,” said Tom Fa’ava, Samoan Heritage Festival producer. “Come for the vibes, stay for the culture, leave with a full heart, a full stomach, and friends who feel like family.”
Fa’ava says the festival is the one day a year that will truly make you feel transported to the islands themselves.
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The Samoan Heritage Festival is scheduled to take place at James M. Foisia Park in Carson on June 27, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Information about vendors and performers can be found here.
