Memorial Day is one of the best holidays of the year, filled with going to the beach, celebrating our veterans and spending time with friends and family. However, if you want to avoid crowded beaches, there are countless other activities you can do over the holiday weekend.

Friday, May 26 marks the beginning of summer for Archer students, as it is the final day of the school year. If you want to celebrate the first weekend of summer with great food, music or games, check out the six ideas below.

1) “La La Land” in Concert at The Hollywood Bowl 

On the first night of Archer’s summer vacation, Academy Award-winning composer Justin Hurwitz is performing a live version of the “La La Land” soundtrack at the Hollywood Bowl. I feel like this is all a celebration of finals being over, but I know it’s really for all of the “La La Land” fans, of which I am one. The performance runs for two nights of Memorial Day Weekend— the 26th and 27th. The concert will feature a symphony orchestra, jazz and choir ensemble conducted by Hurwitz. Tickets are available here, and vintage Hollywood attire is encouraged!

2) Museum of Ice Cream

This pop-up museum will truly melt your heart. If you’re a food lover, like me, or if you just enjoy a good Instagram opportunity, you need to visit LA’s Museum of Ice Cream. The museum arrived in Los Angeles last month, and the month before that, it was the toast of the town in New York City. Whether swimming in a pool of rainbow sprinkles is up your alley (come on, wasn’t this everyone’s childhood dream?) or you prefer gazing at photos of pink sunsets, the Museum of Ice Cream is for you. It includes everything from 3-D popsicle art to a Neapolitan swing to a banana forest (yes, you read that right!) The best part, though, is the fact that they serve actual ice cream, especially since the weather is beginning to get warm again! Another fantastic aspect of the museum is their punny Walk of Ice Cream — think Marilyn Mintroe and Brad Pittstachio. If you want a truly unique experience this Memorial Day weekend, The Museum of Ice Cream is for you.  

3) Smorgasburg LA 

Brooklyn has now come to Los Angeles! If you’re in the mood for some delicious food to celebrate the first few days of summer, you can now attend Smorgasburg in downtown LA in the Arts District. The market opens at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 28th and includes everything from food to retail vendors. Although there is ample parking in the nearby garage, the event can get crowded fairly quickly, so it is best to arrive earlier in the day.

4) Watch a movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club 

Going to the beach on Memorial Day Weekend can be super stressful and a bit of a nightmare, especially given the large crowds. If you want a more relaxing alternative, be sure to check out the Rooftop Cinema Club in Hollywood. This year’s program includes everything from “Back to the Future” to “Moonlight.” Comfortable chairs are provided, as well as wireless headphones. Fuzzy blankets are also available on request. Hooray!

5) Play a game of MAINopoly in Santa Monica

Everyone loves a great theme party, so why not check out an interactive version of the classic board game in Santa Monica? MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street is an annual event that revolves around delicious food. Main Street becomes a giant Monopoly board, and attendees receive special MAINopoly dollars to be exchanged for food tastings across various restaurants in the area. A portion of all funds go toward Summer SOULstice and Heal the Bay, and the 4th annual MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street will take place on Sunday, May 28.

6) Honor our veterans and soldiers

Because Memorial Day holiday honors those who serve or have served in the military, it is always important to celebrate the people who risk their own lives to keep us safe every day. Through the organization A Million Thanks, you can write a letter to a soldier, grant a wish or even fund a scholarship for the children of fallen military.

Whichever one of these six things you choose to do (or maybe all six; who knows!) I hope you have the best Memorial Day and summer!