DCA and Friends of Watts Towers Arts Center present a spectacular weekend of music, culture, food, and community with the 43rd Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival on Saturday, September 27, 2025, and the 48th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Both festivals run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Watts Towers Arts Center Campus. Admission and parking are free.
On Saturday, the Day of the Drum Festival is a day dedicated to the heartbeat of cultures worldwide. The Watts Towers stage will feature Danza Azteca Xochipilli (Aztec traditional dance and drumming), Korean Classical Music & Dance Company; BIBAK Gongs and Drums (Indigenous Philippine music), Amir Sofi (Rhythms of the Middle East), Afro-Venezuelan Drums led by Euro Zambrano, DRUMPIMP featuring Trevor Lawrence Jr., and Magatte Fall and Max Percussion (a journey through Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Bukina Faso).
On Sunday, the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival showcases all-star soul, gospel, and hip hop alongside world class traditional and contemporary jazz performers. The longest running jazz festival in Los Angeles begins with a Yoruba ground blessing by Alaadun to unite all cultures, and continues with performances throughout the day. Highlights include: Herman Jackson Sunday Morning Jazz (Jazz, Soul & Gospel classics), The Jasmine Tommaso Group (Italian Jazz meets West Coast Soul), Don Littleton’s Tribute to Eddie Harris, World Stage Big Band, MEDUSA Tha Gangsta Goddess (The Godmother of West Coast Hip Hop), JMP Allstars featuring Patrice Rushen and Munyungo Jackson.
Festivalgoers will also enjoy the Universal Drum Circle, curated art exhibitions including Politics, Race & Cartoons by David G. Brown, children’s activities, and food, arts, and crafts vendors.
Location:
Watts Towers Arts Center Campus