Los Angeles is set to experience a weekend of rich cultural celebration as the Watts Towers Arts Center Campus hosts its annual Day of the Drum Festival and the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival. The highly anticipated events are scheduled for Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28, 2025, offering free admission and a diverse array of artistic performances and activities for all ages.
A Celebration of Global Rhythms: Day of the Drum Festival
The 43rd Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival will kick off the weekend on Saturday, September 27. This vibrant festival is dedicated to the heartbeat of cultures worldwide, showcasing a wide spectrum of drumming styles and percussive artistry. Attendees can expect performances from Danza Azteca Xochipilli, featuring traditional Aztec dance and drumming, alongside the Korean Classical Music & Dance Company, and BIBAK Gongs and Drums representing Indigenous Philippine music. The stage will also feature Amir Sofi with Rhythms of the Middle East, and Afro-Venezuelan Drums led by Euro Zambrano. DRUMPIMP featuring Trevor Lawrence Jr., and Magatte Fall and Max Percussion will further explore musical journeys from Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. The festival aims to highlight the traditional role of drumming in human societies and foster a sense of global unity through rhythm.
Honoring Jazz Legacy: The Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival
Following the Day of the Drum, the 48th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival will take place on Sunday, September 28. This longstanding festival, recognized as one of the oldest in Los Angeles, pays tribute to American music forms including jazz, soul, gospel, and hip-hop. The lineup promises a blend of traditional and contemporary jazz, with notable performances expected from Herman Jackson Sunday Morning Jazz, The Jasmine Tommaso Group blending Italian jazz with West Coast soul, and Don Littleton’s tribute to Eddie Harris. The JMP Allstars, featuring Patrice Rushen and Munyungo Jackson, will also perform. MEDUSA Tha Gangsta Goddess, known as the “Godmother of West Coast Hip Hop,” will bring her unique style to the stage. The festival traditionally opens with a Yoruba ground blessing to unite diverse cultures.
More Than Music: Activities and Community Engagement
Beyond the captivating musical performances, both festivals offer a comprehensive cultural experience. Festivalgoers can engage in a Universal Drum Circle, explore curated art exhibitions, including David G. Brown’s “Politics, Race & Cartoons,” and participate in children’s activities. Guided tours of the iconic Watts Towers, designed and built by Simon Rodia, will also be available, offering insight into this Los Angeles landmark. A variety of food, arts, and crafts vendors will be present, providing attendees with diverse culinary and shopping options. The events emphasize community pride and offer a welcoming atmosphere for families and visitors from all parts of the city and the world.
A Legacy of Art and Resilience
The Watts Towers, a National Historic Landmark, were built by Simon Rodia over 33 years using found objects, serving as a testament to artistic vision and persistence. The Watts Towers Arts Center Campus itself has been a beacon for arts education and a catalyst for social change since its establishment in 1961, nurturing aspiring artists and supporting master artists. These annual festivals, co-produced by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and Friends of Watts Towers Arts Center, continue this legacy by embracing multiculturalism and drawing significant crowds, reinforcing the cultural significance of the Watts community.
Both the Day of the Drum Festival and the Jazz Festival are held at the Watts Towers Arts Center Campus, located at 1727 E. 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002. Admission and parking are free, making these cultural events accessible to everyone. The Metro A Line (Blue) also provides convenient public transportation, with a stop just a short walk away. This weekend promises a vibrant display of art, music, and community spirit in the heart of Los Angeles.
