LOS ANGELES — Thousands of Angelenos gathered this weekend for Park to Park 2026, a free two-day open streets celebration hosted by Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez in partnership with Metro that transformed Wilshire Boulevard into a vibrant public corridor connecting MacArthur Park and Lafayette Park.
Held on July 10 and 11, the event brought together residents, families, youth, local artists, small businesses, community organizations, and soccer fans from across Los Angeles to enjoy World Cup Quarterfinal watch parties, live music, youth soccer clinics, art activities, community resources, local vendors, and car-free streets designed for walking, biking, gathering, and celebration.
“Park to Park showed what is possible when we prioritize public space and human connection over cars and traffic,” said Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. “This event, and the broader Reconnecting MacArthur Park initiative, are part of a larger, care-first effort to create a MacArthur Park that is safe, welcoming, connected, and thriving. We know there is no single project that will accomplish that on its own, but together, our investments are transforming the park into a place where families can gather, small businesses can prosper, residents can feel a sense of pride and belonging, and public space can serve its highest purpose: bringing people together.”
The event marked a major milestone for the Reconnecting MacArthur Park initiative, a community-driven effort to address the century-old division created when Wilshire Boulevard was constructed through the center of the park. Earlier this month, the City celebrated the completion of Phase I community engagement, which included more than 2,500 surveys, dozens of community events, and extensive outreach led by local promotoras and community partners.
“CCNP has been honored to partner with Council District 1, City departments, and community stakeholders to engage residents and elevate community voices throughout the Reconnecting MacArthur Park initiative,” said Eduardo Rodriguez, Executive Director of Central City Neighborhood Partners (CCNP). “Throughout this process, residents consistently shared a vision for a neighborhood that is safer, more connected, and filled with welcoming public spaces for families and neighbors to gather. Park to Park brought that vision to life by giving the community an opportunity to experience what a more connected MacArthur Park could look and feel like. We are grateful to everyone who contributed their ideas and look forward to continuing to support community-driven efforts that strengthen the neighborhood and improve quality of life for all.”
Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in programming that reflected the diversity and vibrancy of the Westlake community, including performances by award-winning musicians like Plenazo Tribe and Boogaloo Assassins, family-friendly activities, health and community resource fairs, and opportunities to support neighborhood vendors and small businesses.
“Music is a powerful way to bring people together,” said Allegra Padilla, Executive Director of Music, Arts & Community Los Angeles (MAC LA). “At MAC·LA, we were honored to bring artists like Boogaloo Assassins, Plenazo Tribe, and Ambiente Central to Park to Park as a way to reflect the richness and creativity of MacArthur Park and our city. This weekend showcased the incredible potential of this neighborhood as a destination for connection and joy. We were proud to partner with Council District 1 and so many community organizations and artists to help fill MacArthur Park with the sounds, rhythms, and stories that have always belonged to this community.”
“Mijente Support Committee was proud to partner with Council District 1 to bring the spirit of Our Copa to Park to Park and celebrate the immigrant, working-class, and multicultural communities that have carried the beautiful game for generations,” said Jorge Gutierrez, Programs Director for Mijente Support Committee, which provided soccer activations and programming for youth and adults at the event.“At a time when our communities are facing unprecedented attacks and persecution, Our Copa is about reclaiming the World Cup as a celebration of the people who built the culture around this game long before the global spotlight arrived. Park to Park showed what that looks like in practice: public space transformed into a place of radical joy, belonging, and collective power.”
The event was made possible through partnerships with Metro, local community-based organizations, artists, performers, vendors, and volunteers who helped create a welcoming and inclusive experience for residents of all ages.
“Metro is proud to partner with Council District 1 to support a vision of Los Angeles where public space is accessible and welcoming for everyone,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Los Angeles County Metro. “Park to Park highlights how transportation infrastructure can help build community, advance equity and improve quality of life by creating safe opportunities for people to walk, bike, take transit, gather and celebrate together."
As the Reconnecting MacArthur Park initiative moves into its next phase, community input will continue to guide future planning, design, and environmental review efforts.
Link to b-roll and photos HERE.