Living in West Covina for about a year, you realize there are more local events than you might expect.

While they may not be large festivals attracting hundreds of thousands like in LA, there are family-oriented events that residents enjoy throughout the year.

These events are great opportunities for families, especially for those with children or newcomers looking to get familiar with the neighborhood.

In spring, there's an Easter Egg Hunt, and environmental events are held to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day.

Programs where children can plant trees or participate in environmental protection activities encourage family participation.

Summer is the season with the most events. The Civic Center hosts a Summer Concert Series & Night Market featuring local band performances, food trucks, and various food booths.

The atmosphere of enjoying music and light snacks in the evening breeze is truly delightful. Additionally, during Movie Nights, families can spread out blankets in parks or community centers to watch movies for free, making you feel like you're experiencing a scene from an American film.

On Independence Day (July 4th), a large Firework Spectacular takes place, allowing many residents to enjoy the summer night together.

In the fall, the atmosphere changes again. Halloween events like the Festival of Frights and Kartober Fest are held, along with costume events and trick-or-treat programs for kids. In October, the Super Moon Festival also takes place, offering performances, food, and various cultural experiences.

As winter arrives, the Christmas spirit envelops the entire city. The Civic Center hosts the Let It Snow tree lighting ceremony and a holiday festival, featuring Santa Claus, performances, and artificial snow events that children love. The Children's Christmas Parade also takes place, allowing local residents to enjoy the year-end festivities together. Most of these events are free, making it easy to participate.

Just a short drive away, there are even more activities to enjoy. The LA County Fair is held annually at the Fairplex in Pomona, which is about a 15-20 minute drive from West Covina. With rides, agricultural exhibits, concerts, and food, it's considered one of the major festivals in Southern California.

Additionally, the San Gabriel Valley area frequently hosts Korean cultural festivals, church bazaars, and local market events. These gatherings allow Korean residents to naturally interact while enjoying Korean food and performances, which can be very helpful for newcomers settling in.

West Covina may not be a flashy tourist city, but it is a place where residents consistently create community-oriented festivals.

Even participating in just a couple of these events makes the neighborhood feel much more familiar, and you often find yourself thinking, "Ah, I'm now a resident of this area."