Now in its FIFTEENTH year, The Los Angeles Old Time Social is a festival celebrating American old time fiddle and banjo music in Los Angeles. In 2025, it will take place at the magickal Velaslavasay Panorama Theater on Saturday, May 17th. We will come together for a full day of workshops, musical cakes, and a big ol’ square dance!
We cap of our fun by heading out to the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest at the Gillette Ranch on Sunday, May 18th.
This social is all-volunteer run by old time music & dance freaks. Here’s what some from our organizing committee say:
The Los Angeles Old Time Social is a time and a place, once a year, when our community gathers to play, dance, enjoy and share our music and community with old friends and new.
Ben
LAOTS is a chance to party with my community and expose new people to homemade handmade old time music and dance.
Susan Michaels
The Los Angeles Old Time Social is a three day event of concerts, workshops and dancing celebrating old time fiddle and banjo music and dance traditions for old and new audiences in Los Angeles.
Kelly
LAOTS is one of the only festivals in Southern California dedicated to old time Appalachian music, maintaining a high level of musicianship and teaching and thus creating community.
Ruth