Spring has always been a season of renewal, and in Redondo Beach, that renewal arrives each year in the form of Springfest — a carnival that has grown into one of the community’s anticipated traditions. As the primary fundraiser for the North Redondo Beach Business Association (NRBBA), the event blends classic carnival fun with a mission: supporting students, local nonprofits, and community connection.
Springfest took on new energy after returning from the COVID shutdown. Mickey Johnson, serving as NRBBA's president, and vice president Robin Garfield became closely involved in reimagining the carnival — not just as a fundraiser, but a community-driven experience.
Mickey, who has been involved with the NRBBA since 2009, said, “Springfest has been a really interesting animal. It has changed a lot in terms of NRBBA involvement.” Her engagement deepened when the event returned in 2022 after a two-year pause. “I was like, I need to get involved with this and see what's going on and try to find out why I've never been interested in it because I should be going.”
Around the same time, Robin joined the board with a vision to expand the carnival’s reach and strengthen its connection to families and students across the South Bay. “I would say it's truly a community festival and it engages the entire South Bay in coming together to celebrate our community in a variety of ways. First and foremost, it is fun. It is a carnival. It is like a slice of Disney in carnival,” Robin said — and Mickey added with a smile, “South Bay style!”
Today, Springfest offers carnival rides, games, professional and student entertainment, a Beer & Wine Garden, birthday party packages for families celebrating on-site, and a marketplace of local vendors. “We have professional bands; we have student and kid bands. We have our teen talent competition. Thursday night we'll have some comedy. We're trying to just continually add to the fun element,” Robin explained.
Food is another cornerstone, from funnel cakes and fried Oreos to Korean barbecue and international flavors. As Robin noted, there are so many options that visitors could “come back every day and try like two meals a day.”
Yet Springfest’s greatest impact is its investment in the next generation.
Robin described a partnership with Redondo Union High School, where students participate in “Project Springfest,” designing initiatives that affect attendance, marketing, and revenue. “I gave them the challenge: increase my attendance, increase my revenue. That’s it. Forty-five groups presented ideas…now this semester, those students are implementing 18 projects into Springfest.” Projects range from designing Thursday night’s “Neon Nights” theme to managing social media and collaborating with local businesses.
Students from multiple area high schools also intern with Springfest in logistics, marketing, entertainment, ticket promotions, and volunteer coordination — gaining real-world experience while earning volunteer hours. The carnival also supports youth entrepreneurship programs, scholarships, and student vendors, reinforcing its role as both celebration and classroom.
That investment is felt not only in opportunity, but also in tradition.
Mickey recalled a moment from 2022: “There was this mom that came up to me with her son who was probably 10…She was so excited that [Springfest] was finally back, because he has been missing it for the past two years.” Moments like that now span generations. “We have stories of parents who used to come and go on the rides and now they're bringing their kids,” Mickey explained.
Springfest’s accessibility also helps create those memories. “People don’t have to pay to get in. They can listen to music. They don’t even have to buy anything if they don't want to. That makes it a really nice community event,” Mickey said. With free admission, free parking, and entertainment for all ages, families can take part.
Springfest also channels proceeds back into the community. “We made it a fundraiser for the community so we donate proceeds to other area nonprofits…we give out scholarships to the business students at the high school each year,” Robin said.
Reflecting on the carnival’s growth, Robin shared: “I am most proud of how far we've come with really bringing the community together…In my dream world, I would love to see Springfest completely run by students. It's on its way…making this a classroom for the community and continuing to benefit the community in every way we can. The possibilities are endless.”
Springfest has grown into the beating heart of Redondo Beach life — an investment in kids, families, and community. It’s where children beam on the rides as parents and grandparents take pictures they’ll treasure for years, where teens turn ideas into real projects, and neighbors celebrate their home. In every funnel cake, every student-led project, and every smile, Springfest reminds the community that investing in each other—especially in our youngest members—is what truly makes Redondo Beach special. Community, family, and fun — South Bay style.
Springfest will take place at the Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach
Thursday, April 16, 5 PM–9 PM
Friday, April 17, 5 PM–10 PM
Saturday, April 18, 11 AM–11 PM
Sunday, April 19, 11 AM–9 PM
For more information, visit nrbba.org/springfest