Blessing of the Cars - Los Angeles Hotels .com

Hot rod hipsters and God-fearing automobiles come together once a year at LA's Hanson Dam to celebrate a time-honored tradition--the Blessing of the Cars. Car blessings can still be found in all seriousness at select Catholic churches (especially in Mexico), but this tongue-in-cheek blessing ceremony is more of a kitschy hot rod rally than a religious movement.

Held at the end of July, this car show and picnic is an opportunity for custom-car enthusiasts to show off their flames and unique car detailings to an appreciative audience. In fact, the crowd itself is worth the trip--funky tattoos, greaser hairstyles, and Marilyn Monroe piercings are paired with an amalgamated style straight from the '30s, '40s and '50s.

Hot rod movies, live music, unique vendors, and plenty of food round out this funky festival, which features a priest from the Archdiocese of LA to bless the cars. The festival wraps up with bathing suit-clad beauties ('50s style) presenting awards in categories such as Best in Show, Best Hearse, and Best Flames.

This event is alcohol free and family friendly, on top of being wildly entertaining.