Hancock Park at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum will be filled with art and music on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the 15th annual Tarfest, a celebration of the artistic talent and cultural institutions in the Miracle Mile.

Thousands of people are expected to join the festivities, which run from 2 to 10 p.m. James Panozzo, executive director of Launch LA, producer of Tarfest, said the goal has always been to bring top notch music and art to the area while giving people a reason to spend more time in the community.

The annual Tarfest features musical performances by L.A.-based bands. The festival returns to the Miracle Mile this Saturday. (photo by Eric Minh Swenson)

“A lot of people haven’t even been to the Tar Pits. They’ve driven by, but haven’t stopped,” Panozzo said. “It’s another way to get people into the area, but it is also for people who live in the area to come out and intermingle. It’s a gathering of community at its core.”

This year’s Tarfest will feature a musical line-up curated by Kevin Bronson, of BuzzBands LA and KCSN 88.5. LA Bouquet, Brainstory, Alina Bea, The Sovereign Artist and Love Ghost will perform. A local DJ collective will also provide music from 8:30 to 10 p.m.

Panozzo said Tarfest is hosting art demonstrations by Johnny “KMNDZ” Rodriguez, Ekundayo and Melany Dierks, who will paint on 8-by-8-foot canvasses. Tarfest will also feature light artistry by Light Riders and projections by Cloaking. Children will enjoy activities with the Japan Foundation and the Korean Cultural Center of Los Angeles.

Also new this year is a drum circle for children and families with Theatre of Hearts/Youth First, and a hip-hop and breakdancing workshop with JUiCE (Justice by Unity in Creative Energy). Tarfest features food trucks and a beer garden.

“There is all kinds of new stuff,” Panozzo said. “We try to make it as dynamic as possible. It’s a day for everyone.”

Cultural institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art will offer information at booths, along with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which is currently building the Purple Line Extension subway under Wilshire Boulevard. Panozzo added that September is a great time of year to hold Tarfest, and temperatures are expected to be in the mid-70s.

“There is going to be beautiful weather,” Panozzo said. “There will be great synergy with local museums and a lot of fun activities.”

The park at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd. For information, visit launchla.org and tarfest.com.