By Lookout Staff

August 26, 2010 -- It was nearly 44 years ago today that the Beatles played their last LA concert on August 29, 1966 at Dodger Stadium. The following night, they would play for the last time live in San Francisco and retreat to the recording studio.

But this week, Beatlemania is back in full force on the Santa Monica Pier with Beatlesfest, a three-day tribute marking its fifth year. The fest kicks off Thursday night as part of the Twilight Dance Series.

The show opens with an acoustic set by "Abbey Road," an Ohio band formed in 1983 that is rated among the top five Beatles Tribute bands in the world. The band will be followed by Los Angeles based Led Zepagain, a Led Zeppelin tribute band that continues the week's British Invasion.

Throughout the day Thursday, there will be Beatles karaoke, Beatles movies, memorabilia, history, photo opportunities, food, the kids' zone at Pacific Park, celebrity appearances, radio personalities, raffles and more.

Thursday's festivities will be followed by a Tribute to the Beatles on Friday and Saturday at the Pier with live entertainment throughout the day. The free festival will be open at 10 a.m. and run until 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

On Saturday night, the award winning musical "Ticket to Ride" featuring Abbey Road will perform at the Barnum Hall at Santa Monica High School. Tickets are available at all Ticket Master locations.

Thursday's pier concert will take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Seating is not provided. Attendees can bring low beach chairs and blankets and sit on the pier deck or the beach. Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash. For more information, go to www.santamonicapier.org.