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Jam-packed street parties. Celeb-filled film fests. Taiko drums. Mariachi music. Adorable animals. Stunning flowers. Great art (for sale) and architecture (for drooling purposes only). And food, food, food. LA’s greatly diverse festival scene is always buzzing.
Tournament of Roses (San Gabriel Valley): You’ve got to see it to believe it, only in person can your truly appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into the floral floats of the Rose Parade. Purchase bleacher tickets or join throngs of overnighters to take in this 120 year old spectacle. 626.449.ROSE.
Japanese New Year (Downtown LA): Watch the tradition of breaking the sake barrel to jump-start the New Year. Make a traditional kite while listening to the drumbeats of the Taiko drums. 213.628.2725.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Kingdom Day Parade and Celebration (citywide): Pay tribute and celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The two-mile parade features more than 150 floats, numerous drill teams, dance groups, a military marching band and celebrities. 213.744.2132.
Whale Fiesta (San Pedro): Kick off the whale watching season and the migration of the Pacific Gray Whale by building a life-sized Gray Whale out of sand, or just watch an expert. There are activities and exhibits for everyone from entertainment to education. 310.548.7562.
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Golden Dragon Parade (Downtown LA): One-hundred-foot-long dragons, firecrackers and martial arts demonstrations wow the crowd at this parade and celebration of Chinese culture winding through Chinatown during the Chinese New Year Festival. 213.617.0396.
National Hot Rod Association’s (NHRA) Winternationals (Neighboring regions): One of drag racing’s grandest traditions, NHRA POWERade season opener unveils new cars, drivers, teams and sponsorships as they rev up to compete to earn a spot in the countdown to eight championship programs ending in August. 626.914.4761.
Pan African Film & Art Festival (Downtown LA): The black film festival at the Magic Johnson Theatres at Crenshaw Plaza in Baldwin Hills features more than 150 new black films from around the world plus live performances by poets, storytellers and musicians. 323.295.1706.
Northern Trust Open (Pacific Palisades): One of the oldest events on the PGA Tour, Los Angeles hosts the Northern Trust Open at the Riviera Country Club with the best of the best on the green play for a purse of $6.3 million. 800.752.OPEN.
Mardi Gras (Downtown LA): You don’t need to travel to Brazil or New Orleans for Mardi Gras. On LA’s Olvera Street, you’ll see Samba dancers and stilt walkers dancing to street music as the traditional Mal Humor burns. 213.485.8372.
The Academy Awards (Hollywood): In the heart of Hollywood, the best in the biz walk the red carpet into the Kodak Theatre anxiously awaiting the words, “and the Oscar goes to,” in hopes that their name will be called. 310.247.3000.
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McDonald’s Quality of Life Expo (Downtown LA): Discover the latest exercise, travel and lifestyle trends as exhibitor booths display products from running shoes to apparel for everyone ranging from novice to seasoned runners at the largest marathon expo in the world, precursor to the LA Marathon. 310.444.5544.
Lantern Festival (Downtown LA): Ending the 15-day Chinese New Year celebration, this festival is marked the “second New Year” with lantern making workshops, traditional foods and entertainment. 213.485.8567.
Los Angeles Marathon (Downtown LA): The greatest marathon runners in the world join thousands of Angelenos to run from Universal Studios Hollywood to LA’s Downtown high-rises. The new route reflects the multicultural essence of LA. 310.444.5544.
Westweek (Westside): The West Coast’s major trade show draws more than 10,000 top interior designers, architects and manufacturers for a week of design-oriented presentations and previews of upcoming trends. Some events are open to the general public. 310.657.0800.
Method Fest (Calabasas): Named for “The Method” school of acting technique, which revolutionized the approach to acting, this major film festival focuses on the art and craft of acting. 310.535.9230.
Cesar E. Chavez Day March (Downtown LA): March down the streets of Los Angeles to celebrate and honor Cesar Chavez, who founded and led the first successful farm workers’ union in U.S. history. 213.624.3660.
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Month of Photography Los Angeles (citywide): a month-long celebration of photography, its artists, and the community who adores, inspires and fuels it. Month of Photography Los Angeles (MOPLA) will organize and galvanize the photography and art community in Los Angeles to present an extensive observance of the visual medium during the month of April. Become engaged through a variety of events and programs. Click here for a list of the events.
Blessing of the Animals (Downtown LA): A tradition on Olvera Street since 1930, the day before Easter (Holy Saturday) hundreds of pet owners doll up their dogs, cats, birds and hamsters (and some exotic creatures) and line up at the La Placita at El Pueblo Historic Monument for a sprinkling of holy water. 213.625.5045.
Renaissance Pleasure Fair (Eastside): Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale hosts this extravagant celebration of mostly-Elizabethan life with jousts, juggling, minstrels, Shakespeare and the good queen herself. 626.969.4750, ext. 238.
Cherry Blossom Festival Southern California (Downtown LA): Named #1 Pick of the “Five Worth the Drive” by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Westways Magazine in 2007, the streets of Little Tokyo are transformed with live entertainment including Japanese Dancing, Taiko Drums, Kimono fashion shows, cultural crafts and activities stations, plus amazing eats.
Dodger’s Home Opener (Eastside): Since 1958, when the Boys in Blue moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, the Dodgers have won eight National League championships and five World Series titles. Dodger Dogs, almost as legendary as the team itself, keep fans cheering no matter the final score. The Dodgers’ regular season runs from April to October.
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (coastal): The streets of downtown Long Beach are blocked off and bleachers are erected for this Pro/Celebrity Race, which draws the world’s top drivers in both categories. Daytona Prototypes are the newest addition to the action-packed weekend. 562.981.2600.
Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) (Hollywood): Fireworks burst in the air to celebrate the Thai New Year. Culture and tradition fill the streets of Hollywood during the three-day celebration.
Olvera Street Anniversary Celebration (Downtown LA): Celebrate the history of Los Angeles by walking the oldest streets in the city. Olvera Street is an open Mexican marketplace filled with culture, history, and of course, great food! 213.485.8372.
Fiesta Broadway (Downtown LA): The largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the United States brings half a million Angelenos to fill 36 square blocks as major performers entertain from several stages. 310.914.0015
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Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Downtown LA): La Placita of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument is filled with crowds honoring the triumph of Mexican forces over the French in Puebla in 1862. The festivities include traditional folkloric music and dance, cultural presentations, children’s activities and a piñata breaking. 213.628.1274.
WorldFest (San Fernando Valley): LA’s largest Earth Day event takes place in Woodley Park in Encino with live entertainment, ethnic food booths, kids’ fun, speakers and an eco-friendly marketplace. 310.477.7887.
Calabasas Arts & Crafts Festival (San Fernando Valley): More than 200 artists and craftspeople set up booths on the Calabasas Commons for this weekend festival. The event also features live entertainment and food booths. 818.878.4225, ext. 270.
UCLA Pow Wow (UCLA): UCLA’s American Indian Student Association presents “Pow Wow,” welcoming all drummers and dancers and gives anyone willing to sing or dance a chance to display their talents in a contest. 310.206.7513.
Museums of the Arroyo Day (MOTA Day) (San Gabriel Valley): Six museums along the historic Arroyo Seco offer free admission plus live entertainment and children’s events. Shuttle buses are available. 213.740.8687.
EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women (Los Angeles): Run or walk with others who want to fight women’s cancer. Help raise awareness to honor those battling cancer, and raise funds for cancer research. 310.322.3344.
Affaire in the Garden (Beverly Hills): This free show features art by more than 200 exhibitors from around the nation showcasing their work in photography, painting, sculpture, watercolor, mixed media, ceramics, jewelry, drawings, graphics and prints. 310.550.4796.
Venice Art Walk & Auction (coastal): A benefit for the Venice Family Clinic in which Venice’s many painters, sculptors, photographers, designers and collectors (famous and upcoming) open their working studios and homes to visitors. The event includes a silent art auction and a delicious food fair. 310.392.9255.
Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival (Paramount Ranch): This festival attracts more than 170 contestants from clog, contra, square dancers to guitar, mandolin and bands. Roam the area to pick up some bangles from the folk art booths. 818.382.4819.
Fiesta Hermosa (coastal): Take advantage of this more than three decade old festival with a coastline backdrop to shop for fine arts and crafts, bike, swim, or just relax on the beaches of Southern California. 310.376.0951.
Valley Greek Festival (San Fernando Valley): More than 50,000 people turn out for this Memorial Day weekend celebration at St. Nicholas Church in Northridge, which includes Greek music and dancing, food, a market and a kids’ zone. 818.886.4040.
UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival (UCLA): Featuring great Jazz and Reggae artists, this festival attracts people from all over Southern California for some great music and entertainment. 310.825.9912.
Last Remaining Seats (Downtown): Take this opportunity to relive the glamour of old Hollywood as Last Remaining Seats presents classic films and live entertainment in the historic movie palaces of Los Angeles. 213.623.2489.
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Los Angeles Film Festival (Downtown): The Los Angeles Film Festival is widely recognized as a world-class event, showcasing the best in new American and international cinema and providing the movie-loving public with access to some of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent from around the world.
Mariachi USA Festival (Hollywood): The top mariachi bands in the United States and Mexico take to the Hollywood Bowl stage during LA’s biggest mariachi celebration. 800.MARIACHI.
Playboy Jazz Festival (Hollywood): This two-day jazz fest at the Hollywood Bowl presents the best jazz, blues and world music performers including legendary stars. 323.850.2000.
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OUTFEST (Hollywood): The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival has shown more than 4,000 films and videos since 1982. The festival includes receptions, parties, discussion panels and family programs. 213.480.7088.
July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular (Hollywood): The Hollywood Bowl celebrates the Fourth of July with a rousing concert finished off by a colossal fireworks display over the skies of Hollywood. 323.850.2000.
Lotus Festival (Downtown LA): The lotus-covered lake of Echo Park (one of the largest lotus groves outside China) is the site of this celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, sharing the arts, music, dance, drama, a marketplace, dragon boats and food. 213.485.1310.
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Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival (Downtown LA): This five-day event celebrates Downtown Los Angeles’ renaissance with a series of film screenings of Hollywood, independent and classic historic films, lectures, panel discussions, and exhibits, and parties and receptions.
Nisei Week Japanese Festival (Downtown LA): Little Tokyo hosts this homage to Japanese culture with a Tofu Festival, Anime Festival, Car Show, Taiko Gathering, Street Arts Festival and Grand Parade. 213.687.7193.
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Los Angeles County Fair (Neighboring regions): One of the country’s largest and liveliest country fairs with top name entertainment, livestock judging, carnival rides, and “Streetmosphere,” which covers street parades, strolling costumed characters and wandering minstrels. 909.623.3111.
Watts Towers Day of the Drum (Central LA): Simon Rodia’s majestic folk sculpture towers provide the backdrop for a celebration of Japanese, African, Native American and jazz percussion during the last weekend in September. 213.847.4646
Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival (coastal): Lobster lovers feast on Maine lobster and party at Ports o’ Call Village during the three-day festival in San Pedro. Enjoy dancing, street performers, a pirate camp, tall ships and music. 310.798.7478.
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San Fernando Valley International Film Festival (San Fernando Valley): Writers and filmmakers demonstrate their craft to the public and industry decision-makers and the festival boasts to be one of the only festivals in California to offer free screenings to the public. 818.623.9122.
Hollywood International Film Festival (Hollywood): This showcase of dozens of new films includes gala premieres, top celebrities and directors, film students and devoted fans. Most screenings take place at ArcLight Cinemas. 310.288.1882.
Calabasas Pumpkin Festival (San Fernando Valley): Since “calabaza” means pumpkin in Spanish, this is the perfect location for a family festival saluting everything pumpkin — pumpkin bowling, pumpkin pie eating, pumpkin seed spitting and more. 818.222.5680.
Craftsman Weekend (San Gabriel Valley): The largest celebration of the Arts & Crafts movement in the western United States, this weekend offers bus tours, walking tours, lectures, house tours and receptions. 626.441.6333.
Sherman Oaks Street Fair (San Fernando Valley): A mile-and-a-half stretch of Ventura Boulevard in the heart of the valley closes for this family festival of live music, rides, games, food vendors and crafts. 818.906.1951.
Grand Avenue Festival (Downtown LA): Grand Avenue closes for a street party focusing on its great cultural institutions with free admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art, a free LA Philharmonic concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall, outdoor stages, food samplings from top restaurants and more. 213.624.2146.
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American Indian Heritage Month (Downtown): Several Red Nation Native cultural events and ceremonies, including a parade and film festival, are held throughout the City of Los Angeles to “Honor American Indians as our Nation’s First Environmentalists.” 818.904.9256.
AFI Fest (Hollywood): The 10-day American Film Institute’s Los Angeles International Film Festival is the longest-running LA film festival. It features competitions of films by new filmmakers and showcases the latest works of established masters. Screenings take place at ArcLight Cinemas. 866.234.3378.
Catalina Island Triathlon (coastal): Competitors swim the calm waters of Avalon Bay, cycle into the hilly island interior and run past the golf course. 714.978.1528.
Doo Dah Parade (San Gabriel Valley): What better way to parody the Rose Parade than to march down much of the same Colorado Boulevard route with wild and wacky floats — strong on irreverence and political satire, short on good taste. 626.205.4029.
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Las Posadas (Downtown LA): The merchants of Olvera Street at El Pueblo Historic Monument commemorate the journey of Mary and Joseph into Bethlehem and their search for shelter during this procession through the cobblestone street, every night from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24. The festivities end with a piñata-breaking for kids. 213.625.5045.
DWP Light Festival (Hollywood): From Thanksgiving weekend to the end of December, this mile-long Crystal Springs Drive route in Griffith Park turns into LA’s most awesome display of holiday lighting. From twinkling trees to tableaux that pay tribute to LA’s history, the displays can be enjoyed by slowly driving or strolling past. 323.923.4688, ext. 9.
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (coastal): Calm marina waters are the perfect locale for this evening boat parade in which decorated boats circle the main channel as they compete for prizes. The fun ends with a fireworks display. 310.670.7130.
Whale Watching (coastal): One of the prime viewing spots to see the migration of huge Pacific gray whales (December through April) is Point Vicente Park on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. From this hilltop location, the views of the coastline are sweeping, and the Interpretive Center offers whale watching educational programs all winter. 310.377.5370.
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