Los Angeles

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Festivals and Events

Learn about the various annual festivals, parades, and seasonal cultural events that occur in Los Angeles.

Sections

1. Cultural Festivals

Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, and its festivals celebrate the cityโ€™s rich diversity.

a. Nisei Week Japanese Festival

  • When: August (annually)
  • Where: Little Tokyo
  • What to Expect: This week-long festival celebrates Japanese-American culture with traditional dance (Bon Odori), taiko drumming, a grand parade, cultural exhibits, and food vendors offering Japanese delicacies like mochi and ramen.
  • Cost: Free to attend; food and merchandise are extra.
  • Tips: Visit the Japanese American National Museum while in Little Tokyo for a deeper understanding of the communityโ€™s history.

b. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

  • When: Late October to early November
  • Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery
  • What to Expect: A vibrant celebration of Mexican culture honoring deceased loved ones. Expect elaborate altars (ofrendas), traditional music, Aztec dancers, face painting, and food vendors.
  • Cost: Tickets range from $25โ€“$40.
  • Tips: Arrive early to avoid long lines and wear comfortable shoes for walking around the cemetery grounds.

c. Lunar New Year Festivals

  • When: January or February (dates vary based on the lunar calendar)
  • Where: Chinatown, Monterey Park, and other neighborhoods
  • What to Expect: Lion dances, firecrackers, cultural performances, and food stalls serving Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian cuisines.
  • Cost: Free to attend; food and activities may have additional costs.
  • Tips: Parking can be challenging, so consider using public transportation or rideshare services.

d. LA Korean Festival

  • When: September
  • Where: Koreatown
  • What to Expect: A celebration of Korean culture with K-pop performances, traditional Korean music and dance, and a wide variety of Korean street food.
  • Cost: Free entry; food and merchandise are extra.
  • Tips: Try Korean BBQ or street snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) from local vendors.

2. Music Festivals

LA is a global hub for music, and its festivals cater to a wide range of genres.

a. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

  • When: April (two weekends)
  • Where: Indio, about 2 hours from LA
  • What to Expect: One of the worldโ€™s most famous music festivals featuring top artists across genres, large-scale art installations, and a trendy, Instagram-worthy atmosphere.
  • Cost: Tickets start at $499 for general admission.
  • Tips: Book accommodations early, as hotels and Airbnbs sell out months in advance. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.

b. Hollywood Bowl Summer Concert Series

  • When: June to September
  • Where: Hollywood Bowl
  • What to Expect: A series of concerts featuring everything from classical music to pop, jazz, and film scores performed live by orchestras.
  • Cost: Tickets range from $20 to $200, depending on the performance and seating.
  • Tips: Pack a picnic! The Hollywood Bowl allows you to bring your own food and drinks (including wine).

c. FYF Fest (F* Yeah Fest)**

  • When: Typically in the summer (dates vary)
  • Where: Exposition Park
  • What to Expect: A two-day festival featuring indie rock, hip-hop, and electronic music.
  • Cost: Tickets start at $200 for a weekend pass.
  • Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and plan your schedule to catch your favorite acts.

3. Art and Film Festivals

LAโ€™s reputation as a creative capital is reflected in its art and film festivals.

a. LA Art Show

  • When: January
  • Where: Los Angeles Convention Center
  • What to Expect: One of the largest international art fairs in the US, featuring contemporary, modern, and traditional art from galleries worldwide.
  • Cost: Tickets start at $30.
  • Tips: Allocate several hours to explore the exhibits and wear comfortable shoes.

b. AFI Fest (American Film Institute Festival)

  • When: November
  • Where: TCL Chinese Theatre and other Hollywood venues
  • What to Expect: A prestigious film festival showcasing new films, including world premieres, documentaries, and international cinema.
  • Cost: Many screenings are free, but reservations are required.
  • Tips: Check the schedule early and reserve tickets for popular films as they sell out quickly.

c. Getty Center Exhibitions

  • When: Year-round
  • Where: Getty Center
  • What to Expect: Rotating art exhibitions, often featuring rare works from around the world.
  • Cost: Free admission; parking is $20.
  • Tips: Take advantage of the free guided tours to learn more about the exhibits.

4. Food and Drink Festivals

LAโ€™s food scene is legendary, and its festivals are a foodieโ€™s dream.

a. Smorgasburg LA

  • When: Every Sunday
  • Where: ROW DTLA
  • What to Expect: A weekly open-air market featuring dozens of food vendors, from gourmet tacos to vegan ice cream.
  • Cost: Free entry; food prices vary.
  • Tips: Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular vendors.

b. LA Food Fest

  • When: Summer (dates vary)
  • Where: Santa Anita Park or other venues
  • What to Expect: A celebration of LAโ€™s culinary diversity with food trucks, pop-up restaurants, and craft cocktails.
  • Cost: Tickets start at $65, which includes unlimited tastings.
  • Tips: Wear loose clothing and pace yourself to enjoy as many tastings as possible.

c. Oktoberfest

  • When: September to October
  • Where: Alpine Village (Torrance) or other locations
  • What to Expect: German beer, bratwurst, pretzels, and live polka music.
  • Cost: Tickets range from $10 to $20; food and drinks are extra.
  • Tips: Bring cash for faster transactions at food and drink stalls.

5. Iconic Venues and Locations

Many of LAโ€™s festivals and events take place at iconic venues. Here are a few to know:

  • Hollywood Bowl: Known for its outdoor concerts and summer series.
  • Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena): Hosts major concerts and sporting events.
  • Dodger Stadium: Occasionally used for large-scale music festivals and events.
  • Griffith Park: A scenic location for outdoor festivals and cultural events.
  • Santa Monica Pier: Hosts seasonal events like Twilight on the Pier, a free concert series.

Local Tips for Attending Festivals in LA

  1. Transportation: Traffic in LA can be challenging, especially during large events. Use public transportation (Metro) or rideshare services to avoid parking hassles.
  2. Weather: LA is sunny year-round, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially for outdoor events.
  3. Tickets: Purchase tickets in advance for popular events, as they often sell out.
  4. Cultural Sensitivity: LA is a diverse city, so be respectful of cultural traditions and customs at festivals.
  5. Plan Ahead: Check event websites for schedules, maps, and any restrictions (e.g., bag policies).

Los Angeles offers something for everyone, whether youโ€™re a music lover, foodie, art enthusiast, or cultural explorer. By planning ahead and embracing the cityโ€™s diversity, youโ€™ll have an unforgettable experience at these festivals and events!