Events in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a bustling city with exciting events and activities for people of all ages and interests.
There is always something happening in the city of angels, from music festivals to art exhibitions and sports competitions.
Here are some of the top events and upcoming events in Los Angeles.
Golden Dragon Parade
The Los Angeles Golden Dragon Parade is an annual event held in Chinatown, Los Angeles, since 1979.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles organizes and presents the parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
The Golden Dragon Parade is an important event for the local Chinese community and an exciting event for the rest of Los Angeles.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate Chinese culture and the Chinese New Year while bringing people together from all walks of life.
The parade is open to the public and typically attended by thousands of people yearly.
The event typically includes a colorful procession of traditional and modern dragons, floats, lion and dragon dancers, live music, and other entertainment.
The parade takes place on the Sunday before the Chinese New Year, starting around 1:30 pm and ending around 5:00 pm.
It begins at the intersection of Broadway and Cesar Chavez Avenue near Chinatown Los Angeles and heads west through Chinatown and into downtown Los Angeles.
The parade features a variety of traditional and modern Chinese cultural performances.
Many community organizations and businesses also participate in the parade, including local schools, churches and temples.
LA Film Festival
It is an annual film festival celebrating the best in independent and international cinema.
Since 1998, the festival has become an essential showcase for new talent and emerging filmmakers.
The festival is held in June at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood and showcases 200 feature films, shorts, and documentaries from around the world.
LA Festival of Books
The Los Angeles Festival of Books is a two-day event held each year in April at the University of Southern California (USC).
The festival, hosted by the USC Libraries and the LA Times, celebrates the written word and brings together authors, publishers, readers and booksellers worldwide.
The festival allows attendees to explore the many aspects of literature, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature, graphic novels, poetry and more.
It also features presentations, panel discussions and book signings by some of the world’s most renowned authors.
The Los Angeles Festival of Books happens along with the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes, an annual event that honors the year’s best books.
Abbot Kinney Festival
The Abbot Kinney Festival is an annual event held in Venice, Los Angeles, that celebrates the area’s culture, art and history.
The festival takes place each year on the last Sunday in September and features a variety of activities, including live music performances, art exhibitions, and more.
It was started in 1977 by the Venice Chamber of Commerce to honor the legacy of Abbot Kinney, the Venice founder and developer who created the town in 1905.
The festival has grown to include over 500 vendors, five stages of live music, and a wide range of activities for all ages.
The event also pays tribute to Kinney’s contributions to the area by showcasing a variety of art, food, and entertainment that reflects the diversity and creativity of the Venice community.
Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
The Los Angeles Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is an annual tradition for locals and tourists.
Each year, hundreds of people do their best costumes and take to the streets of Hollywood for a night of trick-or-treating, music and entertainment.
The carnival happens on the last Saturday of October, with events starting as early as 4 pm.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce organizes and holds the event at Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Vine Street.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
It is an annual parade held in the city of Los Angeles, California.
First held in 1928, this parade is now a longstanding tradition in the city.
The parade is held on the Sunday after Thanksgiving Day and typically features a variety of marching bands, floats, celebrities and other festivities.
It is one of the most famous parades in the world and attracts millions of spectators from around the world.
The parade is typically hosted by a celebrity Grand Marshal, such as a famous actor, actress, or musician.
The parade usually begins at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive and then travels east along Hollywood Boulevard.
The parade route then turns south on Vine Street and ends at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.
LA Pride Festival
The Los Angeles Pride Festival is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in the city of Los Angeles, California.
It is one of the largest pride festivals in the United States, usually held in late June.
The festival is organized by the Christopher Street West (CSW) non-profit organization.
The event usually consists of a parade, music, art, and other activities.
The Los Angeles Pride Festival began in 1970 as a protest march in response to the previous year’s police raid on the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
The first March in Los Angeles took place on June 28, 1970 and approximately 1,000 people attended the parade.
The event has grown significantly since then, with the most recent festival in 2019 drawing an estimated 600,000 people.
LA Marathon
It is an annual marathon held in Los Angeles, California, United States.
One of the largest marathons in the United States, it attracts over 20,000 runners from all over the world.
The Los Angeles Marathon LLC organizes and holds the marathon every year in March.
The marathon is a 26.2-mile course that runs through Los Angeles, including all significant neighborhoods and ends in Santa Monica.
The marathon has been held annually since 1986 and is open to runners of all ages and abilities.
Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is an iconic amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California.
It is the largest natural amphitheater in the United States and the site of many memorable concerts, plays, and performances, including the 1984 Summer Olympics closing ceremony.
The Hollywood Bowl is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and hosts regular concerts, plays, and special events throughout the year.
The Bowl also has a unique history, with many famous artists having graced its stages, such as Frank Sinatra and the Beach Boys.
Los Angeles County Fair
It is an annual event held each year in the city of Pomona, California.
The fair is one of the most significant events in Los Angeles and draws more than 1.5 million visitors annually.
The fairground’s attractions include carnival rides, live entertainment, a petting zoo and various food vendors.
Initially held at Hillcrest Country Club, the fair moved to the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona in 1922.
The fair is known for its grand opening ceremonies, which include marching bands and fireworks.
The fairgrounds fill up with exhibits and activities for adults and children during the fair.
These include carnival rides, live music and entertainment, a petting zoo, and various food vendors.
The fair also features a variety of competitions, such as the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds’ annual tractor pull, as well as several livestock shows.
The Los Angeles County Fair is a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike.
It provides an excellent opportunity for friends and family to come together and enjoy a day of fun in the sun.
Upcoming Events List
Los Angeles organizes a dynamic event calendar every year with something for everyone.
There is always something new to explore, from flea markets, music and theater performances to art and cultural festivals.
Here are some upcoming popular events in December in Los Angeles.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show
Location: El Portal Theatre
Date: 1st December
Time: 10 am
The beloved children’s book character The Very Hungry Caterpillar makes its Los Angeles debut this holiday season with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show.
Alongside the iconic insect, the theatrical production also brings other Eric Carle classics like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, and 10 Little Rubber Ducks through over 75 magical puppets to life.
Captivating storytelling, music, and puppet mastery recreate these literary tales focused on creativity, community, and self-expression for fans of all ages.
Tonality presents: Just Me
Location: Grace First Presbyterian Church
Date: 1st December
Time: 7 pm
The “Just Me” concert uses moving melodies and harmonies as a platform to highlight challenges faced by transgender and non-binary individuals.
Performers unravel impactful stories of adversity and resilience through rousing compositions.
More than a music event, Just Me fosters a judgment-free space for attendees to gather, learn about marginalized experiences, develop empathy, and drive social change.
Stevie Nicks
Location: Kia Forum
Date: 2nd December
Time: 7 pm
See the bewitching Stevie Nicks headline a December LA concert drawing from her catalog of enchanted songs.
The setlist includes enduring hits like “Dreams” and “Gypsy” along with deeper cuts spanning the iconic singer’s career.
L.A. Zoo & Conservation for Science: Fantasy Inspired BioBlitz
Location: Los Angeles State Historic Park
Date: 2nd December
Time: 2.30 pm
The LA Zoo teams up with Cosplay for Science to mesh fantasy roleplay with cataloging area wildlife for this creative BioBlitz.
On December 10, cosplayers and conservationists converge at a local park to survey and record plant/animal species while raising biodiversity protection awareness.
Blending science education and imaginative fun, the event empowers residents to preserve habitats across LA.
Celebrate Love To Love You, Donna Summer
Location: The GRAMMY Museum
Date: 4th December
Time: 7.30 pm
On the occasion of Donna Summer’s 75th birthday, the Grammy Museum will host an exclusive event focused on the 2022 documentary “Love to Love You, Donna Summer.”
You can witness an intimate artist conversation with producer Giorgio Moroder and director Brooklyn Sudano.
Post that, you’ll see film clips that recount the renowned Disco singer’s extraordinary career highs and lows on the world stage.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Location: Hollywood Pantages Theatre
Date: 6th December
Time: 7.30 pm
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage.
Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic.
Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.
Celebrate the holidays with the show The New York Times calls “100 times better than any bedtime story!”
Compton Christmas Parade
Location: Compton Blvd and Bullis Rd.
Date: 9th December
Time: 11 am
More than 1,000 residents are expected to come out and watch Compton’s first Christmas parade since the pandemic started.
The annual holiday tradition began 67 years ago. The Mayor of Compton, Emma Sharif, said she wants the community to be united again.
The parade route will head down Compton Boulevard, starting on Bullis Road and ending on Alameda Street.
This year’s theme is “A Miracle on Compton Boulevard,” bands from Compton and Inglewood Unified School Districts will be among those participating.
The parade will have two Grand Marshalls: Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Former NFL star and Super Bowl Champion Jeron Johnson.
The parade starts Saturday at 11 am and will end around 1 pm.
A Christmas Carol with Charles Dickens
Location: ISC Studio
Date: 10th December
Time: 2:00 pm
Experience A Christmas Carol, unlike any other—past, present, or future.
The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to a thrilling new life as Tony Award winner Jefferson Mays plays over 50 roles in a masterpiece of a performance that must be seen to be believed.
This theatrical achievement comes from the haunting vision of one of Broadway’s most imaginative directors, Michael Arden (Tony-winning Best Revival – Once on this Island).
Squid Game: The Trials
Location: 200 N Fairfax Avenue
Date: 22nd December
Time: 10 am
In this one-of-a-kind, immersive experience, six games will test your character and will to win.
Some games may be familiar to you, others will not.
Surprises lurk around each corner, challenging even the most capable of players.
Once you’re in the game, the Front Man watches you carefully.
Advanced tech, from a custom real-time scoring mechanic to an innovative leaderboard, leaves no question about who comes out on top and who’s willing to betray other players.
If you survive the little game, you can celebrate your success at the Night Market.
You can refuel with Korean-inspired food, share a toast with fellow survivors at Gganbu Bar, and find yourself something nice at Squid Mart.
Soon enough, it will seem as if it was all just a dream.
CoComelon Party Time
Location: Santa Monica Place
Date: 24th December
Time: 10 am
Cocomelon Party Time offers an immersive experience transporting families into the cheerful world of the beloved children’s series.
Kids can explore interactive party activities in colorful rooms with characters like JJ, Cody, and friends.
Visitors take a magical hot air balloon ride, getting creative at a coloring station.
A cuddly corner provides games with stuffed dinosaurs, bears, and bunnies.
An imaginative story time session has everyone seated on a rainbow carpet.
And what’s a party without dancing?
The glittering disco area lets little ones boogie down with their favorite show personalities.
With new fun around every corner, Cocomelon Party Time brings nonstop joy and entertainment to our youngest fans.
Merry Melrose at the Melrose Trading Post
Location: MELROSE TRADING POST
Time: 10 am
Date: 27th December
The pioneering Melrose Trading Post is a one-of-a-kind marketplace held on Sundays at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles.
This lively arts-driven outlet features over 275 creative small businesses, tasty food options, and community entertainment.
Founded in 1997, the market champions local artisans and handmade crafts while funding student arts programs.
Attendees explore an ever-evolving curation of vintage goods, antique furniture, apparel, visual arts, and other rare finds from LA makers.
The Melrose Trading Post also spotlights local performers across music, dance, theater, and spoken word.
The popular bazaar provides Fairfax students with formative job training, entrepreneurship experience, and more through its non-profit organizer, Greenway Arts Alliance.
Featured Image: BizBash.com