Los Angeles runs on a year-round event calendar that mirrors its sprawling geography and cultural diversity. From the red-carpet spectacle of the Academy Awards to the Rose Parade’s small-town pageantry in Pasadena, LA’s festivals span the high-gloss and the deeply local. This guide covers the best Los Angeles events and festivals by season, with practical tips on tickets, timing, and weather expectations.
Los Angeles Events & Festivals Calendar
LA’s event calendar is as diverse as the city itself. From star-studded awards shows to neighborhood street festivals, there’s always something happening. Here’s what to plan around, month by month.
January
- 🌹 Rose Parade & Rose Bowl: January 1st in Pasadena. Elaborate flower-covered floats and the iconic college football game. Book a year ahead for grandstand seats.
- 🎬 Golden Globe Awards: Beverly Hilton. Red carpet glamour kicks off awards season.
February
- 🏮 Lunar New Year: Chinatown and Monterey Park host parades, lion dances, and food festivals.
- 🎵 Grammy Awards: Crypto.com Arena. Music’s biggest night in Downtown LA.
- 🏃 LA Marathon: “Stadium to the Sea” course from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica. 25,000+ runners.
March
- 🎬 Academy Awards (Oscars): Dolby Theatre, Hollywood. The biggest night in entertainment. Hollywood Blvd is closed for the red carpet.
April
- 🎵 Coachella: Two weekends in Indio (2 hours from LA). The world’s most famous music festival.
- 🌸 Cherry Blossom Festival: Descanso Gardens and Lake Balboa. Japanese cultural celebration.
May
- 🇲🇽 Cinco de Mayo: Olvera Street and East LA celebrate with music, food, and festivities.
- 🍷 LA Wine Fest: Union Station. California wineries, food pairings, and live music.
June
- 🏳️🌈 LA Pride: West Hollywood. Parade, festival, and parties celebrating LGBTQ+ culture.
- 🎥 LA Film Festival: Independent films, panels, and premieres across the city.
July
- 🎆 Fourth of July: Fireworks at the Rose Bowl, Marina del Rey, Hollywood Bowl, and Dodger Stadium.
- 🎵 Hollywood Bowl Summer Season: LA Philharmonic, classic movie nights with live orchestra, and major touring acts in an iconic outdoor venue.
August
- 🌮 LA Taco Festival: Grand Park. Dozens of taco vendors, live music, and Lucha Libre.
- 🎭 Nisei Week: Little Tokyo. Japanese cultural festival with parades, tea ceremonies, and taiko drumming.
September
- 🇲🇽 Mexican Independence Day: El Grito at City Hall, parades on Olvera Street, celebrations citywide.
- 🎬 Emmy Awards: Microsoft Theater. TV’s biggest night.
October
- 🎃 Halloween in West Hollywood: One of the largest street Halloween celebrations in the world. Half a million people in costume.
- 👻 Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights: Elaborate haunted houses and scare zones. Late September through October.
November
- 🎄 Hollywood Christmas Parade: Hollywood Blvd. Celebrities, marching bands, and Santa Claus. Thanksgiving weekend.
- 🎬 AFI Fest: Free film festival in Hollywood with major premieres.
December
- 🎄 Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square: Outdoor skating in Downtown LA.
- 💡 LA Zoo Lights: Immersive holiday light experience at the Los Angeles Zoo.
- 🎆 New Year’s Eve: Grand Park NYE celebration in Downtown LA. Free concert and fireworks.
