I don’t have a team of editors, and Los Angeles is huge with tons of events going on, so it’s impossible to list them all. The ones I have listed below are those I believe are outstanding and worth checking out.
Check out fun Halloween and Harvest Events taking place near and around Los Angeles
Special Attractions
- Candlelight Concerts in LA
- The Jury Experience
- The Magic Hour at Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood
- Hollywood Speakeasy Bar Tour
- Shot of Art in the LA Arts District – explore your creativity – shoot, spin, splash paint, and more in groups or individual settings. Go wild and get wet.
- LA Ghosts – Haunted Tours—LA’s Scariest Ghost Tour visits Tinseltown and several other areas of Los Angeles where ghosts are said to reside.
- Marina Del Rey Dinner Cruise
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
Opening September 22, 2026
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is a new cultural institution located in Exposition Park in Los Angeles, founded by filmmaker George Lucas and businesswoman Mellody Hobson. The striking, spaceship-like building sits on a 13-acre campus designed with public green spaces. Inside, the museum displays a vast collection of over 40,000 works that erase traditional boundaries between fine art and popular media, combining paintings by masters like Norman Rockwell and Frida Kahlo with comic art, manga, illustration, and cinema archives from the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises.
One Lucas Plaza
3800 S Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Purchase tickets in advance here
Union Station Happenings
Be sure to visit the LA Metro Art exhibition “LA On the Move” in the Union Station Waiting Room. You can always take the L.A. Metro, Metrolink, and Amtrak trains to visit. It is a fabulous exhibit, and Union Station, Los Angeles, is so iconic. Take the L.A. Metro there if you can.
For additional happenings at Union Station Los Angeles, click here.
Gamble House Lawn with First Floor Live Music and Altadena Wine
Fourth Saturday of each month, April through October. 2026, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
The Gamble House in Pasadena opens its lawn and 1st floor from 5:30 to 7:30 pm for an evening of live rock from the band Maiden Names, wine flights poured by Altadena Wines, and docent-led walk-throughs of the 1908 Greene & Greene landmark.
Non-members pay $5 for general admission or $40 with a wine tasting. Members enter free without the tasting or pay $35 with one. Children 12 and under are admitted at no charge. Wine tasting is limited to guests 21 and older, who must show identification at check-in, and no outside alcohol or pets are permitted.
The June 26 lineup is one of six remaining dates in the series. Subsequent installments feature Alfredo Gonzalez, a reggae and ska musician, on July 10; the Wise Guys Big Band on July 24; the R&B and soul artist Gal Pearl on August 14; and Pasadena Youth Night on August 28.
4 Westmoreland Place near Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena, California
The Gamble House website is currently down, but you can purchase tickets by clicking on the link below.
Ongoing Concerts
Hollywood Bowl Summer Season Events, Hollywood
Through November 21, 2026
The Hollywood Bowl summer season runs throughout June and July, offering a mix of concerts, special events, and themed evenings in one of Los Angeles’ most iconic outdoor venues. Many visitors come for the full experience—bringing a picnic, arriving early, and enjoying music under the stars. It’s one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to enjoy live entertainment during the summer.
Highlights
Squeeze, Adam Ant & The English Beat at the Hollywood Bowl — September 19, 2026
Squeeze, Adam Ant and The English Beat share the Hollywood Bowl stage for an evening of New Wave and ’80s favorites.
Jon Batiste at the Hollywood Bowl — September 27, 2026
Grammy and Academy Award winner Jon Batiste performs at the Hollywood Bowl on September 27, bringing his energetic blend of jazz, soul, R&B, and pop to one of L.A.’s most beautiful outdoor concert venues.
Warner Park Summer Concert Series, Woodland Hills
July 12 – September 19
The Valley Cultural Center presents its popular free summer concert series at Lou Bredlow Pavilion in Warner Park on Sunday evenings throughout the summer. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic while enjoying tribute bands, classic rock, pop, country, and family-friendly entertainment in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Candlelight Concerts
If you haven’t been to a Candlelight Concert in Los Angeles, you don’t know what you’re missing. I attended one in Santa Monica, which you can read about here. You can enjoy 60 minutes of music in a candlelit setting, often in historic venues around the city.
Book your Candlelight Concert here.
Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair
October 3–4, 2026
The 54th annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair is a classic community festival held at Live Oak Park and surrounding areas near the beach. Expect arts and crafts, food, live entertainment, and plenty of hometown atmosphere; admission is free. It’s a particularly nice choice for visitors who want to combine a local festival with a day in Manhattan Beach.
Fairplex Oktoberfest, Pomona
October 2–17, 2026
Fairplex brings a little Bavaria to Pomona on Friday and Saturday nights with German-style food and beer, Oom-pah-pah music, dancing, and energetic tribute bands. This is a 21-and-over event, so it isn’t one for the grandchildren, but it could be a fun October night out for couples or groups of friends.
CicLAvia — Heart of LA
October 11, 2026
CicLAvia closes more than 6.5 miles of streets to automobile traffic, connecting Downtown Los Angeles, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, the Arts District, Boyle Heights and Echo Park. The free event isn’t just for cyclists—you can walk, skate, bike or simply wander portions of the route and enjoy Los Angeles neighborhoods from an entirely different perspective.
Explore JPL, La Cañada Flintridge
October 10-11, 2026
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory opens its doors for a rare weekend of tours, demonstrations and presentations that provide a fascinating look at robotic space exploration. Visitors can see areas associated with spacecraft construction and mission control and learn about missions such as Voyager and the Mars rovers; admission is free, but advance timed tickets are required and are likely to disappear quickly.
Beverly Hills Art Show
October 17–18, 2026
The free Beverly Hills Art Show transforms four blocks of Beverly Gardens Park into a large outdoor art fair featuring about 240 artists working in painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass and other media. Food trucks, live music, artist demonstrations, and a wine and beer garden make this much more than simply browsing art booths, and its location makes it easy to combine with lunch and a stroll around Beverly Hills.
Taste of Soul, Crenshaw District
October 17, 2026
The Taste of Soul is one of Los Angeles’ biggest free community festivals, filling historic Crenshaw Boulevard with food, music, vendors, and multiple stages of live entertainment. The festival celebrates Black culture and community in South Los Angeles and is a great choice for visitors who want to experience an energetic neighborhood event rather than a typical tourist attraction.
Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever
October 24, 2026
Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts its 27th annual Día de los Muertos celebration from noon to midnight, with elaborate altars, a ceremonial procession, Aztec performers, art exhibitions, arts and crafts, food vendors, and a children’s plaza. This is one of the most visually spectacular cultural events of the year in Los Angeles and offers visitors a meaningful introduction to Day of the Dead traditions as well as an extraordinary evening experience.
Fleurs de Villes: The Gilded Age at Greystone
October 28–November 4, 2026
Historic Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills will be transformed with elaborate floral installations inspired by fashion, history, and HBO’s The Gilded Age, combining flowers, period style, and one of L.A.’s most beautiful estates.
The Brewery Artwalk
November 7 – 8, 2026
The Brewery Artwalk is a free, twice-yearly open-studio weekend at the sprawling Brewery Arts Complex near Downtown Los Angeles. More than 100 resident artists open their working and living spaces to visitors, offering a rare opportunity to meet the artists, see paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed-media work, and purchase art directly from its creators.
The historic 16-acre complex occupies the former Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery, making wandering through the industrial buildings and artists’ lofts part of the experience. Admission and parking are free, and hours are typically 11 a.m.–6 p.m. both days.
Tours
Los Angeles Conservancy Tours
The Los Angeles Conservancy frequently hosts tours and lectures where you can learn more about the history of L.A. It is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and advocate to recognize, preserve, and revitalize the historic, architectural, and cultural resources of Los Angeles County.
Ongoing tours include Historic Downtown, Broadway Historic Theatre and Commercial District, Art Deco, Union Station, and Angelino Heights.
If you love Los Angeles history, I highly recommend you become a member of the Los Angeles Conservancy.
Take a Lowrider Tour of LA
Do you want to see the real L.A.? Lowrider Tours takes you around the city in a vintage lowrider car with an L.A. local. You will see the best of Los Angeles and explore its history and culture. The company has city group tours but you can also craft a private tour. Tours last 3 hours and begin in Beverly Hills.
Find out more about Lowrider Tours here.
Save on Tours with CityPASS®
Save up to 50% at Los Angeles’s Best Theme Parks and Attractions with CityPASS®.
Southern California CityPASS® tickets include Disneyland® Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, or both, plus one-time admission to a choice of 2 attractions from the following:
- LEGOLAND® California Resort
- SeaWorld® San Diego
- San Diego Zoo®
- San Diego Zoo® Safari Park
Offering savings of up to 47% off combined regular adult admission pricing, Southern California CityPASS® tickets start at $224 for adults and $219 for children ages 3-9.
Download the My CityPASS® app or visit my.citypass.com to access your tickets, make reservations (if required), and view attraction details. Valid 9 consecutive days, including the first day of use; nonactivated tickets expire one year from the purchase date.
Movie Studio Tours
Sports Tickets
- Los Angeles Clippers Tickets
- Los Angeles Lakers Tickets
- Los Angeles Kings Tickets
- Los Angeles Chargers Tickets
- Los Angeles Rams Tickets
Los Angeles Museums
- Los Angeles Academy Museum of Motion Pictures – Located in the Los Angeles Miracle Mile, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the world’s premier institution dedicated to the art, science, and preservation of film, featuring immersive exhibitions, diverse collections of cinema memorabilia, and state-of-the-art theaters.
- Los Angeles Museum of Tolerance – The Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles is an interactive human rights laboratory and educational center founded by the Simon Wiesenthal Center that uses the lessons of the Holocaust to confront contemporary racism, prejudice, and discrimination.
- Los Angeles Natural History Museum is the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States, featuring a vast collection of over 35 million specimens, including renowned dinosaur halls, extensive gem and mineral collections, and immersive nature gardens that span 4.5 billion years of history. Read my review.
- LACMA – As the largest art museum in the western United States, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a sprawling, encyclopedic institution on Wilshire Boulevard featuring over 150,000 works spanning thousands of years, iconic outdoor installations like Urban Light, and a commitment to serving Southern California’s diverse population. Enjoy jazz evenings at LACMA under the Urban Lights during Spring and Summer. The New Geffen Galleries are now open – Read my review.
- The Broad Museum – The Broad, located in downtown Los Angeles, is a renowned contemporary art museum founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, featuring a vast collection of postwar art and iconic installations within a distinct, honeycombed “veil-and-vault” building that offers free general admission. Read my review.
- MOCA – The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles is a premier institution dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting groundbreaking art created from 1940 to the present, featuring innovative, thought-provoking works across two major, distinct venues.
- California Science Center in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park is a premier, free-admission educational institution featuring interactive exhibits on life, ecosystems, and technology, famously home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour and an IMAX theater.
- The Getty Center – Perched atop a Brentwood hilltop, the Getty Center is a world-renowned Los Angeles cultural campus showcasing pre-20th-century European art, photography, and modern architecture surrounded by dramatic gardens and stunning city views. Read my review. The Getty Center will be closing on March 15, 2027, for approximately one year. The museum is executing its most comprehensive campus modernization since opening in 1997, which includes updated visitor facilities, a new cafe bookstore, and improved wireless connectivity. It plans to reopen in the spring of 2028.
- The Getty Villa – Located in Pacific Palisades, California, the Getty Villa is a re-created ancient Roman country house overlooking the Pacific Ocean that houses a massive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities within a tranquil, historically inspired setting. Read my review.
- The Griffith Observatory – Griffith Park – Perched on Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory is a renowned public stargazing center, planetarium, and Art Deco landmark in Los Angeles that has offered free, inspiring space education since 1935. It is celebrated for its public telescopes and panoramic city views, serving as a top cultural destination featured in iconic films like Rebel Without a Cause. Read my review.
- The Peterson Museum – Located on Wilshire Boulevard’s Museum Row in Los Angeles, the Petersen Automotive Museum is a premier non-profit institution featuring over 100,000 square feet of exhibit space dedicated to exploring the history, artistry, and cultural impact of the automobile.
- Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles is a renowned institution dedicated to celebrating Jewish heritage and American democratic ideals through museum exhibitions, performances, and educational programs that foster community, justice, and cultural discovery
- Japanese American National Museum – JANM, in Little Tokyo, is a premier institution dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing the 130-year history and culture of Japanese Americans, featuring powerful exhibitions on immigration, identity, and the World War II incarceration experience. Read my review.
- Grammy Museum – Located at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles, the GRAMMY Museum is an interactive, four-floor, non-profit institution dedicated to celebrating the history, art, and technology of music through immersive exhibits, educational programs, and iconic artist artifacts.
- The Hammer Museum, in Westwood, is a free, progressive Los Angeles institution affiliated with UCLA that champions contemporary art, emerging artists, and socially engaged programming within a dynamic, artist-centric environment. Read my review.
Hidden Gem Museums
The Nethercutt Collection – Sylmar – The Nethercutt Collection is a world-renowned museum showcasing over 250 prestigious and pristine vintage American and European automobiles, along with rare mechanical musical instruments and antique furniture. Founded by J.B. Nethercutt, the collection is celebrated for its immaculate restorations and includes iconic masterpieces housed in both a dedicated museum and a grand salon.
It also hosts theater organ concerts on its mighty Wurlitzer organ. Call to reserve a seat. Read my review.
Museum of Neon Art – Glendale (known as MONA) is a delightful art museum that includes neon signs from historical locations and electric and kinetic art. It is located directly across the street from the Americana shopping center in Glendale. Read my review.
The Hilbert Museum – Orange, California – Located near Chapman University in Orange, California, the Hilbert Museum of California Art is a premier institution specializing in California Scene painting, animation, and narrative art from the 20th century to the present. Recently expanded to 26 galleries, the museum showcases a diverse 5,000-piece collection of oils, watercolors, and Hollywood production art. Read my review.
Valley Relics Museum, Van Nuys – Located in two airplane hangars at the Van Nuys Airport, the Valley Relics Museum is a pop-culture repository dedicated to the history of the San Fernando Valley. It features a vast collection of neon signs, vintage BMX bikes, restaurant memorabilia, and classic vehicles, offering a nostalgic journey through Southern California’s commercial and cultural history. Read my review.
The Museum of Flying – Santa Monica – Located at the historic Santa Monica Airport, the Museum of Flying features a 22,000-square-foot display of vintage aircraft, cockpit simulators, and aviation artifacts, with a special focus on the Douglas Aircraft Company. It offers an interactive experience where visitors can explore the history of Southern California aviation, watch films in an on-site theater, and view aircraft taking off from an active runway. Read my review.
Travel Town Museum – Griffith Park – Located in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park, the Travel Town Museum is a free, open-air museum established in 1952 that preserves the history of rail transportation in the Western United States. It features dozens of vintage locomotives and train cars that visitors can explore, along with a miniature train ride, making it a popular destination for families and train enthusiasts.
USC Pacific Asian Museum – Pasadena – Located in a historic 1924 Chinese-style mansion in Pasadena, the USC Pacific Asia Museum is one of the few U.S. institutions dedicated exclusively to the arts and cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The museum features a permanent collection of over 15,000 items spanning 5,000 years, along with a serene courtyard garden for visitors to enjoy. Read my review.
Craft Contemporary Museum – Located on Los Angeles’ historic Miracle Mile, Craft Contemporary is a dynamic, non-profit institution dedicated to showcasing contemporary art made through traditional and innovative craft media. It features rotating exhibitions from established and emerging artists, alongside hands-on workshops that foster community creativity and engagement with diverse artistic processes.
Heritage Square Museum – Located in Los Angeles, the Heritage Square Museum is an open-air living history museum dedicated to preserving8147775Southern California’s architectural and cultural history from 1850 to 1950. The museum features a collection of rescued and restored Victorian-era structures, providing an immersive glimpse into daily life during the region’s first century of statehood.
60out escape rooms
If you haven’t experienced a 60out escape room in Los Angeles, you’re in for an adventure like no other! 60out offers a range of escape rooms that cater to all skill levels and interests, including exciting new rooms like Godzilla vs Kong, Wizard’s Treasure, The Smurfs, and Jumanji.
With multiple locations across Los Angeles, 60out ensures there’s a thrilling escape room experience near you. Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast or looking for a fun group activity, 60out has something for everyone.
Book your 60out escape room experience here!
Fabulous flea markets
The Rose Bowl Flea Market is enormous and takes place on the second Sunday of each month at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. It has been happening for 50 years and is enormous!
Los Feliz Flea operates 10am – 4pm on Saturdays. Read my review here. They are back at Vintageland/Concrete Jungle 1030 Alpine Street, Los Angeles 90012.
Best Tour Companies
- Viator is a TripAdvisor company and is a leader in the marketplace for travel tours. It is a third-party aggregator that arranges tours with local providers. You can find 300,000 experiences from easy walking tours to thrilling adventures on its site. The company has been in business for over 20 years and provides quality tours and activities as well as tour protection worldwide. Find Los Angeles Tours here.
- Big Bus Tour offers hop-on, hop-off buses that let you tour the city in comfort. You can get off to take in the sights, then catch another bus to the next location. Buses operate in all areas of Los Angeles. There are also specialized buses that take you on specific tours, such as celebrity homes. Each bus has earphones so you can learn about the area, and it is available in multiple languages. Take the Big Bus in Los Angeles, here.
- Get Your Guide provides personal guided tours of the best things to do in Los Angeles and most other parts of the world.
Airport Pickup and Parking
Find Airport Parking at Parkfellows.com.
Book an airport pickup at Welcome Pickups.
Some of the links above are affiliate links. I will receive a tiny bit of compensation if you make a purchase on the site you clicked on. I have personally used these companies myself and highly recommend them.