L.A Events
The list below is only a selection of some of the many events taking place in Los Angeles every year.
January
Chinese New Year & Lantern Festival
Chinese New Year celebrations including dance, music, arts and crafts.
Tournament of Roses
Nearly a million people gather in Pasadena to watch the parade of marching bands and floats decorated with flower arrangements prior to the afternoon Rose Bowl Game.
February
Whale Watching
Whale-watching tours depart from Los Angeles city harbor to see the grey whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico.
March
City of Los Angeles Marathon
26 mile run or walk starting at Disney Hall accompanied by live bands along the way.
Academy Award Ceremony
The Hollywood Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences stages the Oscar Ceremony at the Kodak Theatre, which is broadcast around the world.
April
Independent Film Festival
The event takes place last week in April and includes screening of non-mainstream work sponsored by Directors’ Guild of America and workshops.
May
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Celebrations include food, crafts and live music in McArthur Park.
Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Arts Festival
The Paramount Ranch in Agoura hosts a festival of live Bluegrass music during the third week in May
June
Playboy Jazz Festival
Famous jazz musicians and newcomers take part to this event, traditionally hosted by Bill Cosby at the Hollywood Bowl.
Los Angeles Pride Festival
The expression of the diverse LA gay scene is celebrated in this fun-filled parade accompanied by many live shows and music. Various stages feature R&B, Country, Latin and Rock music.
July
Twilight Dance Series
This event features dancing to live jazz and blues every Thursday evening in July at Santa Monica Pier.
Sawdust Festival
Artists offer seminars or individual lessons at the Sawdust Eucalyptus Grove fairground on Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.
AmericaFest
The biggest Fourth of July firework display in Southern California is accompanied by the AmericanFest at the Rose Bowl featuring music, dance, food and crafts.
August
Surf Festival
Surf competition between Australian lifeguards and Americans at Manhattan, Redondo and Hermosa Beaches; other sports are also featured such as swimming, volleyball and running.
AVP Manhattan Beach Open
Top professional beach volleyball players compete in a beach party atmosphere at the Manhattan Beach Pier.
September
Art in the Park
Art in the Park showcases world-class artists with live entertainment, food and music at Park La Brea.
October
Festival de Las Americas
Celebration of the discovery of America at this street fair on Pico Boulevard at Western Avenue with arts, crafts, food, rides, games and music.
Oktoberfest
Among many beer festivals in Los Angeles, Oktoberfest takes place in Torrance at the Alpine Village with contests and live German bands.
November
Hollywood Christmas Parade
Parade from Van Ness to Bronson Avenue by Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue during the last week in November with well known entertainers taking part.
December
Festival Navideno de la Calle Ocho
Over 50000 Latinos and other participants gather for this free festivalstaged on 8th Street at Normandie Avenue in Los Angeles. The event features live music, crafts, food and carnival rides.
Tournament of Lights
Boat parade and fireworks hosted by the Harbor in Marina del Rey in the middle of December.