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New month. New year. New to-dos!
In view for this January in Los Angeles you’ll find the LA Art Show, the Music Center’s Innovation Social, the 2026 Oshogatsu Family Festival, New Exhibitions at Torrance Art Museum, a Night Parade at USC Pacific Asia Museum, King Day at CAAM, a Lunar Block Party in NoHo, and more.
Things To Do This January
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
The Rose Parade (January 1) – FA > The 137th Rose Parade returns to Pasadena for 2026 with its iconic assemblage of decorative displays, floral arrangements, eye-catching floats, marching bands and horse-drawn carriages, all traversing a 5.5 and a half mile route along (mostly) Colorado Blvd. More info here.
Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase (January 1-3) -> Following the 137th Rose Parade, visitors will have a chance to view the detail and design of float entrants up close at Floatfest, a ticketed ($26.50) showcase taking place at select times in the afternoon. More info here.
Oddities & Curiosities Expo (January 3-4) – M > This unique expo returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center with an extraordinary showcase of over 150 vendors and artists providing a unique shopping experience for enthusiasts of the strange, offering rare and unique items such as antiques and handcrafted oddities. Beyond shopping, the immersive expo includes tarot readings, sideshow performers, and concessions throughout the day. Tickets start at $16.83. More info here.
Death Cafe (January 6) – FA > Heavy Manners Library in Echo Park hosts a thoughtful evening of conversation with their latest installment of Death Cafe. Facilitated by Emily Yacina, this group-directed gathering invites strangers to discuss the nature of mortality over coffee and donuts. Rather than a grief support group or a counseling session, the goal is to foster an open, agenda-free dialogue that encourages participants to make the most of their finite lives. It’s a unique, community-focused space for those looking to explore a typically taboo subject in a relaxed, supportive environment. Admission is free, though an RSVP is encouraged. Runs 6 to 8 p.m. More info here.
LA Art Show (January 7-11) – M > Los Angeles’ largest and longest-running art fair returns to the Convention Center’s West Hall this January for its 31st edition. Under the direction of Kassandra Voyagis, the 2026 fair showcases a massive global expansion, featuring over 100 exhibitors from 23 countries. High-profile highlights include a solo debut of abstract paintings by Sylvester Stallone and a strong international showing with first-time galleries from Ireland, Poland, and the U.K. This year also marks the premiere of the Latin American Pavilion, an invitation-only platform highlighting emerging artists from across the Americas. Whether you’re a serious collector or just looking for a deep dive into the contemporary scene, the show offers 200,000 square feet of art ranging from modern sculpture to celestial oil paintings by self-taught artist Chris Rivers. Tickets for the Wednesday opening party are $250. GA tickets for Thursday to Sunday are $40. Get more info here.
First Wednesday Lecture at The AoP (January 7) -> Every first Wednesday evening of the month, the Aquarium of the Pacific hosts a guest lecture and cocktail reception at the Pacific Visions Theater. For January 7, join them for a night focused on the theme “Whales of Hope: From Near Extinction to Climate Guardians.” Tickets are $6 in advance, or $10 the day of. More info here.
Animé Los Angeles (January 8-11) – M > Animé Los Angeles brings a 4-day, fan-centric anime convention to the Long Beach Convention Center this January. Expect 200+ participant artists, cosplay contests, tabletop gaming, a Manga Lounge, karaoke, and more. Single-day tickets at $45. More info here.
The Music Center’s Innovation Social (January 9) -> M FA TP > Experience the future of storytelling at The Music Center’s Innovation Social. These free, speakeasy-style gatherings (previously known as the Black Bar Social) feature reality-bending projects that merge performance and technology. The January “Reflections on Loss, Hope and Renewal” iteration will demonstrate how immersive tools such as AR and VR can help communities after collective events like the Los Angeles wildfires. Event runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.
New Year Soundbath & Tea Ceremony (January 10) -> Start the year on a serene note at a private garden residence in Pasadena. Sound healer Braden Pontoli and culinary curator Tomoko Imade Dyen lead a restorative afternoon featuring an immersive soundscape of crystal bowls and vocal chants paired with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Guests can settle into the lush outdoor setting with an opening tea service, followed by a sixty-minute sound journey and a closing social hour with light bites and energizing tea. It’s a perfect “reset” for those looking to swap New Year’s chaos for peace and tranquility. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats and blankets to maximize comfort. Tickets are $65. Runs 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. More info here.
New Exhibitions at TAM (beginning January 10) – FA > The Torrance Art Museum kicks off its 2026 season on January 10 with a powerful double-header in the South Bay. In the Main Gallery, Defending Ethical Integrity: The New Degenerate Art explores the intersection of art and censorship, featuring provocative works by artists like Paul McCarthy and Nadya Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot. Reclaiming a term once used to suppress modern art, the exhibition serves as a defiant platform for dissent and social critique. Simultaneously, Gallery Two hosts Nine Visions x Nine Artists, showcasing diverse new projects from Southern California artists supported by the MRH Fund. Opening night begins with a moderated discussion at 4 p.m., followed by public reception from 6 to 9 p.m.. Admission is free. More info here.
2026 Oshogatsu Family Festival—Year of the Horse (January 11) – M FA > Kickstart January with an annual tradition in Little Tokyo, the Oshogatsu Festival. Put together by the Japanese American National Museum, the family-friendly affair heralds the year of the horde with a day of traditional Japanese food, entertainment and special activities including interactive storytimes, candy sculpture demonstrations, and scavenger hunt, and more. Plus, there is free admission all day at JANM. More info here.
Synthesizer Sound Bath (January 11) – FA> Guests can bathe in sound waves as 40 synthesizers harmonize to create a unique 1.5 hour sonic experience at the Vintage Synthesizer Museum in Highland Park. Tickets cost $15 and guests can come a go anytime during the bath. More info here.
Matisse’s Surprises, with John Walsh (January 11 & 25 February 8-22 ) – FA> Art historian John Walsh kicks off a captivating four-part lecture series at The Hammer this January, diving into the legendary sixty-year career of Henri Matisse. The opening session, Exactitude is Not Truth, explores the artist’s early breakthrough on the Riviera, where he moved beyond conservative realism to embrace the jolting, dazzling colors that defined modernism. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Fauves or looking for a deep dive into art history, Walsh’s insights provide a fresh perspective on how Matisse consistently reinvented himself through every decade of his life. Admission is free, though early arrival is recommended as seating in the Billy Wilder Theater is on a first-come, first-served basis. Lectures begin at 3 p.m. More info here.
Japanese New Year at The Huntington (January 11) -> Mark the new year at The Huntington’s Japanese Heritage Shōya House with traditional “Shōgatsu” (New Year’s) activities—including taiko drumming, botanical craft-making, and ikebana floral displays. The event runs noon to 3 p.m. and is included with admission, which starts at $34 for adults. All ages invited to attend. More info here.
Santa Monica Symphony presents Scenes from Life: Unity (Annual MLK Concert) (January 17) – FA > The Santa Monica Symphony and Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a free concert at Barnum Hall performing symphonies and songs such as Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing to We Shall Overcome. The concert is free, but is ticketed, as space is limited. More info here.
USC Pacific Asia Museum Presents Night Parade: Yokai Unleashed (January 17) -> Step into the world of Japanese folklore as the USC Pacific Asia Museum hosts an evening dedicated to the supernatural yokai. The event features a deep-dive panel discussion with experts from UC Davis and USC, exploring how these mythical creatures have transitioned from ancient legends to modern pop culture icons. Guests will also get an exclusive early look at the museum’s upcoming exhibition, Mythical Creatures: The Stories We Carry. The night rounds out with a costume contest, themed music, and Japanese-inspired treats. Admission is $15 and includes museum entry and parking (free for USC students and museum members). Starts at 6 p.m. More info here.
Long Beach MLK Parade (January 17) – FA > The 38th Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration will begin with 10 a.m. parade kickoff at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street. A post-parade celebration is slated to go from noon to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park., where guests can catch performances, a kids zone, food and other vendors. More info here.
Long Beach Antique Flea Market (January 18) -> Grab your comfortable shoes and a reusable tote for the return of the Long Beach Antique Market, which runs every third Sunday of the month. Spanning over twenty acres at Veterans Stadium, this massive monthly event features more than 800 sellers offering everything from mid-century modern furniture and vintage “flea market flip” finds to rare jewelry and collectible clothing. Admission is $10 (or $15 for early bird entry), and tickets are sold on-site only. Runs 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.More info here.
Art + Wellness at LACMA (January 18) – FA TP > Experience the healing power of community and sound this at LACMA’s Smidt Welcome Plaza with a drop-in drumming session led by teaching artists Johanna and Ray Louis Auxais of the Arts & Healing Initiative. This movement workshop is designed to help participants reconnect following the 2025 Los Angeles fires, inviting guests of all ages to join in a rhythmic dialogue through live percussion and shared expression. Admission is free, and no prior drumming experience is required. Runs 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. More info here.
King Day at CAAM (January 19) -> Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at CAAM’s annual celebration in Exposition Park. The day is packed with meaningful programming, including a community discussion of King’s “The Three Evils of Society” speech and a stirring musical tribute by the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles. Families can drop into a faux-stained glass workshop or contribute to a community book drive supporting the Little Free Library at the Crenshaw Family YMCA. With food trucks on-site and the museum’s galleries open to the public, it’s an essential LA tradition for reflection and community action. Admission is free with an RSVP. Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. .More info here.
Dine L.A. (January 23 – February 6) -> Los Angeles’ favorite culinary celebration returns on January 23, for a fifteen-day showcase of the city’s world-class dining scene. Over 375 restaurants across the county—ranging from neighborhood gems to Michelin-starred heavyweights—will offer special prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus. This season’s highlights include romantic garden dining at Firefly in Studio City, fresh Italian classics at Bottega Louie, and upscale steakhouse experiences at BOA and Mastro’s. Whether you’re craving sushi in West Hollywood or Imperial Manchu cuisine in the San Gabriel Valley, it’s the perfect excuse to explore a new neighborhood or revisit an old favorite. Reservations are highly recommended as tables fill up fast. Lunch and dinner menus range from $15 to $65 and above. More info here.
The 4th Annual Lunar Block Party (January 24) -> North Hollywood is bringing a vibrant celebration of Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese cultures to the streets this January, as Lankershim Boulevard transforms into a lively street market featuring curated AAPI artisans from MAUM, interactive arts and crafts, and traditional performing arts. It’s a perfect neighborhood stroll to welcome the new year while sampling diverse food truck offerings and catching live cultural performances under the sun. Co-produced by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, this community gathering is designed for all ages to experience the sights and sounds of the Lunar New Year. Admission is free. Runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Drive-By Theatre Festival (January 24-26) -> To kickoff the 2026 season at Zombie Joe’s Underground, the indie North Hollywood theater hosts their 22nd annual Drive-By Theatre Festival, a brand new, fast-paced collection of mini-plays all written, produced, and performed in two days (or less). Shows take place nightly at 8:30 during the three-day run. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. More info here.
Festival of Abilities (January 24-25) -> The Aquarium of the Pacific’s annual Festival of Abilities is a two-day celebration of the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. AoP will feature special programming which includes live performances and workshops by dancers, musicians, and artists who have learned adaptive skills to hone their craft. This festival will include sign language interpreters, and the Aquarium will have visitor guides in Braille and audio tours available for guests. All activities are included with general admission, cost $29.95 for kids 3-11 and $44.95 for adults. More info here.
Salinas de San Pedro Salt Marsh Open House (January 25) – FA > For one day only, head to Cabrillo Beach for a day exploring the wetlands. Managed and cared for by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, this salt marsh hosts a diverse community of salt-tolerant plants, invertebrates, fish, and birds. Accompanied by CMA Educators and dedicated volunteers, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and explore the wonders of this unique habitat. This experience is free and welcomes participants of all ages. More info here.
Pokemon Night (January 25) – FA > Calling all Gym Leaders and Genwunners! Benny Boy Brewing transforms into the “Lincoln Heights Region” for a nostalgia-packed Pokemon Night this January. The evening features themed trivia with prizes, a curated marketplace with local vendors like Game Cafe, and a high-energy set from DJ WeeJay. Fuel up for your battles with some of the city’s most sought-after food from Zef BBQ, which will be popping up on-site all night. Costumes are highly encouraged, so break out your best trainer gear or onesie for this 21+ event. Admission is free. Runs 5 to 9 p.m. More info here.
City of Monterey Park Lunar New Year Festival (January 31- February 1) – FA > City of Monterey Park celebrates Lunar New Year with a two-day festival offering live entertainment, food booths, family activities, and vendors. Starts at 10 a.m. both days. More info here.
Yoga on the Mountain at King Gillette Ranch (January 31) – FA > The Santa Monica Mountains Fund’s Yoga on the Mountain series returns to King Gillette Ranch on the last day of January. Join instructors Greg and Dawn for an outdoor yoga experience with live acoustic music under sycamore trees. The event is free to attend, but tickets are required. Starts at 10 a.m. More info here.
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