Culture, Things To Do

Big List of Things To Do This Spring in Los Angeles [2023]

March 17, 2023 by Brian Champlin and Christina Champlin
Masters of Taste at The Rose Bowl. Photo by Brian Champlin

What will spring bring? For Angelenos, it’s a season of food festivals, outdoor adventures, fresh art exhibitions, and annual cultural events. In other words… lots to do!

With the spring equinox approaching (this Monday, March 20) we’ve scoped out a 90-day view of the calendar and the rundown of possibilities is impressive. During the next three months you’ll find favorites like Masters of Taste at The Bowl, the opening of the Dodgers 2023 season, Record Store Day, Museums of the Arroyo Day, Bob Baker Day, Corgi Beach Day, The Other Art Fair, 626 Golden Streets, multiple CicLAvia events, L.A. Beer Fest, and… yeah… dozens of other possibilities.

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Scan options below, plan out a few dates, and make it a spring you’ll always remember 🙂

March

antelope valley poppy reserve
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve / Photo by: Christina Champlin

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (ongoing) -> Does this year’s wet weather forecast an explosion of wildflowers at the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (as pictured above)? Or will the cold mute the colors, making the super bloom a tad less super. The good news is you can catch a live cam feed of the reserve to see the current status. It’s looking like the bloom may take place later than usual this year, but it may yet be a good one. If you have the chance (and the poppies are in a dense bloom), we rate this as a can’t miss experience. If you do head out, remember parking is $10 per vehicle, and we advise getting there earlier in the day to beat the crowds (assuming a big bloom). Get more info here.

Outfest Fusion Film Festival (March 24 – April 2) -> The annual Outfest Fusion QTBIPOC Film Festival includes screenings, galas, networking events, workshops, and much more. Check the full schedule and get more info here.

FitspoLA at The Bloc (March 24) -> FitspoLA returns to The Bloc for a day of fitness-inspired activities and pop-ups where guests can try food and beverage samples, scope out training accessories and exercise equipment, and learn about the latest trends from top fitness and health brands. Workout classes cost $15 each. More info here.

¡JoterĂ­a! at LA Plaza (March 25)-> LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes and Salvies Who Lunch team up to present ¡JoterĂ­a!, a one-day event highlighting queer Latinx Culture through music, panels, and performances, capped by a free evening screening of Bamby Salcedo’s documentary QueenCiañera. The event starts at 4 p.m. and is free to attend. More info here.

Yoga On The Mountain (March 25) -> On the last Saturday of the month, the Santa Monica Mountains Fund hosts a morning of outdoor yoga and live acoustic music at the King Gillette Ranch in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains. All skill levels are welcome. Free to RSVP, and reservations are required to attend. More info here.

Cherry Blossom Celebration at Shoseian Teahouse (March 26) -> Head to the Shosian Teahouse at Brand park for the annual Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Celebration) featuring tea ceremonies, martial arts, bonsai, music, and plenty of family-friendly fun. All proceeds from the event go to the non-profit Friends of Shoseian. Attending the event is free, but seating for the tea ceremony requires a paid reservation costing $25. Runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info here.

Hammer Spring Exhibitions Opening (March 26) -> The Hammer unveils their newly complete renovations at a Spring exhibition opening featuring art-making activities, curator-led talks, and artist videos. Highlights include a large-scale artwork by Chiharu Shiota; a brand-new 5,800-square-foot gallery featuring Rita McBride’s artwork Particulates; and a new outdoor sculpture terrace featuring Sanford Biggers’ 25-foot-tall cast-bronze sculpture Oracle. The public celebration runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More info here.

Vegan Street Fair Los Angeles (March 26) -> Vegan Street Fair Los Angeles returns to North Hollywood with a massive array of vegan-friendly vendors. It’s free to enter the fair and delicious bite-size portions of plant-based eats will be available for $4 or less. The Vegan Street Fair takes place from 11 a.m – 7 p.m on Chandler Avenue between Tujunga and Vineland. More info here.

The Torrance Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival (March 26) -> The Torrance Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival comes to Columbia Park for a unique blend of cultural performances with a fun variety of crafts by local artisans, centered around the blooming cherry blossom. Free to attend. Runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.

CĂ©sar Chávez Family Day at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (March 26) -> Celebration activist and labor leader, CĂ©sar Chávez with a day of dance and art, culinary and garden workshops and guest performances by Xipe Totec, Ballet Folklorico Y Arriba Mexico, and Tierra Blanca Arts Center. Free to attend. More info here.

Dog Walking Hours at South Coast Botanic Garden (March 26) -> Once a month dogs are welcomed at the South Coast Botanic Garden for a morning garden stroll with their owners. Adult tickets are $15, and dogs are $5 each. More info here.

Topanga Vintage Market (March 26) -> Happening on the fourth Sunday of every month, the Topanga Vintage Market is packed with close to 200 sellers from antiques to vintage clothing and local artisan goods. Runs 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. $5 to get in. More info here.

The Other Art Fair (March 30 to April 2) -> The Other Art Fair returns to Los Angeles with a four-day event featuring thousands of original art works, immersive installations, DJ’d music, and drinks. Tickets for opening night are $45, and general admission on Friday to Sunday are $18. More info here.

Dodgers Season Opener Watch Party at Union Station (March 30) -> Union Station hosts a free-open-to-the-public watch party and fan fest to mark the Dodgers season opener on March 30. The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. in the south patio, allowing fans to catch the game live on a large LED screen and enjoy family-friendly activities such as face painting, a make-your-own baseball card photo station, music, snacks, and more. More info here.

PaleyFest (March 31 to April 4) -> Back live at The Dolby Theater, PaleyFest is five-days of special panels and discussions featuring the cast and crew of some of T.V.’s top shows, including Abbot Elementary, Mandalorian, Yellowstone and more. Tickets available for individual sessions or as multi-event passes. More info here.

April

Photo via Bob Baker Marionette Theater / Bob Baker Day

Corgi Beach Day (April 1) -> Corgis, costumes, cuteness. It’ll be there at the annual Corgi Beach Day, taking place at Huntington Dog Beach. Expect special vendors, food trucks, costumes, and plenty of photo ops, whether you’re there with your pup or just want to see the spectacle of it all. More info here.

City of STEM Festival and LA Maker Faire (April 1) -> City of STEM the biggest festival of science, technology, engineering and math in Los Angeles and Los Angeles Maker Faire, the region’s largest gathering of creative thinkers will both take place at LA Historic Park on April 1. The event features free STEM activities and special guests and participants like Bill Nye, to NASA and major museums. More info here.

L.A. Beer Fest (April 1) -> The 15th annual L.A. Beer Fest brings 80+ breweries together with over a dozen top local food trucks for a day of tastings, music, and fun, all at L.A. Center Studios. General admission starts at $50 per person. More info here.

Masters of Taste (April 2) -> Masters of Taste returns to the field of Pasadena’s historic Rose Bowl on Sunday, April 2 for food samplings from over 60 food and beverage masters. This years’ Host Chefs for Masters of Taste is Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed of Poppy + Rose and Poppy & Seed. Tickets cost $155 GA and $225 for VIP. Use promo code WELIKELA for $15 off. All proceeds from the event go directly to Union Station Homeless Services and We Like L.A. is a proud media sponsor of the event!  More info here.

AniFest Anime Festival (April 8) -> AniFest is a jam packed day full of anime-specific activities such as outdoor Japanese gaming tournaments, mini-concerts, industry panels and workshops, an artist alley with anime-inspired creators, cosplay contests, food trucks, and about 100 vendors selling exclusive merchandise. Badges start at $15. More info here.

TCM Classic Film Festival (April 13-16) -> A four-day slate of classic films shown on the big screen at a range of historic Los Angels theaters. The festival will put a special spotlight on the legacy of Warner Bros. to mark the studio’s 100th anniversary. For the full schedule and more info go here.

Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (April 14-16) -> Three days of racing action in Downtown Long Beach accompanied by a lifestyle expo, family fun zone, food truck experience, and an exotic car paddock. Check the full schedule and get more info here.

World of Barbie (April 14- June 30) -> World of Barbie, is making its US debut at Santa Monica Place this April with an immersive experience that will allow fans to step directly into Barbie’s world. The 20,000 square-foot attraction will include a number of life-size spaces like a Barbie Dreamhouse and Camper Van, to a salon filled with products and other various interactive rooms. The pop-up also plans to roll out a number of after-hours and special events including after hours parties and Sunday movie days. Tickets start at $34.50. More info here.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire (April 15 – May 21) -> Ren-Faire enthusiasts can expect over 200+ artisans, merchants, and vendors, plus costume contests, games, rides, a food court and more, all taking place at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area on Saturdays and Sundays through May 21. Adult single-day admission starts at $42. More info here.

Grand Park Easy Mornings (April 15 & 22) -> Grand Park’s Easy Mornings programming returns this April with a pair of Saturday events featuring relaxing, family-friendly activities focused on deepening relationships with self, community, and the park. Expect…

Puppet Festival (April 16) -> Skirball Puppet Festival: Sparking Imagination is a celebration of the art of puppetry and the magic of storytelling. This massive festival features both new and old tales, presented by a variety of puppets, in addition to live music, and art making. Tickets cost $18 per adult and $15 per child. More info here.

CicLAvia Mid City Meets Pico Union (April 16) -> L.A.’s biggest and longest running open streets initiative heads to Mid City with a car-free course that covers a 4-mile stretch of Venice, to 7th and Washionton. Runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to attend. Rain or shine event! More info here.

Grunion Fish-tival (April 21) -> The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro is celebrating the little silver fish with an evening affair featuring grunion arts and crafts, grunion hatchings, and after-hours access to exhibits, all capped by a trip to the beach to (hopefully) observe a spawning in real-time. Adult tickets are $7, children, students and seniors are $3. More info here.

Odd Nights at The Autry (Starting April 21) -> Odd Night at the Autry brings a every third Friday of the month starting in April. Expect an indie bazaar population by funky vendors, food trucks, live music. More info here.

gRUNion Party 2023 (April 21-22) -> Venice Oceanarium’s annual gRUNion party is back this time for two nights to double the chances of seeing Grunion spawn in mass near the Venice Breakwater. Free to attend. More info here.

Cherry Blossom Festival (April 22) -> Celebrate the arrival of the cherry blossom season at Plaza West Covina with an afternoon of unique Japanese culture, vendors, performances, and food. Free to attend. More info here.

The Los Angeles Pancakes & Booze Art Show (April 22) -> This underground art show features over 750 works of art from 100+ local artists. held at Catch One your tickets also include all-you-can-eat pancakes and live music and live body painting. Pre-sale tickets are $15 online. More info here.

Record Store Day (April 22) -> The nationwide, annual celebration of indie record stores returns on April 22 with a day of deals, discounts, special product and exclusive vinyl and CD releases. Check for participating records stores and get more info here.

Very Special Arts Festival Community Day (April 22) -> The Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival is an annual free, inclusive event celebrating the artistic achievements of students with all abilities. The festival features student and professional performances, visual and performing arts workshops and a student art exhibit created around a theme that is introduced to the students each year. Runs 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. More info here.

LA Times Festival of Books (April 22-23) ->  The 28th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books returns to the campus of USC this April featuring over 300 book and merchandise exhibitors, a number of outdoor stages and activity areas, expert panels, performances, demos, and more. More info here.

626 Golden Streets (April 23) -> This San Gabriel Valley open streets initiative returns with a route focused on the Foothills, allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to navigate the roads car-free over a five mile course through San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona and Claremont. There will be hubs featuring live entertainment, food and special activities along the way. Free to attend. Runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.

The Brewery Artwalk (April 29-30)-> The twice annual open studio weekend at the Brewery Art Complex returns this April. Expect dozens of participating artists showcasing their works. Free to attend. More info here.

Jackalope Pasadena (April 29-30) -> Jackalope brings its artisan market back to Central Park in Old Pasadena for a two-day event showcasing over 200 local vendors selling indie goods, clothing, jewelry, home decor, housewares, art, photography, and food. Outdoors. All-ages. Free to attend. Get more info here.

The 13th Eclectic Music Festival & Art Crawl (April 29) -> The South Pasadena festival returns with dozens of diverse musical acts on stages and intimate venues all across town. An array of other activities are also on the dock including open galleries, beer and wine gardens, family friendly things to do, food trucks, an Artisans’ Alley marketplace and a South Pas Vintage Village. More info here.

Street Food Cinema (starting April 29) -> The 2023 lineup of Street Food Cinema kicks off with a screening of the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All At Once at The Autry on April 29. SFC screenings continue weekly through the rest of the summer (film dates are up through June 24 as of publication of this post) at venues including Verdugo Park and L.A. State Historic Park. Advance GA tickets start at $22. More info here.

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Taste of Home (April 29) -> People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) hosts its second annual food fundraiser, Taste of Home, at Sunset Las Palmas Studios in Hollywood. Over 30 local vendors will participate including Ayara Thai, Shlap Wings and Irv’s Burgers. Tickets start at $95. Proceeds from ticket sales will support PATH’s mission in ending homelessness in Los Angeles.

Pizza City Fest (April 29 – 30) -> Twenty pizza vendors are expected to fire up their signature pies for this new food festival happening at L.A. Live. It’s not just pizza, a number of salad vendors, dessert participants, collaborations as well as panels and demos from respected pizza masters will be part of the festival. Tickets start at $95. More info here.

Renegade Craft Fair (April 29 – 30) -> Renegade Craft Fair takes over the Santa Monica Airport
Interim Open Space for two days of exploring over 200 small businesses, makers and artists. More info here

Cinco de Mayo at La Plaza (April 30) -> Join La Plaza for a free event celebrating the battle of Puebla. Free to attend the event will feature live music and dance as well as art workshops. More info here.

Bob Baker Day (April 30) -> The 9th annual Bob Baker Day brings a festive carnival atmosphere to Los Angeles State Historic Park, including music, games, and puppets from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. The event is free to attend, but suggested donations of $20 are happily accepted to support the theater’s mission. Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. RSVP is required. More info here.

Montrose Craft Beer Fest (April 30) -> The Montrose Craft Beer Fest showcases brewers and breweries from the Los Angeles area. Guests can enjoy beers paired with delicious food samples, various booths, lawn games and music. Tickets start at $55. More info here

May

Gamble House
Gamble House. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

BeachLife Festival (May 5-7) -> The two-day music festival takes place oceanside in Redondo Beach. Headliners include The Black Keys, Pixies, Gwen Stefani, The Black and many more.More info here.

LA TACO Madness 2023 (May 6) -> Catch all the best tacquerĂ­as in one place during the 14th Annual Taco Madness tournament. Happening at La Plaza, guests will feast on tacos, cheers to LA’s most popular street food, enjoy live music and witness in real time who wins “Best in Show.” Tickets start at $37.07. More info here.

Unique LA Market (May 6-7)-> Shop small at Unique LA. Discover 150+ indie brands and artist under roof at the California Market Center. Tickets start at $15 and come with a tote, freebies such drinks and interactive activities. More info here.

LitFest Pasadena (May 6-7)-> LitFest Pasadena returns for an afternoon of dynamic literary talks, workshops, readings and panel discussions and interactive literary experiences. Free to attend. More info here.

RuPaul’s DragCon (May 12-13) -> Expect two days of all things drag via a series of panels, photo ops, meet-and-greets, shopping, performances, an after hours party, plus plenty of face time from the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Single day tickets range from $50 to $70. More info here.

PSYCHO with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra (May 12) -> The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos, will perform the music Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho live at the Walt Disney Concert Hall while the movie screens. Tickets start at $45. More info here.

A Current Affair (May 13) -> The pop-up vintage marketplace with a highly curated list of vendors from all over the state is taking over the Cooper Design Space in DTLA for a multi-decade shopping experience. More info here.

Just Like Heaven (May 13) -> Just Like Heaven returns to Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena with a line up that includes Yeah Yeah Yeahs, MGMT, Azealia Banks, Future Islands, Empire of the Sun, M83, Hot Chip, Caribou, The Walkmen and other acts. More info here.

Beverly Hills Art Show (May 20-21) -> Over 300 artists are expected to participate in the Beverly Hills Art Show this year. Taking place in Beverly Gardens Park the event is free to attend and includes a wine and beer garden, demonstrating artists, children’s activities, gourmet food trucks and several community exhibits. More info here.

Cruel World Festival (May 20) -> The music festival returns to Brookside Park in Pasadena with headliners Iggy Pop, and Siouxsie with a supporting lineup that includes Billy Idol, Love and Rockets, Echo & the Bunnymen, Gary Numan and more. Tickets starting at $159. More info here.

CicLAmini Watts (May 21) -> The second CicLAvia event of the spring heads to Watts for a “mini” course that runs north on Central Ave, then east along 103rd. Expect the usual pedestrian-oriented experience featuring activities such as self-guided walking tours, scavenger hunts, street games, local business engagements, and art and cultural activities along the entire 2 mile open streets event. Runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free to attend. Rain or shine event! More info here.

Museums of the Arroyo Day (May 21) -> Five museums and historic homes along the Arroyo Seco offer free admission for the annual Museums of The Arroyo Day. Participants include The Gamble House, Heritage Square, the L.A. Police Museum, the Lummis Home, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Free shuttles connect museums for those who want to visit multiple locations. Runs noon to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m. More info here.

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The Broad Presents Keith Haring: Art is For Everybody (May 27) -> The Broad will display over 120 artworks and archival materials of the late New York artist and activist Keith Haring. The specially ticketed “Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody” exhibit will explore Haring’s work centered around nuclear disarmament, the HIV/AIDS crisis and more. In conjunction with the show, the free permanent galleries upstairs will display works from Haring’s contemporaries, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jenny Holzer, and Andy Warhol. Runs May 27 to October 8. More info here.

Fiesta Hermosa (May 27-29) -> Memorial Day weekend in Hermosa Beach means one thing: Fiesta Hermosa! This May’s three-day festival features a marketplace with over 250 vendors, live music and a carnival. Admission is free. More info here.

Topanga Days ((May 27-29) -> The annual fundraiser festival for the Topanga Community Center returns over Memorial Day weekend for two days of games, food and live music, capped by a Memorial Day parade. Adult single day tickets start at $25 per person. More info here.

June

Hollywood Bowl Playboy Jazz Festival
Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

WeHo Pride (June 2-4) -> WeHo Pride has attracted hundreds of thousands of people to their celebration for decades. For 2023 the roster of events taking place include a weekend Street Fair, the annual Dyke March, the Women’s Freedom Festival, and Sunday’s WeHo Pride Parade, along with OUTLOUD Music Festival produced by JJLA. More info here.

OUTLOUD at WeHo Pride (June 2-4) -> OUTLOUD will bring acts like Grace Jones, Carly Rea Jepsen and Passion Pit to West Hollywood Park during WeHo Pride. There will be DJs, drag and dance all weekend long too. More info here.

Mariachi USA (June 3) -> The 34th Annual MARIACHI USA Festival takes over The Hollywood Bowl with the best mariachi bands from Mexico and the U.S. plus a dazzling fireworks show. Tickets start at $39.50. More info here.

Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival (June 17-18) ->  The annual jazz festival returns to the Bowl for a two-day concert that includes performances by Kamasi Washington, Leon Bridges, West Coast Get Down, Poncho Sanchez and others. Tickets start around $40. More info here.

Pasadena Chalk Festival (June 17-18) -> The Pasadena Chalk Festival returns to The Paseo for a two day-long event featuring art and music featuring some 200 murals and over 500 artists  This event is free to attend. More info here.

CicLAvia South LA Presented by Metro (June 18) -> L.A.’s biggest and longest running open streets initiative heads to South LA with a car-free course along Vermont Avenue. Runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to attend. Rain or shine event! More info here.


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