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Alright, let’s get your May underway!
This May 1-3 in Los Angeles, catch the return of Jazz at LACMA, Frogtown First Fridays, L.A. TACO’s Taco Madness, the The Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival, Night at the Library, a Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Faire at Common Space, and more.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Jazz at LACMA – FA TP > The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s annual Friday Night Jazz series returns on May 1, offering free weekly concerts at Smidt Welcome Plaza. Vocalist and composer Michelle Coltrane will kicks off the 35th season by celebrating the John Coltrane Centennial. PLUS: Remember that LACMA is free to visit for L.A. County Residents (with I.D.) on weekdays after 3 p.m. Concert starts at 6 p.m. More info here.
Frogtown First Fridays – FA > First Fridays in Frogtown return for 2026 with a spring kickoff edition on May 1 that’s “All About the Animals.” Expect over a dozen venues adjacent to the L.A. River Path celebrating animals and wildlife with art exhibits by local artists, free or low-cost family activities, discounts, giveaways, arts & crafts, workshops, performances live music, plus adoptable kittens and puppies. Runs 5 to 10 p.m. Free and open to the public. More info here.
Bixby Knolls First Fridays: Arte de Mayo -> Enjoy art, culture, and community in Long Beach at the May edition of First Fridays in Bixby Knollws, themed Arte de Mayo. This neighborhood-wide event transforms the Atlantic Avenue corridor into a vibrant cultural hub featuring live music, local art pop-ups, and specialty food and drink. Explore the unique breweries, shops, and restaurants of Bixby Knolls while experiencing traditional and contemporary creative performances, all located along Atlantic Ave between San Antonio Dr and Bixby Rd. Runs 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. More info here.
Days of Future Past: Graduate Art MFA Exhibition – FA > Celebrate the next generation of contemporary artists at the ArtCenter College of Design with Days of Future Past, the 2026 MFA group exhibition. Featuring seven graduating artists, the show explores “hauntology”—the idea that the past persists in our present—but with a twist of curiosity and reinvention rather than loss. Drawing inspiration from the time-bending themes of its namesake film, the exhibition serves as a rewritten present for these emerging creators. The exhibition kicks off with an opening reception this Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. More info here.
Dungeon: A Comedy Roleplaying Game -> High-fantasy meets high-comedy chaos this Friday night at the Lyric Hyperion Theater & Cafe as Dungeon returns to the stage. Hosted by Game Master John-Michael Bond, this improvised comedy game show strips away complex mechanics to let top-tier comedians dive headfirst into wild, one-person role-playing adventures. The result is a blend of standup and improv that “simplifies the gameplay so comedians… can really enjoy delving into fantasy land much to the chagrin of the audience.” Show begins at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.85. More info here.
Half-O-Ween – M > We’re halfway to Halloween, so naturally Street Food Cinema thinks it’s the perfect time to host a scary movie night at Heritage Square Museum. Over the first weekend in May, Half-O-Ween invites guests to enjoy graveyard carnival games, tours of historic Victorian homes, food trucks, and a costume contest. It starts on Friday with featured screening of Sinners. Then on Saturday it’s a repeat of the programming, but with Carrie on the movie bill. Doors open for both nights at 6:30 p.m. GA tickets start at $37.36 (including fees). Keep in mind parking is $31.04. We suggest carpooling or taking a ride share. More info here.
L.A. TACO’s Taco Madness – M TP > The 17th edition of LA TACO’s signature taco battle is back this Saturday, taking over Gloria Molina Grand Park with a vendor lineup that includes Taquería Frontera, Tire Shop Taqueria, Evil Cooks, Tacos El Toro, Sonoratown, Borreguitas, Macheen, Tacos Los Cholos, Taco Nazo, Tirzahs, Asadero Chikali, A Tí Restaurant, Tacos Y Birria La Unica, Los Dorados LA, LaSorted’s, Villa’s Tacos #3. $25 tickets grant you entry, with food and drinks available for purchase from vendors once inside. And all L.A. TACO members get in free. Event starts at 3 p.m. More info here.
Roots & Rails: A Bluegrass Experience at Union Station – M FA > Metro Art, in collaboration with The Bluegrass Situation, debuts Roots & Rails, a first-of-its-kind bluegrass concert in the historic Ticket Concourse of Los Angeles Union Station this Saturday This open-to-all event brings the soulful sounds of roots music to one of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks. The evening features a curated lineup of world-class performers in an immersive, community-centered atmosphere. Free to attend. Runs 7 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Night at the Library: A Century of Light – M > This Saturday evening Central Library transforms into a massive, multi-sensory festival with four floors of activations to explore. Presented by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, LAPL, and LAist, the evening features over 200 performers and artists, offering a rare opportunity to dance among the book stacks, discover interactive art in hidden corners, and engage with the city’s premier cultural institutions. As of publication of this post, only VIP tickets are available ($158.74) but a limited number of $40 GA tickets will be released (depending on availability) at midnight before the event. More info here.
The Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival: Family Day – M FA > The Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival is back this Saturday for their 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 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. More info here.
Santa Monica Symphony presents Scenes from Life: Creativity – FA > This Saturday, immerse yourself in a powerful musical journey that bridges the gap between classical tradition and modern gaming at Barnum Hall. Under the direction of conductor Pola Benke, the Santa Monica Symphony presents a program that pairs orchestral masterpieces with the cinematic soundscapes of iconic video games. This community-centered event is designed to be inclusive and welcoming, even encouraging guests to attend in costume or cosplay. Starts at 7 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Corgi Derby Day at Benny Boy – FA > On Saturday, go watch the most adorable race of the year at Benny Boy Brewing for the third annual Corgi Derby Day. Guests can don their finest “Kentucky Derby” attire—think big hats and dapper suits—to cheer on a fleet of corgis as they sprint for glory. The afternoon culminates in a traditional rose garland ceremony where the year’s champion is officially crowned. Kicks off at 2 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Complimentary Classes at BUILD -> BURN Los Angeles is officially launching BUILD, its all-new strength training modality, with a grand opening weekend beginning Saturday May 2 at its Studio City location. The concept combines their signature BURN method with a traditional heavy strength training workout, integrating low infrared heat and medical-grade LED|NIR red light to bring training and recovery into a single, performance-driven experience. To celebrate, BUILD is offering two weeks of complimentary classes from May 2 through May 16, alongside a full weekend of partner activations and community programming featuring partners including Calabasas Coffee, ARRIVAL Creatine, KIT, Promix Nutrition, and more. Spots are limited. You can sign up via the BURN LA app or at Build-LA.com
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Faire – FA > Calling all Southern California sci-fi readers! Common Space Brewery is hosting a specialized Boutique Book Fair: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Edition this Sunday. This event brings together a curated selection of talented authors and small business vendors for a day dedicated to otherworldly storytelling. Whether you’re looking for your next epic series or a signed copy from a favorite author, this fair offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local literary community. Runs 1 to 5 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
JACCC’s Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) Celebration – M FA > Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) will host a special Children’s Day celebration this Sunday in Isamu Noguchi Plaza. Expect performances, food and beverage vendors, activities and a viewing of the koinobori (hope flags) art installation in the Tea Room where children are invited to draw and add their own messages of hope to art work. In addition, the James Irvine Japanese Garden will be open to the public, with optional 10-minute tours provided by the Little Tokyo Historical Society. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Jade Leaf Matcha for National Matcha Day (May 2) -> Jade Leaf Matcha marks National Matcha Day with two LA collaborations worth seeking out. Head to Milk Bar for a Cereal Milk Matcha Latte, blending Jade Leaf matcha with Milk Bar’s iconic cereal milk, plus a limited edition Strawberry Matcha Cookie from May 2 to June 27. Over at vegan sushi spot PLANTA, look for a Jade Leaf Matcha Martini and a Lemon Matcha Cookie Sandwich. A solid excuse to matcha-hop across the city.
Dumpling Tasting with Chef Baobae at Steep (May 3) -> After selling out her recent omakase, Chef Britney Wang brings her seven-course dumpling tasting ($125) to Chinatown’s Steep this Sunday. The menu features a curated progression, from shrimp mooncake to chimichurri short rib. Guests can also opt for Steep’s tea pairing ($45) or cocktail program ($65), each designed to complement the experience. More info here.
Wife and the Somm “Post Tax Day Relief” Three-Course Dinner Menu -> Wife and the Somm is offering a limited-time three-course dinner for $55, available Friday, May 1 through Saturday, May 9, 2026. Chef Frank Ryan Saporito’s menu features seasonal dishes such as pea tendril salad with roasted garlic dressing, Hokkaido scallop sashimi in miso-dashi broth, and Black Hawk Farms Wagyu top sirloin with roasted fungi valley mushrooms and sumac cultured butter. Guests can enhance their meal with a Spring Wine Flight ($25) or the Somm Select Wine Pairing ($45), each curated to complement the menu’s vibrant flavors.
Hot Pickle Cream Cheese at H&H Bagels -> H&H Bagels teams up with Good Girl Snacks, the cult-favorite brand behind Hot Girl Pickles, for a limited-time Honey Harissa Hot Pickle Cream Cheese. Available throughout May at all H&H locations and online via the H&H app, Uber Eats, and DoorDash.
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