Los Angeles Festivals & Shows
With almost 4 million residents in the city limits and 15 million people in the metro area, Los Angeles has a booming population - and these people know how to party. Every time you turn around in the Entertainment Capital of the World, there is some form of festival, celebration or parade happening. Join the Angelenos in some of these most popular city festivals and shows.
Los Angeles has an overabundance of talented artists who participate in the multiple art walks scattered throughout the city. The
Downtown LA Art Walk is the largest (120 square blocks!) and most popular, showcasing the best galleries, artists, vendors, restaurants and shops in downtown. Stop by every second Thursday of the month from noon until 9PM for an unforgettable experience.
Address: Downtown, Los Angeles, CA 90013 - MAP
Phone: (213) 617-4929
Web: www.downtownartwalk.org
Ring in the New Year with the world famous
Tournament of Roses Parade. Pasadena has hosted the annual Rose Parade since 1890. Today, millions of Americans watch this celebration before the Rose Bowl college football game. The parade fills the streets with flower-decorated floats, equestrian displays, marching bands and other performers.
Address: 391 S Orange Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91184 - MAP
Phone: (626) 449-9066
Web: www.tournamentofroses.com
Just miles from Venice Beach, the
Carnevale! Masquerade Party promises an evening of "mischief, madness & mayhem" at this adults-only celebration. Dress up in exotic costumes for this colorful party. This tribute to the famed carnevale in Venice, Italy, has undergone several moves these past years, including a move indoors in 2010.
Address: 25 Windward Ave., Venice Beach, Venice, CA 90291 - MAP
Web: www.carnevale.us
Enjoy authentic Louisiana and Creole music, food and art at the
Long Beach Bayou and Blues Festival. This June celebration is fun for all ages. Festivities include a Mardi Gras-themed celebration and parade, as well as two stages featuring Cajun, Blues and Zydeco music.
Address: Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach, CA - MAP
Phone: (562) 424-0013
Web: www.longbeachfestival.com
The Christopher Street West's
Los Angeles LGBT Pride Celebration is one of the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parades and festivals in the country. All people of any gender or orientation are welcome to join in the festivities, designed to promote the struggle for and celebrate the history of gay rights.
Address: Santa Monica Blvd & San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 - MAP
Phone: (323) 969-8302
Web: www.lapride.org
Join in the month-long festivities at the
Los Angeles County Fair. This festival became an annual tradition since the first one in 1922. The largest county fair in America, the Los Angeles County Fair links California's agricultural industry and the public. Indulge in traditional fair food, cheer as the horses race around the track, get up close and personal with animals at the petting zoo, check out the circus entertainment and much, much more.
Address: 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91769 - MAP
Phone: (909) 623-3111
Web: www.lacountyfair.com
Enjoy some free jazz at the
Central Avenue Jazz Festival held annually on Central Avenue, the home of LA jazz in the 1930s and 40s. Enjoy food, art, community outreach programs and, of course, some of the best music from favorite local and national jazz artists, as well as high school bands.
Address: Central Avenue and 43rd, Los Angeles, CA - MAP
Web: www.viewfromaloft.org
Catch all of your favorite bands-the nationally/internationally known and the local rising stars-at the
Sunset Strip Music Festival. This three-day, multi-venue event takes place on outdoor stages and in participating clubs along the famous Sunset Strip. Be ready to party the night away for a weekend in August.
Address: Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, CA - MAP
Phone: (310) 659-7368
Web: www.sunsetstripmusicfestival.com
LA is known for filmmaking; so you shouldn't be surprised to learn dozens of film festivals occur in the LA area every year. The
Los Angeles Film Festival is one of the largest, screening over 100 films during its 10-day festivities. The festival showcases independent, international, feature, documentary and short films and draws in a crowd of more than 90,000 to its special events and premieres.
Address: Downtown, Los Angeles, CA - MAP
Phone: (310) 432-1240
Web: www.lafilmfest.com
If you're in a Christmas-SEA mood, come by the Newport Harbor for the annual
Christmas Boat Parade. This century-long tradition spans five days and features brightly decorated boats taking to the sea in parade formation. The final night features the last parade and a magnificent fireworks display.
Address: Newport Harbor, Newport Beach, CA - MAP
Phone: (949) 729-4400
Web: www.christmasboatparade.com
For the largest Halloween street party in the world, go to the
West Hollywood Halloween & Costume Carnival on October 31st. Show off your own costume as you mingle with the ghosts and ghouls having the time of their afterlives along Santa Monica Boulevard. Enjoy live music, delicious food, a pumpkin-carving contest and one of the most elaborate costume contests ever.
Address: Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069 - MAP
Web: www.westhollywoodhalloween.com
