Here are 21 of the best annual events and festivals in Los Angeles!
Los Angeles is a city that loves to celebrate. With so many diverse cultures represented in one place, it’s no wonder that there are so many amazing festivals happening all year long. From food to music to art, these events have something for everyone.
* Festivals and events, as well as their locations, dates, websites, and entry fees are subject to change.
Tournament of Roses Parade
The Tournament of Roses Parade is a world-famous event that takes place every New Year’s Day. Featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and equestrian units, this parade is a must-see for everyone visiting Los Angeles. Some other events around this include the Rose Bowl Game, which is held after the parade, and the post-parade Showcase of Floats, where you can get an up-close look at all of the amazing floats from the parade.
When: January
Where: Pasadena
Web: www.tournamentofroses.com
Entry fee: Free
Golden Dragon Parade
The Golden Dragon Parade is one of the largest and most popular events celebrating the Lunar New Year. Taking place in Chinatown, the parade features marching bands, floats, and dragons. After the parade, stay for the festival which includes lion dances, traditional food, and more.
When: February
Where: Chinatown
Web: https://www.visitcalifornia.com/event/golden-dragon-parade/
Entry fee: Free
L.A. Pride Festival
L.A. Pride is a week-long celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture and history. The main event is the parade and festival, which features floats, live music, and vendors. Other events during the week include movie screenings, parties, and workshops.
When: June
Where: West Hollywood
Web: www.lapride.org
Entry fee: Free to attend the parade and festival
Nisei Week Japanese Festival
The Nisei Week Japanese Festival is a celebration of Japanese culture and heritage. Held annually in Little Tokyo, the festival features food, art, and entertainment. There is also a parade, which is one of the largest in Southern California.
When: August
Where: Little Tokyo
Web: www.niseiweek.org
Entry fee: Free to attend the festival
Abbot Kinney Festival
The Abbot Kinney Festival is a street fair and block party that celebrates the arts and culture of Venice. Held annually on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, the festival features local artists, musicians, and food vendors. There is also a kid’s zone with activities for the little ones.
When: September
Where: Venice
Web: www.abbotkinney.org
Entry fee: Free
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is the largest and longest-running festival of its kind in the United States. Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander representation in film, the festival features screenings of both new and classic films, as well as panel discussions and Q&As with filmmakers.
When: May
Where: Various locations
Web: https://vcmedia.org/festival
Entry fee: Varies depending on event
Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival
The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is a celebration of the cowboy culture and heritage of the American West. The festival features live music, food, and entertainment. There are also activities for the kids, including a petting zoo and pony rides.
When: April
Where: Santa Clarita
Web: https://cowboyfestival.org/
Entry fee: $10 per person
Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival
The Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival is a seafood lover’s dream. Featuring fresh seafood, live music, and a beer garden, this festival is not to be missed. There is also a kids’ zone with face painting and games. This is certainly one of the most delicious festivals in Los Angeles.
When: September
Where: Port of Los Angeles
Web: https://www.lobsterfest.com/
Entry fee: Varies depending on event
Pasadena Chalk Street Painting Festival
The Pasadena Chalk Street Painting Festival is a two-day event that features over 600 artists creating works of art on the sidewalks of Paseo Colorado. The festival also includes live music, food trucks, and a Kids’ Zone.
When: June
Where: Pasadena
Web: https://www.visitpasadena.com/events/annual-events/chalk-festival/
Entry fee: Free
Fiesta Hermosa
Fiesta Hermosa is a three-day festival that takes place in Hermosa Beach. The festival features live music, food, and a beer garden. There is also a Kids’ Zone with rides and games.
When: Memorial Day Weekend
Where: Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza
Web: https://fiestahermosa.net/
Entry fee: $8 per person
Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
The Calabasas Pumpkin Festival is a family-friendly event that features pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a petting zoo. There is also a kids’ zone with rides and games. The festival also includes live music, food, and a beer garden.
When: October
Where: Calabasas
Web: https://www.cityofcalabasas.com/Home/Components/News/News/344/15
Entry fee: Free
Mariachi Festival
The Mariachi Festival is a two-day event that features mariachi bands from all over the world. The festival also includes food, art, and entertainment. There is also a kids’ zone with rides and games.
When: October
Where: Hollywood
Entry fee: Free
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
The Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is a family-friendly event that features live music, food, and a costume contest. There is also a kids’ zone with rides and games.
When: October
Where: Hollywood Boulevard
Web: https://www.visitwesthollywood.com/halloween-carnaval/
Entry fee: Free
Brazilian Carnival – Long Beach
The Brazilian Carnival is a two-day event that features live music, food, and entertainment. There is also a kids’ zone with rides and games.
When: February
Where: Long Beach Arena
Web: https://soulbrasil.com/brazilian-carnival-traditions-in-california/
Entry fee: $10 per person
Festival of the Chariots
The Festival of the Chariots is a two-day event that celebrates India’s culture and heritage. The festival features live music, food, and entertainment. There is also a kids’ zone with rides and games.
When: September
Where: Varied Locations
Web: http://www.westlandtraveler.com/ca/venice/festival_of_the_chariots/
Entry fee: Free
Pan-African Film Festival
The Pan-African Film Festival is a two-week event that features films from all over the world. The festival also includes panel discussions, Q&As with filmmakers, and special events. PAFF attracts filmmakers, artists, and unique craftspeople from over 40 countries and 6 continents to one of the best festivals in Los Angeles.
When: April
Where: Baldwin Hills
Web: www.paff.org/
Entry fee: Varies depending on event
Outfest Fusion Film Festival
Outfest Fusion Film Festival consists of 5 days of online and outdoor film screenings. The festival also offers dozens of workshops, classes, contests, performances, LGBTQIA+ stories and more.
When: April
Where: Various locations
Web: www.outfest.org
Entry fee: Varies
LA Greek Festival
The LA Greek Festival is a 3-day event that celebrates Greek culture. The festival features live music, lots of food, and entertainment. There is also a kids’ zone with rides and games.
When: September
Where: Pico and Normandie
Web: www.lagreekfest.com/
Entry fee: Free
Watts Summer Festival
The Watts Summer Festival is a two-day event that celebrates the African-American culture. The festival features live music, food, and entertainment. There is also a kids’ zone with rides and games.
When: August
Where: Ted Watkins Memorial Park
Web: www.facebook.com/WattsSummerFestival/
Entry fee: Free
Dia de los Muertos Parade and Festival in Hollywood
This event celebrates Day of the Dead with a parade, music and dance performances, a children’s area, and more.
When: October/November
Where: Hollywood
Entry Fee: free
Hollywood Fringe Festival in Hollywood
This festival celebrates the arts with theatre, dance, music, and more.
When: June
Where: Hollywood
Entry Fee: varies
Join Us In The LA Area!
Believe it or not, this is just a small sampling of the many festivals in Los Angeles that take place each year, as well as other places to visit. There’s truly something for everyone, no matter what your interests may be.
So get out there and enjoy all that our great city has to offer! If you have questions about a move to the area or need help finding your dream home, reach out to us today!