
Okay so spring is in the air, but do we even do seasons in Los Angeles? Sure, we know the score on the calendar when the equinox hits. But is anyone actually paying attention? Well, when it comes to events our eyes are wide open because there is A LOT going on.
Taking a glance at the season to come, it brings to mind a simple question: What sparks your joy? Could it be a festival of kites to get in touch with your inner kid? Might you seek out science and learning with fellow creative thinkers, or discover new favorite authors at a festival of books? Or maybe you just want to dance all night at Disney Concert Hall, or groove all day at a block party on Broadway. Whatever your pleasure, it’s all on tap over the next few months in the Southland.
And here’s the kicker (which you’re probably familiar with if you follow our guides!): Everything listed below is free to the public, and all mentions are readily accessible by Metro bus or rail service. That means along with the gratis entry, you’ll be skipping traffic and saving on parking. And as far as we’re concerned, those are the perfect twin pillars to start any great outing in the city of angels.
Now let’s get you going somewhere…
Free Spring To-Dos
Dance DTLA: Special Edition (March 28)-> The Music Center’s Dance DTLA kicks off 2025 with a rare March edition of the signature summer dance + DJ series. Normally held at Jerry Moss Plaza, this time around the party takes place at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the theme for the night is to “highlight L.A.’s strength, unity and resilience.” Runs 7 to 10 p.m., and free to attend as always. Go Metro: Take the A or E Line to Grand Ave Arts / Bunker Hill Station.
Easy Mornings in Grand Park (April 5 + 19) -> Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings return for two dates this April, offering a pair of Saturday events featuring relaxing, family-friendly activities focused on deepening relationships with self, community, and the park. Both days run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free to attend. Go Metro: Take the B or D Line to Civic Center / Grand Park Station.
CicLAvia – Koreatown Meets Hollywood (April 6) -> For spring, CicLAvia is carving out a nearly five-mile, car-free course connecting Koreatown and Hollywood. The route takes over portions of Wilshire, Western, Hollywood Blvd, and Vine, and per usual you can expect multiple activity hubs plus plenty of free space to walk/run/skate/pedal to your heart’s content. Runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and free to attend as always. Go Metro: Take the B Line to Hollywood/Vine OR take the B or D Line to Wilshire/Vermont, Wilshire/Normandie, or Wilshire/Western.
City of STEM + LA Maker Faire (April 12) -> City of STEM returns for the biggest festival of science, technology, engineering and math in Los Angeles alongside the Los Angeles Maker Faire, the region’s largest gathering of creative thinkers. Both event will take place at Exposition Park The day of learning and science will include tons of hands-on activities, experiences, workshops, lectures and appearances by famous creators and science celebrities. All free to attend! Go Metro: Take the E Line to Expo Park / USC station.
Bob Baker Day at LA State Historic Park (April 13) -> The 11th 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. Go Metro: Take the A Line to Chinatown station.
LA Times Festival of Books (April 26-27) -> The 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books returns to the campus of USC this April featuring over book and merchandise exhibitors, a number of outdoor stages and activity areas, expert panels, performances, demos, and more. General admission reservations for panel discussions open to the public on April 20. Go Metro: Take the E Line to Expo Park / USC station.
Fiesta Broadway (April 27) -> Four blocks of Broadway (between 1st and 4th) come alive for the annual Fiesta Broadway, a daylong Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring Lucha Libre matches, music, vendor booths, games, sports activities and a play area for kids. Runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Go Metro: Take the A or E Lines to Historic Broadway Station or take the B or D Line to Civic Center / Grand Park Station.
Very Special Arts Festival Community Day (May 3) -> 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 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Go Metro: Take the A or E Line to Grand Ave Arts / Bunker Hill Station or take the B or D Line to Civic Center / Grand Park Station.
Museums of the Arroyo Day (May 4) -> Six museums and historic homes along the Arroyo Seco offer free admission for the annual Museums of The Arroyo Day, on Sunday, May 4. Participants include The Gamble House, Heritage Square, the L.A. Police Museum, the Lummis Home, the Pasadena Museum of History, and the South Pasadena Historical Museum. 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. Go Metro: Take the A Line to Heritage Square station.
Community & Unity People’s Kite Festival (May 17) Head to Los Angeles State Historic Park this May for the 5th Annual Community & Unity People’s Kite Festival. Hosted by Clockshop, expect demos from kite masters, special workshops, curated snacks for purchase, and tons of colorful kites sailing through the sky. Free to attend, and donations welcome. Runs 2 to 6 p.m. Go Metro: Take the A Line to Chinatown station.
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