Looks like we’re getting a wet start to February in Los Angeles, but not to worry. There’s a lot of month left to go (it is a leap year after all) with a lot to do.
Over the next four weeks you’ll find the L.A. Art Show, Lunar New Year Festivals (lots of ’em), Mardi Gras at The Original Farmers Market, the Chinatown Firecracker Run, an Afro-Latinx Family Festival at MOLAA, CicLAvia on Melrose, Lovestruck Cinema, Frieze Los Angeles, and much more. Take a look at all your options below, and have a great month!
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Things To Do This February in Los Angeles
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission
DTLA ArtNight (February 1) – FA > DTLA ArtNight runs every first Thursday of the month, activating 25+ galleries along Downtown’s Historic Core all free to attend. More info here.
What Water Wants (February 2)- FA > A new collaboration between artist Rosten Woo and Clockshop puts L.A.’s waterways in focus, investigating issues of water treatment, water modeling, and habitat creation through a series of in-person tours and conversations with conversations with local watershed experts. The tour series kicks off in Feburary with an event at the Sepulveda Basin ceneterd on “capture and quality.” Free and open to the public Runs 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. More info here.
A Century of Film Music (February 2-4) – M > As part of the John Williams Spotlight series at Walt Disney Concert Hall, A Century of Film Music takes guests through some of the greatest musical moments in cinematic history, including selections from The Godfather, Batman, Back to the Future, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, all performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conducted by David Newman. At the time of this post, available tickets start as low as $94. Get more info here.
Lunar New Year Fest at SteeleCraft (February 3)- FA > Lunar New Year Fest at SteeleCraft Bellflower will feature pop-up shops, lion dancers, kids crafting, and live music. Runs 2 to 10 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Lunar New Year Celebration at South Coast Botanic Garden (February 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25) -> The South Coast Botanic Garden celebrates Lunar New Year every weekend in February. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Garden will present a pair of 30-minute live performances (11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) featuring including lion dancers, folk dancers and drummers. Free with garden admission, which starts at $15 for adults. More info here.
Dumpling Day at Santa Anita Park (February 3) -> For one day only, Smorgasburg curates a unique dumpling experience at Santa Anita Park featuring popup dumpling vendors trackside. A dumpling starter pack cost $34 and the VIP version coast $55. More info here.
L.A. Travel & Adventure Show (February 3-4) – M > This two-day affair at the Los Angeles Convention Center offers the latest travel tips, trends and advice. Plus, you can meet-and-greet travel celebrities including Rick Steves, Phil Rosenthal and Pauline Frommer. Single day tickets start at $13. More info here.
Whale Fiesta (February 4) – FA > The annual Whale Fiesta at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a day of family fun featuring special activities and exhibits, games, arts and crafts, puppet shows, marine awareness organizations, expert guest lecturers, music and a life-size podof inflatable whales. Runs 10 to 3 p.m. Free and open to the public. More info here
Transit Equality Day (February 4) – FA > Both L.A. Metro and Metrolink are offering free rides on Transit Equity Day, which is held annually on the birthday of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks. More info here.
Lunar New Year at One Colorado (February 4) – FA > The Lunar New Year Celebration at One Colorado includes live music, traditional dragon and lion performances, crafts, red envelope giveaways and more. Runs 1 to 4 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Shochu Night at Redbird (February 6) -> The third annual Shochu Month in Los Angeles is celebrating the Japanese spirit with a series of speciality cocktails and live programming at nine of L.A.’s top bars, including Accomplice Bar, Death&Co LA, Employees Only LA, Gold Line, Redbird, Steep LA, The Lincoln, The Semi-Tropic, and Thunderbolt. The next live activation is a special Shochu Night at Redbird on February 6, featuring award winning mixologist Takuma Watanabe. $35 reservations get you 2 cocktails at the bar plus passed hors d’oeurves. You can get more info and reservere your slot here.
First Wednesday Lecture at The AoP (February 7) -> Every first Wednesday evening of the month, the Aquarium of the Pacific hosts a guest lecture and cocktail reception at the Pacific Visions Theater. For February 7, join them for a special presentation from Bonnie Nixon, Director of ESG and Sustainability at Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT). Tickets are $5 in advance, or $10 the day of. More info here.
Eataly’s Notte Italiana: Valentine’s Edition (February 9) -> The Valentine’s edition of Eataly’s late night tasting experience will feature a dozen Italian bites and libations, live entertainment, a photo booth and more. Tickets cost $99 a person. This event is 21+. More info here.
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The Troubies Present: Cupid’s Eros (February 9-11) -> The Getty Villa’s Valentine’s presentation, “Cupid’s Eros,” is a family-friendly musical performance that brings characters from antiquity to life. From Medusa & Perseus, Achilles & Patroclus to Pandora and her Box see the stories unfold with a live Troubadorchestra providing sounds from the 1970s and ’80s. Tickets are priced at $35 per person. More info here.
Mardi Gras at The Original Farmers Market (February 9-10, & 12) – FA > Mardis Gras festivities at The Original Farmers Market include the annual Mutti Gras Pet Parade & Costume Contest, a lineup of themed activities, including jester puppet-making, live music and a Fat Tuesday celebration to wrap it all up on February 13.
Chinese New Year Festival at The Huntington (February 10-11) -> Celebrate the Year Of The Dragon in and around The Huntington’s gorgeous Chinese Garden, alongside of an array of traditional entertainment. Enjoy lion dancers, mask-changing performances, martial arts demonstrations, live music, arts and craft demos, and dining specials throughout the two-day event. Tickets start at $29 for adults. More info here.
Shanghai Nights (February 10) – FA > Benny Boy Brewing hosts Shanghai Nights, a Lunar New Year celebration, featuring a multi-lingual performance by Jessica Fichot featuring a songbook of 1940s Mandarin Chinese jazz tunes, Mandopop, iconic multilingual songs, and celebratory Chinese New Year classics. Runs 6 to 9 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Puppy Bowl TAILgate (& Adoption!) Party (February 10) – FA > Wags & Walks Adoption and Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co., will host the official Los Angeles Puppy Bowl TAILgate (& Adoption!) Party with sports-themed activations for dogs to enjoy, stadium snacks for humans and doggos, free merch and photo opps. Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. will also be pouring coffee and selling merch. The event runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Only the Young Opening Celebration with Dynamicduo and PROWDMON (February 10) – FA > Celebrate the Hammer Museum’s opening of “Only the Young: Experimental Art in Korea 1960s–1970s” with a special performance by Korean hip-hop group Dynamicduo and dance crew PROWDMON, presented by CJ ENM. Experiences include cash bars, free admission, and access to the galleries until 10:30 p.m. More info here.
Lunar New Year at UPAM (February 10) – M FA > USC Pacific Asia Museum celebrates Lunar New Year with free admission to the museum, plus special activities including a lion dance, storytelling, calligraphy, crafts, and food trucks. Runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Lovestruck Cinema Screening at Million Dollar Theatre (February 10 & 14) – M > Street Food Cinema celebrates Valentine’s Day with two lovestruck themed movie screenings at the historic Million Dollar Theatre in DTLA. Slated films include The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Romeo & Juliet. Tickets start at $45 with several different types of packages for couples that go up to $130 (per couple) that include perks like sangria, snacks and reserved seating. More info here.
Galentine’s at Common Space (February 10) -> Galentine’s at Common Space Brewing features DIY Floral Arrangements, Tarot readings, DJ’d tunes, and more. Runs noon to 5 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Skate Oddity presents: Valentines and Frankensteins (February 10) -> Skate Oddity brings a night of gothic romance and vinyl tunes to the LA Kings Burbank Sports Center. From 4 to 8 p.m. Expect a curated lineup of local vendors, new wave and post punk beats provided by DJs, tarot, vegan bites for purchase. Tickets to skate start at $22. More info here.
Grand Central Market’s Super Bowl Watch Party (February 11) – M > Grand Central Market hosts a Super Bowl watch party with vendors food specials all day long and free popcorn from Maple Block. The party takes place on the Hill street patio. More info here.
L.A. Art Show (February 14-18) – M > The L.A. Art Show offers 180,000 feet of exhibition space at in the Los Angeles Convention this center over a 5-day event in DTLA. 120 galleries, museums, and non-profit arts organizations will exhibit painting, sculpture, works on paper, installations, and photography from around the world. One-day admission is $35, and it’ll run you $250 to attend the opening night premiere. Get more info here.
Jo Koy at Kia Forum (February 16-17) -> Chart-topping comedian Jo Koy brings his brands of arena-packing humor to the Kia Forum for a pair of post-Valentine’s Day shows in February as part of his 2024 world tour. Get more info here.
Pasadena Black History Parade and Festival (February 17) – FA > The Pasadena Black History Parade and Festival begins at 10 a.m. at Fair Oaks Avenue and Figueroa Drive and ends at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. The post-parade festival at Robinson Park includes live bands, dance performances, community booths, guest speakers, and food for purchase. Free to attend. Parade runs 10 a.m. to noon. Festival goes from noon to 4 p.m. Get more info here.
Long Beach Symphony presents Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” (February 17) -> The Long Beach Symphony presents an evening of music and imagery featuring compositions by American composer Florence Price, as well as works by Dvořák, Mussorgsky, and Ravel. The performance will showcase the exceptional cello talents of Cécilia Tsan. Audience members can experience a relaxed, yet elegant evening amidst dancing fountains, fire pits, and a bar on the Plaza. A pre-concert talk will take place at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $32. More info here.
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Salt Marsh Open House (February 17) -> Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s ongoing Salt Marsh Open House program invites guests to learn about the Salinas de San Pedro wetlands habitat as guided by CMA educators. Runs 1 to 3 p.m. Free to attend.
Crenshaw Dairy Mart Film Festival (February 17) -> The Crenshaw Dairy Mart (CDM) will host a one-day film festival at The Miracle Theater in Inglewood, co-presented by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The festival prioritizes LA-based filmmakers of color and films that that resonate with Black and underrepresented communities. Tickets are $15. More info here.
2024 Day of Remembrance (February 17) – FA M > The Japan American National Museum is organizing a special event in commemoration of the 2024 Los Angeles Day of Remembrance. The theme for this year, “Rooted in Resistance: Fighting for Justice during World War II,” emphasizes the significance of advocating for justice during moments of profound moral crisis. The presentation is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. More info here.
San Gabriel Lunar Lantern Festival (February 17-18) – FA > The San Gabriel Lunar Lantern Festival features a kids zone, live shows/performances, street food vendors, free lanterns for kids, authentic Chinese live shows and more. Free to attend.
Family Bird Festival (February 18) -> The Family Bird Festival at the California Botanic Garden in Claremont celebrates birds with a day of interactive educational activities, crafts, and info booths that will teach visitors of all ages about birding, bird habitats, birds frequently seen in Southern California, bird anatomy and adaptation, and much more. The event is included with garden admission, which starts at $10 for adults. More info here.
Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival (February 18) – FA > The Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival includes a day of cultural performances, live art, cooking demonstrations, local vendors at an artisan alley, and augmented reality projections. Runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Main St. Free to attend. More info here.
2024 Winter Corgi Nationals (February 18) -> SoCal’s most competitive Corgis take the field at Santa Anita Park for a day of racing action, complemented by family activities, a Corgi-centric vendor village, plus food and drink for purchase. GA tickets start at $12 per person. More info here.
Common Space Art Show (February 18) – FA > This February, Common Space Brewery is hosting an art show showcasing local painters, sculptors and photographers. The showcase will run from 1 to 6 p.m., and is free to attend. More info here.
Night Dive at AoP (February 23) -> The Aquarium of the Pacific’s signature adults-only, after-hours series returns in February with food trucks, cash bars, DJs throughout the Aquarium galleries, art, and a live band playing in the Great Hall of the Pacific. GA tickets are $64.95 per person. Runs 7:30 to 11 p.m. More info here. More info here.
Would Parliamentary America Have More Fun? (February 23)- FA > Constitutional law professor Maxwell L. Stearns comes to Zócalo Public Square to discuss his new book Parliamentary America: The Least Radical Means of Radically Repairing Our Broken Democracy, as part of Zócalo’s ongoing series of election year programming. Stick around after the talk for a reception, with complimentary food and beverages. Starts at 7 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
46th annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run/Walk/Ride (February 24-25) – M > The L.A. Chinatown Firecracker race is back with a two-day event that includes a bike race, a dog walk, a kiddie run, 5k and 10k runs/walks and a festival featuring over 50 exhibitors showcasing products and services including nutrition, beverages, snacks, running shoes and cycling apparel. Registration costs $46-$63. The festival/expo is free to attend. Get more info and register to race here.
African American Festival at AoP (February 24-25) – > The Aquarium of the Pacific’s annual African American Festival celebrates African American and African culture through an two-day affair featuring dance, music, storytelling to historical displays. All activities included with general admission, which starts at $44.95 for adults. More info here.
The LA River Public Art Project’s Presents River Sessions: Frogtown (February 24) -> The LA River Arts community-led, multi-disciplinary art project, River Sessions, returns this month, this time in Frogtown. The session encourages participants to contemplate the LA River, climate change, social justice, and the emotional interconnectedness of these themes. Attendees will gain insights into river ecosystems and site histories through the perspectives of poets, artists, Indigenous Culture Bearers, and ecologists. Tickets cost $29. More info here.
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Care Bears™️ Forever (February 24 to March 30) – FA > Attention kids of the 80’s! Corey Helford Gallery is hosting an opening reception for the group exhibition, Care Bears™️ Forever, which features new works by over 75 contemporary artists. The February 24 reception runs from 7 to 11 p.m. Works remain on view through March 30. Entrance to the gallery is always free. More info here.
Lunar New Year at Runway Playa Vista (February 25) – FA > Runway Playa Vista’s Lunar New Year celebration include live performances, traditional arts and crafts, 15+ local vendors, and fun raffles. The event runs from 10:30 to 3:30 p.m. Free admission. More info here.
CicLAvia – Melrose (February 25) – M FA > The first CicLAvia event of 2024 pops up along Melrose Ave with a four-mile course stretching from Fairfax to Vermont. Expect multiple activity hubs, special from local businesses, and plenty of room to walk, skate, bike, and play along the open streets route. Runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and always free to attend. More info here.
The Museum of Latin American Art’s Afro-Latinx Family Festival (February 25) -> Celebrate the cultural diversity of the Americas and the African influence in Latin America at MOLAA’s Afro-Latinx Festival. Experience a mixture of customs from African and Mestizo peoples in the Americas including live performances, cultural exhibitions, local vendors, food, and more. Runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the museum cost $15. More info here.
Lunar New Year Chamber Music with the LA Phil (February 27) – M > Celebrate the Year of the Wood Dragon with music that reimagines Chinese folk songs and captures the exuberance of village festivities. Yi-Wen Jiang’s quartet will perform popular Chinese folk tunes to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Tan Dun’s Concerto for Six will merge Eastern and Western traditions, showcasing the virtuosity of each player. Additionally, Mendelssohn’s Second String Quintet features pieces rich in drama and lyricism. Tickets start at $20. More info here.
Felix Art Fair (February 28 to March 3) – M > The sixth edition of Felix Art Fair takes over The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel with an international roster of 60+ galleries occupying both indoor and outdoor spaces of the iconic hotel. Tickets run $75 per day, or a run of the show pass cost $100. More info here.
Frieze Los Angeles (February 29 to March 3) -> Frieze Los Angeles is back for 2024 at the Santa Monica Airport. The four-day presentation of art features some of the most renowned galleries in the world, and also includes special activations and pop-ups from a few of L.A.’s most popular restaurants. Tickets start at $76 per adult. More info here.
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