A Big List of Things To Do This April in L.A. [2024]

April is here, which means it’s time again for our favorite food festival of year: Masters of Taste at The Rose Bowl. The annual benefit for Union Station Homeless Services really is something we’ve come to care about, and we’re thrilled to once again be a media sponsor for the event (it also means you can scroll down for a special discount code!). But if that’s not for you, not to worry. There is a lot on to choose from in the month to come.

Over the next four weeks around Los Angeles you’ll find The Other Art Fair at Barker Hangar, City of STEM Festival, L.A. Beer Fest, L.A. Taco Madness, College Night at The Getty Center, Bob Baker Day, LA Times Festival of Books, CicLAvia along Venice Blvd, Fiesta Broadway, and MUCH more. Jump into the month with our list below! It’s gonna be a good one 🙂

Things To Do This April

M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick

BLOOM! at South Coast Botanic Garden (Beginning April 1) -> Discover the vibrant beauty of spring at the South Coast Botanic Garden’s “Bloom” event. Stroll through breathtaking displays of blooming flowers, enchanting landscapes, and serene gardens. Engage in family-friendly activities, including scavenger hunts and educational workshops, perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Free with garden admission. More info here.

Love Me (Bar) Tender (April 4-5) – M > Fans of The King may recognize the Jungle Room as Elvis Presley’s personal retreat within his Graceland mansion. Now, a replica of this iconic room, complete with its shaggy green carpet, tiki bar, rock waterfall, and mid-century furnishings, is making its way to Los Angeles. For just two nights, the Jungle Room will commandeer Truly LA in the Artist District, transforming it into an Elvis-themed pop-up bar. Attendees can expect themed food and a Trulixir menu, music reminiscent of Memphis, and ample photo opportunities. Organized by the city tourism agency Memphis Travel, free timed ticket slots are now available on Eventbrite. More info here.

The Other Art Fair (April 4-7) -> The Other Art Fair returns to Los Angeles with a four-day event featuring thousands of original art works, immersive installations, DJ’d music, and drinks. Tickets for opening night are $45, and general admission on Friday to Sunday are $25-$30. More info here.

NHM First Fridays (April 5) – M > Natural History Museum’s signature monthly series returns for 2024 this month with an event theme of Nature and Gender. The evening includes live music, DJ sets in the nature garden, pop-up experiences throughout the museum, plus interesting discussion on this months theme. First Fridays run 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20. More info here.

Aristotle/Alexander at The Getty Villa Theater Lab (April 5-7) – FA > The Getty Villa’s Theater Lab is an ongoing workshop series highlighting new translations of Greek and Roman plays as well as contemporary works inspired by ancient literature. Aristotle/Alexander dramatizes the real-life relationship between between Aristotle and a teenaged Alexander the Great, written and directed by Ovation Award-winner Alex Lyras. Performances run once a day from April 5-7. Free to attend with advance reservation. More info here.

Corgi Beach Day (April 6) – FA > Corgis, costumes, cuteness. It’ll be there at the annual Corgi Beach Day, taking place at Huntington Dog Beach. Expect special vendors, food trucks, costumes, and plenty of photo ops, whether you’re there with your pup or just want to see the spectacle of it all. The event is free to attend. More info here.

City of STEM Festival and LA Maker Faire (April 6) – M FA > City of STEM the biggest festival of science, technology, engineering and math in Los Angeles and Los Angeles Maker Faire, the region’s largest gathering of creative thinkers will both take place at LA Historic Park on April 6. The event features free STEM activities and special guests and participants like science influencer Tutor Tori, to PBS and major museums. More info here.

L.A. Beer Fest (April 6) -> The 16th annual L.A. Beer Fest brings 80+ breweries together with over a dozen top local food trucks for a day of tastings, music, and fun, all at L.A. Center Studios. General admission starts at $50 per person. More info here.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire (April 6 – May 19) -> Ren-Faire enthusiasts can expect over 200+ artisans, merchants, and vendors, plus costume contests, games, rides, a food court and more, all taking place at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area on Saturdays and Sundays through May 19. Adult single-day admission starts at $42. More info here.

Masters of Taste (April 7) – TP > Masters of Taste returns to the field of Pasadena’s historic Rose Bowl for food samplings from over 100 food and beverage masters. This years’ Host Chefs for Masters of Taste are Chef Bret Thompson and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez of Pez Coastal and Pez Cantina. The 2024 lineup of vendors on tap includes faves like Ayara Thai, Poppy + Rose, Happy Ice, Saucy Chick Goat Mafia, Agnes and many others. Tickets cost $155 GA and $225 for VIP, but remember you can use the promo code WELIKELA for $15 off. All proceeds from the event go directly to Union Station Homeless Services, and as in years past We Like L.A. is a proud media sponsor of the event! More info here.

ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN at LACMA (April 7, 2024 through Oct 6, 2024) -> ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN is his first cross-media retrospective in over 20 years. It traces Ruscha’s methods and familiar subjects, showcasing his remarkable contributions beyond the art world. The exhibition features his early European works, installations like the Chocolate Room and the Course of Empire, and his ongoing photographic documentation of Los Angeles streets since 1965. More info here. 

Montrose Craft Beer Fest (April 7) -> The Montrose Craft Beer Fest showcases brewers and breweries from the Los Angeles area. Guests can enjoy beers paired with delicious food samples, various booths, lawn games and music. Tickets start at $55. More info here. 

PaleyFest (April 12-20) -> Back live at The Dolby Theater, PaleyFest is nine-days of special panels and discussions featuring the cast and crew of some of T.V.’s top shows, including Loki, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Morning Show and more. Tickets available for individual sessions or as multi-event passes. More info here.

Ivy Station Night Market Spring Fling (April 12) – M FA > Ivy Station’s monthly Friday night market turns into a “spring fling” for April featuring over 25 local vendors mixed with food trucks, craft beer, games, and music. Runs 5 to 10 p.m.

A Morning at The Theater: Bob Baker Marionettes at Sierra Madre Playhouse (April 13-May 11) -> Experience the timeless magic of puppetry when the Bob Baker Marionettes come to the Sierra Madre Playhouse. From April 13 to May 11, 2024, see beloved Bob Baker puppets take the stage for captivating performances and enchanting storytelling suitable for audiences of all ages. Tickets cost $10 a person. More info here.

L.A. Taco’s Taco Madness (April 13) – M TP > L.A. Taco’s 15th annual extravaganza of taco tastings returns to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes this April with a tasty lineup of some of the county’s best taquerias, including Tacos Los Cholos, Villas Tacos, Sonoratown, La Carreta, Ditroit, Carnitas Elartista, Macheen, Evil Cooks, Angel’s Tacos, Tacos Y Que, and Basket Tacos. Tickets range between $10-$100 depending on the number of prepaid food vouchers you get, and whether you want basic admission or early access. Event runs 6 p.m. to midnight. Get more info here.

Public Star Party (April 13) – FA > Head to Griffith Observatory to try out telescopes, gaze at celestial objects, and pick the brain of volunteers from the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers, and The Planetary Society, who will all gather as part of the Observatory’s monthly Star Party series. Runs 2 to 9:45 p.m. More info here.

Birding at LACMA (April 13) -> Discover the birds that call LACMA home. Join artist Yassi Mazandi and birders Carlton DeWoody and Benny Jacob-Schwartzus for a guided birding walk through the museum’s grounds. Spot diverse species amidst iconic art and architecture. Suitable for birdwatching enthusiasts of all levels. Free to attend. More info here.

Cherry Blossom Festival (April 13) – FA > Celebrate the arrival of the cherry blossom season at Plaza West Covina with an afternoon of unique Japanese culture, vendors, performances, and food. Free to attend. More info here.

Sip & Stroll at the LA Zoo (April 13) -> Enjoy craft beer, cocktails (with mocktails available), and food trucks at the L.A. Zoo’s after-hours, 21-plus event. Groove to KCRW DJs and a throwback set from the AstroYachts. Standard tickets offer beverage samples, while VIP tickets include an extra half hour and access to a lounge with small bites. Tickets start at $85. More info here.

18th & Grand: The Olympic Auditorium Boxing Expo at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (April 14) – M FA > Hosted by the Los Angeles Professional Boxing Club (LAPBC), this event invites attendees to delve into the storied world of boxing at the historic Olympic Auditorium. Guests can expect exhibitions, interactive displays, a vendor fair and panels by boxing luminaries. More info here.

Spring Concert & Festival at Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park (April 14) – FA > The Valley Cultural Center is co-producing a special night at Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park featuring a “Beatles vs. Stones” cover band battle plus food trucks and special activities for kids. Runs 4 to 8 p.m. More info here.

Pysanka Festival (April 14) – FA > Learn to decorate Ukrainian Easter eggs (pysanky) at a free festival hosted by the Ukrainian Culture Center in East Hollywood. Enjoy traditional food, live entertainment, and an Easter market. Donations support humanitarian efforts through the Ukrainian Art Center and Post Angeles. More info here.

Salt March Open House (April 14) – FA > 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. More info here.

College Night at The Getty Center (April 15) – FA > The Getty Center’s annual edition of College Night returns on April 15. The one-night affair features after-hours access The Getty’s galleries plus a pop-up installation by Jordan Eagles, DJ sets, hands-on activities, tours, and more. Must be 18+ to attend and a a college student with current I.D. More info here.

Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak at The Skirball (April 18 ) -> The Skirball’s latest exhibit celebrates the artistic legacy of Maurice Sendak, a Jewish American artist renowned for his beloved children’s books including “Where the Wild Things Are”. Organized by The Columbus Museum of Art, the exhibition premiered in 2022, marking the first major retrospective of Sendak’s work since his passing in 2012. Comprising over 150 sketches, storyboards, and paintings sourced from The Maurice Sendak Foundation’s collection, “Wild Things Are Happening” offers a glimpse into Sendak’s creative process and is the largest and most comprehensive showcase of his art to date. More info here.

TCM Classic Film Festival (April 18-21) -> A four-day slate of classic films shown on the big screen at a range of historic Los Angels theaters. The festival will focus on crime and justice in cinema. More info here.

Greystone in the Movies (April 18 & 25) -> Did you know that Greystone Mansion hosts an ongoing movie series highlighting films that featured the historic garden and home as shooting location? Next up in Greystone in the Movies is The Big Lebowski, which used Greystone for the home of Jeffrey Lebowski (the wealthy businessman, not The Dude). Both April events includes a pre-screening tour of the areas which were used in the film, followed by the screening itself. Tickets are $15 for Beverly Hills residents, or $20 for non-residents. Get more info here.

Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (April 19-21) – M > The annual racing event brings three days of grand prix action to Downtown Long Beach accompanied by a lifestyle expo and a variety of fun activations. Check the full schedule and get more info here.

Odd Nights at The Autry (Starting April 19) -> Odd Night at the Autry takes place every third Friday of the month starting in April. Expect an indie bazaar population by funky vendors, food trucks, live music. Admission is $5 and there is plenty of free parking. More info here.

Little Tokyo Earth Day Celebration (April 20) – M FA > The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center is hosting an Earth Day Celebration at Toriumi Plaza featuring crafting activities, seed bomb-making, a ukulele performance, snacks from local vendors, and more. Free to attend. More info here.

LA Times Festival of Books (April 20-21) – M FA >  The 29th 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. More info here.

Grand Park Easy Mornings (April 20 & 27) – M FA TP > Grand Park’s Easy Mornings programming returns this April with 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. More info here.

49th Annual Bunka Sai Festival (April 20-21) – FA > The 49th Annual Bunka Sai Festival comes to Torrance with a weekend of cultural activities that include performances, demos, tea ceremony and calligraphy lessons. More info here.

Bob Baker Day (April 21) – M FA > The 10th 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. More info here.

FOLAR Earth Day Extravangza (April 21) – FA > Experience an Earth Day Extravaganza hosted by Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR). This event offers a day packed with environmental themed festivities and community engagement along the Los Angeles River. Whether exploring the riverbanks, participating in cleanup efforts, or indulging in local food and music, there’s something for everyone at this lively Earth Day celebration. More info here.

CicLAvia Venice Blvd (April 21) – M FA TP > L.A.’s biggest and longest running open streets initiative heads to Venice Boulevard with a car-free course that covers a 5.75 mile stretch connecting Palms, Mar Vista, and Venice. Runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.

Earth Day at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (April 21) – M > NHM invites the public to spend a day enjoying interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and insightful presentations highlighting the marvels of our planet and the significance of conservation efforts. From wildlife encounters to tips on sustainable living, there’s something for all to enjoy. Free with paid admission to the museum. More info here.

Wiggle Waggle Walk (April 21) -> The 26th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk helps to raise funds for the Pasadena Humane Society’s mission to care for animals. This years goal is to raise $250,000 and registration starts at $50 per person. The three-mile route or one-mile morning loop around the Rose Bowl welcomes everyone including dogs and children. Before the walk dogs can take a run through the agility course and humans can explore the vendor fair. More info here.

Very Special Arts Festival Community Day (April 27) – M FA > 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. More info here.

Jackalope Pasadena (April 27-28) – M FA > Jackalope brings its artisan market back to Central Park in Old Pasadena for a two-day event showcasing over 200 local vendors selling indie goods, clothing, jewelry, home decor, housewares, art, photography, and food. Outdoors. All-ages. Free to attend. Get more info here.

Projecting L.A. (April 27) – M FA > Experience a free outdoor art event featuring works from 32 photographers projected onto an 80-foot-wide, three-story-high wall. Enjoy two screenings on the side of a building in Chinatown as well as food trucks. More info here.

The 14th Eclectic Music Festival & Art Crawl (April 27) – M FA TP > The South Pasadena festival returns with dozens of diverse musical acts on stages and intimate venues all across town. An array of other activities are also on the dock including open galleries, beer and wine gardens, family friendly things to do, food trucks, an Artisans’ Alley marketplace and a South Pas Vintage Village. More info here.

Street Food Cinema (starting April 27) -> The 2024 lineup of Street Food Cinema kicks off with a screening of Barbie at The Autry. SFC screenings continue weekly through the rest of the summer at various venues including L.A. State Historic Park, L.A. Arboretum and more. Advance GA tickets start at $22. More info here.

Pizza City Fest (April 27-28) -> Twenty pizza vendors are expected to fire up their signature pies for this new food festival happening at L.A. Live. It’s not just pizza, a number of salad vendors, dessert participants, collaborations as well as panels and demos from respected pizza masters will be part of the festival. Tickets start at $125. More info here.

Skirball Puppet Festival: A World of Dreams (April 28) -> Spend the day with friendly monsters and eclectic creatures at this massive festival featuring puppets, live music, and creative activities. Tickets cost $20 per adult and $13 per child. More info here.

Active Streets (April 28) – M FA > Formerly 626 Golden Streets the open streets initiative returns with a route from Mission street in South Pasadena to Mission Drive in San Gabriel, allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to navigate the roads car-free. There will be hubs featuring live entertainment, food and special activities along the way. Free to attend. Runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info here.

Fiesta Broadway (April 28) – M FA > Four blocks of Broadway (between 1st and 5th) come alive for a Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring multiple concert stages, vendor booths, games, sports activities and a play area for kids. Runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. More info here.

KCRW’s Good Food PieFest (April 28) -> KCRW PieFest is back at the Fowler Museum (campus of UCLA) for a day celebrating all things pie. The festivities include sets by DJs Dan Wilcox and SiLVA, and Good Food host Evan Kleiman will preside over the event along with a team of judges. PieFest is free and open to the public, but unlike in past years, you’ll need to purchase a tasting ticket if you want to sample slices from the competitors(tickets go on sale in April). Get more info here.

Cinco de Mayo Family Day at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (April 28) – M FA > Explore California’s connection to the Battle of Puebla through theatrical performances, music, hands-on workshops, and more. Free to attend. More info here.

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