When you think about Los Angeles, what may surprise you is not only how many events fill the year, but how different each one feels. The city moves between serious ceremony, loud celebration, quiet cultural pride, and global-scale energy depending on where you are and when you visit.
If you are here for major football moments in 2026, you will probably build your trip around matches, fan zones, and watch parties. The reality is that Los Angeles rewards anyone who plans around its festival calendar as much as its stadium schedule.
As you move between neighborhoods and see how the city reveals itself during big gatherings, these become the festivals and events in Los Angeles that genuinely feel worth your time.
Table of Content
Calendar of Key Festivals and Events in Los Angeles
Los Angeles doesn’t run on seasons as much as it runs on moments. These events shape the city’s energy, draw massive crowds, and set the tone for the year.
1. Rose Parade
The Rose Parade happens on January 1, 2026, along Colorado Avenue in Pasadena. Beginning at Orange Grove Boulevard, the route runs west toward Sierra Madre Boulevard. Floats are elaborate and covered with flowers; bands and equestrian groups follow in a steady procession.
The show starts mid-morning, and streets close early for setup,p so arriving well before the start time is important for good viewing. Seating along the route is available by reservation or first-come, first-served basis. The weather in early January is cool, so dress in layers and plan for crowd movement along parade blocks.
2. LA Marathon
The LA Marathon is scheduled for March 8, 2026. The point of origin is Dodger Stadium in Northeast Los Angeles. The course runs through downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and West Los Angeles before finishing near the Santa Monica Pier. Streets along the route close early Sunday morning, and public transit adapts operations on race day.
Spectators can position themselves at key mile markers or near the finish line for atmosphere and cheering. Support stations and aid tents are placed along the course for runners; public food and drink options cluster near the finish area. Planning transit ahead of time will avoid last-minute street closures.
3. LA Beer Fest
An official 2026 date for LA Beer Fest has not been released at the time of writing. In previous years, events with similar names have happened in late spring or early summer around venues such as the Fairplex in Pomona.
These festivals focus on craft beer sampling from regional breweries with food trucks and music stages. When the 2026 date is announced, check the organizer’s site for details about ticket tiers, tasting starts, and designated driver options. Attendance requires age verification at entry.
4. Skyline Festival
Skyline Festival is set for February 28 to March 1, 2026. It takes place at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles with multiple stages spread across the park area. The programming lineup includes electronic music acts and artist installations. Food trucks and vendor areas occupy sections of the grounds.
The atmosphere remains lively through the event hours, which extend into the evening on both days. Check the official schedule for set times and stage locations so you can plan which performances to attend. Public transit stops near the park make access straightforward from multiple points in the metro area.
5. Tequila and Mezcal Festival
The Tequila and Mezcal Festival is scheduled for May 2, 2026, at Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles. Admission typically grants guided tasting sessions that highlight differences between tequila and mezcal varieties and production techniques.
Food pairings and small bites often accompany the spirit stations. Seminars on agave profiles and regional styles are offered by experts throughout the day. Water and educational materials are usually provided; ride-share and public transit help with the central location. Tickets sell in tiers based on tasting access and session times.
6. TCM Classic Film Festival
TCM Classic Film Festival runs from April 30 through May 3, 2026, at multiple theaters, including the TCL Chinese Theatre and other screens around Hollywood. Screenings showcase restored prints and rare archival films across genres and decades. Panels and discussions with filmmakers and historians appear on the schedule as well.
Passes vary from single showings to multi-day packages. Some special evening events require separate entry passes. Film times are published at least several weeks ahead so visitors can plan which titles and sessions to attend. Seating is first-come for many screenings, so arrive before showtime to secure space.
7. Los Angeles County Fair
The Los Angeles County Fair runs May 7 through May 31, 2026, at the Fairplex in Pomona. The fairgrounds host carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, craft and food vendors,s plus an evening concert series on select dates.
Daily programming changes; agricultural competitions and demonstrations occur during daytime hours, while after-sunset shows attract attendees of all ages. Tickets may be date-specific, and discounts are common on weekdays.
Parking and shuttle options are provided; arriving early avoids peak-period congestion. Concert headliners and special exhibit announcements are typically added closer to the event.
8. Dia De Los Muertos Art Walk
Dia De Los Muertos Art Walk is centered around November 1 to November 2, 2026. Major activity zones cluster near MacArthur Park and along Broadway in the downtown area. Community altars, murals, live music, and procession routes reflect the Day of the Dead tradition with art installations and family-focused programming.
Nearby cultural sites such as El Pueblo and Hollywood Forever Cemetery host related observances and exhibits. This walk is a cultural commemoration that brings local artists and residents together; visitors should respect the ceremonial spaces and follow posted schedules for performances and art presentations.
9. FIFA Fan Fest LA
FIFA Fan Fest LA occurs on official match days during the World Cup in 2026, corresponding with games played in Los Angeles and other host cities. The main Fan Fest site is planned for Exposition Park near downtown Los Angeles. Additional official viewing areas are expected at Hollywood Park and at LA Live.
Fan Fest days include large screens broadcasting matches, food and beverage zones, supporter group meetups, and interactive fan programming. Official schedules with hours and match listings are published ahead of the tournament; travel to and from the venues can be busiest in the hours before kickoff. Ticketing or free attendance policies vary by site, so confirm details before you go.
10. Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival
The Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival is part of the venue’s summer season with dates traditionally in mid-June; the exact schedule for 2026 will be confirmed in spring. The festival takes place at the Hollywood Bowl Amphitheater, known for outdoor evening concerts with expansive views of the stage and skyline.
Seating ranges from numbered orchestra sections to lawn spaces; sound checks and opening sets often begin before sunset. Tickets are allocated by seating zone with varying price tiers. Refreshments and picnic options are available on site. Check the Hollywood Bowl calendar for confirmed times and artist lineups once they are released.
11. Lotus Festival LA
Lotus Festival LA typically occurs in late summer around Echo Park Lake. The exact 2026 weekend has not been announced yet. Historically, the festival gathers community arts performances, food stalls, and craft vendors around the park and lake where lotus blossoms bloom during the season.
Cultural performances and demonstrations tie into the festival’s focus on music and community presentation. Transit access includes nearby bus and rail lines; limited parking surrounds the par,k so plan arrival accordingly. The organizer’s website will post the confirmed date and programming details once they are finalized.
12. Anime Expo Los Angeles
Anime Expo Los Angeles runs July 2 to July 5, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This four-day event fills large exhibit halls with panels, industry guests, screenings, product vendors, cosplay showcases, and fan meetups.
Passes include access to the main exhibit halls and qualifying panels; additional tickets may be required for certain screen events or autograph sessions. Hotels near the Convention Center book early on event weekends, so early reservation is recommended.
The location has direct access to public transit, and shuttle services sometimes operate from remote parking lots during major conventions.
Choosing What Fits Your Visit
Los Angeles festivals and events are spread throughout the calendar, and each has a unique rhythm and audience. When selecting events to attend, research official dates, ticketing procedures, and transit impacts well before arrival. For travelers with fixed travel windows, the two most important steps are confirming festival schedules early and adjusting accommodation and transport logistics accordingly. Each event listed here has a different audience and local footprint.
FAQs
Los Angeles will host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, with major venues including SoFi Stadium, the LA Memorial Coliseum, and locations across the region.
Fiesta Broadway is one of Los Angeles’ largest and most recognized annual festivals, held in downtown to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with music, culture, food, and large public celebrations.
Spring and fall are generally considered the best times, especially April–May or September–October, thanks to comfortable temperatures, fewer weather extremes, and plenty of events without peak summer crowds.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Los Angeles’ main Fan Festival is planned for Exposition Park, near downtown, with additional viewing areas and events expected across the city.
The LA County Fair and the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval are among the city’s most famous annual events, drawing huge crowds and widespread attention every year.
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