27 Popular Festivals In Los Angeles, California

1. Pan African Film and Arts Festival

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Since Los Angeles is the home of the movie industry, it comes as no surprise that it also hosts a variety of film festivals, including the Pan African Film and Arts Festival. The festival’s principal goal is to promote cultural understanding among people of color, through the power of art and film. It takes place annually in February and it is a film festival for live-action and animation short films with the central purpose to destroy stereotypes and promote diversity and communication.

Pan African Film and Arts Festival

Address: Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 3650 Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Website: Pan-African Film and Art Festival

Takes place: February

2. Los Angeles Korean Festival

Los Angeles is known for its cultural diversity and freedom of expression, where each community has its festival to celebrate their culture and traditions. An example is the Los Angeles Korean Festival, with a history of almost half a century. The four-day festival takes place every year and has become an instrumental platform to promote Korean culture and bring the community together, but it also advocates for cultural diversity, gathering a variety of other communities, too. The Korean Festival includes parades, lots of traditional food, exhibitions, and experiences, and a chance to get a better glimpse of their culture.

Los Angeles Korean Festival

Address: Seoul International Park, 3250 San Marino St, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Website: Los Angeles Korean Festival

Takes place: Usually held in October

3. All My Friends Music Festival [Last event in 2019]

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Although it is just in its second year, Gary Richards’ All My Friends Festival managed to bring together 10,000 attendees this year, over the two-day event in Downtown Los Angeles. The festival took place at the Row DTLA complex, a creative space, where they set two stages, compared to three in the first year of the event. This year’s lineup includes names like DJ Harvey, Diplo b2b MK, Black Coffee, and Justice.

All My Friends Music Festival

Address: 777 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Website: All My Friends Music Festival

Takes place: October

4. Adult Swim Festival

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The name might be misleading, but get ready for lots of comedy, music, and more. The Adult Swim Festival takes place at the Banc of California Stadium and spreads over two days. The lineup this year included Captain Murphy, Dethklok, Jamie XX, 2 Chainz, Vince Staples, and the list goes on. It isn’t just about music, but experiences and loads of fun too, including sliding out of a giant Morty’s mouth at the Morty Slide, the Hot Dog Ride, or the Rick and Morty S4 Screening.

Adult Swim Festival

Address: Banc of California Stadium, 3939 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037

Website: Adult Swim Festival

Takes place: November

Price: From 49 USD

5. Nisei Week

Nisei Week is a Japanese festival taking place in Los Angeles, celebrating the local community and Japanese culture. Nisei Week is sprinkled with all sorts of events that spread over a week and include an opening ceremony that can be attended by invitation only, as well as street dancing, parades, parties, and other competitions and experiences. The festival starts on a Sunday and ends with a festive ceremony the following Sunday.

Nisei Week

Website: Nisei Week

Takes place: August

6. Los Angeles Lithuanian Fair

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Another community celebrating their traditions, culture, and customs is the Lithuanian minority in Los Angeles. Every year, the Los Angeles Lithuanian Days Fair celebrates all things Lithuanian, including folk dances, music, food and drinks, artwork, and other crafts. It’s a wonderful celebration that brings a long list of performers from all over the world–some local, some from Lithuania, and some also cities like Cleveland or even Montreal.

Los Angeles Lithuanian Fair

Address: St. Casimir’s Parish Grounds, 2718 St. George Street, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Website: Los Angeles Lithuanian Fair

Takes place: October

7. Mediterranean Festival [Last event in 2019]

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This fall, the Los Angeles Mediterranean Festival celebrated its 23rd annual edition, with a lot of cheer and good times. Ever since its debut in 1996, the festival has been held annually on the premises of the St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Christian Cathedral, attracting more and more people with every new edition. The festival debuted as a fundraising event, encouraging people of all ages to promote the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultural and religious heritage. Today, the festival includes lots of authentic foods, traditional dance, live Arabic music, and lots of fun and games for all ages.

Mediterranean Festival

Address: St. Nicholas Cathedral, 2300 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Website: Mediterranean Festival

Takes place: October

8. Kingdom Day Parade

Kingdom Day Parade is already a tradition in Los Angeles, as it’s reached its 35th annual edition. It is the biggest parade in the United States honoring and celebrating the life and accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr. Today its main goal still remains the elimination of fights and tensions between Black and Hispanic people, promoting freedom, equal rights, and understanding between different races. The parade passes through Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Crenshaw Boulevard, Western Avenue and Vernon Avenue, and includes marching bands, floats, and a lot of important people, including celebrities.

Kingdom Day Parade

Website: Kingdom Day Parade

Takes place: January

9. Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Every spring, the Renaissance Pleasure Faire takes place in Irwindale, California. It debuted in the spring of 1963 and has been an annual event ever since, gathering an attendance of 5 million people from all over the world, throughout the years. The Faire includes lots of games, rides, live performances, and entertainment, but also a pub crawl and different kinds of street food.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Address: 15501 Arrow Hwy, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

Website: Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Takes place: Usually held in April

Price: 30 USD

10. Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival [Previously known as Playboy Jazz Festival]

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Playboy Jazz Festival, sponsored by Playboy Enterprises, takes place at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles every year, at the beginning of summer. The festival celebrates jazz music by bringing together a variety of artists, both at the beginning of their musical career and already established jazz musicians. The lineup is usually announced approximately seven months in advance so keep an eye for tickets–it’s LA so note that they do sell out fast.

Playboy Jazz Festival

Address: Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles

Takes place: June

11. July 4th Fireworks Spectacular

Fourth of July is a big thing wherever you may go in the United States, but if you’re in California, the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular in Los Angeles is a must-see. The event takes place at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, one of LA’s most popular event venues, and spreads over three nights. Expect great live music from major pop artists and the Los Angeles Philarmonic, as well as the Fourth of July trademark – a fantastic firework show.

July 4th Fireworks Spectacular

Address: Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles

Takes place: July 4

12. Los Angeles County Fair

Summer may be over in many parts of the world in September but not in Los Angeles, where the LA County Fair takes place every year, from the end of August or early September to almost the end of September. Thousands of people travel to Fairplex for this event, where they can hop on carnival rides, enjoy street food, play games at the game booths, and even win a prize. The list of attractions and things to do is much more extensive than that, including concerts, igloo ice skating, and Jurassic Planet.

Los Angeles County Fair

Address: Pomona, California

Website: Los Angeles County Fair

Takes place: Usually held in August to September

13. Hollywood Christmas Parade

Los Angeles is one of the cities that go big for Christmas. The Hollywood Christmas Parade has become a tradition, as it’s been taking place every year for nearly nine decades. The parade features marching bands, Christmassy floats, balloons, and may even include spotting some celebrities. There will be lots of live performers and an equestrian show. The parade starts at Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive, goes east to Vine Street, reaches Sunset Boulevard, and gets back to Orange Drive.

Hollywood Christmas Parade

Website: Hollywood Christmas Parade

Takes place: November

14. Festival Navideno de la Calle Ocho [Last event in 2018]

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Another Christmassy celebration in Los Angeles is the Festival Navideno de la Calle Ocho, the biggest Latino event for Christmas. The celebration takes place on 8th Street, where it spreads over 10 blocks and includes live concerts, delicious Latino food, carnival fun, and various exhibits. Over 100,000 attendees are expected every year to come and celebrate Latino culture, traditions, and heritage. The event is free to attend and is broadcasted by all major television networks and radio stations.

Festival Navideno de la Calle Ocho

Address: 3305 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Website: Festival Navideno de la Calle Ocho

Takes place: December

15. OutFest

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Los Angeles is one of the cities that has embraced, accepted, and given support to the LGBTQ community. One of the events addressed to the LGBTQ is OutFest, an LGBT-oriented film showcase and festival. The organization behind is on a mission to promote equality, no matter a person’s sexual orientation, by connecting emerging filmmakers and established entertainment industry professionals and organizing different educational and mentoring programs. This event is an extension of their cause that contributes to building this community.

OutFest

Website: OutFest

Takes place: July

16. Los Angeles Lantern Festival

Every year, for the past 19 years, the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles has been hosting the Los Angeles Lantern Festival, a free event that also takes place all over the world. It is a hugely popular Chinese tradition that marks the closing of the Chinese New Year festivities. The festival features live entertainment and music, arts and crafts, as well as museum tours. The Los Angeles Lantern Festival supports a deeper understanding of the United States’ diverse heritage, as well as sharing the history, traditions, and culture of the Chinese American community.

Los Angeles Lantern Festival

Address: El Pueblo Historical Monument, 425 N. Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Website: Los Angeles Lantern Festival

Takes place: March

Price: Free

17. Cuban-American Music Festival

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Join the celebration of Cuban culture in Los Angeles at the Cuban-American Music Festival that features live Cuban music acts, dancing, traditional food, drinks, and Cuban cigars. The event takes place in May or June at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown Los Angeles. Cubans are popular for knowing how to have fun so join the party and learn a traditional Cuban dance, play a game of domino, or enjoy the food and drinks.

Cuban-American Music Festival

Address: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Los Angeles

Website: Cuban-American Music Festival

Takes place: June

18. Kwanzaa Heritage Festival and Parade

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the last days of the year and wrap it up with a party and good times, join the Kwanzaa Heritage Festival and Parade in Los Angeles. The event is a unique African American Cultural event that takes place in Leimert Park, has free admission, and will offer a fun time for the entire family. Some of the activities include live music, arts and crafts, a candle lighting event at noon, a special children’s village, and a drum circle.

Kwanzaa Heritage Festival and Parade

Address: Leimert Park Village, Los Angeles

Website: Kwanzaa Heritage Festival and Parade

Takes place: December

Price: Free

19. Blessing of the Animals [Last event in 2019]

Blessing of the Animals is a centuries-old tradition that has inspired the event with the same name in Los Angeles. Although the event was first celebrated in 1930, the story dates back to the fourth century. The tradition says we have to bless the animals for all the benefits they offer us and to promote good health, and this is what the event is all about – a colorful profession held by the Archbishop of LA on Olvera Street.

Blessing of the Animals

Address: Olvera Street, Los Angeles

Website: Blessing of the Animals

Takes place: April

20. WestWeek

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re into architecture and interior design, then this is an event you might be interested in. WestWeek is a two-day event that blends innovation and tradition, and that takes place in March. The event celebrates the technique and evolution of craft and showcases centuries of artisanal influence translated into modern times. Get ready to discover over 100 new products, attend engaging presentations, and get inspiration from the best professionals in the industry.

WestWeek

Website: WestWeek

Takes place: March

21. Ecuadorian Fiestas Patrias [Last event in 2017]

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Get a taste of Ecuadorian culture, traditions, and history at the Ecuadorian Fiestas Patrias in Los Angeles. It’s not just Ecuadorians that join the festivities, but people from other nationalities too, as the parade progresses from Broadway and 7th Street and goes north on Broadway, and then Main Street. Expect colorful costumes, Ecuadorian traditional crafts, Ecuadorian music, and traditional food like meat with rice, corn, and potatoes, as well as ceviche, Yuca bread, and lots of Ecuadorian fresh fruit.

Ecuadorian Fiestas Patrias

Takes place: August

22. Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival [Last event in 2019]

Watts Towers Arts Center is not just an iconic landmark in Los Angeles–it is also the place where the Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival takes place every year. The event includes a day-long celebration of different cultures, drum-based music, dance, poetry, but also crafts and different kinds of food. You can even make it a family day and bring the kids; there are lots of kid-friendly activities, too.

Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival

Address: Watts Towers Arts Center, Los Angeles

Takes place: September

23. Golden Dragon Parade

Probably one of the most colorful events in Los Angeles, the Golden Dragon Parade takes place in Chinatown Central Plaza, and celebrates over 100 years of Chinese tradition. The Chinese community in Los Angeles is quite vast so expect thousands of participants to take part in the parade that passes along North Broadway and involves lots of colorful costumes, almost 20 floats, marching bands, entertainers, and a variety of cultural groups.

Golden Dragon Parade

Address: Chinatown Central Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Website: Golden Dragon Parade

Takes place: February

24. Bangladesh Day Parade and Festival

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Every year, the local community in Los Angeles celebrates Bangladesh Independence Day with Bangladesh Day Parade. The event starts from Normandie and 3rd and ends at Virgil Middle School. The colorful parade includes raising big flags of both the United States and Bangladesh, lots of floats, carriages, and a marching band. There are also a variety of booths serving traditional food or selling clothes and jewelry.

Bangladesh Day Parade and Festival

Takes place: May

25. Asian Pacific Islander Lotus Festival

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Every July, the Asian Pacific Islander Lotus Festival takes place in Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles. It is a festival for everyone–one that highlights a different Asian or Pacific Island country every year, educating people about that particular country’s culture, traditions, customs, and history. Originally called The Day of the Lotus, the festival aims at bringing the community together, and manages to gather thousands of attendees every year. The event includes cultural events, authentic food from the chosen country, live performances, and many other activities specific to the region celebrated. One of the highlights at the 2019 event was the Water Lantern Show that made Echo Park Lake glow with so many lanterns.

Asian Pacific Islander Lotus Festival

Address: Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles

Website: Asian Pacific Islander Lotus Festival

Takes place: July

26. Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Taking place every year on Leimert Boulevard in Los Angeles, Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks is a tradition that the African culture shares with the Los Angeles community. The event brings together traditional artists and community members, and features live music and performances, lots of dancing, a procession, and colorful masks of all shapes and sizes. People gather to celebrate the global African village, honor and venerate their ancestors, and pay tribute to their African heritage, through dancing and mask-making. It’s a festival for the entire family – the kids will love seeing so much color and people dressed up, wearing the most unusual masks.

Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks

Address: 4343 Leimert Blvd, Los Angeles

Takes place: Usually held in July

Price: Free

27. Feast of San Gennaro [Event has passed]

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Feast of San Gennaro is an Italian celebration and street festival that takes place in Los Angeles. Join the celebration and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere, taste traditional Italian food, and have a good time like only Italians know how. Throughout the three-day event you’ll get to join the annual sauce competition, listen to Italian music, and immerse yourself into Italian culture.

Feast of San Gennaro

Website: Feast of San Gennaro

Takes place: October

Los Angeles - the city of festivals, celebration, and cultural diversity

Many associate Los Angeles with Hollywood, the movie industry, and celebrities, but the city is as vast as it is diverse. Home to different communities, including Lithuanians, Cubans, Chinese, and Asians, LA is a place where these communities grow stronger by the year, and they come together in celebration of their unique culture, history, traditions, and heritage. This is how festivals like the Bangladesh Day Parade and Festival, Golden Dragon Parade, or the Cuban-American Music Festival were born. Whenever you’re visiting the City of Angels, make sure you check out the list above for the most popular festivals in Los Angeles, California.