Get ready for a week packed with outdoor fun like the 109th National Orange Show Fair and the LA Times Festival of Books. You can also celebrate the planet at multiple Earth Day events and festivals, indulge in global cuisine, or catch the start of the Tony Award-winning “MJ the Musical.”
San Gabriel Valley Symphony Festival Concert
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse | 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel | April 16 | missionplayhouse.org
The SGV Symphony finishes off their first seasons. The program opens with the “San Gabriel Valley Overture,” composed by Cameron Moody. Violinist Eric Cheng takes center stage in the soaring “First Movement of Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor.” The internationally acclaimed duo Two Piano Journey will then perform “Francis Poulenc’s Double Piano Concerto.” Audiences will also be transported by “One Summer’s Day” from “Spirited Away.” The evening concludes with “Malagueña de Esperanza,” composed by David Hernandez. Reservations are free.
LitLatina Literary Soiree
BLVD MRKT | 520 Whittier Blvd., Montebello | April 16 | eventbrite.com
Meet local authors, shop local, try some great food, and celebrate culture. Expect intimate vibes, thoughtful dialogue, and a room full of mujeres who believe in the power of story. It’s free to reserve a spot.
Downtown Azusa Night Market
North Azusa Avenue from 6th Street to Foothill Boulevard | April 16 | instagram.com/reel/DW90IzEEkHu/
This Thursday, Downtown Azusa Night Market is hosting a special Disney day with vendors, food trucks, snack booths, a live DJ, kid activities, character meet and greets (from 6 to 8 p.m.), and more.
Third Weekends at LACMA
LACMA | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles | April 16-19 | lacma.org
With both free and ticketed programming, you can take your own journey through these special events and exhibitions. This weekend, take a look behind the scenes of installing LACMA’s collection in the David Geffen Galleries, learn about Austrian expressionism and Otto Kallir, watch “Fútbol on Film: Pelé” or check out “Mindful Movement in the Galleries: Modern Art.” General admission for LA County residents: $25 for adults and $21 for seniors with valid ID.
109th National Orange Show Fair
National Orange Show Events Center | 690 S. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino | April 16-19 | nationalorangeshow.com
The fair is back with a circus, pig races, live animal exhibits (shark, stingrays, sea lion, dog, reptile), camel rides, stock car races, art exhibits, carnival rides, fair food, live entertainment and more. Tickets: $5-$15.
South El Monte Night Market
1459 Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte | April 16 | instagram.com/p/DWkBqDUgKWp/
Enjoy an evening of food, family fun, shopping, a pooch derby, and live music from Suave
California Poppy Festival
AV Fair & Event Center | 2551 W. Avenue H, Lancaster | April 17-19 | cityoflancasterca.org
Celebrate California’s state flower with live entertainment, amusement park rides, festival food, live animal exhibits, and countless activities for all ages. Pre-sale admission: $10.
Vintage Spanish Night
In Vino & Spirits | 4532 Rinetti Lane, La Cañada Flintridge | April 17 | exploretock.com
Can’t afford an Iberian getaway? Stop by In Vino & Spirits for a night of vintage Rioja wines from the 1970s, authentic paella, a live jamón carving, and captivating flamenco performances. Tickets: $165 per person.
Riverside Tamale Festival
White Park | 885 Market St., Riverside | April 18 | rivtamalefest.com
Indulge in an array of savory and sweet tamales crafted by local artisans, and enjoy live music, dance performances, lucha libre, shopping, a beer garden, and other entertainment. Admission: $23.11, kids 12 and younger are free.
Cowboy Festival
William S. Hart Park | 24151 N. Newhall Ave., Newhall | April 18-19 | cowboyfestival.org
Dust off your boots for the 30th Anniversary Cowboy Festival featuring Western music, line dancing, handcrafted goods, living history performers, and plenty of old-fashioned fun. Admission is free.
Brewabilities Beer & Wine Festival 2026
McCoy Equestrian & Recreation Center | 14280 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills | April 18 | eventbrite.com
Brewabilities will feature craft beer, wine, food, and live performances from local bands playing throughout the event. Tickets from $23.18.
Kite Festival & 2026 Earth Day Event
Ascot Hills Park | 371 Multnomah St., Los Angeles | April 18 | ascothillspark.org/annual-kite-festival
Come for a family-friendly afternoon of free kites (while supplies last), tree giveaway (for LA residents only, while supplies last), rain barrels and compost pails (while supplies last), sustainability booths and local resources, kids’ crafts and activities, and live entertainment. Free entry.
Eat Around the World
Center Street Promenade | 203 W. Center Street Promenade, Anaheim | April 18 | downtownanaheim.com
Take your taste buds on a global adventure. This is free and open to the public.
Record Store Day
Amoeba Hollywood | 6200 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles | April 18 | Amoeba.com/RSD26
Expect hundreds of limited edition releases, special one day sales, limited edition t-shirts, and free gift bags with purchase of Record Store Day titles (while supplies last).
‘Back to Oz’
Mark Taper Forum | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles | April 18-26 | muse-ique.com
MUSE/IQUE presents “Back to Oz: From the Wonderful Wizard to The Wiz, to Wicked — An American Fairy Tale.” Admission for non-members starts at $75 for a single admission or $100 for a trial membership with admission for two people.
Wonderful World of Watercolor!
The Open Book | 300 E. Colorado Blvd. #161, Pasadena | April 18 | eventbrite.com
Learn some basic principles of painting with watercolor. You’ll learn wet-on-wet vs. wet-on-dry techniques and create a simple composition you can take home. Tickets: $30 without supplies, $38.12 with supplies.
Careers in Film Summit
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | April 18 | academymuseum.org
This is a free annual program about film industry jobs for high-school and college students, and others from under-resourced communities. Each moderated panel includes live Q&As with Academy members and other industry professionals. Enjoy demonstrations, workshops, complimentary professional headshots, and free entry to museum galleries with a summit ticket. Summit tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and do not guarantee seating in the Ted Mann Theater, SoC 1 or access to the Shirley Temple Education Studio sessions.
LA Vintage Warehouse Sale
13003 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles | April 18 | eventbrite.com
LA Vintage’s warehouse sale is open to the public on Saturday. Everything is just $6 per pound. Tickets start at $12.51.
1042 Flea Market
12 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | April 18 | instagram.com/1042flea
Expect $5 bins, $10 racks, art, jewelry, trinkets, keychains, handmade crafts, vintage clothes, thrifted goods, and a live DJ. Free entry.
LA Times Festival of Books
USC | 3551 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles | April 18-19 | latimes.com/events/festival-of-books
The Festival of Books brings together authors and book lovers for indoor and outdoor panels, book signings, activities, cooking demos, bilingual programming and more. Admission is free. Panels start at $27.
Climate Palooza Arts Festival
West Los Angeles College | 9000 Overland Ave., Culver City | April 18 | eventbrite.com
The CA Center for Climate Change Education is hosting a Climate Arts Fest featuring art, music, and performances that celebrate the planet and promote sustainability. Attendance is free.
The Great Altadena Poppy Festival
2270 Lake Ave., Altadena | April 18 | eventbrite.com
See the blooming poppy fields while supporting fire impacted Altadena businesses. Festival-goers will receive a keepsake passport booklet to stamp at each local business along the route. The first 50 to get their passports stamped at every business will get a commemorative ballcap. Many of the participating businesses are offering special discounts and promotions. The event kicks off at Grocery Outlet in Altadena (2270 Lake Ave, Altadena), where festival goers can pick up their passport and begin getting it stamped at participating small businesses along the route. The festival is free and open to the public.
Taste of Claremont 2026
The Claremont Colleges Services | 101 S. Mills Ave., Claremont | April 18 | eventbrite.com
Dozens of vendors offering food, wine, beer, and other delights and hundreds of community members come together to socialize, enjoy the best food, wine, and beer that Claremont’s local food scene has to offer while raising funds that Claremont Rotary will distribute to nonprofit organizations doing good in the community. Tickets: $108.55.
East Side Story Concert & Car Show
Quiet Cannon | 77 Bella Verde Drive, Montebello | April 19 | eventbrite.com
Cruise through and jam out to live tunes at this concert and car show combo. For a lineup of artists, visit instagram.com/thumprecords. General admission: $55.20. Children 10 and under are free, with exception to the V.I.P Concert sitting.
‘Masters of Taste 2026’
Masters of Taste | Rose Bowl Stadium | April 19 | mastersoftastela.com
Los Angeles’ premier outdoor luxury food and beverage festival returns to the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl, featuring tastings from over 100 top chefs, restaurants, sweet masters, craft breweries, wineries, and cocktail bars. Hosted by Chef Thomas and Chef Vanessa Tilaka Kalb of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery, the event includes live entertainment and VIP experiences. All proceeds benefit Union Station Homeless Services
Cherry Blossom Festival
Shoseian Teahouse | 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale | April 19 | glendaleteahouse.org
The annual festival features tea ceremonies, martial arts, a kimono booth, Japanese music, dance, calligraphy, sumo, a Japanese food truck, and more. Entrance to the Festival is free.
Annual Earth Day Festival
Natural History Museum | 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles | April 19 | nhm.org
Celebrate the planet with live music, hands-on activities, scientists, films, nature-inspired merchandise, environmental organizations, and more. Museum admission: $18 for adults, $14 for students & seniors, $7 for kids 3-12.
‘MJ the Musical’
Pantages Theatre | 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles | April 21-May 3 | broadwayinhollywood.com
This Tony Award-winning bio-musical looks at the artistry, innovation, and influence of the King of Pop. Tickets start at $56.
Nahuatl Poetry
Hermon Park | 5566 Via Marisol, Los Angeles | April 22 | instagram.com/p/DWaQkDniGqv/
Indigenous Wellness Collective is offering free workshops and offerings this April. You can RSVP by commenting on the Instagram post or sending an email to IndigenousWellnessColletive@gmail.com.
ONGOING
‘The Adding Machine’
The Actors’ Gang | 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City | Through April 18 | theactorsgang.com
Elmer Rice’s groundbreaking 1923 expressionist drama comes to life in this production directed by Cihan Sahin. The Adding Machine follows Mr. Zero, a bookkeeper replaced by automation after 25 years on the job, whose tragic unraveling becomes a sharp satire on technology, labor, and society. A century after its debut, the play’s themes of mechanization and human worth resonate in the age of AI. Performances Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; select Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets available online or by phone at 310-838-4264.
¡Sí Se Puede!
LA County | Through April 18 | centertheatregroup.org
Follow the life of trailblazing activist, Dolores Huerta, through a blend of movement, music, and actors inspired by El Teatro Campesino, on this journey towards justice. All performances are free and presented in English with some Spanish.
‘Kim’s Convenience’
Ahmanson Theatre | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles | Through April 19 | centertheatregroup.org
This award-winning comedy drama is a feel-good story about a Korean family-run corner store. Mr. Kim works hard to support his wife and children with his Toronto convenience store. As he evaluates his future, he faces both a changing neighborhood landscape and the gap between his values and those of his Canadian-born children. Tickets start at $40.25.
LA Spring Fair
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area | 1600 N. Rosemead Blvd., South El Monte | Through April 19 | lapradaevents.com/events/los-angeles-spring-fair
LA County’s largest spring festival features kids and adults amusement rides, live music on Saturdays and Sundays, carnival games, local artisans, food court and more. Event admission is $5, cash only. Unlimited ride wristbands are $32 online or $42 on site. Free parking 5-11p.m. on any day of the event, $10 parking fee Saturday and Sunday 2-5 p.m.
Springtime Easter Festival 2026
Moorpark Location | 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark | Through April 21 | underwoodfamilyfarms.com
Celebrate springtime and Underwood Family Farms with acres to visit and numerous activities including photo opportunities, visits from the Easter bunny, animal shows, giant eggs, wagon rides, baby duck feedings, bird house making, and much more. Weekday admission: $15.00 (at gate only). Weekend admission: $20.00 (on-line tickets required on weekends including Friday, April 3).
‘Sex, Lies and Harold Pinter’
Odyssey Theatre | 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles | Through April 26 | odysseytheatre.com
Veteran director Jack Heller is at the helm of “Sex, Lies and Harold Pinter,” an evening of two rarely staged Pinter one-acts—both darkly comic, both unmistakably unsettling—in this visiting production at the Odyssey Theatre. In “Party Time,” affluent guests at a chic London gathering trade gossip and brag about wealthy pursuits while, just beyond the half-open door, an unjust regime enforces “order” with brutal force. “The Lover” shifts the tone, as a married couple enlivens their relationship by exchanging intimate accounts of their affairs—until Pinter’s sly, bittersweet twist reveals how fragile the boundaries between fantasy, power and desire truly are. Tickets are $35.
‘English’
Bram Goldsmith Theater | 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills | Through April 26 | thewallis.org
Sanaz Toossi’s dramatic comedy about an Iranian ESL class studying for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) debuted at Roundabout on Broadway in 2025. This is a quietly powerful play about four Iranian adults preparing for an English language exam in a storefront school near Tehran, where family separations and travel restrictions drive them to learn a new language that may alter their identities, and represent a new life. Chasing fluency through a maze of word games, listening exercises, and show-and-tell sessions, they hope that one day, English will make them whole — but it might be splitting each of them in half. “English” won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was nominated for five 2025 Tony Awards including Best Play. Tickets start at $53.90.
‘Mean Girls’
La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts | 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada | Through May 3 | lamiradatheatre.com
You don’t have to wear pink to this fetch musical but you should consider it if you don’t want to be personally victimized by Regina George. Adapted from Tina Fey’s hit 2004 film, “Mean Girls” was nominated for 12 Tony Awards. Tickets start at $13.20.
‘Level Up!’
The Los Angeles Theatre Center | 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles | Through May 3 | latinotheaterco.org
“Level Up!” is a family-friendly new play by Gabriel Rivas Gómez that unfolds across everyday reality as well as in a vividly imagined virtual realm. Desi López, a trans tween, is afraid to come out to her family. In her oversized hoodie, Desi is seen as a boy IRL (in real life). But inside The Proxy, a richly imagined virtual world within the play’s digital realm, Desi discovers the freedom to exist as her true self: a powerful female warrior with enormous butterfly wings who embarks on an epic quest to save her dying dog and reunite with her mother. Tickets range from $10 for all Thursday performances to $48 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, except students and seniors, who pay only $24.
Renaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area | 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale | Through May 17 | renfair.com/socal
Hear ye! Hear ye! The Renaissance Pleasure Faire returns to SoCal with entertaining shows ranging from falconry and magic to drinking songs and jousting. With delicious food, flowing drinks, a marketplace like nowhere else, and actors getting everyone into the spirit, you will undoubtedly have a good time. Huzzah!
LA Zoo Bloom
LA Zoo | 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles | Through May 25 | lazoo.org
The LA Zoo will be buzzing with activity all spring. LA Zoo Bloom is a season-long event featuring colorful photo ops, strolling characters, and the new conservation themed Mission Safari maze. Tickets: $22-$27.
Photography and the Black Arts Movement
The Getty | 1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 403, Los Angeles | Through June 14 | getty.edu
“Photography and the Black Arts Movement brings together works by more than one hundred photographers, painters, graphic designers, and multimedia artists who used photographic images in their struggles against inequality,” says Timothy Potts, Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Tuttle Director of the J. Paul Getty. Divided into eight sections, this exhibition brings together more than 150 artworks in a range of media, including video art, paintings, collages, contact sheets, newsletters, and magazines, giving a sense of the varied ways that photographic imagery circulated at the time.Admission to the Getty Center is always free, but a reservation is required for admission.
DIAVOLO | Architecture in Motion: Escape
L’ESPACE DIAVOLO | 616 Moulton Ave., Los Angeles | Through June 14 | diavolo.org/escape
Founder and Creative Director Jacques Heim, choreographer of Cirque du Soleil’s long running Las Vegas production KÀ and creative director of the 16th Asian Games Opening Ceremony, continues his mission to explore the relationship between the human body and its environment. This 70-minute piece explores the conditions of the human struggle to break free from a chaotic world — featuring a company of 22 artists testing themselves against a variety of DIAVOLO’s most famous custom-made architectural structures. Pre-show and post-show interactive opportunities give audiences the opportunity to experience movement with the architecture pieces as well. Tickets start at $39.
‘Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo’
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles | Through Jan. 10, 2027 | academymuseum.org
The Academy Museum presents Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo, celebrating the artistry of Studio Ghibli and the hand-drawn animation behind the 2008 film. The exhibition features over 100 original materials from Studio Ghibli, including art boards, posters, an animation desk, and hand drawings by Hayao Miyazaki, many on display in North America for the first time. Curated by Jessica Niebel with assistant curator Emily Rauber Rodriguez. The museum is open six days a week, closed on Tuesdays. Tickets $15–$25; film screenings $5–$10.
