This week is bursting with cultural festivals, including the three-day Taste of Jalisco and multiple Cinco de Mayo celebrations like Fiesta Covina and the Venice parade. You can also explore the cosmos at Yuri’s Night Los Angeles and a “Spaceballs” screening at Griffith Observatory or a Star Party in Silverlake, or enjoy a variety of live entertainment from LitFest in the Dena to “The Sound of Music.”
Star Party Silverlake
Sunset Triangle Plaza | 3700 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles | April 30 | instagram.com/starpartysilverlake
LA is known for its stars but this party invites attendees to turn their gaze to the cosmos above.
‘One Million Words – Rilke’
Sierra Madre Playhouse | 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre | May 1-3 | sierramadreplayhouse.org
One Million Words – Rilke, tells the story of a writer who, for nearly a year, struggles to create poetry and can only express himself through letters. An actor uses these letters to navigate his own challenges in a place where even his name feels foreign, shaking the foundations of his identity. Together, the poet and the actor explore themes of love, the creative process, and a sense of not belonging, highlighting the importance of being grounded in the present moment, topics that resonate deeply in today’s world. Tickets: $12-$35.
LitFest in the Dena
Pasadena Presbyterian Church | 585 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | May 1-2 | litfestinthedena.org
LitFest in the Dena, a free literary festival, will feature panel discussions, readings, author appearances, workshops, and literary performances.
Taste of Jalisco
Cathedral City Community Amphitheater | 68-526 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City | May 1-3 | tasteofjalisco.com
This three-day festival includes live musical entertainment, lucha libre, fair & carnival, an artisan market, tequila tasting, mouthwatering food, and much more. Free entry is available for Cathedral City residents, military, first responders, and teachers: all day Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday before 5 p.m. Festival admission starts at $10.37.
‘Warsaw’
Beverly O’Neill Theater | 330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach | May 1-17 | ictlongbeach.org
A woman fighting for her life after a devastating accident draws four very different visitors to her bedside — a doctor, the doctor’s estranged fiancé, a truck driver, and a hospital volunteer who believes he once knew her long ago. As the four keep vigil, they realize that the comatose patient holds vital pieces missing from their own lives. “Warsaw” is a moving meditation on survival, forgiveness, and the invisible threads that bind our lives together. Tickets are $56 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, except opening night (Friday, May 1), and $59 on opening night and at Sunday matinees.
Half-O-Ween: Sinners & Carrie
Heritage Square Museum | 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles | May 1-2 | streetfoodcinema.com
It’s never too early to celebrate Halloween! Get ready to have a scary good time in the haunted village of Heritage Square Museum featuring “Sinners” on Friday and “Carrie” on Saturday, the Oddities Bazaar, a boozy lounge, haunted Victorian home tours, LA’s best food trucks, themed cocktails, and more. General admission: $30.
Jazz at LACMA: Michelle Coltrane Celebrates the Coltrane Centennial
LACMA | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles | May 1 | lacma.org
Vocalist and composer Michelle Coltrane, daughter of John and Alice Coltrane, celebrates her parents’ centennial. Admission: free.
Full Moon Risings Experience
Elysian Park | 34.08628° N, 118.24317° W | May 1 | eventbrite.com
Join We Explore Earth for a guided group hike cleanup, yoga, live musical performance beneath the moon, and telescopes to see the stars. RSVP: free.
Fiesta de Mayo Michelada Fest
Bogart Regional Park | 9600 International Park Road, Cherry Valley | May 1 | bcvparks.com
Enjoy great food, live music, beer, shopping booths and lots of activities at this free, family-friendly event.
Yucaipa Music and Arts Festival
Yucaipa Performing Arts Center | 12062 California St., Yucaipa | May 1-2 | yucaipa.gov/ymaf
The festival will include live entertainment, a kids’ zone, beer garden, gem and mineral show, art show, food vendors, and a large variety of artists and merch booths. Admission and parking are free
Fiesta Covina
City Hall | 125 E. College St., Covina | May 2 | instagram.com/p/DXPmVPcjyxm/
Covina’s first ever Fiesta will feature live music, mariachi, folklorico performances, a beer garden, food and drink vendors, and even games and inflatables for the kids. Entry: free.
Ecos de España
Sierra Madre Playhouse | 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre | May 2 | sierramadreplayhouse.org
Ecos de España celebrates the vibrant spirit of Spain with a compelling program of Spanish classical and flamenco music and dance. Dancer Susana Elena kicks off the performance with a lighthearted flamenco “Garrotín,” performed with a Spanish Cordobés hat. Incorporating drama, elegance and power, Spanish classical dancer Albertossy Espinoza performs “Paso Doble,” the dance of the bullfight. Classical guitarist Almer Imamovic plays a selection of the timeless compositions created for the Spanish guitar. Additionally, renowned international flamenco guitar and dance duo, Paco and Yolanda Arroyo, celebrate Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca with heartrending original choreography performed to his poem, “Nana del Caballo Grande.” The family-friendly presentation is suitable for children and adults of all ages. Tickets: $25.
Venice Cinco de Mayo
Oakwood Recreation Park | 767 California Ave., Venice | May 2 | eventbrite.com
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a fun parade and festival featuring Aztec dancers, folklorico dancers, mariachi, DJs, classic cars, the Brown Berets, food trucks, raffles, information booths, live music and more. Admission is free.
Kentucky Derby Garden Party
432 N. Old Ranch Road, Arcadia | May 2 | arcadiahistoricalsociety.org
Expect a full afternoon of entertaining activities, catered lunch, silent auction, and a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Tickets: $25.
‘Carlota: Alhajero de Secretos’
The Los Angeles Theatre Center | 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles | May 2-24 | latinotheaterco.org
Latino Theater Company welcomes the return of San Jose-based LGBTQ+ ensemble Teatro Alebrijes with “Carlota: Alhajero de Secretos” (Carlota: Jewelry Box of Secrets), a bold reimagining of Federico García Lorca’s “The House of Bernarda Alba.” Inside the home of Carlota and her three daughters, time seems to have stood still. But their cloistered world is suddenly shaken when the youngest daughter encounters a handsome stranger in town for his father’s funeral. What follows is a cascade of revelations as long-buried secrets emerge — like precious jewels hidden inside a jewelry box. (Performed in Spanish with English supertitles.) Tickets range from $10 to previews and for all Thursday performances to $48 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, except students and seniors, who pay only $24, and opening night (May 2) which is $75 and includes a post-performance reception.
The Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival: Family Day
Jerry Moss Plaza | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles | May 2 | musiccenter.org
Kids and their families are invited to this free, one-day outdoor festival where they’ll be treated to a lineup of live music and dance performances, interactive art-making activities and a magic show, all in an inclusive atmosphere.
3rd Annual Mariachi Festival
Veterans Park | 101 E. 28th St., Long Beach | May 2 | lbclassic.com
Enjoy a full afternoon of live mariachi music and folklórico performances. It’s free to attend, and attendees are welcome to bring blankets and chairs.
‘Fractured Fables’
The Actors’ Gang Theater | 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City | May 2-30 | theactorsgang.com
The Actors’ Gang presents Fractured Fables – for the entire family (ages 6 & up recommended) – written and adapted from Aesop and Brothers Grimm, among others, by Rynn Vogel and directed by Adam J. Jefferis. Audiences of ages 6 & up can expect a lively and engaging theatrical experience that celebrates creativity, mentorship, and the enduring power of storytelling. Tickets: $25 Saturdays and Sundays; seniors, students, educators are $20.
‘Hymn’
Odyssey Theatre | 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles | May 2 – June 14 | odysseytheatre.com
“Hymn” is a life-affirming new play by Olivier Award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabarti (“Life of Pi,” “Hamnet”). Two middle-aged Black men form a deep bond against a background of R&B rhythms, boxing, and rounds of scotch in this soulful play about love, faith and male friendship. Tickets to all performances are $35, except for the previews which are $20. A $3 fee will be added to each ticket purchased with a credit card. Discounts are available for students and seniors.
Monrovia Historic Homes Tour
Monrovia | May 3 | mohpg.org
There are nine different locations available to visit on tour day, and you can visit the locations in any order. Tickets are $30 for non-members of the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. Prices increase by $5 per ticket on the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased at Charlie’s House (430 S. Myrtle Ave) or online.
After Hours at Griffith Observatory: ‘Spaceballs’
Griffith Observatory | 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles | May 4 | griffithobservatory.lacity.gov
During this after-hours screening of Mel Brooks’ science-fiction parody, enjoy refreshments, explore exhibits, and take in the sunset views at Griffith Observatory. There will also be photo opportunities with the 501st Legion, a volunteer group of costumed Star Wars enthusiasts. Actor, comedian, singer, producer, and writer Josh Gad, who recently wrapped production on the sequel, will be the night’s special guest. General admission: $50.
Yuri’s Night Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory | 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles | May 4 | griffithobservatory.lacity.gov
Presented in partnership with Griffith Observatory Foundation, Yuri’s Night Los Angeles 2026 will be an all-day public celebration (noon to 10 p.m.) of the first human spaceflight. The day will feature astronaut talks, interactive exhibits, science demonstrations, and presentations. General admission is free and open to all ages.
‘The Sound of Music’
Pantages Theatre | 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles | May 5-24 | broadwayinhollywood.com
“The Sound of Music” has been one of our favorite things since Julie Andrews twirled onto our screens singing “The hills are alive with the sound of music.” Maria and the von Trapp family will take audiences on a journey about love, following your own path, the power of music, and resisting fascism. Tickets starts at $57.
ONGOING
‘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.
‘MJ the Musical’
Pantages Theatre | 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles | Through 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.
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!
‘The Storyteller of East LA’
The Los Angeles Theatre Center | 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles | Through May 17 | latinotheaterco.org
Dedicated to her mother, the newest work by Latino Theater Company resident playwright Evelina Fernández celebrates the sustaining power of love, compassion, storytelling, and the resilience of family. Lucy Rodriguez and Sal López star as Mercedes, a 90-year-old woman with dementia, and Serafina, the guardian angel with whom Mercy interacts in “The Other Place,” a liminal space existing somewhere between memory and reality. As Mercy’s health declines, her daughters Grace and Mary and granddaughter Lulu are forced to confront unresolved tensions and make difficult choices about her care. Their fragile caregiving arrangement is further strained when Mercy’s nighttime caregiver stops coming, afraid to leave home during ICE immigration raids. Daytime caregiver Josefa faces similar fears, even as she tries to ensure that Mercy’s care continues. The play blends intimate family drama with elements of magical realism to explore themes of memory loss, family dynamics and the complexities of caring for aging loved ones. Tickets range from $10 to previews and for all Thursday performances to $48 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, except students and seniors, who pay only $24.
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.
‘For Want of a Horse’
Atwater Village Theatre | 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles | Through May 25 | echotheatercompany.com
The Echo Theater Company presents the world premiere of a darkly comic, deeply human exploration of love, desire and unconventional relationships. Joey Stromberg stars as Calvin. Calvin is devoted to his wife, Bonnie, played by Jenny Soo. But, as Calvin confesses to his best friend, PJ, if he’s to move forward, he needs to open up their relationship to include his new romantic partner. One complication: that partner would be Q-Tip — and Q-Tip is a horse. Tickets range from $15 to $42.75.
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.