22 Epic Los Angeles Events To Put On Your 2026 Calendar — L.A. Marathon, WeHo Pride, Coachella, And More
As we speed toward 2026, it’s time to look ahead at L.A.’s cultural calendar. We’ve taken stock of all the confirmed dates for LA’s biggest events , including highly-anticipated parades, [festivals](https://secretlosangeles.com/la-music-festivals/), and cultural celebrations. Whether you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles and want to see what’s going on, or you’re saving the dates to try and make the most of 2026, we have our eyes on plenty of upcoming events in Los Angeles. Grab your calendar and get planning with us. Each month, we put together a more thorough guide to activities and events coming up. Refer to the following monthly guides to fill out your calendar. 1. January in Los Angeles 2. February in Los Angeles 3. March in Los Angeles 4. April in Los Angeles 5. May in Los Angeles 6. June in Los Angeles 7. July in Los Angeles 8. August in Los Angeles 9. September in Los Angeles 10. October in Los Angeles 11. November in Los Angeles 12. December in Los Angeles 1. Music festivals ---------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re lucky to have some of the year’s most highly-anticipated music festivals at our fingertips, from Rolling Loud to Coachella. Here’s a rundown of upcoming festivals: * iHeartRadio ALTer EGO – Jan. 17, 2026 – Inglewood, CA * Beyond Wonderland – Mar. 27-29, 2026 – San Bernardino, CA * Coachella – Apr 10-12, 17-19, 2026 – Indio, CA * Stagecoach – Apr 24-26, 2026 – Indio, CA * BeachLife Festival – May 1-3, 2026 – Redondo Beach, CA * Just Like Heaven – TBA for May 2026 – Pasadena, CA * Cruel World – May 16, 2026 (unconfirmed) – Pasadena, CA * Newport Beach Jazz Festival – May 29-31, 2026 – Newport Beach, CA * Cali Vibes – TBA for June 2026 – Long Beach, CA * Warped Tour – July 25-26, 2026 – Long Beach, CA * Hard Summer – Aug. 1-2, 2026 (unconfirmed) – Los Angeles, CA * Ohana Festival – Sept. 25-27, 2026 (unconfirmed) – Dana Point, CA * Dreamstate SoCal – Nov. 21-22, 2026 – Long Beach, CA 2. Awards shows --------------- Los Angeles is a nexus for most of the major industry awards shows, including the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. Here’s when to expect them. * **Critics Choice Awards** – Jan. 4, 2026 * **Golden Globes** – Jan. 11, 2026 * **Grammy Awards** – Feb. 6, 2026 * Screen Actors Guild Awards – Mar. 1, 2026 * **Oscars** – March 15, 2026 * iHeartRadio Music Awards – Mar. 29, 2026 (unconfirmed) * Primetime Emmy Awards – Sept. 14, 2026 1. Rose Parade ----------------------------------------------------------- 2025 will kick off in spectacular fashion with Pasadena’s famous Rose Parade , a beloved tradition dating all the way back to 1890. The 5.5-mile procession is famous for its jaw-dropping floral floats , and its 136th annual rendition will be led by none other than Grand Marshal Billie Jean King . 🗓️ Date : Jan. 1, 2026 2. LA Art Show -------------- The Los Angeles Convention Center presents the 31st annual LA Art Show , billed as the most comprehensive international contemporary art show in America. Explore 180,000 square feet of world-class displays and [exhibits](https://secretlosangeles.com/best-exhibitions-los-angeles/) curated by over 120 galleries, museums, and nonprofits. 🗓️ Date : Jan. 7-11, 2026 3. Dine LA Restaurant Week -------------------------- Dine LA Restaurant Week offers specially priced menus at participating restaurants all over the city. Enjoy a great selection of curated menus as low as $15 at one of the country’s best and largest restaurant weeks. 🗓️ Dates : Jan. 23 – Feb. 6, 2026 4. NBA All-Star ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Los Angeles will debut a bold new NBA All-Star Game format pitting Team USA against Team World , a change aimed at restoring excitement and competitiveness to the event after years of declining interest. Watch stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo , during a weekend full of energy, fan events, and high-level basketball. 🗓️ Dates : Feb. 13-15, 2026 5. Golden Dragon Parade -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In honor of Lunar New Year, Los Angeles’ Chinatown presents its 126th annual Golden Dragon Parade welcoming the Year of the Snake. The event brings out over 100,000 spectators to see traditional Lion Dances, music groups, and performances. The parade takes off at 1 pm on Hill Street at Temple and proceeds along Bernard and Broadway Streets. 🗓️ Date : Feb. 21, 2026 6. Los Angeles Marathon ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thousands of runners and spectators will turn out for the [40th annual LA Marathon,](https://secretlosangeles.com/los-angeles-marathon/) a bucket-list event in Los Angeles. The race takes off from Dodger Stadium and proceeds through DTLA, Hollywood, WeHo, and Beverly Hills, finishing at Santa Monica Blvd and Avenue of the Stars in Century City. It’s known to host all sorts of entertainment along the course such as lion dancers, DJs, school bands, and drummers. 🗓️ Date : Mar. 8, 2026 7. LA Times Festival of Books -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Over 150,000 [book lovers](https://secretlosangeles.com/best-bookshops-los-angeles/) have been known to turn out for the LA Times’ Festival of Books, a major literary event held on the USC campus. This year will be the 31st anniversary of the festival, which hosts over 300 exhibitors and famous authors . Past years have included guest speakers such as RuPaul, Maria Bamford, Tiffany Haddish, José Andrés, and more. 🗓️ Date : Apr. 18-19, 2026 8. Fiesta Broadway ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Did you know that Fiesta Broadway is one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in America? Each year DTLA explodes into a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture that’s great for foodies, families, and music lovers. Taste some of the best Mexican food available at the Fiesta Taco Fest and La Fiesta de los Moles, watch high-energy matches at Lucha Libre, and catch tons of performances on the two music stages. 🗓️ Date : Apr 26, 2026 ### More Cinco de Mayo festivities * Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade – TBA * Cinco de Mayo Rose Bowl Festival – TBA * Olvera Street Cinco de Mayo Fiesta – TBA 9. LA County Fair ----------------- The LA County Fair is coming back to Pomona’s Fairplex this May with the theme “Play Your Way.” Find inspiration in dozens of exhibitions, displays, performances, and hands-on activities. The popular skating rink will return this year, as will the eye-catching Ferris wheel and plenty of other entertainment. 🗓️ Date : May 7-31, 2026 10. Great Big Family Play Day ----------------------------- Billed as “the West Coast’s biggest family music festival” and “Coachella for kids,” this 9-year-running, traveling festival touches down in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. LA’s version takes over The Autry in Griffith Park with entertaining children’s concerts, sports zones, giveaways, character meet and greets, and games. 🗓️ Date : May 15-16, 2026 11. California Strawberry Festival ---------------------------------- This delightfully sweet festival takes place at the Ventura County Fairgrounds as the ultimate summer kickoff. Taste strawberry-inspired food from over 40 food vendors, taste the festival’s signature strawberry beer, and listen to live music all weekend long. 🗓️ Date : May 16-17, 2026 12. LA Pride celebrations ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### LA Pride Festival & Parade LA Pride is presented by Christopher Street West, which organized the world’s first permitted gay parade in 1970 . Over the last 5 decades, they’ve continued to produce one of the country’s largest Pride celebrations on Hollywood Blvd. 🗓️ Date : June 14, 2026 ### WeHo Pride WeHo Pride is LA’s other highly-attended Pride celebration every year. It’s known to draw hundreds of thousands of people and hosts additional events including the Women’s Freedom Festival and the Dyke March. 🗓️ Date : June 5-7, 2026 13. FIFA World Cup matches -------------------------- Following the tournament’s kickoff in Mexico City, Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium will stage eight FIFA World Cup 2026 games , featuring the U.S. Men’s National Team’s opening match, four more Group Stage contests, two Round of 32 knockout games, and a Quarterfinal showdown. 🗓️ Dates : * June 12, 2026 : USMNT Opening Match – USA vs. Paraguay * June 15, 2026 : Group Stage Match – Iran vs. New Zealand * June 18, 2026 : Group Stage Match – Switzerland vs. UEFA Playoff Winner * June 21, 2026 : Group Stage Match – Belgium vs. Iran * June 25, 2026 : USMNT Group Stage Match – USA vs. UEFA Playoff Winner * June 28, 2026 : Round of 32 Knockout Match * July 2, 2026 : Round of 32 Knockout Match * July 10, 2026 : Quarterfinal Match 14. U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship --------------------------------------- The U.S. Women’s Open is the most prestigious major championship in women’s golf, taking place at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. This year is the 81st annual event , drawing world-class golfers from around the globe. 🗓️ Dates : June 4-7, 2026 15. LAX Automated People Mover opening -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The new LAX/Metro Transit Center officially opened in June of 2025, and one year later, the accompanying Automated People Mover is expected to open its doors. This new automated train system will provide efficient transportation between the transit hub and airport terminals, making trips to LAX a breeze. 🗓️ Dates : Estimated to open in June 2026 16. Anime Expo -------------- Anime Expo (AX) began in 1991 and grew over the years into North America’s largest celebration of [Japanese](https://secretlosangeles.com/japanese-restaurants-los-angeles/) pop culture. The convention brings together the best of Japanese entertainment, music, fashion, and video games for a wonderful experience over Fourth of July weekend. 🗓️ Date : July 2-5, 2026 17. LA Comic Con ----------------------------------------------------------------------- LA Comic Con is the ultimate celebration of all things comics, gaming, anime, and cosplay in DTLA. The event is known to turn out over 120,000 fans to see 800+ exhibitors and artists across three lively days. It also attracts a ton of big-name guests for panel discussions — the 2023 rendition included Ewan McGregor, Rosario Dawson, Michael J. Fox, Anjelica Huston, Christina Ricci, and many more iconic stars. 🗓️ Date : TBA in September 2026 18. Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opening --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The long-awaited Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will open this September, unveiling a $1-billion, 300,000-square-foot space dedicated to visual storytelling. Featuring 35 galleries and more than 40,000 works , the museum reflects George Lucas’s belief in stories as modern mythology. Its striking five-story, futuristic design anchors an 11-acre campus in Exposition Park, which is undergoing major expansion. 🗓️ Date : Sept. 22, 2026 19. WeHo Halloween Carnaval -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Since 1987, the WeHo Costume Carnaval has been one of the city’s most beloved Halloween events. See Santa Monica Boulevard overrun by thousands of costumed partygoers, who are there to enjoy live DJ sets, food trucks, and celebrations. 🗓️ Date : Oct. 31, 2026 20. LA Auto Show ---------------- Thousands of car aficionados turn out for the LA Auto Show, which dates back to 1907 and continues to be one of the world’s largest and most prestigious such events. The show is spread across over one million square feet a t the LA Convention Center in DTLA, where you can see over 1,000 vehicles in all makes and models and try out state-of-the-art experiences. 🗓️ Date : TBA in November 21. ‘Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift’ at Universal Studios ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Universal Studios Hollywood will soon debut a new high-speed outdoor roller coaster, “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,” marking the park’s first ride of this kind. Currently in testing with crash test dummies, the coaster spans 4,100 feet —nearly 12 football fields—and features 360-degree rotating vehicles with sound-reduction technology. Inspired by the Fast & Furious films, it simulates drifting cars at high speeds while navigating an aerial track that even passes over the park’s multi-level escalator. 🗓️ Date : Opening TBA in 2026 22. Destination Crenshaw opening ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Destination Crenshaw will transform 1.3 miles of Crenshaw Boulevard into the largest public Black art project in the U.S. , celebrating Black history, culture, and success. Designed by architect Zena Howard, the open-air museum centers on Sankofa Park, featuring over 100 artworks by renowned and emerging Black artists, sustainable landscaping, and interactive installations. 🗓️ Date : Opening TBA in 2026 Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/los-angeles-event-guide-calendar/