Discover these things to do in L.A. today—including free and cheap concerts, screenings, shows, parties and more
Edited by Michael Juliano
Editor, Los Angeles & Western USA
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Looking for last-minute plans? Figuring out how to stop from slipping into yet another night on the couch? Find out the best things to do today in Los Angeles with picks for our favoritescreenings, concerts,museum exhibitionsand more.
Sometimes, you make plans to go out months in advance. Other times, you’re left scrambling for plans a few hours from now—consider this your social emergency savior for those situations. Sostay occupied no matter what day it is with thesethings to do in Los Angeles today.
(On the other hand, if you’re a bit more of a planner, you can also check out our calendars for things to do this weekand weekend, as well as our month-by-month overview of events below.)
RECOMMENDED: Full Los Angeles events calendar
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Things to do in Los Angeles today
- Things to do
San Marino
price 2 of 4
As sunset creeps later and later into the evening, the Huntington is taking advantage ofthe extra daylight with this coveted after-hours series.Formerly openjust for members,Twilight Garden Strollsis now open to the public, too, and will extend the San Marino garden’s hours until 8pmonselect evenings in the summer. Just a heads up that you’ll need a timed ticket that’s separate from regular morning or afternoon admission.
- Movies
Downtown
price 2 of 4
The masters of alfresco rooftop movie viewing have returned for another season of screeningsto LEVEL in Downtown L.A. Known for excellent film choices and a steady supply of snacks and booze, Rooftop Cinema Club is your snazzy, comfortable and less stressful alternative to other outdoor movie screenings. You don’t even need to bring your own camping chair—Rooftop Cinema Club provides you with your very own comfy lawn chair(with optional blankets for purchase to up the coziness). And instead of listening to the movie over loudspeakers, you’ll get a set of wireless headphones so you never have to miss a word.This spring and summer, look out for a slate of wedding season picks and AAPI Heritage Month selections in May, as well as Pride and Black Music Month screenings in June. Also, select “wooftop” screenings will be dog-friendly starting in May.Find the full schedule on their site, or in our outdoor movie calendar.
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- Things to do
- Walks and tours
San Pedro
Though it was built in 1930, this Italian Navy training ship looks more like something you’d find in the 18th century. The three-masted ship will dock at the Port of L.A. from July 3 to 8 for free visits, as well as an accompanying exhibition.
- Things to do
- Markets and fairs
Downtown Arts District
Every Sunday you can find dozens of food vendors at this market at ROW DTLA, with a mix of much-loved pop-ups and future foodie stars. Look out for this year’s new vendors, includingBasket Taco Co, Battambong Barbecue and Taste of the Pacific.
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- Things to do
West Hollywood
price 3 of 4
Melrose Rooftop Theatre is taking off until the fall, but in the meantime the event deck on theE.P. & L.P. rooftop is hosting this open-air roller rink. The rooftop rink is all-ages through 2pm, after that it switches to a 21+ affair. Tickets are available in one-hour time slots and include skate rentals and a churro—though that’ll all cost you a relatively steep $30 to $35.
- Things to do
- Exhibitions
Westside
price 2 of 4
Let the wild rumpus start at this celebration of beloved children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak. The Skirball Cultural Centeris displaying more than 150 sketches, storyboards and paintings from theWhere the Wild Things Are creator.“Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak” debuted at theColumbus Museum of Art in 2022 and has since sailed off (metaphorically speaking) to visit L.A. from April 18 through September 1.As you might expect, Where the Wild Things Arereceives the biggest spotlight in the exhibition, with beautiful crosshatched artwork, translations of books, monster-themed merch and even costumes from the Spike Jonze film.In addition to his own books,In the Night Kitchen andOutside Over There among them, the exhibitionalso features artthat Sendakcreated for a handful of other authors,most notably Else Holmelund Minarik’sLittle Bear, as well designs for Mozart operas. The showalso focuses on his personal and family life, with insight on his Jewish upbringing, some very early drawings (including one of Mickey Mouse he created when he was just six years old) and lots about how his beloved dogs inspired and integrated into his books.Admission costs $18 for adults, with discounts for students, seniors and children; it’s completely free to visit on Thursdays. Look out for the adorable living room setup near the entrance, too—it hosts story time Thursday through Sunday at 3pm.
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- Things to do
- Exhibitions
Miracle Mile
price 2 of 4
It’s more than just the low clearance: This exhibition at the Petersen explores the custom paint, engraving, upholstery and, of course, thegravity-defying suspension of the lowrider scene. In addition to iconic cars, the exhibit spotlights influentialartists inthe Chicano lowrider art scene. Even if you have no interest in cars, this colorful showcase of 20-plus lowered cars and bikes is excellent: The candy-colored paint jobs are dazzling, and the craftsmanship of the customizations—many vehicles are on display with their enginesand undercarriages visible—is remarkable. You’ll learn a little bit of history here, how the “low and slow” movement is rooted in the postwar Mexican American zoot suit counterculture, but largely this is an excuse to ogle someL.A. automotive icons.
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- Art
- Photography
La Brea
Two documentarians of Chicano culture—iconic black-and-white photographer Estevan Oriol and the formerTeen Angels magazine—put the spotlight on L.A.’s art, lowrider and tattoo culturein this Beyond the Streetsexhibition.
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- Movies
- Animation
Santa Monica
price 2 of 4
Every Sundayduring the summer at sunset,both hotel guests and vistors attheFairmont Miramarcan slip into something waterproof and enjoy a flick around the Santa Monica hotel’s luxurious pool.You’ll find a mix of nostalgic favorites and more recent releases on the Hulu-curated schedule.Eats and libations will be available for purchase fromthe FIG Restaurant menu, and though seatingisfree for hotel guests, visitors will have to secure a reservation; tickets totalto about $60 with tax, tip and fees, but that includes a $45 food and drink credit plus complimentary popcorn.
- Art
- Installation
Hollywood
Hollywood’s Japan House has tapped artistSebastian Masuda to dive into the roots of all things cute and colorful with this exhibition on Japanese kawaii culture. The free show includes multiple pieces and installations from Masuda.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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