Enjoy some free jazz at the Central Avenue Jazz Festival held annually on Central Avenue, the home of LA jazz in the 1930s and 40s. Enjoy food, art, community outreach programs and, of course, some of the best music from favorite local and national jazz artists, as well as high school bands.
Los Angeles has an overabundance of talented artists who participate in the multiple art walks scattered throughout the city. The Downtown LA Art Walk is the largest (120 square blocks!) and most popular, showcasing the best galleries, artists, vendors, restaurants and shops in downtown. Stop by every second Thursday of the month from noon until 9PM for an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy authentic Louisiana and Creole music, food and art at the Long Beach Bayou and Blues Festival. This June celebration is fun for all ages. Festivities include a Mardi Gras-themed celebration and parade, as well as two stages featuring Cajun, Blues and Zydeco music.
The Long Beach Carnevale is a masquerade in the true fashion of the carnival of Venice Italy. The Masquerade Party promises an evening of "mischief, madness & mayhem" at this adults-only celebration. Dress up in exotic costumes for this colorful festival. This tribute to the famed carnevale in Venice, Italy, has undergone several moves these past years, including a move indoors in 2010.
Join in the month-long festivities at the Los Angeles County Fair. This festival became an annual tradition since the first one in 1922. The largest county fair in America, the Los Angeles County Fair links California's agricultural industry and the public. Indulge in traditional fair food, cheer as the horses race around the track, get up close and personal with animals at the petting zoo, check out the circus entertainment and much, much more.
LA is known for filmmaking; so you shouldn't be surprised to learn dozens of film festivals occur in the LA area every year. The Los Angeles Film Festival is one of the largest, screening over 100 films during its 10-day festivities. The festival showcases independent, international, feature, documentary and short films and draws in a crowd of more than 90,000 to its special events and premieres.
If you're in a Christmas-SEA mood, come by the Newport Harbor for the annual Christmas Boat Parade. This century-long tradition spans five days and features brightly decorated boats taking to the sea in parade formation. The final night features the last parade and a magnificent fireworks display.
Catch all of your favorite bands-the nationally/internationally known and the local rising stars-at the Sunset Strip Music Festival. This three-day, multi-venue event takes place on outdoor stages and in participating clubs along the famous Sunset Strip. Be ready to party the night away for a weekend in August.
Ring in the New Year with the world famous Tournament of Roses Parade. Pasadena has hosted the annual Rose Parade since 1890. Today, millions of Americans watch this celebration before the Rose Bowl college football game. The parade and festival fills the streets with flower-decorated floats, equestrian displays, marching bands and other performers.
For the largest Halloween street party in the world, go to the West Hollywood Halloween & Costume Carnaval on October 31st. Show off your own costume as you mingle with the ghosts and ghouls having the time of their afterlives along Santa Monica Boulevard. Enjoy live music, delicious food, a pumpkin-carving contest and one of the most elaborate costume contests ever.