May 2026 events calendar for Los Angeles

Stay past closing time to see a new side of the Central Library at this after-hours festival presented in part by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and LAist. The halls will come to life with art, music, storytelling and poetry in the form of live performances, interactive installations and hands-on activities. The art deco landmark—which is celebrating its centennial this year—will host contemporary dance in the rotunda, a puppet show by Bob Baker Marionette Theater, sound installations by dublab, live poetry, tarot readings, board games, librarian talks and more. You can even pick up some books to bring home with you at pop-ups from Angel City Press, Skylight Books and the Ripped Bodice, plus treats from Altadena Cookie Company and the Chocolate Dispensary. All in all, it sounds like a quintessentially L.A. night. Advance general admission tickets are sold out (VIP are still available), though there will be some $40 day-of tickets available pending availability.

One of L.A.’s best free live-music offerings, Jazz at LACMA has featured legit legends over its 35-year run at the museum. Seating for the program is available in the museum’s plaza on a first-come, first-served basis, though you’re welcome to picnic on the grass, too (you won’t really be able to see the show, but you’ll still hear it). You’ll find the series on Friday evenings in LACMA’s welcome plaza (just behind Urban Light) throughout the summer. We’re betting it’ll be even more popular than usual this year, with the new David Geffen Galleries in the background.

The city of Santa Monica will become a playground for jazz during this inaugural music fest, which fulfills Grammy-winning bassist Stanley Clarke’s vision for a world-class jazz festival in Los Angeles and celebrates the centennials of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Route 66. Fellow Grammy winner Kamasi Washington tops the bill on a week of performances by both world-renowned and emerging talent at venues across the city. May 3’s Sunday on the Promenade concert is a free affair with eight acts, including Elijah Fox and Genevieve Artadi (1–7pm). On May 8 is a tribute to Coltrane at the BroadStage, headlined by Isaiah Collier. The fest culminates in “A Day at the Park” at Tongva Park on May 9—a full afternoon of performances, with Washington wrapping up the fest.

This laid-back, Gen X-ish music fest will once again take over the Redondo Beach coastline for three days in May. Duran Duran, the Chainsmokers, the Offspring, Slightly Stoopid and James Taylor and His All-Star Band headline the 2026 edition, with additional sets from My Morning Jacket, Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Grouplove, Peach Pit and more.

Well, we just found your taco heaven. L.A. Taco’s Taco Madness is back at Gloria Molina Grand Park for its 17th edition, and a curated lineup of 14 of L.A.’s best taquerias will be in attendance, including Sonoratown, Evil Cooks, Tire Shop Taqueria, Los Dorados LA and Taquería Frontera, just to name a few. Get ready to indulge in tacos galore and craft beer, complemented by live art and DJ sets, at this annual taco extravaganza. And don’t miss the official crowning of the people’s choice and best in show taco. Note: Entry to the event costs $25, but you’ll need to purchase food and drinks separately.

Plenty of places may get in on the Star Wars-inspired fun for May the 4th (which falls on a Monday this year, so instead is being celebrated on May 3), but how many can boast an appearance from R2-D2 and BB8? Head to the Academy Museum and you can pose with the fan-favorite droids in the lobby for free (11am–2pm, 3–5pm); make your own Star Wars-inspired buttons, origami characters and porg puppets; listen to scientist talks; and even learn the ways of the Force. At 7pm, a (separately ticketed) screening of The Empire Strikes Back will feature special guest Billy Dee Williams—that’s sold out, but standby tickets should be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Like a Halloween version of its Yuletide Cinemaland series, Street Food Cinema will turn Heritage Square Museum into a spooky, cinematic playground. Months before the holiday actually arrives, you can catch Sinners and Carrie during this “Half-O-Ween” edition while embarking on Victorian home tours and perusing food trucks, a bar and market vendors. 

The former Lucha VaVoom has been essentially split into two, with this one helmed by longtime producer and burlesque and lucha scene mainstay Miss Rita. This early Cinco de Mayo edition will bring burlesque, Mexican wrestling, lowriders and a live band to Downtown’s Regent Theater—all hosted by comedians Jeff Davis and Chris Estrada.

This can’t-miss festival for classic-film buffs showcases four days’ worth of beloved movies—from the iconic to forgotten gems—courtesy of Turner Classic Movies. This year’s “The World Comes to Hollywood”-themed lineup includes Modern Times, Gaslight, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Muppet Movie, Swingers and more. See these time-honored favorites on the big screen at a handful of Hollywood theaters—the TCL Chinese Theatre, Chinese 6 Theatres, El Capitan Theatre and Egyptian Theatre—the way they were meant to be seen. Check the fest’s website for a full lineup of screenings and special guest announcements. Note that standby tickets for individual screenings must be purchased on-site, after passholders are seated, and are cash-only.

Made up of a Melrose Avenue workshop and two galleries—including one designed by Frank Gehry—Gemini G.E.L. has been at the forefront of fine art printmaking for 60 years now, an accomplishment it’s celebrating in this show which doubles as a love letter to L.A. On display are innovative works by artists including David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha and Robert Rauschenberg—many of which haven’t been shown in decades—which are inspired by the atmosphere and streets of Los Angeles.