Gillian Glover

There’s never been a better – or more important – time to celebrate cinemas. They’re the places we go to dream, focal points of our communities, and an all-round great escape. Yet movie theatres are faced with challenges that even lovelty popcorn holders can’t help with. But they’ve survived the advent of TV, Hollywood strikes, a couple of pandemics, and so far, they’re holding firm against streaming and surging costs – and there’s reasons for optimism, too: younger, Letterboxd-savvy audiences are embracing the big-screen experience like never before, and filmmakers like Ryan Coogler, Christopher Nolan and Chloé Zhao are championing it at every opportunity. Just try booking an IMAX ticket for The Odyssey. With that in mind, Time Out’s local experts have collaborated on a celebration of the best cinemas from across the globe. From cult Tokyo cinemas and grand Parisian film temples to beloved Sydney picturehouses and LA film dream palaces, from a Berlin kino with its own nuclear bunker to a Canadian cinema with only 12 seats, we’ve pointed the spotlight on a hundred magnificent movie palaces that all movie lovers should know about – and visit.  NB We’ve gone almost entirely with single-use cinemas rather than venues that double up as theatres or gig venues.  Greatest cinemas at a glance: 🍿 The greatest cinema in the world: TCL Chinese Theatre, LA 🌔 The world’s best outdoor cinema: Cine Paris, Athens 📽️ The coolest cult cinema in the world: The New Beverly, LA Jump to list

March feels like a breath of fresh air. The days are getting longer, rainy days have been swapped out for sun, and the weekends are full of free festivals—celebrating everything from kites to whales to cherry blossoms. Whether you want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or cheer on the runners in the L.A. Marathon, there are lots of free ways to spend your time this month. And museums and March go hand in hand: In addition to a number of noteworthy exhibitions and gallery shows to check out, during the biannual ArtNight Pasadena, a handful of San Gabriel Valley institutions that usually charge admission—including the Gamble House, Norton Simon Museum and USC Pacific Asia Museum—will throw open their doors for free after-hours entry.

Every spring in SoCal brings wildflower excitement and hopes of a super bloom. And while last year was a bit of a letdown, bloom-wise, this season has immediately shown more promise, starting strong with early blooms at a number of parks. In fact, California State Parks has predicted a “moderate-to-strong wildflower bloom across desert state parks.” You can thank the widespread rainfall Southern California has experienced on-and-off since the holidays. A super bloom requires a specific set of circumstances, and one is above-average rainfall (wind and warm—not too hot—weather also play a part). And though we might not see a full-blown super bloom this year, it’s definitely worth planning a trip to one or more of these lovely wildflower destinations. Even if you miss peak bloom periods, embarking on one of the best hikes in L.A. or taking a day trip to one of our state parks is never a bad idea. In the meantime, we’ll keep you updated on any wildflower developments. What’s the latest bloom status? As of early March, many of our favorite destinations for wildflowers have reported action—with more blooms on the way. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve and Carrizo Plain National Monument are welcoming visitors, and while the bloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park may be past its peak, there are still lots of flowers to see. And, perhaps most exciting of all: Death Valley National Park is seeing the best bloom it’s had in a decade. We’ve checked in on some of our favorite

We don’t know about you, but our mind is always focused on the weekend. It can never come soon enough—which is why we’re already thinking about what new restaurants we want to try or where we can drive for the day. Whether you’re looking to scope out the latest museum exhibitions or watch a movie outdoors, you’ll find plenty of things to do in L.A. this weekend. We curate an L.A. weekend itinerary of the city’s best concerts, culture and cuisine, every weekend, just for you. It’s the first weekend of a new month, the sun is shining, and there are lots of beachy festivals where you can enjoy the early onset of spring: Holi & the Beach returns to Redondo Beach, as does the Festival of the Kite, while the L.A. County Dragon Boat Festival takes over Marina del Rey and, in the O.C., the Dana Point Festival of Whales offers a weekend-long celebration complete with a parade and carnival. And last weekend’s art fairs may be over, but there are still a ton of worthwhile gallery and museum shows to check out, as well as the “House of Kong” Gorillaz exhibition in DTLA, lest you be feeling the FOMO from missing last week’s sold-out concerts. And last but certainly not least, the L.A. Marathon will find some 26,000 runners traveling from Dodger Stadium to Century City this Sunday.

Shed that sweatshirt—spring is here. Fill your lungs with the sweet, less-smoggy air on one of the best hikes in L.A., or set out in search of some (fingers crossed) wildflower blooms and cherry blossoms. Whether you’re looking for things to do around town or a weekend getaway, there are plenty of springtime happenings and fun festivals to find in our March events calendar. RECOMMENDED: Full events calendar for 2026

Well before the jacaranda trees bloom and just as the California poppies begin to flower, Los Angeles also greets the springtime with cherry blossom season. If you’re after blossoming buds, you’ll want to head to a botanical garden or Japanese garden between March and April, though some cherry blossoms began blooming as early as January and February this year. As of the start of March, cherry blossoms are in full bloom at the Huntington and Descanso Gardens, and you can find some at South Coast Botanic Garden as well. Meanwhile, the Japanese Garden in Van Nuys is closed for construction until April. You’ll also find some cherry blossom festivals, where a handful of Southern California cities salute their Japanese roots. Oddly enough, while some of these fests take place in parks and along city streets adorned with those delicate pink flowers, others don’t actually feature any cherry trees. Peak blooms are pretty short-lived, so we suggest checking each spot (Instagram tends to be particularly useful) for up-to-the-minute photos before you trek on over. RECOMMENDED: Where to see wildflowers in Southern California

Let’s get this out of the way: February is the time for everyone’s favorite love-hate holiday, Valentine’s Day. But there’s a lot more to the mini month than chocolates and roses (though you can literally stop and smell them at a botanical garden). There are still plenty of things to do in Los Angeles in winter before spring arrives. The month is also full of Lunar New Year celebrations and art shows, as well as concerts and comedy shows. No matter your plans—or love-life status—you’ll find plenty of things to do in our February events calendar. RECOMMENDED: Full events calendar for 2027

If we could write the rules of living in Los Angeles this would be our No. 1, always at the top of our list: When you live in this city, there’s no excuse for boredom just because it’s a weeknight. There are hundreds of things to do in Los Angeles each week, whether you hit the beach at sunset or go for a morning bike ride, or catch a concert or a comedy show—and that’s really only scratching the surface. Well, we don’t make the rules, but we will provide you with plenty of ideas for your next free weeknight right here. Now go out and tackle these things to do in L.A. this week. We curate an itinerary of the city’s best concerts, culture and cuisine, every week, just for you. It’s the start of a new month, the sun is shining, and there are lots of beachy festivals where you can enjoy the early onset of spring: Holi & the Beach returns to Redondo Beach, as does the Festival of the Kite, while the L.A. County Dragon Boat Festival takes over Marina del Rey and, in the O.C., the Dana Point Festival of Whales offers a weekend-long celebration complete with a parade and carnival. And last weekend’s art fairs may be over, but there are still a ton of worthwhile gallery and museum shows to check out, as well as the “House of Kong” Gorillaz exhibition in DTLA, lest you be feeling the FOMO from missing last week’s sold-out concerts. And last but certainly not least, the L.A. Marathon will find some 26,000 runners traveling from Dodger Stadium to Century City this Sunday.

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles? We have you covered with the very best that L.A. has to offer. I’m a Los Angeles native and have lived here all my life, and take it from me: There’s always more to discover and explore. Whether you’re a culture vulture, an outdoorsy type or simply a lover of our fine city, you’ll find more than enough here to keep you busy. Even lifelong Angelenos can find something new to add to their to-do list, between the city’s landmark attractions, an ever-changing inventory of the best restaurants in Los Angeles, essential L.A. museums and even some off-the-beaten-path secrets. How many of the best things to do in Los Angeles will you try? Updated February 2026: It’s February, and that means one thing to many: Valentine’s Day. We've got you covered with the best dinners to book and romantic dates to plan this February 14. And the city’s Lunar New Year celebrations are in full swing, including the traditional Golden Dragon Parade and Firecracker Run in Chinatown. L.A. will have the art world’s attention near the end of the month, with a flurry of art fairs and gallery shows centered around Frieze. And Museums Free-for-All is back on February 22, offering free admission to nearly 30 SoCal institutions. Some more highlights: Cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom at Descanso; a new Ponyo exhibition arrives at the Academy Museum; the Natural History Museum kicks off the 20th anniversary of its First Fridays series; and Disney’s best restau

Flying solo this Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re happily single, just dumped or dating long-distance, check out our list of V-Day events and things to do where it’s more than all right to be a party of one (or a party of many, if you round up your untethered pals for a friend date) this Valentine’s weekend. Step away from that singles bar, and check out these things to do for singles instead—whether you want to mark the holiday in your own way or just pretend it doesn’t exist. RECOMMENDED: See more Valentine’s Day ideas in Los Angeles

As the Lunar New Year approaches, celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 in Los Angeles with these events and things to do. Need to feed your belly for an auspicious year ahead? Slurp some of the city’s best noodle dishes and cheap eats or check out our dim sum guide below. Whether you’re celebrating a long-running family tradition or experiencing the holiday for the first time, join the Chinese New Year festivities for a year of good luck and fortune. When is Lunar New Year 2026? Lunar New Year—and the Year of the Fire Horse—begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and continues for 15 days, through March 3. Many local events marking the holiday take place in January and early February, though.

Look, it’s no Paris or Venice, but Los Angeles can be a pretty romantic city when it wants to be. Sweet-talking L.A. into that sentimental mood can take some effort, though, so we’ve combed through the city’s finest restaurants, date ideas and getaways to bring you the very best romantic things to do. We’ll admit we have a bit of a bias toward the edges of L.A. when it comes to romance: A solid slice of our list is in Malibu, and a few other picks are found up in the mountains or out-of-town in the desert. Because let’s face it: A change of scenery and an open horizon is far more romantic than sitting in the same old traffic on the 101 for a run-of-the-mill night out. Also, as much as we wish there was a surefire budget-friendly hack, a truly romantic hotel stay these days is going to run upward of $300, even on a weeknight (and considerably more around Valentine’s Day)—so while we’ve included a few of those picks, we’ve kept them to just our favorites. With all that said, it’s time to light some candles and make some plans for these romantic things to do in L.A.

At dinner party Tasting Color, the menu and decor are all determined by—you guessed it—color. The sensorial series curated by Seven Senses brings together local artists, artisans and makers. After green and indigo soirees, this third installment is all about orange, and it will coincide with the grand opening of Filipinotown's new Jōdo Saké Bar. Don your best orange outfit to enjoy a creative, monochromatic menu by chef Tracy Tober, paired with orange cocktails and wine and a dance performance by Jasmine Albuquerque.

A display of over 30 mummified people and animals is back at the California Science Center; after the exhibition debuted there back in 2010, it traveled through the U.S. and Europe before returning to L.A., which is the final stop on its tour before the artifacts are returned to their lending museums. This time around, you can see a selection of specimens never before shown in Los Angeles. Mummies are, of course, most often associated with ancient Egypt, and while Egypt is represented here, you’ll also see mummified remains that were discovered in Germany, Hungary, Peru—even the University of Maryland, which in the 1990s carried out the first ancient Egyptian-style mummification performed in 2,800 years. Memorable artifacts include the two Peruvian “bundle” mummies making their West Coast debut, amulets and organ jars (just like you learned about in history class), an ancient Egyptian cat mummy and a shrunken (but still very cute) sloth head. Be warned, though, that as you make your way through the different rooms, the displays become more macabre and, dare I say, haunting, with mummified organs and babies—so make sure you (and any kids in attendance) know what you’re getting into before visiting the exhibition. The museum’s IMAX theater will be screening the complementary 40-minute Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs, and if you buy combo tickets for both the exhibition and film, you get a small discount on both.

This South Bay Lunar New Year celebration offers live entertainment, dancers, arts and crafts, food trucks and more at Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles. The free, family-friendly event typically boasts a petting zoo, too, where visitors can get close to roosters, sheep, goats and pigs—maybe even horses in honor of the Year of the Horse. Parking is also free; head to 22nd and Miner streets to park and catch a free ride to the event from the San Pedro Downtown Trolley. 

If you’ll follow wherever Gilmore Girls leads, then you’re going to need to embark on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour this holiday season. For the final couple weeks of the year, the Burbank backlot is again supplementing its regular tour with the “Holidays Made Here” addition, which decks out the Stars Hollow section in festive decor, including the gazebo and Luke’s Diner, where you can sip coffee or cocoa from “Luke” actor Scott Patterson’s own brand—oh, and did we mention Patterson himself will be appearing in person each afternoon? In honor of the show’s 25th anniversary this year, this year’s event is bigger and better than ever. The studio has kicked things up a notch with new re-created sets, merch, a food passport add-on option and a nightly holiday light show. Miss Patty’s School of Ballet—where those famed town meetings took place—has been rebuilt, and a string of new storefronts and dining spots are open to explore, shop at and dine inside. Get a banana split or “boyfriend shake” (team Jess all the way) at Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe; pick up some more sweet treats at Weston Bakery; shop sweaters emblazoned with quotes of dialogue at the new knitting shop; and step into an old-school video shop with Rory’s photo in the window as “citizen of the month.” Holidays Made Here runs as part of all studio tours from December 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026 (it’s closed on Christmas Day). There’s also an event-only ticket option this year; while it’s the same price ($76),

The city’s coolest indie concert promoter finally has its own venue. Sid the Cat Auditorium opened in South Pasadena at the end of 2025 to sold-out crowds, an exciting addition to the charming suburb. The club, which can fit 500, is located in a former elementary school that dates back to 1885. Concerts by under-the-radar bands take place in the school’s original auditorium, giving nostalgic recital vibes. Sid the Cat’s founders are known for adding a personal, tangible touch to the live music scene, even crafting custom matchbooks and artist trading cards to enhance the experience at their intimate concerts. In a classroom down the hall, you’ll find drinks and DJ sets at Sid’s Bar, which is open to all, not just concertgoers. And the cherry on top: There’s a big, free adjoining parking lot (because, you know, schools). 

Willy Wonka meets Louis Vuitton at ButterLove&Hardwork, a whimsical new chocolate shop that’s taken up residency at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel. You’ve probably seen pastry chef Chris Ford’s chocolate Breakables on Instagram, which you smash open with a mallet to get to the treats inside. Now he’s opened a proof of concept in West Hollywood that will run through early 2026. Inside the stylish space straight out of Twin Peaks, you can shop Ford’s seasonal showstoppers and nostalgic treats that let you be a kid again—you can even lick the spoon. The prices are relatively reasonable, too, starting at $15 for milk chocolate puffs. There’s also a gourmet vending machine, plus coffee and pastries in the morning, including crisp cube “Chrissants,” Ford’s namesake creation. 

Not only does the Huntington boast superlative library holdings, artwork and botanical gardens, but its gift shop is objectively wonderful too. The store is divided into 10 different themed sections, stocked with everything from tea-party accoutrements to housewares decked out in William Morris floral designs to gifts for literature lovers. You can even purchase seed packets that will help you re-create the gardens’ blooms at your home. While a visit to the Huntington is always a good idea, you don’t need to pay for admission to visit the gift shop.

Holiday light shows are popping up all over the city, but a free light installation is always welcome. Grand Illuminations—which features a custom 25-foot-tall LED light tree and dynamic display Lumiverse—returns for the second year on December 3 with a lighting ceremony, live music, a holiday market and refreshments from noon–7pm. The stars are the Electric Dandelions, 28-foot-tall kinetic sculptures that look like fireworks in action, which were designed by L.A.-based art collective Liquid PXL and debuted at Burning Man in 2016, popping up in the U.K., East Coast and various festivals before arriving at the Yard at Cal Plaza. The lights will stay on all holiday season, through January 4, till 10pm nightly.

This serene entry into the holiday-lights-at-botanic-gardens category finds the native-plant-focused California Botanic Garden lit up with twinkling strands and luminarias—lanterns made from candles in paper bags. Illuminated pathways lead to live music stages, which will be hosting three performances each night, ranging from jazz to Native American flute music. A food truck, sweet treats and hot drinks will also be on offer each night. New this year are expanded pathways and, on the first weekend only, a Night Market where you can buy plants and crafts from nature-focused vendors.

The city of West Hollywood is once again throwing its hat into the outdoor ice-skating scene by transforming West Hollywood Park into a rink and a Winter Village with photo ops and a general store, where you can buy snacks and hot chocolate. Schedule your visit around a handful of theme nights: For the rink’s first weekend open, you can shop a festive outdoor market featuring local artists and vendors December 6 and 7 (11am–5pm). December 13 brings a WeHo Winter Wonderland and Chappell Roan-themed Pink Pony Club Skate, while Drag on Ice takes over the rink December 14. A 90-minute skating session will cost you $22. 

Those eager to get a run in on Thanksgiving morning but not eager to drive Downtown can register for Drumstick Dash, which takes place in the Valley and touts itself as the city’s largest Thanksgiving 5K/10K run. Runners, joggers and walkers will make their way through the NoHo Arts District starting at 8:30am to a soundtrack of cheering bystanders and spinning DJs. Kids can get in on the fun, too, with the Lil’ Gobblers Race at 7:45am, and early birds can compete in the dance contest (7am) or costume contest (7:15pm). It all kicks off at the intersection of Lankershim and Chandler Boulevards in North Hollywood. All proceeds will help Hope the Mission provide meals to the homeless.  

The Queen of Christmas—well, her likeness anyway—has taken over the Skybar at Mondrian this holiday season, filling the swanky poolside bar with lots of “All I want for Christmas” spirit. Sure to be a hit with both Carey fans and Christmas lovers of all candy-cane stripes, the pop-up winter wonderland boasts wall-to-wall holiday décor inspired by the singer, interactive photo ops, album backdrop re-creations, festive food, holiday cocktails and, of course, lots of merch. And forget letters to Santa—here you’ll find a dedicated “Letters to Mariah Carey” station, and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” will be played every 30 minutes. Your ticket gets you a welcome cocktail and 90-minute access to the immersive experience.

Good luck to all those running the L.A. Marathon on Sunday. Also, good luck to anyone thinking about driving anywhere near the L.A. Marathon route on Sunday. This is your friendly annual reminder that thousands of runners will descend on 26.2 miles of L.A.’s streets this weekend, and an even greater mileage of rolling road closures will shut down traffic near Dodger Stadium, around Downtown, toward Hollywood and in Beverly Hills. (Of course, you’re always welcome to use the Metro to avoid some of these closures and cheer on the runners.) When the L.A. Marathon kicks off on Sunday, March 8, you’re going to want to avoid driving near some of the city’s busiest areas starting at 4 or 5am until later in the morning or afternoon: Steer clear of Downtown until a little after 10am, avoid Hollywood (specifically near Hollywood Boulevard) until around noon and Beverly Hills until 1pm. West of there, things get a little more complicated. This year’s marathon once again drops the classic stadium-to-the-sea route in exchange for a “Stadium to Stars” route that makes a U-turn around Brentwood and then wraps up in Century City. So Santa Monica won’t be affected by street closures, but Brentwood, Westwood and Century City will be doubly impacted: All of Santa Monica Boulevard from Wilshire Boulevard to Sepulveda Boulevard will stay closed until 6pm, while San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood will be closed until 5pm. And consider Century City, where you’ll find the finish line and festival, s

It’s an age-old struggle when going to a concert: Do you eat dinner at home before you go, do you find the perfect restaurant near your destination and try to time it perfectly, or do you just fill up on snacks and drinks at the show? I’ve encountered that dilemma several times when seeing a show at the Hollywood Palladium, and while its refreshment offerings are a cut above most—churros, popcorn and predictably pricey cocktails—its new lounge, Vinyl Room, offers a solution for an elevated dinner-and-a-show experience. Last week, I got the chance to experience Vinyl Room before it opened to the public just in time for the venue’s two sold-out Gorillaz shows, and it was one of the most exciting openings I’ve checked out in a while. The first-of-its-kind lounge and dining destination from Live Nation offers pitch-perfect vibes for concertgoers. Vinyl Room will be open exclusively on concert nights, beginning 90 minutes before door time and remaining open during and after the night’s show. You enter the restaurant off El Centro Avenue (but there’s also a ramp that provides access straight to the Palladium’s lobby). The room—which used to serve as storage space—was cavernous yet warm, and much bigger than I expected. I had no idea all that square footage was hiding inside the venue, which itself just underwent an extensive renovation in 2023. Photograph: Gillian Glover for Time Out Vinyl Room certainly lives up to its name: It’s wallpapered with records by artists who have play

Theme-park food is a culinary category unto itself. Though it may span different cuisines and range from grab-and-go snacks to seated meals, it’s not typically judged in the same field as culinary fare beyond the turnstiles. Turkey legs, Dole Whips and chowder-filled bread bowls are wonderful in their own right and fill a very specific need for fuel as you dash from line to line. But discerning diners (and Disney adults) might eventually want more. Enter Napa Rose, the fine-dining concept inside the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It has a reputation as the fanciest and best Disney restaurant, but I’d never dined there before it closed for an overhaul last March. So when I got the chance to attend a media preview dinner to experience the restaurant’s reimagined menu and brand-new design—right in time for its 25th anniversary—I gladly braved the two-plus hours of rush-hour traffic to check it out. The first thing you need to know is that Napa Rose isn’t located within the parks itself (though from the terrace, you can spy Disney California Adventure’s bear-shaped Grizzly Peak). It’s one of the dining concepts at the stunning, Arts and Crafts–style hotel that’s situated in Downtown Disney and, in the case of this restaurant, sits mere feet from the theme park. The Grand Californian also houses additional dining concepts like the rustic Hearthside Lounge and Storytellers Cafe, which is the only place outside the parks you can hang with Mickey. But Napa Rose is in a league of its

Attention, all dessert lovers in Los Angeles: Consider this your sign to make your way to Echo Park for some deep-fried, cinnamon-sugary goodness. Mexico City’s most popular churrería, El Moro, has finally made its L.A. debut, serving not only churros but consuelo ice cream sandwiches, hot chocolate, milkshakes, coffee and tortas. First announced in late 2024, Echo Park’s El Moro is the first Los Angeles location of the Mexico City churrería—and only the second U.S. location (the first is admittedly not too far, in Costa Mesa’s Mercado González). It was originally slated to open in May 2025 but finally opened its doors last week, on January 29. The family business has been serving churros in Mexico City since 1935, after patriarch Francisco Iriarte emigrated from Spain and started selling his version of the traditional delicacy from a cart. Today, there are 18 locations in Mexico and, now, two in SoCal. Located across the street from Monty’s Good Burger and just down the block from Donna’s and Lowboy, the blue-and-white Echo Park shop (El Moro’s classic branding just happens to coincide with the colors of nearby Dodger Stadium) sits on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Laveta Terrace, in the former home of old-school burger joint Patra. On opening day, there were lines down the street (the offer of free churros for the first 50 guests was surely a draw), so I expected it to be beset with daunting lines for the foreseeable future. But when I stopped by on a late Tuesday morni

You could spend a month visiting L.A. and barely scratch the surface of all the varied attractions the city has to offer. (Don’t tell anyone, but even as an L.A. native, there are still places I haven’t made it to yet.) So in a city with so many iconic landmarks, world-class museums, picturesque beaches and sites made famous on screen, it’s hard to pick just one as the absolute best. But when considering the one thing we’d recommend to anyone visiting L.A. if they were short on time, one pick stood out: the Griffith Observatory. I know, it’s not exactly groundbreaking (space-breaking?) at this point or a hidden gem—the 90-year-old institution welcomes 1.6 million visitors a year and is the most popular public observatory in the world—but despite its global recognition, it’s one landmark that’s loved by both tourists and locals alike. Here are six reasons why we’ve ranked the iconic Art Deco observatory No. 1 on our guide to the top attractions in Los Angeles. Griffith Observatory, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways. 1. First and foremost, it’s free. So not only is it the top overall attraction in the city, it also tops our list of the best free attractions in the city, and it’s on our guide to L.A.’s best museums as well. After Griffith J. Griffith provided the funds to build the observatory in his will, it was donated to the city with the stipulation that it be open to the public and free to visit. That means you can check out its enlightening exhibits and even peer

Anyone who doesn’t think of Los Angeles as an arts capital of the world at this point just isn’t paying attention. Not only do we have museums boasting Modernist masters and impressive Impressionists, but most of these world-class institutions offer a way to visit for free. Some offer free admission for L.A. County residents on weekday afternoons; some let visitors come for free one day a month or one day a week. But many museums—including objectively some of the very best in the city—are free all of the time. This week, we refreshed and reorganized our guide to L.A.’s best free museums with all of the most up-to-date details on when and how to check them out for free. And one museum continues to gravitate to the top: The Broad. Even though, compared to most of the entries on our list, the Broad is a relative newcomer—it opened the doors of its distinctive honeycomb-like building in 2015—it quickly made a splash both among the art world and on social media (remember when a selfie in the Infinity Mirror Room was the biggest flex in town?). But to the Broad’s credit, it has always backed up all the buzz with both style and substance. When determining our rankings of the best free museums, we balanced the level of free accessibility with the caliber of art and scope of each museum’s artistic and cultural programming. The Broad ticks all these boxes and then some. When philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad opened their namesake museum a decade ago, it was envisioned as a gift to L

While L.A. is poised to be the sports epicenter of the world for the next few years, there’s a lot more to look forward to than the World Cup in 2026. The city’s arts and culture scene is thriving: Between major exhibition openings at the best museums across the county, the completion of long-awaited expansions and renovations, and the opening of two brand-new museums on the horizon, Los Angeles is poised to become the talk of the art world. From the debuts of the world’s first AI arts museum and the eagerly anticipated Lucas Museum (fingers crossed!) to SoCal’s first solo exhibition dedicated to Yoko Ono, here are 22 things we’re excited to check out in L.A. museums during 2026. (It’s also worth noting that many of the best exhibitions from 2025 are continuing into next year, including the Hammer Museum’s biennial “Made in L.A.” showcase, the Broad’s display of Robert Therrien’s large-scale sculptures and “Monuments” at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA—our pick for the best exhibition of 2025.)  Psst: You can see nearly all of our picks below without having to pay for admission if you brush up on L.A.’s free museum days first. Photograph: Courtesy of Provident Fine Art LA Art ShowLos Angeles Convention Center, Jan 7–11Though the LA Art Show is, obviously, an art show as opposed to a traditional exhibition, the largest and longest-running art fair will gather over 90 exhibitors at the Convention Center for a veritable art extravaganza at the start of the year. Notable for th

This Wednesday is New Year’s Eve, and we’ve been hard at work researching the best events—from fireworks to parties to free festivities—where you can go to bid a “good riddance” to 2025. Between pyrotechnic-filled celebrations at theme parks, Downtown music festivals, cocktail parties, comedy shows and even ice skating, there’s something here to fit every need, whether you’re looking to stay out all night or be in bed before the clock strikes midnight (though it’s still TBD how some of these events may be affected by the rain predicted in this week’s forecast). Whatever your perfect celebration looks like, we’ll help you make it a memorable New Year’s. Hello, 2026! (Please be good…) 1. Celebrate at a massive free block party Going out for New Year’s Eve can become one of the priciest dates of the year, but thankfully DTLA’s Gloria Molina Grand Park continues to offer an affordable and family-friendly option for the holiday. Flanked by the Music Center and City Hall, every inch of this three-block green space and three surrounding blocks will be covered in culture, including City Hall, which will be used as a 22-story canvas for a countdown projection enhanced with vibrant visuals. During this year’s event, which will pay tribute to the resilience L.A. showed throughout 2025, crowds will groove to a soundtrack of DJ-driven tunes and live bands—including rapper Ruby Ibarra, Ceci Bastida and Bardo—across a pair of stages while hitting up a selection of 30 local food trucks (but

If you consider the coolest streets in Los Angeles, an embarrassment of riches comes to mind. We have it all, from beautiful drives with designer stores dripping in luxury to grittier boulevards filled with the hippest brands to legendary thoroughfares immortalized on film and in music, all with a wealth of acclaimed dining options. But this year, Time Out has awarded the honor of coolest street in Los Angeles—and the 25th-coolest street in the world—to Pacific Coast Highway. While it’s part of the 656-mile State Route 1, the name “Pacific Coast Highway” technically only refers to the stretch of SR-1 from Dana Point to Oxnard, which takes you past Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades and Malibu. For the purposes of this list, we’ve chosen the iconic stretch of PCH near the Malibu Pier—which now marks the eastern border of what was spared by the fires. The area is quintessentially Southern California: surfer vibes and high-end shops mingle against postcard-worthy oceanfront hillsides for a singularly “California cool” experience. And months of limited access along PCH only reinforced our affection for PCH—as did the resilience and sense of community its local businesses have shown in the face of such daunting hardships. In January, when the Palisades Fire broke out and destroyed nearly everything in its path, the wildfire made its way from Pacific Palisades to Malibu, burning down hundreds of homes and local restaurants, including neighborhood seafood spot Reel Inn and iconic PCH

Want to see some of the biggest names in hip-hop, for free, while giving back to the community? You’re in luck. Each holiday season for the last 12 years running, record label Top Dawg Entertainment hosts a charity concert in Watts, featuring performances by the dozen artists on its roster. That means this year, SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Doechii, Isaiah Rashad, SiR, Ray Vaughn, Ab-Soul, Zacari and Kal Banx will all be taking the stage. The concert will take place this Thursday, December 18, at Nickerson Gardens—the largest public housing complex in Los Angeles. And while admission is indeed free, the concert doubles as a toy drive, meaning you’ll need to bring along an unwrapped gift—whether it’s a toy, clothes, shoes or other donation—for the residents there. Top Dawg Entertainment is the brainchild of Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, who grew up at Watts’ Nickerson Gardens himself. Tiffith founded TDE in 2004 as a neighborhood record label, focusing on local talent that included none other than Kendrick Lamar, who was signed to the label from 2005–2022 and received a Pulitzer Prize—the first in the hip-hop world—during that time. Tiffith and TDE have continued to give back to the community through the years, and in 2024, he was immortalized when an intersection in Watts was named after him. Back to the show. Besides the artist on the lineup, you can usually expect special guests to show up. This year’s guests have yet to be announced, but in the past they’ve included the likes

Thanksgiving is behind us—and the countdown to Christmas begins! There are little markers in L.A. that let us know that one of the most exciting times of the year is soon approaching: Christmas lights being lit, holiday music on the radio…and the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade. Every year, thousands of Angelenos don their most festive apparel (still too tight from Thanksgiving dinner) and head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame as it’s transformed into a winter sort-of-wonderland. Here’s everything you need to know about the Hollywood Christmas Parade, one of the first major Christmas events of the season. When is the Hollywood Christmas Parade 2025? The Hollywood Christmas Parade always takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving. That means this year’s 93rd annual parade is taking place on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 6–8pm. Pre-parade entertainment starts at 5:30pm, and grandstand bleacher seating opens at 4pm. How can I watch the parade? Reserved grandstand seating in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Roosevelt was going for $120, but all those tickets are actually already sold out. Luckily, curbside viewing along the parade route after Highland Avenue is free if you stake out a spot early enough. If you just want to watch on TV, all of the action usually airs closer to Christmas on the CW and KTLA (this year’s air date is still to come). Where does the parade start? The 3.2-mile U-shaped parade route begins at Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive, in front of

The Force is strong in L.A. this week. Eight years after work started on the one-billion-dollar Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, the highly anticipated addition to the city’s thriving cultural scene will open its doors in fall 2026. The museum announced today that the official opening date of the institution filmmaker George Lucas is touting as “a temple to the people’s art” will be September 22, 2026. There’s still no information available about ticketing, the opening celebration or any free museum days, but to be honest, we’re thrilled just to have a firm date at this point, since, after delays due to factors including pandemic-related supply-chain issues, the estimated opening date had been pushed back from 2021 to 2022 to 2023 to 2025 to, finally, 2026. By now you’re likely familiar with the verdant spaceship that’s landed in Exposition Park between the Natural History Museum and the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. The curvaceous building topped with solar panels and gardens adds something decidedly different—and otherworldly—to L.A.’s architectural scene and has been piquing Angelenos’ interest for years now.   Photograph: Roberto Gomez, courtesy USC School of Cinematic Arts. © 2025 JAKS Productions Situated on 11 acres, once it’s completed the five-story, 300,000-square-foot museum will feature not only 35 galleries but two state-of-the-art theaters, as well as classrooms, a library, dining options and a gift shop. Outside, the lush landscaping is a draw unto itself—the green s