Events
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings
April 18. A calm, community-centered start to the weekend unfolds at Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings, where families can explore activities designed for curious young minds. Programming includes puppetry, storytelling, family yoga, arts and crafts and live DJ sets, creating a relaxed environment that encourages connection, creativity and time outdoors in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Saturday at 10 a.m. 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. grandparkla.org
Festival of Books Returns to USC
April 18-19. An annual spring tradition draws bibliophiles to the USC campus for a two-day outdoor festival filled with books, conversations and cultural programming. The fair features a wide range of booksellers alongside author readings, signings, culinary demos and live entertainment, with this year’s lineup spanning literary, entertainment and food worlds, including Amy Tan, Larry David, Roxane Gay, Sarah Jessica Parker and more. Families can explore screenings, music and interactive experiences throughout the weekend, with free entry and reservations required for select conversations, while a limited number of ticketed speaker events are available. Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. 850 W. 37th Street, Los Angeles. latimes.com
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach Returns
April 17-19. A high-octane race weekend takes over Long Beach with a two-mile street circuit packed with fast straights and tight turns, delivering edge-of-your-seat action for spectators. Beyond the track, the event expands into a full-scale festival with concerts, a lifestyle expo, food trucks and a family fun zone where young kids can race their own cars, alongside the new “Mornings CARnival” mega car show. Grammy Award-winning artist Lupe Fiasco headlines the Friday concert at 6:30 p.m. outside the Long Beach Terrace Theater, included with Friday admission. Friday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m. 300 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. gplb.com
Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run
April 19. An annual community walk at the Rose Bowl invites animal lovers to support Pasadena Humane while raising funds for shelter pets still waiting for homes. Participants can take on the route with or without their dogs, with options to form teams or gather sponsors to contribute to the cause. Beyond the walk, the event features photo opportunities, pet-friendly vendors, food trucks, a training park and a dog costume contest, creating a lively, purpose-driven day for families and animal advocates alike. Sunday at 8 a.m. 360 N Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. give.pasadenahumane.org
Superman Experience Lands at The Americana
April 18. A one-day Superman-themed takeover brings an immersive fan experience to The Americana at Brand, complete with a Daily Planet newsstand offering a free collectible newspaper, themed snacks and interactive giveaways. Guests can try their luck with scratch-off prizes, including tickets to the upcoming Superman Experience: Defenders Unite at Warner Bros. Studios, while photo moments include Krypto’s Doghouse of Solitude and a larger-than-life S-Shield. The event also features adoptable puppies from Best Friends Animal Society, adding a community-driven element to the celebration for fans, families and four-legged companions alike. Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 889 Americana Way, Glendale. americanaatbrand.com
Food + Drinks
Masters of Taste
April 19. A luxury food festival brings together Los Angeles’ top culinary talent for a day of unlimited tastings, craft beverages and desserts, all in support of ending homelessness. Masters of Taste returns to the Rose Bowl with around 100 chefs, restaurants and bars, including participants from Ayara Thai, Harold & Belle’s, Lunasia, Porto’s and Wife and the Somm. Hosted by Chefs Thomas and Vanessa Tilaka Kalb of Agnes, the event blends high-level dining with a purpose-driven mission, with all proceeds benefiting Union Station Homeless Services. Sunday at 3 p.m. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. mastersoftastela.com
Calabra Brunch Returns With Coastal Mediterranean Flavors and Rooftop Views
April 18. A rooftop brunch at Calabra blends coastal California and Mediterranean influences with a menu centered on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests can expect dishes like lemon ricotta pancakes, turkish eggs layered with yogurt and spice and the calabra tomato salad, alongside a broader selection of seafood, lighter fare and shareable plates designed for a leisurely midday experience. Seasonal cocktails, including the rosé garden spritz, complement the menu, while the open-air setting overlooking Santa Monica adds a nice touch to the lingering brunch gatherings. Starts this Saturday at 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 700 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. properhotel.com
Crudo e Nudo’s 5th Anniversary Series
Now-April 19. Santa Monica’s acclaimed sustainable seafood restaurant and biodynamic wine bar marks its fifth anniversary with a weeklong series of chef and winemaker collaborations. Chef Brian Bornemann hosts a rotating lineup of California talent for seafood-driven specials and curated pairings in a relaxed, à la carte format, including Dom Crisp with Ryan Stirm (April 16), Kelly Mariani with Matt Ahern (April 17), Duyen Ha with Bondle Wines (April 18) and Sandra Cordero with Art Laietà Wines for a dinner-only finale (April 19). Thursday-Sunday, hours vary. 2724 Main Street, Santa Monica. Reserve Now
Annie’s Soul Delicious Serves Homestyle Comfort Food
Open. A family-owned kitchen brings classic Southern comfort food to the table with a menu rooted in tradition and bold, familiar flavors. Guests can expect dishes like fried chicken, smothered pork chops, oxtails and catfish, paired with sides such as mac and cheese, collard greens, candied yams and cornbread. The menu leans into hearty portions and slow-cooked depth, offering a laid-back dining experience that centers on soulful cooking and community. Wednesday-Sunday, noon-9 p.m. 339 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. anniessouldelicious.com
Descanso Debuts Sunday Brunch With Lotería Celebration
April 19. A new Sunday brunch experience arrives at Descanso, blending its signature plancha-style dining with a lively, interactive format inspired by Mexican tradition. The menu features options like build-your-own chilaquiles and avocado toast, alongside bottomless mimosas and tableside cazuela cocktails, while live music from Grammy-nominated singer Alih Jey sets the tone. Larger parties can take part in a round of lotería with prizes, adding a playful, communal element to the weekly brunch offering. Every Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 5773 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. descansorestaurantla.com
Arts + Culture
Last Call: Kim’s Convenience
Until April 19. A final chance to catch this award-winning comedy-drama unfolds with Kim’s Convenience, a warm, sharply observed story centered on a Korean family-run corner store and the generational tensions that shape its future. Written by and starring Ins Choi, the production explores identity, family and a changing neighborhood through humor and honesty, offering a heartfelt portrait of first-generation immigrant life before its run comes to a close. Showtimes vary, check website. 135 N Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org
Plantamonium Returns to TreePeople With “Plantasia”
April 18. An outdoor concert celebrating Mort Garson’s 1976 cult classic Plantasia returns to TreePeople’s Coldwater Canyon Park for Earth Month, bringing live interpretations and original compositions inspired by the album. Performed by People Inside Electronics, the evening blends nature and sound in an open-air setting, inviting guests to bring picnic blankets and settle in for a relaxed, immersive listening experience. Saturday at 6 p.m. 12601 Mulholland Drive, Beverly Hills. Get Tickets Now
Goldenvoice Presents April
Now Showing. A two-week concert series transforms Los Angeles into a closer-to-home extension of Coachella, bringing major festival acts to smaller, more intimate stages across the city. The lineup includes artists like Lykke Li, Wet Leg and Suicidal Tendencies, performing at venues such as the El Rey Theatre, The Fonda Theatre, The Roxy Theatre, Fox Theater Pomona and Sound Nightclub. For specific shows and time, visit goldenvoicepresentsapril.com
Heal the Bay Marks Earth Month With Beach Cleanup and Aquarium Open House
April 19. A weekend of hands-on environmental action invites Angelenos to take part in protecting local coastlines and ecosystems through Heal the Bay’s Earth Month programming. The initiative includes a large-scale beach cleanup where volunteers help remove debris while learning about ocean pollution, followed by a free aquarium open house at the Santa Monica Pier featuring interactive exhibits, animal encounters, feedings, environmental films, live DJ sets and a performance by activist and artist Madam Gandhi. Designed around the “Start Where You Are” campaign, the weekend encourages simple, meaningful steps toward lasting environmental impact. Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica. healthebay.org
Photo Credit: Acura Racing Grand Prix courtesy of Doug Gifford. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
