Hello Kitty is turning 40 this year and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate in Los Angeles. Super fans are expected to flock to the world’s first Hello Kitty Convention, take in an entire museum retrospective in her honor and more. Here’s how to celebrate Hello Kitty’s birthday in L.A.
Discover why one of the coolest museums in LA is also a great place to take kids!
The Japanese American National Museum is helping Sanrio mark Hello Kitty’s 40th birthday with a special exhibition—the first large-scale museum retrospective in the United States devoted to the fan-favorite character. Since her very first appearance on a coin purse, Hello Kitty has developed into a pop icon and cultural ambassador. Head to JANM downtown from Oct. 11-Apr. 26 to see a collection of rare and classic Hello Kitty products and contemporary art inspired by the character.
Double your dose of cute at the four-day Hello Kitty Con 2014, Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA next door to the Japanese American National Museum. This is the world’s first official Hello Kitty Convention. Hello Kitty Con 2014 is a global gathering of fans and friends to celebrate all things Hello Kitty. Throughout the weekend, learn everything you need to know about Hello Kitty, vista a Hello Kitty workshop, visit panel discussions, shop for exclusive hello kitty merchandise and more. $20-$30.
Hello Kitty has officially partnered with stylish The Line Hotel for it to be the official hotel of Hello Kitty Con. The collaboration offers a rare and exclusive Hello Kitty experience for fans, from unique Hello Kitty themed rooms to serving as the location of Hello Kitty’s official birthday party (hotel guest will have access to this exclusive invite-only event). Bunk up in a room that infuses Hello Kitty’s super cute style into the decor and take-home items like Hello Kitty robes, slippers, cushions and more when you book the Super Sweet Stay package. By booking a Sweet Stay package each room will receive an amenity package including a highly collectible, limited edition Hello Kitty x The Line Hotel plush set and additional surprises such as gifts from Sephora’s Hello Kitty Beauty Collection and Loungefly. All guests can enjoy extras like a special Hello Kitty lounge, or dine on a cute Hello Kitty SPAM Musubi created by Chef Roy Choi for the room service menu.
Just when you thought there couldn’t be any more Hello Kitty in your life, Sanrio (the global lifestyle brand best known for beloved pop icon) has partnered with restaurants around L.A. to launch Hello Kitty’s Hungry Hunt. From Oct. 24-Nov. 21, you can dine at specially selected venues that will serve up everything from Hello Kitty Ramen (at Daikokuya Sawtelle), Hello Kitty Bento Boxes (Plan Check Kitchen + Bar Downtown) to Hello Kitty donuts (Cafe Dulce) and Hello Kitty Sausage (Seoul Sausage Sawtelle). As a bonus, each Hungry Hunt menu item will also include a collectible Hello Kitty’s Hungry Hunt pin featuring Hello Kitty enjoying a different treat from each of the participating restaurants.