If you plan on staying in LA and skipping all the Coachella madness, we have you covered! Check out what’s happening this weekend in your neighborhood from book festivals to art exhibits and more. Read below for the events to attend from April 19 through April 21.
Los Angeles Weekend Events | April 19 – April 21
When: April 20 – April 21, 2024
Where: USC Campus
What: Book lovers gather at USC for the L.A. Times-hosted event on April 20 and 21, featuring stalls from over 300 exhibitors and panels with literary stars. The event boasts over 500 speakers including José Andrés, Ed Begley Jr., and others, along with a cooking stage featuring Nancy Silverton.
First Fridays at the Natural History Museum
When: Until June 7
Where: Natural History Museum | USC/Exposition Park
What: Escape the usual First Friday crowd for a unique experience at the Natural History Museum, where dinosaurs meet DJs. From February through June, on the first Friday of each month, enjoy a KCRW-sponsored night of music, museum tours, and scientist-led talks, suitable for all ages. Each event features a fresh lineup of musical acts and DJs, making for a memorable evening at the museum.
When: April 21
Where: Chinatown
What: Celebrate Bob Baker at the annual puppet festival in Los Angeles State Historic Park, from 10am to 5pm. Enjoy puppet shows, crafts, and activities like bubbles and balloons. This year features David Arquette as Bozo the Clown, a kid’s talent show hosted by Kate Micucci, music by Very Be Careful, and an opening by puppeteer Sid Krofft.
Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | April 19 – April 21
Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak
When: April 18 – September 1, 2024
Where: Westside
What: Celebrate the legendary Maurice Sendak at the Skirball Cultural Center, where over 150 sketches, storyboards, and paintings from the creator of “Where the Wild Things Are” will be on display. Let the wild rumpus begin!
CicLAvia: Venice Blvd
When: April 21 – December 8, 2024
Where: Venice
What: Cycle through Palms, Mar Vista, and Venice at this Westside bike event, which features a car-free 5.75-mile stretch along Venice Boulevard.
The Mean Girls Experience
When: Until April 21
Where: Santa Monica
What: Get ready for echoes of “you can’t sit with us!” at this “Mean Girls”-themed event in Santa Monica. With every ticket, enjoy a meal and side dish (options include “Stab” Caesar salad and cheese fries) served in a cafeteria-style environment, alongside entry to the Cool Mom Bar and numerous photo opportunities (featuring iconic setups like Regina’s bedroom mirror, the Burn Book, and the talent show). Head over to 2020 Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica for this unique experience during its final weekend.
San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | April 19 – April 21
Earth Day with Friends of the LA River
When: April 20 – April 21
Where: Van Nuys
What: This Earth Day, FoLAR offers two volunteer opportunities: a habitat restoration day at Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve on April 20 from 8am to noon, and a family-friendly festival at Frogtown’s Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park on April 21 from noon to 4pm, featuring music, food trucks, and an eco-marketplace. Both events are free but require registration.
Filipino California: Art and the Filipino Diaspora
When: April 20 – September 8
Where: Glendale
What: Explore the works of seven contemporary artists—Eliseo Art Silva, Allison Hueman, Anthony Francisco, Maryrose Cobarrubias Mendoza, Christine Morla, Maria Villote, and Junn Roca—at the Forest Lawn Museum. Their pieces delve into Filipino culture and the Filipino-American experience.
2024 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival
When: April 19 – April 21
Where: William S. Hart Park | Santa Clarita
What: The 2024 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is back at William S. Hart Park, showcasing the essence of cowboy life with sights, sounds, and style. Attend various ticketed tours and performances from Friday, April 19, to Sunday, April 21. Be sure to check ticket descriptions for specific event details.
Conejo Valley Weekend Events | April 19 – April 21
27th Annual Neal Taylor Nature Center Fishing Derby
When: April 20 – April 21
Where: Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
What: This year’s fishing derby features prize categories for several fish types including crappie, catfish, trout, bass, sunfish, and carp. With an increased prize pool, participants have the opportunity to win substantial cash prizes, fishing gear, and more!
1st Annual Spring Arts, Crafts & Antiques Festival
When: April 20
Where: Stagecoach Inn Museum
What: The 1st ANNUAL SPRING ARTS, CRAFTS & ANTIQUES FESTIVAL invites the public to a free one-day event at the Stagecoach Inn Museum Complex. While touring the Inn costs $5, visiting the outbuildings is free. Attendees can explore a variety of artisanal works in a prominent park setting.
When: April 20
Where: Plaza Park, E Thompson Blvd | Ventura
What: The Earth Day Festival will make its return to downtown Ventura on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Plaza Park on East Thomson Street. This year’s event is hosted by the MERITO Foundation, in collaboration with the City of Ventura Sustainability Division, and features over 40 environmentally-focused nonprofits, government agencies, transportation and utilities industries, outdoor recreation businesses, and vendors of sustainable food and goods. The theme for the Ventura Earth Day Festival 2024 is “A celebration of our Blue Planet, Earth!”