Join the fun happening all around town! From festivals to art exhibits and more, we have you covered. Check out our weekend events taking place from May 3 through May 5.
Los Angeles Weekend Events | May 3 – May 5
Netflix is a Joke Fest
When: May 2 – May 12
Where: Various Locations
What: Netflix’s comedy specials are a staple for home entertainment, but their grand comedy festival, Netflix is a Joke: The Festival, is seriously impressive. Originally set for 2020, the festival finally launched in 2022, featuring an incredible 295 shows across a week in Los Angeles. Returning from May 1 to 12, 2024, the festival is expanding even further, boasting over 500 shows at 36 different venues. The lineup includes comedy giants like Ali Wong, Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, Chris Rock, and Taylor Tomlinson, among hundreds more. To make your choice easier, we’ve picked out 10 of the most unique acts.
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.
ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN
When: April 7 – October 6, 2024
Where: Miracle Mile
What: This comprehensive retrospective of Ed Ruscha showcases his detailed photographs of Los Angeles streets alongside a recreated Chocolate Room. The unique installation is composed entirely of layered chocolate sheets.
Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | May 3 – May 5
BeachLife Festival
When: May 3 – May 5
Where: Redondo Beach
What: This surf-inspired music festival is set to captivate the Redondo Beach coastline for three days in May. This year’s lineup features an impressive roster of artists including Sting, Incubus, My Morning Jacket, Dirty Heads, Seal, Devo, Local Natives, Santigold, Fleet Foxes, Courtney Barnett, and Trey Anastasio.
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.
San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | May 3 – May 5
9th Annual Hey, Milestone’s Great Big Family Play Day
When: May 4
Where: The Autry at Griffith Park
What: Great Big Family Play Day is often referred to as the Coachella for families. This two-day event features live entertainment on two stages, a plethora of interactive activities, and exhibits for children of all ages, along with samples, swag, giveaways, and endless family fun!
Paint N Sip | Brunch, Cocktails, & Live Music
When: April 13 – May 4
Where: 555 Universal Hollywood Dr
What: Spring into creativity with the Paint N Sip outdoor event at FIVE on the Hill! Participants can look forward to a day filled with painting, sipping cocktails, indulging in a delicious brunch, and enjoying live music. This event offers a perfect opportunity to relax and unleash creativity on a Saturday or Sunday morning.
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.
Conejo Valley Weekend Events | May 3 – May 5
Santa Barbara Fair & Expo
When: May 3, 4pm – 10pm
Where: Earl Warren Showgrounds, Santa Barbara, CA (map)
What: The Annual Santa Barbara Fair and Expo is scheduled for April 25-28 and May 3-5. This vibrant event includes over 30 carnival rides and attractions, pony rides, a petting zoo, and a children’s carnival. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of live entertainment such as music, dance, magic, and illusion shows. The expo will showcase local foods, wines, and beers, along with arts and crafts, horticulture, and fine arts displays. Additionally, the Fair & Expo Cooking Contest will offer free samples of featured desserts, appetizers, and other foods, complemented by various interactive exhibits.
Simi Valley Street Fair
When: May 4, 9am – 4pm
Where: Simi Town Center Way | Simi Valley, CA
What: The Simi Valley Street Fair is set for Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Simi Town Center Way. The event will feature a variety of vendors, live entertainment, a beer and wine garden, a city expo, and a free kids’ fun zone, among other attractions. Admission is free. For more details, visit simivalleystreetfair.com.
47th Annual Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off, Car Show & Craft Brew Fest
When: May 5, 12pm – 5pm
Where: Conejo Creek North Park
What: Save the date for the 47th Annual Thousand Oaks Chili Cook-Off, Car Show & Craft Brew Festival on Sunday, May 5, 2024. This family-friendly event runs from noon to 5 p.m., with early entry at 11:00 a.m. for VIP ticket holders. Join us at Conejo Creek Park North, located at Janss Rd & Hwy 23 in Thousand Oaks, for an afternoon of fun and flavors.