Breeze into the weekend vibes with local fun happening in your area. From the LA Times Festival of Books to Earth Day celebrations and more, there is something for everyone. Check out the fun in your neighborhood with our weekend events round-up for April 17 through April 19.
Los Angeles Weekend Events | April 17 – April 19
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
When: April 18 – April 19
Where: USC/Exposition Park | Los Angeles
What: Book lovers gather at the University of Southern California each spring for this beloved two-day literary festival, a vibrant celebration of storytelling in all its forms. The outdoor fair features booksellers, author readings, signings, and even culinary demos, alongside an impressive lineup of talent including Amy Tan, David Duchovny, Larry David, Roxane Gay, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more. Expect a weekend filled with live music, screenings, and cultural programming, making it a family-friendly outing for curious minds of all ages. Admission is free, with select conversations available via reservation, and the festivities kick off with the 46th annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes on Friday evening.
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings
When: Until April 18
Where: DTLA
What: Ease into the weekend at Grand Park, where two days of free, family-friendly programming invite you to recharge mind, body, and spirit. Expect a feel-good mix of yoga, arts and crafts, music, dancing, and nature-inspired activities designed for all ages. Adding a touch of whimsy, the beloved Bob Baker Marionette Theater will delight guests with charming puppet shows. It’s the kind of easy, joyful weekend moment the city does best.
Magic Market
When: April 11 – April 12
Where: Montecito Heights
What: Step into a whimsical world at Magic Market, where all things mystical and fae take over Heritage Square Museum. Expect a dreamy lineup of tarot, palm, and lip readings, reiki, aura photography, and light therapy, alongside tours of the museum’s beautifully preserved—and maybe slightly haunted—Victorian homes. Guests can lounge picnic-style, catch live performances from local witchy artists, and browse a curated marketplace of 75 vendors offering crystals, vintage fashion, and metaphysical finds. Upgrade to a Witch’s Pass for extra enchantments, including a tote bag, sound bath session, and exclusive access to the iconic Octagon House.
Westside & Beach Communities Weekend Events | April 17 – April 19
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
When: April 17 – April 19
Where: Long Beach
What: Feel the adrenaline at this high-octane racing event celebrating over 50 years “at full speed,” set along a thrilling two-mile street circuit packed with straightaways and tight turns. Beyond the edge-of-your-seat action, the weekend features concerts, a lifestyle expo, food trucks, and a family fun zone where kids ages 3 to 6 can race their own mini cars. New this year, the “Mornings CARnival” adds an early-day mega car show to the lineup. It’s part race day, part festival, and all-out entertainment.
Goldenvoice Presents April
When: Until April 18
Where: West Hollywood
What: Once dubbed “Localchella,” Goldenvoice Presents April returns with a two-week run of Coachella artists hitting more intimate stages across Southern California. The 2026 lineup includes acts like Lykke Li, Wet Leg, and Suicidal Tendencies, performing at venues such as El Rey Theatre, The Fonda Theatre, Fox Theater Pomona, The Roxy Theatre, and Sound Nightclub. It’s a rare chance to catch big festival names in smaller, up-close settings—no desert trek required. Check the official lineup for show dates and tickets, with additional performances in the Bay Area and San Diego.
Several Eternities in a Day: Form in the Age of Living Materials
When: Until August 23
Where: Westwood
What: Explore the sensory side of contemporary art in this immersive exhibition featuring works made with living and organic materials like cacao, clay, and cochineal. Showcasing over 20 artists from across the Americas, the installations invite visitors to engage through touch, sound, and scent. On April 4, an after-hours preview adds DJ sets, hands-on art-making, and courtyard festivities, all free to attend.
San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | April 17 – April 19
Habitat Restoration Day & Earth Month Celebration
When: April 18
Where: Van Nuys
What: Celebrate Earth Day with a hands-on impact at this community cleanup hosted by Friends of the Los Angeles River in partnership with California Native Plant Society and San Fernando Valley Audubon Society. Held at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Preserve, the event invites volunteers to remove invasive plants, plant native species, and create seedballs to help restore the landscape. After getting your hands dirty, stick around for a guided nature walk and grab a bite from local food trucks. Participation is free, but registration is required.
Superman Experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
When: April 18 – May 3
Where: Warner Bros. Studios | Burbank
What: Up, up, and away—into a full-blown Superman celebration at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. Marking the iconic hero’s debut in Action Comics #1, this year’s festivities introduce an immersive, walk-through experience inspired by the latest blockbuster from James Gunn. Guests can step into Superman’s world with interactive gameplay using 3D glasses and motion-capture tech before unwinding in the Fortress of Solitude, complete with mini-games, photo ops, and themed props. Wrap it all up with a visit to the Daily Planet-inspired shop, or bundle the experience with the full studio tour for an even deeper dive into movie magic.
SoCal Etsy Guild Market Burbank
When: Multiple Dates
Where: Burbank Town Center | 201 East Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank
What: Shop handmade and support local creators at the SoCal Etsy Guild Market, held the first weekend of every month at Burbank Town Center. This indoor three-day event features Southern California artisans, live art, DIY activities, giveaways, and a wide mix of art, vintage finds, original designs, and artisanal foods. With free parking and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a fun way to spend the weekend browsing unique goods and meeting local makers.
Conejo Valley Weekend Events | April 17 – April 19
Ventura Earth Day Festival
When: April 18
Where: Plaza Park, E Thompson Blvd, Ventura
What: Celebrate sustainability and community at the Earth Day Festival in downtown Ventura on April 18, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Plaza Park. The day begins with opening remarks and a traditional Chumash blessing, followed by live performances and family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon. Browse environmental booths, shop sustainable goods, sample local food vendors, and explore an electric vehicle showcase. It’s a lively, feel-good way to honor the planet and connect with the community.
Calabasas Earth Day Festival
When: April 18
Where: Las Virgenes Road & Agoura Road, Las Virgenes Rd & Agoura Rd | Calabasas
What: Celebrate sustainability at the City of Calabasas Earth Day Celebration and Green Expo on April 18, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Las Virgenes Creek site in Calabasas. This free, family-friendly event features eco-focused vendors, giveaways, and activities for kids, all designed to inspire simple, meaningful ways to live more sustainably. Rooted in the spirit of Earth Day’s origins, the festival blends education and celebration while encouraging the community to take action for the environment. It’s an easy, uplifting way to connect with nature and discover small changes that make a big impact.
Celebration of the Whales Festival
When: April 19
Where: 3350 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard
What: Celebrate the magic of migration at the 27th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival on April 19, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Channel Islands Harbor. This free, family-friendly event features hands-on fun like a community “Paint a Whale” mural. Additional fun activities include ocean-themed chalk art and a kids’ zone with bounce houses and games. Visitors can also enjoy free kayaking and paddleboarding, browse local vendors, and explore educational exhibits about gray whale migration.