The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles in April 2026
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
Spring in LA is officially here, and the group chat is demanding plans. Whether you’re looking to touch grass in Topanga, find your next hyper-fixation at a museum, or just eat your way through the city's best pop-ups, we’ve curated the ultimate April in Los Angeles hit list.
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🎪 Big Events & Festivals
Corgi Beach Day
When: April 4
Where: Huntington Dog Beach, 100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Price: Free
Why it’s worth it: Pure serotonin. Hundreds of corgis, costume contests, and ocean breezes. A guaranteed boost for your mood (and your feed).
Know before you go: Arrive early; parking in HB fills up by 10 AM on event days.
Link: [View Website]
LA Beer Festival
When: April 4
Where: LA Center Studios, 450 S Bixel St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Price: $55+
Why it’s worth it: Day-drinking elevated. Featuring dozens of local craft breweries, the city's best food trucks, and live music.
Know before you go: This is a 21+ event. Rideshare is highly recommended as parking is limited.
Link: [View Website]
Renaissance Pleasure Faire
When: April 4 – May 17
Where: Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale, CA 91706
Price: $28+
Why it’s worth it: Peak immersive cosplay and giant turkey legs. It’s the one time of year where "Main Character Energy" is the mandatory dress code.
Know before you go: Traffic into the Dam can be heavy; leave 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to.
Link: [View Website]
PaleyFest LA
When: April 4–12
Where: Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
Price: $65.75+
Why it’s worth it: The ultimate pop-culture pilgrimage. Get up close with the casts and creators of your favorite binge-watched shows.
Know before you go: Check the schedule for specific show nights; tickets for big-name casts sell out instantly.
Link: [View Website]
Bagel Fest
When: April 12
Where: Audrey Irmas Pavilion at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, 3643 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Price: $20.03+
Why it’s worth it: Carbs on carbs. A tasting event dedicated to the best schmears, lox, and dough in the city.
Know before you go: Tickets usually include a set number of tastings; prioritize the "Everything" pop-ups first.
Link: [View Website]
YFCon
When: April 14–15
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angles, CA 90015
Price: $59+
Why it’s worth it: Networking meets fandom. Perfect for young creators, cinephiles, and industry hopefuls looking to break into the biz.
Know before you go: Bring your portfolio or QR code for your LinkedIn; networking here is high-level.
Link: [View Website]
Tequila & Mezcal Festival
When: April 17
Where: Candela La Brea, 831 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Price: $79+
Why it’s worth it: Agave appreciation night. Premium tastings, sleek aesthetics, and excellent food pairings.
Know before you go: Pace yourself—the mezcal selection is vast and higher ABV than you expect.
Link: [View Website]
LA Times Festival of Books
When: April 18–19
Where: USC Campus, 3551 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089
Price: Free (Panels require pre-booked tickets)
Why it’s worth it: BookTok offline. Massive outdoor literary festival with panels, signed copies, and endless tote bags.
Know before you go: Use the Metro E Line to get to USC; parking is a nightmare during this festival.
Link: [View Website]
Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival
When: April 18–19
Where: William S. Hart Park, Old Town Newhall, 24151 Newhall Avenue, Santa Clarita, CA 91321
Price: Free
Why it’s worth it: Westerncore comes to life. Live country music, mechanical bulls, and authentic BBQ.
Know before you go: Dust off your boots; it’s a dirt-ground venue and can get hot.
Link: [View Website]
Magic Castle Swap Meet
When: April 19
Where: The Magic Castle (Parking Lot/Annex), 7001 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028
Price: Members Only
Why it’s worth it: Vintage oddities and illusions. A rare chance to buy vintage magic props, books, and memorabilia usually hidden from the public.
Know before you go: You don't need to be a member to attend the swap meet, but dress comfortably for digging through crates.
Link: [View Website]
Universal Fan Fest Nights
When: Select Nights in April
Where: Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Price: $74+
Why it’s worth it: Like Halloween Horror Nights, but for sci-fi, anime, and fantasy stans. Fully immersive environments after dark.
Know before you go: Download the Universal App to track wait times for the themed activations.
Link: [View Website]
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival
When: March 13 – April 12
Where: Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park
Price: Park admission + Tasting card ($120+)
Why it’s worth it: A culinary deep-dive into everything boysenberry—from savory BBQ meatballs to iconic purple churros.
Know before you go: Buy the tasting card online in advance to save a few dollars.
Link: [View Website]
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
When: April 10–19
Where: Empire Polo Club, 81-800 51st Ave, Indio, CA 92201
Price: $20+
Why it’s worth it: The cultural reset of the desert. Massive headliners, brand activations, and the best people-watching on earth.
Know before you go: Hydration is not a suggestion—it’s a requirement. Bring a reusable water bottle.
Link: [View Website]
Disney's Food & Wine Festival
When: March 6 – April 27
Where: Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, CA 92802
Price: Park admission + Tasting card ($133+)
Why it’s worth it: Theme park magic meets Michelin-adjacent snacks. Great for "elevated" Disney days.
Know before you go: The Sip and Savor pass can be shared among friends to try more dishes.
Link: [View Website]
🌲 Outdoor Escapes
Cherry Blossoms at the Japanese Garden SFV
When: Peak bloom in April
Where: 6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys
Price: $3+
Why it’s worth it: Tranquil, hyper-aesthetic, and fleeting. The perfect quiet afternoon escape for the "Soft Life" aesthetic.
Know before you go: Tickets are timed entry and sell out during peak bloom; book 2 weeks out.
Link: [View Website]
Owl Falls – Topanga Canyon
When: Anytime (Best after rain)
Where: 525 S Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290
Price: Free (Parking $10)
Why it’s worth it: A hidden gem hike. Bring your trail runners and a film camera for this lush canyon waterfall.
Know before you go: No dogs allowed on this specific trail.
Link: [View Website]
Catalina Island Camping
When: April
Where: Two Harbors, Hermit Gulch, Black Jack Campground, or Parson's Landing
Price: Varies
Why it’s worth it: Euro-summer energy but just an hour ferry away. Snorkeling, hiking, and sleeping under the stars.
Know before you go: Reserve your ferry (Catalina Express) at the same time you book your campsite.
Link: [View Website]
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
When: Peak bloom usually mid-April
Where: 15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, CA 93536
Price: $10 Parking
Why it’s worth it: Rolling hills painted neon orange. A bucket-list California spring experience.
Know before you go: STAY ON THE TRAILS. Walking into the flowers for a photo kills the crop for next year.
Link: [View Website]
Lyrid Meteor Shower
When: Peaking April 21-22
Where: Angeles National Forest
Price: Free
Why it’s worth it: Late-night stargazing with 15-20 meteors per hour. Minimal light pollution makes for a core memory.
Know before you go: Bring a heavy blanket; even in April, the desert/mountains drop to freezing at night.
🍽️ Food & Drink Picks
Studio Ghibli Themed Restaurant
When: Ongoing
Where: DTLA, 101 West 5th St , Los Angeles
Price: $$
Why it’s worth it: Wholesome, magical, and incredibly photogenic. Comfort food straight out of Miyazaki’s universe.
Know before you go: Reservations are mandatory and drop on the first of the month.
Link: [View Website]
The Odyssey
When: Ongoing
Where: 15600 Odyssey Dr, Granada Hills, CA 91344
Price: $$$
Why it’s worth it: Elevated dining with panoramic views of the entire San Fernando Valley.
Know before you go: Go for Sunday Brunch or a sunset dinner for the best views.
Link: [View Website]
Bearology – Anime Restaurant
When: Ongoing
Where: 5805 Rosemead Blvd , Temple City, CA 91780
Price: $$
Why it’s worth it: Otaku culture meets incredible modern Asian-fusion bites. Famous for their collectible bear-shaped jars.
Know before you go: Expect a wait on weekends; it’s a popular spot for the cosplay community.
Link: [View Website]
Galco's Grocery (Make Your Own Soda)
When: Ongoing
Where: 5702 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Price: $
Why it’s worth it: Retro, quirky, and hands-on. Mix your own custom soda flavors in a historic Highland Park grocer.
Know before you go: Check out the "Sodapop Stop" section for rare international snacks you can't find elsewhere.
Link: [View Website]
Duke's Malibu (Reopening)
When: Ongoing
Where: 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Price: $$$
Why it’s worth it: The iconic surf-shack aesthetic returns. Nothing beats Hula pie and Mai Tais with waves crashing under your feet.
Know before you go: Valet is the only real option here; PCH parking is notoriously difficult.
Link: [View Website]
✨ Must-Do Experiences
Theatre Obscura LA – Poe: Pulse and Pendulum
When: March 20 – April 12
Where: The Count's Den, 1039 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Price: $60
Why it’s worth it: Dark, immersive, and theatrical. Gothic literature brought to life in a way that feels intensely modern.
Know before you go: Not for the faint of heart; expect tight spaces and immersive soundscapes.
Link: [View Website]
Mystère by Cirque du Soleil at Cosm LA
When: April Dates
Where: Cosm Los Angeles 1252 District Drive, Inglewood, CA, 90305
Price: $12+
Why it’s worth it: Next-gen immersive entertainment. Cirque’s mind-bending acrobatics projected in a massive, shared-reality LED dome.
Know before you go: The "Dome" seating is the most immersive experience, but "Hall" seats are better for groups.
Link: [View Website]
LA Career Forum
When: April 11–12
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center (South Hall G), 1201 S Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015
Price: Free (Registration required)
Why it’s worth it: Leveling up your professional life. Sleek networking, resume building, and securing the bag with top-tier firms.
Know before you go: Business casual is the minimum; have your digital portfolio ready on your phone.
Link: [View Website]
Pacific Electric April Performances
When: Select April Dates
Where: 1729 Naud Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Price: $20+
Why it’s worth it: Cutting-edge underground performances blending music, transit history, and LA culture.
Know before you go: These are often secret or "pop-up" style; check their IG for the drop.
Link: [View Website]
🎨 Art & Museum Exhibits
LACMA Soccer Exhibition
When: Ongoing
Where: Resnick Pavilion, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Price: $0-$30
Why it’s worth it: Blokecore meets fine art. Exploring the global cultural impact, fashion, and design of the world's most popular sport.
Know before you go: LA County residents get free entry after 3 PM on weekdays.
Link: [View Website]
PONYO Exhibit – Academy Museum
When: Ongoing
Where: 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Price: $0-$25
Why it’s worth it: A deep dive into the stunning animation and behind-the-scenes magic of the beloved Ghibli classic.
Know before you go: The museum is card-only; no cash. Don't forget to visit the "Sphere" for the view.
Link: [View Website]
Book of the Dead – Getty Villa
When: Ongoing
Where: Museum, Floor 2, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Price: Free (Must reserve timed entry)
Why it’s worth it: Dark academia in Malibu. Ancient Egyptian underworld texts displayed in a breathtaking Roman-style villa.
Know before you go: Parking is $25; try to carpool with friends to split the cost.
Link: [View Website]
Mummies of the World – CA Science Center
When: Ongoing
Where: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Price: $12.95+
Why it’s worth it: Fascinating and slightly macabre. The largest exhibition of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled.
Know before you go: This exhibit is separate from the general museum admission; buy the bundle ticket.
Link: [View Website]
Obsessed: Fashion from the 90's – ASU Events
When: Ongoing
Where: ASU FIDM Museum 919 S Grand Ave Los Angeles CA 90015
Price: Free
Why it’s worth it: Pure Y2K and 90s nostalgia. Archive pieces that defined the grunge and glam eras.
Know before you go: Perfect for fashion students or anyone looking for mood board inspiration.
Link: [View Website]
Coraline Exhibit at SugarMynt
When: Ongoing
Where: 810 Meridian Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Price: $0-$15
Why it’s worth it: Stop-motion brilliance. A spooky exhibit for fans of Laika's masterpiece, located in a historic (and spooky) house.
Know before you go: Located right next to the original "Michael Myers" house—perfect for a mini-tour.
Link: [View Website]
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