10 Things to Do this May in LA
- Mark Stampfly
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Here's our top ten, best May experiences to kick-start your Spring adventures in Los Angeles, California.
Top 10 Events & Experiences
1. Watch Outdoor Films
@ Cinespia
🔍 May marks the return of LA's beloved outdoor movie experience at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This iconic LA tradition combines picnicking on the lawn with classic film screenings under the stars. This month's lineup features cult favorites including The Big Lebowski (9/10, dude), Clueless (8/10, as if!), and Blue Velvet (haven't seen this one yet). Pack a blanket, some snacks, and your crew for a nostalgic night.
📍 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles
💰 $25 +
2. Monsterpalooza
🔍 Horror fans, this one’s for you. Monsterpalooza is the ultimate gathering of creepy creatives, happening in May at the Pasadena Convention Center. Meet legends like Selma Blair and Ron Perlman, marvel at mind-blowing makeup and special effects, and shop for horror merch that’ll haunt your dreams (in a good way). It’s basically Comic-Con for the scream queens and kings.
📍 300 E Green St, Pasadena
💰 $30 +
3. The Art of Arcane
🔍 Gaming and animation enthusiasts won't want to miss this limited-time exhibition celebrating the hit animated series "Arcane: League of Legends." Gallery Nucleus has partnered with Netflix, Riot Games, and Fortiche Production to showcase stunning concept art and tribute works from over 30 artists. The exhibition also features exclusive panels and signing opportunities with the show's artists. May's temperate weather makes gallery-hopping particularly pleasant, and this exhibition offers a perfect blend of pop culture and fine art that's uniquely LA.
📍 210 East Main St, Alhambra
💰 Free +
4. Tour Warner Bros. Studio
🔍 May's comfortable temperatures and typically clear skies create the perfect conditions to explore the historic Warner Bros. backlot in Burbank. The iconic studio tour offers an immersive behind-the-scenes look at where your favorite movies and TV shows come to life. From exploring actual sound stages to wandering through the "Friends" Central Perk set, this tour delivers Hollywood magic in a way only Los Angeles can. In May, you'll enjoy shorter wait times than peak summer months while still experiencing pleasant weather for the outdoor portions of the tour. Pro tip: Book your tour for a weekday morning to maximize your chances of spotting production activity!
📍 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank
💰 $69 +
5. MAINOPOLY Street Festival
🔍 For one day only this May, Main Street in Santa Monica transforms into a life-sized game board for MAINOPOLY. This unique street festival combines food, drinks, and interactive games inspired by the classic board game. Sample bites from Main Street's best restaurants, enjoy craft cocktails, and collect stamps as you progress through this real-world game experience. May's pleasant temperatures create the perfect environment for this outdoor festival before summer heat arrives. This hyper-local event gives visitors a taste of Santa Monica's vibrant community spirit while supporting local businesses.
📍 Main Street, Santa Monica
💰 $25 +
6. Petersen Automotive Museum
🔍 Ready to continue May's thematic cinematic ride? Petersen Automotive Museum on Miracle Mile is LA’s shrine to all things on wheels. Their “Cars of Film and Television” exhibit is a must—think Batmobiles, the Back to the Future DeLorean, and Fast & Furious icons, all gleaming. There are more than 100 rare rides to ogle, plus rotating events throughout this Spring in Los Angeles.
📍 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
💰 $17 +
7. Eat @ Street Food Cinema
🔍 Starting May 10th, LA's beloved Street Food Cinema returns with weekly outdoor screenings every Saturday through September. This perfect spring activity combines fantastic local food trucks, live music, and outdoor movie screenings at venues like The Autry and L.A. State Historic Park. May's lineup includes "Wicked" (May 10), "Anora" (May 17), "9 to 5" (May 24), and "To Wong Fu, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar" (May 31). Arrive early to sample diverse cuisine from LA's best food trucks and secure prime viewing spots!
📍 Multiple Locations
💰 $14
8. Beverly Hills Art Show
🔍 On May 17th and 18th, Beverly Gardens Park transforms into an outdoor gallery showcasing works from over 235 artists at the prestigious Beverly Hills Art Show. This bi-annual event features paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and more, all set against the backdrop of one of LA's most iconic neighborhoods. May's typically clear skies and comfortable temperatures make this outdoor art experience particularly enjoyable. Take a leisurely stroll through the park, chat with artists about their creative process, and perhaps find the perfect piece to take home – all while enjoying the picture-perfect spring weather in the 90210.
📍 9439 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills
💰 Free Entry
9. Hit the Beach in Venice
(or Santa Monica)
🔍 May is absolutely the perfect time to hit Venice Beach or Santa Monica Beach before the summer tourist crowds arrive in full force. The "June Gloom" hasn't settled in yet, increasing your chances of crystal-clear skies and comfortable 70-degree temperatures that are ideal for beach activities without the scorching summer heat. Rent rollerblades and cruise the iconic Venice Boardwalk, try a surf lesson in the gentler May swells, or simply claim your spot on the sand for people-watching and sunbathing. Pro tip: May weekdays offer an especially tranquil beach experience, with significantly fewer crowds than you'll find any weekend in summer.
📍 Venice Beach or Santa Monica
💰 Free
10. The Huntington Library
Rose Garden
🔍 It's peak blooming season at The Huntington's breathtaking rose gardens, making it the absolute best time to visit this cultural gem. The 207-acre property features stunning botanical gardens, art collections, and rare manuscripts, but in May, it's all about the roses. Thousands of blooms create a sensory experience that perfectly captures spring in Southern California. The Shakespeare Garden, Japanese Garden, and Chinese Garden are also in prime condition during May. Weekday visits offer a more peaceful experience to enjoy the meticulously maintained grounds and take your time appreciating both natural beauty and world-class art collections.
📍 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino
💰 $25 +
Find even more things to do in LA this May
Did we miss one of your favorite May activities in Los Angeles? LA has such an amazing calendar of spring events that you really can't go wrong experiencing any of them, but for even more guides to the best things to do and seasonal events to attend in Los Angeles, make sure to Subscribe to LA Today 🌴
