2022 is almost in the rearview, but make sure you don’t miss out on the best things to do in Los Angeles before they’re gone. These are 14 of the absolute best exhibits in LA, and there’s something for everyone. Whether you need something kid-friendly, 21+, or fun for the whole family, you’ll find it below!
1. Astra Lumina
The South Coast Botanic Gardens have been transformed into a cosmic haven of twinkling lights, falling stars, and childlike wonder. Starting December 8th, this nighttime experience will have you walking through a tale of cosmic proportions. Moment Factory’s latest combination of art and technology opens in Los Angeles on December 8th—get your tickets here!
2. Stranger Things: The Experience
Are you ready to dive inside the biggest TV show and save the world, all in one day? Stranger Things: The Experience helps you tap into your true power as you step into 1980s Hawkins for a seemingly innocent sleep experiment where all is not as it seems. Find out what’s really going on and see if you have what it takes to voyage into the Upside Down at Stranger Things: The Experience.
3. Titanic: The Exhibition
See the Grand Staircase, walk over an ocean floor strewn with real artifacts from the Titanic, and learn about this legendary ship’s life in Titanic: The Exhibition. Currently open, the experience will take you through the lifespan of the ship, from design to recovery. Learn more about this exhibit and get your tickets here.
4. Dinos Alive
If you’ve ever seen Jurassic Park, you may have wished that there’d be an actual attraction featuring live dinosaurs. Well, Dinos Alive grants that wish (at least as close as science will allow). We may still be a few years from cloning velociraptors, but Dinos Alive will send you back millions of years to a land dominated by everyone’s favorite giants. Get your tickets to Dinos Alive here!
5. flutter
flutter is a multisensory journey that will awaken your mind and stimulate your senses. Creator Chris Dowson gave 14 visionary artists complete control over their own rooms. The result is 14 unique spaces that will expand your perceptions and calm your mind. Escape from the stress and check out flutter, open now in LA.
6. Acey Deucey
Acey Deucey Club is a submarine-themed tiki bar now open in LA. The bar is a throwback to 40s-era hotspots, complete with nautically-themed cocktails, jazz numbers, and the absolute best kitsch around. Enjoy jazzy live music straight out of Hollywood’s heyday as you sip on tasty drinks—tickets to Acey Deucey available here!
7. Modern Parlor Magic
David Carlo performs mind blowing predictions, miraculous illusions, close-up mysteries, and even the deadly bullet catch! Modern Parlor Magic is an intimate evening of magic, mentalism, theater and music inspired by Victorian era parlor shows! Based on a found diary from 1895, Carlo transports you back in time to a very special parlor show. The immersive experience is an elegant evening out with friends or perfect date night. Get your tickets to the show here.
8. Bad Santa Circus
This year, Santa made it on his own naughty list. Karnevil brings you the classic “dinner and a show” experience and mixes it with a 1920s, carnival-style freak show. With sword swallowers, fire eaters, contortionists, psychics, burlesque dancers, and more, Bad Santa Circus is the most exciting way to ring in the holidays. Get your ticket to this evening of classic entertainment here.
9. Christmas Nightmare Brunch
If you’ve never been serenaded by Jack Skellington while you sip on a mimosa, you definitely haven’t been to Beetle House’s Christmas Nightmare Brunch. Nowhere else in the world can you eat and drink while getting a live performance from Freddy “Christmas Sweater” Krueger or Sandy Claws himself. There’s even rumors that Krampus is lurking around, so hurry and get your tickets to this haunted holiday affair!
10. The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody
Star Wars gets steamy at The Empire Strips Back, a burlesque show starring everyone’s favorite franchise. With funny skits, incredibly elaborate sets and costumes, and the sexiest performers in the galaxy, The Empire Strips Back certainly has the droids you’re looking for. The show’s now open in LA, so get your tickets!
11. “Perceptual Shift”: The Art Exhibition
Michael Murphy specializes in “perceptual art,” which changes depending on where you’re standing. He’ll often combine images to make powerful statements, and as Murphy sees it, the true art is the experience that the viewer takes home. So bring your own perspective to his multidimensional art at “Perceptual Shift”: The Art Exhibition! Tickets and more info available here.
12. Game of Thrones Official Fan Convention
If you miss the land of kings, queens, and dragons, you’re in luck: the Game of Thrones Official Fan Convention is bringing Westeros to Los Angeles. This first officially licensed convention to commemorate the HBO series will run through December 11th, and there’s an insane special guest lineup. Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Kristian Nairn (Hodor), Isaac Hempstead Wright (Bran Stark), and many more stars will be there, so join in and get your tickets here!
13. Desperada: Back to the Ranch
You can find the baddest cowgirls in the West at Desperada, the first all-female cabaret. This modern take on an age-old show features the most talented performance artists in Los Angeles performing stunts, dance routines, songs, acrobatics, burlesque, and more as they tell a classic tale of good versus evil. Get your tickets here to see the good, the bad, and the beautiful!
14. Tarantina
From the creator of Desparada also comes Tarantina, a burlesque show all about Quentin Tarantino’s iconic femme fatales. Featured characters include Kill Bill’s Bride, From Dusk Till Dawn’s Santanico Pandemonium, Death Proof’s Butterfly, and more. Get your tickets here to see the show that Tarantino himself is a fan of!
See more: Getting ready for the Holidays? Check out the best lighting ceremonies in Los Angeles here!
Make the most of the last two months of 2022 and check out these exhibits for a guaranteed good time. The beauty of Los Angeles is that there’s always something going on, so keep checking back for more exciting events, shows, galleries, and much more!