Whip out that 2023 bucket list and add everything you see on this page before you miss them. Last year raced ahead with tons of memorable moments along the way, whether it was the opening (and controversial use) of Sixth St. Bridge, the Rams taking home the cup, In-N-Out’s first-ever festival or an increase in the minimum wage across the state. This year is primed to be an even more exciting one. There will be tons of new openings, acclaimed exhibitions, long-awaited attractions and more coming your way. Here are the best things happening in Los Angeles in 2023.
1. L.A.’s Stranger Things Experience
Your favorite 80s-inspired Netflix series has become one thrilling adventure in L.A. At the Stranger Things pop-up, hyper-realistic sets, 3D artistry, live actors and interactive elements are melded together for one immersive experience you’ll never want to leave. Every guest becomes a part of a new experiment—just make sure you don’t trust everyone in a lab coat. You can get tickets to this retro universe while it’s still in town here.
🗓️ When: Open now for a limited time only.
📍Where: 1345 N Montebello Blvd, Montebello, CA
2. The Opening Of Super Nintendo World
The West Coast has been eagerly awaiting the opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. After following the progress at the park for years with our faces pressed against our mobiles when the Japan counterpart opened, we finally have not just a year, but an actual date. On February 17, the first-ever Nintendo World in the USA will make its debut, featuring one of the world’s largest interactive attractions: Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge. This will hands down be one of the most exciting things for many in the year ahead.
🗓️ When: October 22, 2023
📍Where: Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
3. In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip Race
A new year, a new sponsorship deal. However, this one is all about honoring California culture and giving fans a double serving of nostalgia. The iconic burger chain In-N-Out has taken over the legendary Pomona Dragstrip as part of a multi-year sponsorship deal. This historic drag racing venue located in the city of Pomona, California has been the home of some of the world’s most iconic drag racing events for decades. This year, in celebration of the franchise’s 75th birthday celebrations, they’ll be going full throttle with a huge festival of racing, live music, carnival activities and cookout trucks serving your Animal Style favorites.
🗓️ When: October 22, 2023
📍Where: Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
4. Metro’s Regional Connector Will Open
Work on L.A.’s Regional Connector began in 2014 and is scheduled to be unveiled and operating in 2023 (fingers crossed). This project may only be a small part of the Metro’s services, but it will make a substantial impact. Those traveling between Azusa and Long Beach, and between East Los Angeles and Santa Monica, will be able to do so without transferring lines. In addition to that, it will create connections between the Metro L (Gold), A (Blue), E (Expo), B (Red), and D (Purple) Lines at the 7th Street/Metro Center Station.
🗓️ When: TBC
5. Desert X
The annual Desert X exhibition returns to Coachella Valley with a new selection of works speaking to the theme of water, the essence of all life. The non-profit organization adheres to the guiding purposes and principles which include “presenting public exhibitions of art that respond meaningfully to the conditions of desert locations, the environment and indigenous communities.” The profound works will draw attention to the way we live, the impact we have on the world around us and how we are responding to the climate crisis. There will also be a few artists across the region from the previous year to check out.
🗓️ When: March 4 to May 7, 2023
📍Where: Various locations within Coachella Valley, Palm Springs.
6. Jiro Dreams of Sushi’s Jiro Ono Is Opening A Restaurant
All your sushi dreams will come true this spring as the Jiro Dream of Sushi protege Chef Daisuke Nakazawa opens a Los Angeles location. The globally-acclaimed chef opened his first eponymous restaurant in New York and later in Washington D.C. Now, the West Coast is finally getting a taste of the immaculately curated pieces of fresh fish with his unmatched omakase experience.
🗓️ When: TBC
📍Where: 145 North Robertson Boulevard
7. Catch The First-Ever Spanish Headliner At Coachella
While this isn’t exactly in L.A., it is almost an obligatory experience for every Angeleno. This celebrity mecca is going to be one of the top destinations on your list for 2023 with Spanish artists Bad Bunny and Rosalia as headliners, plus plenty more incredible musicians. Pre-sale tickets will be released on January 13 at 11 a.m. so be sure to set those alarms.
🗓️ When: April 14-16 & 21-23, 2023
📍Where: Coachella Valley
8. The Opening Of The Soon-To-Be Pasta Place Funke
The handmade pasta god Evan Funke is opening his new eatery, Funke, and amongst the many exciting restaurants opening this year, it’s definitely the one we’re hungriest for. This three-story pasta haven will boast a beautiful rooftop and private dining room where the acclaimed chef will be gifting Angelenos with a sensorial Italian food experience that will undoubtedly match the high standards he set at Felix Trattoria in Venice.
🗓️ When: March 2023
📍Where: TBC
9. Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” at SoFi Stadium
After making Ticketmaster Swiftie’s enemy number one in 2022, the anticipation for Taylor Swift’s tour may have simmered down. However, now that the dust has settled, the lucky few with tickets will get to see the award-winning star on stage at the impressive setting of SoFi Stadium when she performs this August with HAIM opening on all five days.
🗓️ When: August 3, 4, 5, 8 & 9, 2023
📍Where: 1001 Stadium Dr, Inglewood, CA 90301
10. The Centennial Celebrations Of The Hollywood Sign
The giant real estate development sign is celebrating 100 years of captivating visitors, storytellers and local hikers. The milestone will be commemorated with the reveal of future plans and tons of exciting events and activities throughout the surrounding park.
🗓️ When: Throughout the year.
📍Where: TBC