We’re in the heart of spring, which means it’s the optimal weather to spend as much time exploring the great outdoors before the relentless summer heat is upon us. From frolicking in flowers to sky-high concerts, here are some of the most wonderful things to fill your calendar with this May in Los Angeles!
1. Go on a hunt for wildflowers at these stunning locations in SoCal
Nature has blessed Southern California with an incredible wildflower superbloom. Catch the fleeting floral display across SoCal before spring vanishes and we move into the summer heat. Don’t worry, there are still some picturesque pockets of vivid landscapes to wander through with fresh floral scents. Find a list of the best places to see flower fields and wildflowers around L.A. here!
2. Experience an enchanting Candlelight Concert at an exquisite L.A. venue
Experience An Enchanting Candlelight Concert At Exquisite L.A. Venue. This dreamy Candlelight concert series is ever-evolving and never ceases to dazzle audiences. This spring, you’ll find incredible performances happening at stunning locations around the city, bathed in flickering candlelight. From Prince to Hans Zimmer, you’ll get to listen to top talent performing curated pieces across a range of genres. Get your tickets to a Candlelight Concert here!
3. Witness Miss Rita’s Lucha VaVOOM: Cinco Unchained’s epic and sultry Cinco de Mayo throwdown
Miss Rita’s Lucha VaVOOM: Cinco Unchained is like nothing you’ve ever seen before! People go crazy for this unique combo of authentic Mexican wrestling combined with insane performances and comedy! Watch luchadores body slam, pounce, and pulverize their competitors as dreamy burlesque dancers charm and enchant the crowd. Grab your best luchador mask and join the fun on May 4. Learn more here.
🗓️ When: Sat, May 4, 2024
🎟️ Tickets: Grab tickets here. (21 plus)
📍 Location: Don Quixote, 2811 E Olympic Blvd
4. Kick back with a tropical getaway right here in LA at Fairmont Century Plaza
Cuba’s flavors, rhythms, and tropical state of mind are coming to the City of Angels at the perfect time of year. As the weather warms (but before it gets too hot), Fairmont Century Plaza converted its beloved winter chalets into a Cuban-inspired cocktail lounge straight out of Havana circa 1950. With lush foliage surrounding you, refreshing cocktails featuring SelvaRey Rum, a dining menu of Cuban favorites, DJ nights, Cuban band performances, pop-ups from CocoHavana coconuts and Love Swirls, cigar rolling, and latin dance classes, what better way is there to celebrate LA’s best months for weather? Cabana reservations or communal tables and standing room available, first come, first served. Click here for more info!
5. Fill your calendar with these Cinco de Mayo plans all around Los Angeles
As Cinco de Mayo approaches, it’s essential to remember its true significance. Often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, this holiday actually commemorates Mexico’s historic victory in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. While the modern-day celebration has evolved considerably, especially in predominantly American contexts — Los Angeles remains a hub for fantastic events that pay homage to Mexican heritage. Here are the best Cinco de Mayo events in L.A.!
6. Mixology meets storytelling at dreamlike cocktail lounge & distillery The Obscure
Sip your way through an fairy tale world full of glowing waterfalls, soothing candlelight, and enchanted ambience at The Obscure. Located in the Arts District, this bar’s charming concept pairs top-shelf alcohol with a fantastical setting. Click here to learn more!
7. Catch a cosmic concert 5,700ft above L.A. in Mount Wilson’s Iconic Dome
Credit: chripell / FlickrSunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome return to the iconic Mount Wilson Observatory this May. There’s nothing quite like hearing music in the company of stars. This year’s series begins on May 14. Find out more about the unforgettable Mount Wilson Observatory concerts here.
8. See hundreds of travel photos reminiscent of Wes Anderson at Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition
Symmetrical. Whimsical. Colorful. Plenty of words could be used to describe the “feel” of Wes Anderson’s style, but one thing’s for sure: you know it when you see it. That’s what’s led to this brand new exhibit from the creators of the popular Instagram account, featuring travel photography that seems as though it was pulled straight out of films like The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, or Moonrise Kingdom! Learn more about the exhibit here.
9. Take in a cinematic feast under the stars
Street Food Cinema is back with another season of delicious food and classic films in prime outdoor locations across the city. DJs will be spinning tunes as the sun sinks into the city skyline before the big screen lights up with a Blockbuster hit. Find the full schedule for Street Food Cinema here!
10. Catch an incredible drone show and more at the Dodgers games this season
The Dodgers have already begun the season on a high note and with this epic lineup of fireworks, light shows and more, catching a game should be on your list of things to do this month. We consider spending the day at the Dodger Stadium with a Dodger Dog in one hand and a michelada in the other a mandatory L.A. activity. Find the full schedule of games and events here.
11. Lose yourself in a labyrinth of roses at one of these three gorgeous gardens
It’s officially the season to stop and smell the roses! So if you’re a bloom-seeker with an insatiable desire to frolic amongst colorful flowers, then head to Descanso Gardens filled with roses.
12. Visit one of these museums and galleries for free
Who says you can’t see the best of L.A. for free? As a thriving international hub with top culture and art institutions, Angelenos are absolutely spoiled. Better yet, you can visit almost all of them for free. Here’s our guide to getting your annual cultural fix at one of L.A.’s museums for free!
13. Enjoy a contemporary twist on a cult classic musical
Reefer Madness offers a contemporary twist on the beloved cult-classic musical, combining satire with captivating performances. Helmed by the original creative team and under the direction of Spencer Liff, this production guarantees an evening filled with memorable music, uproarious laughter, and immersive thrills. Cap off the night with an exclusive after-party at The Reefer Den for an unforgettable experience. Get your tickets to Reefer Madness here!
14. Enjoy brunch served with a side of gorgeous scenery at one of these L.A. spots
In L.A. brunch is a weekend ritual that has evolved into a myriad of creative dining experiences, and spring demands that they are enjoyed outdoors. Whether you prefer your huevos ranchos and Bloody Marys with the ocean crashing on the shores below or insane views of L.A. parks, you’ll find something to enjoy on our list of spots. Find the full list of brunch spots here!
15. Enjoy long-awaited tea at The Huntington Library Rose Garden Tea Room
Ah, the time has finally come. After its three-year closure, The Huntington Library is reopening its beloved historic Rose Garden Tea Room to the public on May 24, 2023. Dining reservations can be made beginning May 10 through OpenTable. Learn more here!
16. Wander through a pavilion of butterflies at one of these three locations
You can experience nature up close, and learn about butterflies up close right in their natural habitat. From the Natural History Museum to South Coast Botanic Garden, learn more about these pavillions here.
17. Save space for this 35,000-square-foot foodie paradise
Foodies, behold! A drool-worthy festival of all things delicious is coming to L.A. For two days only (May 20 & 21). EATSCON will be taking over the gigantic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. At EATSCON, you’ll find a curated serving of food from local restaurants along with inspiring eats from around the world. Find out more here!
18. Transport yourself to Prohibition-era Gotham City
Find yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Prohibition-era Gotham City with The Batette Follies of 1939 — an enthralling parody that seamlessly blends vaudeville, burlesque, cabaret, and modern entertainment, courtesy of the creator behind The Empire Strips Back. Prepare to be transported into a vibrant world where the characters of Gotham City spring to life onstage, offering a night filled with laughter, thrills, and sheer escapism at The Montalbán this summer. Get your tickets to The Batette Follies of 1939 here!
19. Unleash your inner artist at Neon Brush
Neon Brush invites you to dive into a world where art and nostalgia meet. This isn’t you’re usual painting workshop though — this is a retro-futuristic haven that lets your creativity soar amidst vibrant neon lights and mesmerizing ambiance. Whether you’re a master or a newbie, you’ll have an artist leading the way. Did we mention this is a paint AND sip experience? Get ready to have a brush in one hand, and glass in the other — book your spot at Neon Brush here!
📍Location: The Three Clubs – 1123 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038
20. Satisfy all your sweet strawberry cravings at the California Strawberry Festival
Who doesn’t love strawberries? Now, you can celebrate all things related to sweet red fruit at the 37th annual California Strawberry Festival. Indulge in all things strawberry from chocolate dipped to beer infused. Expect booths, live music, contests, fair rides, and so much more! More info here.
🗓️ When: May 18 & 19, 2024
📍 Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W Harbor Blvd in Ventura
21. Transport yourself to classic Hollywood at the new Warner Bros. Studio TCM Tour
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood has just unveiled an exciting collaboration with Turner Classic Movies (TCM) to introduce their all-new TCM Classic Films Tour to celebrate TCM’s 30th anniversary this month. Recently launched this week, this enhanced tour promises guests an unforgettable expedition through the Golden Age of Hollywood, spotlighting iconic films from the TCM collection – and highlighting the vast array of classics housed within the Warner Bros. library – from Casablanca, Rebel Without a Cause to Batman and Harry Potter – there’s something for every film lover out there. Learn more here!
📍Location: 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
22. Explore breathtaking hiking trails and a hidden beach at this SoCal resort
The Palos Verdes resort Terranea boasts 102 acres of natural splendor and, thanks to C.A., you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy it. You’ll have endless trails along the bluff with scenic views of the ocean to explore and you may even stumble upon a sandy shore that few know about. Find out more about the coastal Palos Verdes resort Terranea here!
23. Check out a family-focused music festival with the Great Big Family Play Day at The Autry
Called “Coachella for families,” the 9th Annual Great Big Family Play Day at The Autry in Griffith Park is back this May! One of the only music festival geared towards kids, Great Big Family Play Day lets kids dance, sing, and play all day! There’s gifting stations, gear giveaways, character meet & greets, and fun photo opportunities across the three-acre festival. You even get FREE access to the Autry Museum all weekend long! See the full event schedule and performer lineup here.
🗓️ When: One weekend only, May 4-5th
📍Location: The Autry in Griffith Park across from the LA Zoo