Ah, it’s finally the weekend! With so many epic activities in Los Angeles, finding something to do can be quite a task. If you need plans or things to do this weekend—January 16-18, 2026—we’ve got you covered.
These are the best things to do in Los Angeles this weekend! 👇
— With contributions by Sofía Delpueche, Jamie Ferrell, Taylor Henderson, and Cat Huynh.
![[Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. [Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mathew Ahmann in a crowd.], 8/28/1963" Original black and white negative by Rowland Scherman. Taken August 28th, 1963, Washington D.C, United States (The National Archives and Records Administration). Colorized by Jordan J. Lloyd. U.S. Information Agency. Press and Publications Service. ca. 1953-ca. 1978.](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretlosangeles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/11023123/WordPress-Banner-2024-01-11T023113.408-1024x683.jpg)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the legacy of one of the most influential civil rights leaders in U.S. history, and Los Angeles honors the day with parades, celebrations, and community service.
This year’s official Kingdom Day Parade will be led by actor and comedian Cedric the Entertainer as grand marshal, while the California African American Museum (CAAM) will host King Day 2026, featuring a live performance by the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, a discussion with the King Study Group, family activities, food trucks, and more.
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Candlelight are bringing the magic of Middle-earth to life with Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings — a classical music concert. This 60-minute journey features a string quartet performing iconic scores from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Surrounded by thousands of candles, guests will revisit epic themes as the franchise nears its 25th anniversary. Tickets are now on sale for this stunning tribute to the legendary film trilogy’s powerful soundtrack.
Live it up all month at ‘Framework presents re:frame’
This month Framework is transitioning to Reframe Studios’ indoor space to officially launch the re:frame series, kicking off the Grand Opening with a headlining set from Billboard-charting artist MK and support from Jaden Thompson. Find out more here.
From Best Motion Picture wins to major acting and television honors, these Golden Globe winners are driving the early awards-season buzz of 2026. Wondering where to watch them? Our guide shows where you can stream each winner or catch their work in theaters right now. Check it out here!
Get your photo taken like it’s 1999! On a stretch of Beverly Boulevard that’s constantly evolving, one studio has remained beautifully frozen in time. Step inside Tom’s One Hour Photo Studio & Lab, and you’re instantly transported back to 1999. Take a photo with Tom and be a part of Hollywood history!
Sometimes (ok, a lot of the time…) you just need to sit in a dark theatre and chow down on popcorn. There are also a few buzzy releases out right now that make it an especially good time to go. Find tickets for your next film date here, and while you’re at, be sure to follow @secret.filmclub on Instagram for all your TV & film news!
There’s something grounding about wandering through a bookstore in L.A. with a caffeinated beverage in your hand. Whether you’re browsing through the stacks at Book Soup in West Hollywood or Vroman’s in Pasadena, our guide to the Best Bookstores In Los Angeles That Every Bookworm Needs To Visit has something for every kind of reader. Slow down, and get cozy!
The holidays, and the final stretch of the year, can feel especially chaotic, and with the LA area expecting plenty of rain this weekend, it’s a good time to slow things down a bit.
For more low-key ideas, from a lowkey hike to cozy indoor escapes, like grabbing a cup of tea with friends at Tea at Shiloh or booking a breathwork session, check out 16 Ways And Places To Unwind In Los Angeles, our guide to some of the city’s best ways to reset before the year wraps up.
Did you know that the L.A. region is home to more than 800 museums? If the weather turns gloomy, we have a number of amazing museums to retreat to.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is currently hosting a Bong Joon-ho exhibit, a deep dive into Jaws.
For something a little unexpected, head to Black Rabbit Rose, the only magic-themed lounge in LA. Performances are every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, and it’s a really unique pick if you want a night out that feels playful and a bit mysterious. Expect table-side magic, cocktails and music!
Post-holiday cleaning make this a great weekend to thrift and to give back. As you make room for new gifts, consider donating to local spots like Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, The Council Shop, or Out of the Closet. Check out our full guide to donation events in L.A.!
If you’re more in the mood to browse, here are a few of our favorite thrift shops throughout Los Angeles.
Experience a Candlelight Concert at an intimate and unique L.A. venue. These dreamy Candlelight concert series is ever-evolving, while showcasing some of our city’s most talented local musicians.
This season, catch incredible performances happening at stunning locations around the city, filled with romantic candlelight. From Frank Sinatra to Hans Zimmer, you’ll get to listen to top talent performing curated pieces across a range of genres.
For those taking the weekend to get ahead, we’re with you. From the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches to the highly-anticipated opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, there is a lot for our city to get excited about in the new year and our 2026 events calendar is a good place to begin.
Volunteer in the L.A. community
As L.A.’s largest volunteer action center, LA Works connects Angelenos with hands-on community service projects across the city, from food distribution to neighborhood cleanups and nonprofit support. There are many unique ways to help, if you want to turn a free day into an impactful one!
Sometimes you have to laugh the holidays off, am I right? This weekend, you can catch comedians like Morgan Jay and Melissa Villaseñor at The Laugh Factory! If you can’t catch that one, our full list of comedy clubs around LA has plenty of other options to choose from.
If your New Year’s resolution this year is to add more fun to your life in Los Angeles, we know just how to do it! Whether it’s running a 5K, creating a bucket list, or taking a short trip to enjoy the snow — you’ll get to kick off the year with tons of new discoveries and experiences. Here are all the things to do this January around Los Angeles.
The Autry Museum of the American West is a goldmine of information and insight into everything associated with the American West. Boasting over 600,000 cultural and artistic items, Autry beautifully connects ancient times with the present. It is also home to one of the biggest and most important Native American collections in the country. Welcome the Cowboy Action!
Los Angeles is one of the world’s top music capitals, hosting artists from around the globe at venues across L.A. County. With so many live shows happening, it can be hard to keep up. So we’ve rounded up some of the most anticipated concerts coming to Los Angeles in January 2026. Don’t miss these 20 incredible concerts happening around L.A. this month!