March 2026 events calendar for Los Angeles

This display of film and video art, billed as “a sweeping odyssey into the depths of human experience,” will take over all six stories of the abandoned, historic Variety Arts Theater in Downtown L.A. (the theater served as the setting for this past Halloween’s immersive haunt Delusion, and the expansive space was as impressive as the production itself). Over a century of visual storytelling will be explored, blurring the line between visual art and cinema. The contemporary video works by artists including Marina Abramović, Doug Aitken, Chris Burden, Cyprien Gaillard, Arthur Jafa and Precious Okoyomon—juxtaposed with cinematic works by the likes of Walt Disney and Georges Méliès—come from the time-based art collection of the Germany-based Julia Stoschek Foundation.

Treat your ears to a vibrant concert on a spring or summer night by attending MUSE/IQUE’s annual program. This concert series, held at cultural venues across L.A., features a mix of performances inspired by music movements and public figures, including tributes to Quincy Jones, Joni Mitchell, the world of Oz, the Harlem Renaissance, the American Sound and more. You can make a $75 donation to the performing arts nonprofit for a single event, or become a MUSE/IQUE member if you’re interested in multiple programs.

Pasadena’s underrated collection of museums and performance spaces open up their doors for free at this biannual arts and culture open house. Take advantage of the free shuttle buses to travel between local institutions such as the recently reopened USC Pacific Asia Museum, ArtCenter, Norton Simon Museum, Gamble House, Kidspace Children’s Museum and more, many of which will be offering special arts programming and live performances. And, of course, no arts fest would be complete without food trucks, which often include pop-ups from local bricks-and-mortar businesses.

Public radio station LAist’s (née KPCC) weekly show “FilmWeek” records its yearly preview of the Academy Awards in front of a live audience. Gain expert insight into the upcoming Oscars and hear critics debate who’s likely to take home a statuette. Host Larry Mantle will talk to the show’s in-house film critic cast. Watch clips on the big screen at the historic Alex Theatre, and hear the pros’ opinions on this year’s nominated films.

The reopened Getty Villa will descend into the underworld with this exhibition, which looks at the ritual spells and religious writings ancient Egyptians employed to garner favor with Re and Osiris in the afterlife. See the Getty’s collection of rare Book of the Dead rare hieroglyphics-adorned and illustrated manuscripts, dating back to around 1000 BCE, which were last displayed in 2023. The show should dovetail nicely with the museum’s “Sculpted Portraits From Ancient Egypt,” which runs through January 2027.

Support local makers at Santa Monica Place, when dozens of artisans sell their handcrafted goods, one-of-a-kind vintage finds and homemade treats at this family-friendly and pet-friendly market in the Center Plaza, which will be popping up every second Sunday throughout the year. 

This beautiful, free festival celebrates the history and whimsy of the kite. Watch as hundreds take to the sky—you can buy a kite on the pier or bring your own. The fest culminates with a kite-flying contest and group kite-flying session on the sand. There’s also typically a slew of non-kite-related activities taking place on the pier all day, including a hot-dog-on-a-stick-eating contest, a dance performance, face painting and live music.

Support women-owned restaurants and dine at some of L.A.’s best spots during the return of this annual food fest in honor of Women’s History Month. Regarding Her's festival will offer themed menu specials, cooking classes, convos and collabs from women restaurateurs all month long. Highlights from this year’s lineup include La Festa Della Donna, a special International Women's Day celebration at Smorgasburg (Mar 8); the Echo Park Bop, a walking food and drink tour of 10 women-owned restaurants including Quarter Sheets, Bakers Bench, Bar Flores, Tsubaki, Little Fish and Valerie Confections (Mar 22); Maydan Market Monday (Mar 23); the return of All Day Baby via a biscuit pop-up (Mar 28); and a women-powered Lincoln Avenue Parking Lot Party Benefit for Altadena (Mar 29). You’ll also find other fun one-offs on the calendar, including a cacao tasting at the Chocolate Dispensary (Mar 12) and a “Sweetcute” ice cream social at the Very Best Cookie in the Whole Wide World (Mar 21). Check the website for the full lineup.

Spend your Friday night amid dinosaurs and DJs. For two decades now, the Natural History Museum has been staying open late for its popular First Fridays series. And during this year’s 20th season, the KCRW-presented after-hours event is returning to its roots, filling the museum’s iconic diorama halls with live music from around the globe, DJ sets and dancing from February to May. A new discussion series, “Life, From Our Guts to the Galaxy: Rethinking the Living World,” will explore different topics each month. While you’re there, you can check out all the galleries and exhibitions, sip cocktails and order food from a revolving selection of local trucks. Check out the museum’s website for advance tickets and updates on lineups.

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at paddling (or drumming), this annual festival dedicated to the 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition of dragon boat racing is the place to do it. Not feeling competitive? You can stake out a spot along the waterfront at Burton Chace Park to cheer on the teams. Expect lion dancers on the sidelines, food trucks serving Asian-inspired street food, and stalls selling arts and crafts from local makers.