The Best of Los Angeles in 2023
Wondering where to travel next? Los Angeles is one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Even frequent visitors and longtime residents who are familiar with LA can always discover something new in this vibrant and exciting metropolis.
From landmark centennials and cultural milestones to state-of-the-art attractions and thrilling sports events, how many of these must-sees will you scratch off your LA bucket list this year?
CENTENNIALS | ANNIVERSARIES | HOTELS
Centennials
LA icons, a landmark hotel, a legendary studio and a pioneering restaurant are celebrating their 100th anniversaries in 2023.
HOLLYWOOD SIGN
The world-famous Hollywood Sign is celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout the year, and fans are invited to join the festivities and special events in-person or virtually.
A deep cleaning and new coat of paint (Sherwin-Williams "Hollywood Sign Centennial White") were completed in October 2022, and now the Hollywood Sign is ready for its centennial close-up.
Designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument on Feb. 7, 1973, the Hollywood Sign was originally created as a promotion for the "Hollywoodland" real estate development. Since then, it's become an emblem for Los Angeles and a pop culture icon.
LOS ANGELES MEMORIAL COLISEUM
Opened in June 1923, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is the first stadium in history to host the Summer Olympics twice (1932 and 1984) and will host the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad in 2028. The stadium has also hosted two Super Bowls, a World Series, a Papal Mass, and visits by three U.S. Presidents. The Coliseum was declared a National Historic Landmark on July 27, 1984.
To celebrate its centennial, the 70,000-seat venue is launching Coliseum Forever, a year-long slate of live performances, sporting events, ceremonies, fan giveaways and more.
MILLENNIUM BILTMORE
Originally opened as the Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel on Oct. 1, 1923, the arrival of the opulent Millennium Biltmore Hotel was a "statement to the rest of the world that Los Angeles had arrived as an American metropolis." Its impact was immediate and its grandeur would become an integral part of the history of our city.
The Academy Awards were born at a 1927 luncheon banquet in the Biltmore’s Crystal Ballroom, and the hotel would host eight Oscar ceremonies between 1931 and 1942. The Biltmore is a star in its own right, appearing in Chinatown, The Sting, Ghostbusters, Beverly Hills Cop, Mad Men and Bosch.
WARNER BROS.
Founded on April 4, 1923, Warner Bros. kicked off its centennial celebration with the unveiling of a commemorative logo and a new slogan: "100 Years of Storytelling." The press release says the year-long festivities will include "a fully realized, fan-focused campaign involving every division of the Studio — film, series, consumer products, video games, themed entertainment, studio tours, live events and more."
Go behind the scenes and learn the history of the legendary studio on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. For the ultimate WB experience, book the Deluxe Tour, which includes a three-hour guided tour, a visit to the Property Department, lunch at the Commissary Fine Dining Room, and a beverage and snack at the iconic Central Perk Café from Friends.
EL CHOLO
Alejandro Borquez and his wife Rosa established El Cholo in 1923, opening Sonora Cafe in Exposition Park near the Coliseum. As the story goes, in 1925 a dinner customer sketched a character that he called "El Cholo," after the name that Spanish settlers in California gave their field hands. Alejandro liked the drawing and name so much he immediately changed the restaurant's name from Sonora Cafe to El Cholo. Along with its flagship location on Western Avenue (aka "The Original"), El Cholo has expanded to Downtown LA, Santa Monica and Orange County. The Borquez's legacy continues with fourth, fifth and sixth generation members of the family business.
El Cholo kicked off its 100th anniversary celebration in October 2022, with the unveiling of a new logo and slogan: "Creating Memories for 100 Years." Highlights of the centennial festivities include:
- The flagship El Cholo on Western will undergo a significant expansion, including a new open-air patio.
- Starting on Jan. 1, 2023, guests who are 100 years old or older will be able to eat for free, throughout the 2023 calendar year. Also starting on January 1, El Cholo will be serving a special $100 Margarita, served in a hand-blown collectible glass, all year long.
- Special menu Items will be offered, including “A Taste of History” Plate, served on a commemorative plate (available for separate purchase).
- A centennial red carpet gala will take place in October 2023 at the El Cholo on Western.
Anniversaries
More LA milestones to celebrate in 2023: the nation's largest Restaurant Week, a 120 year-old Japanese confectionery, an extraordinary museum, a beloved children's theater and a world-class concert venue.
DINE LA 15TH ANNIVERSARY (MAY)
The largest Restaurant Week in the country, Dine LA showcases Los Angeles as a premier dining destination while highlighting the diversity of culinary experiences L.A. has to offer. The 2023 Spring Edition in May marks the 15th anniversary of Dine LA, featuring special lunch and dinner menus at hundreds of local restaurants, from the latest hot spots to longtime participants like Lawry's The Prime Rib.
FUGETSU-DO 120th ANNIVERSARY
Founded in 1903, Fugetsu-Do is the largest producer of traditional New Year’s mochi in the United States - a task that keeps the family-owned shop running 24 hours during the last few days of the year. While it’s a store steeped in history, Fugetsu-Do has also popularized contemporary takes on its staple item, like Peanut Butter Mochi, Korey's Chocolate Mochi with a ganache center, and the snack-sized Rainbow Dango.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM 110th ANNIVERSARY
Opened at Exposition Park in 1913, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) houses one of the world’s greatest collections of natural and cultural history - more than 35 million objects, some as old as 4.5 billion years. The museum's main building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in March 1975.
The extraordinary collection includes a 63-foot whale skeleton at the entrance; Becoming Los Angeles, a 14,000 square-foot timeline of LA; Dinosaur Hall, featuring the world's only T-rex growth series; and Nature Gardens, a 3.5-acre urban wilderness. NHM also hosts First Fridays, a popular after hours series with live music, DJs, panels, signature cocktails and more. L.A. County residents receive free admission to NHM from 3-5pm Monday through Friday.
BOB BAKER MARIONETTE THEATER 60th ANNIVERSARY
Founded by Bob Baker and Alton Wood in 1963, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater (BBMT) is LA's oldest children's theater company. Smithsonian Magazine notes that BBMT is the longest-running puppet theater in America.
Designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2009, BBMT has entertained more than one million children with original shows ranging from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to a musical journey through the history of Los Angeles. In 2019, BBMT received nonprofit status and moved from its historic Downtown LA location and into a former 1920s silent movie theatre in Highland Park.
Now on view through March 19 at the Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale, Bob Baker Marionette Theater: 60 Years of Joy & Wonder is a retrospective exhibition that features handcrafted marionettes, original concept art, an animatronic band and more.
CATCH ONE 50th ANNIVERSARY
Located in Arlington Heights on the edge of Koreatown, Catch One is one of LA's top nightclubs, featuring a wide-ranging lineup of electronic, hip hop, indie dance, metal and rock. Opened as Jewel’s Catch One in 1973, the club became renowned as the first exclusively gay and lesbian disco for African Americans in the country.
During the club's 40-year heyday, owner Jewel-Thais Williams welcomed everyone from Rick James and Madonna to the "Queen of Disco," Sylvester. To honor her contributions to the LGBTQ community, Thais-Williams was named the Grand Marshal of the 2016 LA Pride Parade & Festival in West Hollywood.
"THE BIG LEBOWSKI" 25th ANNIVERSARY
Make yourself a White Russian and celebrate the 25th anniversary of a quintessential LA movie, The Big Lebowski. The Coen brothers' cult classic stars Jeff Bridges in his signature role as "The Dude." Released on March 6, 1998, The Big Lebowski is filled with oddball characters, quirky dialogue, and even a musical dream sequence. Take a Lebowski tour of LA locations with our guide.
WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL 20th ANNIVERSARY
With its stunning architecture, incomparable acoustics and tranquil public garden, Walt Disney Concert Hall (WDCH) became an instant LA icon upon its grand opening on Oct. 24, 2003. WDCH is one of the city's premier cultural destinations and home to the LA Phil and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry, with acoustics by Dr. Yasuhisa Toyota, WDCH is part of The Music Center’s collection of world-class performing arts venues and outdoor spaces in Downtown LA.
Hotels
Los Angeles will add to its stellar collection of hotels with Marriott's dual-branded Moxy / AC Hotel in Downtown LA; a signature dining experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles; and openings from Choice Hotels and Curio Collection by Hilton.
MOXY DTLA & AC HOTEL DTLA (FEBRUARY)
With two unique experiences under one roof, Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles is a stylish new destination for visitors and locals alike. Located directly across from the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena, the dual-branded hotel offers a total of 727 guestrooms; 13 restaurants, bars, and lounges; four large outdoor terraces including a Miami-meets-Copacabana pool deck; and 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and social events space.
SENDERO - THE RITZ-CARLTON, LOS ANGELES (FEBRUARY)
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles has announced Sendero, a new collection of signature dining experiences located on the 24th floor of the luxury hotel. With sweeping views of Downtown LA, Sendero offers multiple dining concepts inspired by a culinary journey along the Pan-American Highway:
- Corteza at Sendero - a lively bar featuring a ceviche serving station, as well as a social dining room with a focus on Baja cuisine.
- Leña at Sendero - an Argentine influenced steakhouse that pays homage to gaucho ranching history.
- The Agave Library - an intimate room featuring a custom agave display and crimson accents, is dedicated to rare and premium tequila and mezcal along with noteworthy agave-based spirits.
- Volante - a conceptual chef’s table offering a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
Helmed by Chef de Cuisine Kevin Luzande, with interiors by San Francisco based EDG Design, Sendero will begin welcoming guests in February, with Volante scheduled to open later in the year.
CAMBRIA HOTELS LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN
Choice Hotels' Cambria Hotels will enter Downtown LA with the opening of a hotel on Spring Street. The 13-story building, which was originally built as a parking garage before being converted to an office building occupied by the LAPD Vice Squad, will have 180 rooms.
JORDAN SAN GABRIEL
The former Hyatt Place property in San Gabriel is being redeveloped and rebranded under Hilton’s Curio Collection as The Jordan San Gabriel. The 212-room hotel, which is located across the street from the San Gabriel Square Mall, is slated to open in October 2023.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ - Universal Studios Hollywood (Feb. 17)
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ takes you into the world of Super Mario™! Battle Team Bowser on the groundbreaking Mario Kart™ ride. Play interactive games throughout the land and track your score with a Power-Up Band™. Dine at Toadstool Cafe™, meet Mario and friends, and purchase exclusive merch at the 1-UP Factory™ store. Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on 2/17/2023.
© Nintendo. Nintendo trademarks are properties of Nintendo.
Arts & Culture
The culmination of the Hammer Museum's two-decade transformation; the first-ever Keith Haring museum retrospective in LA; and the debut of Frieze LA's new location are just a few of this year's arts & culture highlights.
"KEHINDE WILEY: COLORFUL REALM" - ROBERTS PROJECTS (JAN. 21 - APRIL 1)
Roberts Projects has moved from Culver City to a historic 1948 building on La Brea in Mid-Wilshire. Three times the size of the gallery's current space, the new 10,000 square-foot venue features four exhibition spaces, a bookshop, and a permanent site-specific space conceived by the trailblazing artist Betye Saar. The inaugural exhibition, Kehinde Wiley: Colorful Realm, marks the acclaimed artist's sixth show with the gallery.
MUSEUMS FREE-FOR-ALL (FEBRUARY 5)
SoCal Museums presents the annual Museums Free-for-All on Sunday, February 5. More than 40 museums—spanning art, cultural heritage, natural history, and science—will open their doors and invite visitors to attend free of charge. Museums Free-for-All is a great reminder that free visitor days are available year-round at museums across Los Angeles. Read the Discover LA guides to free museums and free museum days.
ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES (FEBRUARY)
In February, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will reopen its Significant Movies and Moviemakers gallery with a four-gallery experience that will showcase the all-time classic Casablanca (1942), the groundbreaking Boyz N the Hood (1991), the collaboration between production designer Sarah Greenwood and set decorator Katie Spencer; and documentarian Lourdes Portillo.
Opening in the late spring, the museum's first permanent exhibition, Hollywoodland, will trace the history of filmmaking in Los Angeles back to its roots at the beginning of the 20th century, illustrating how and why the city became the world capital of cinema that it still is today.
FRIEZE LA (FEB. 16-19)
Debuting in its new location at Santa Monica Airport, Frieze Los Angeles 2023 will feature more than 120 galleries from 22 countries around the world. The fair will happen over multiple sites across the airfield and will once again be designed by Kulapat Yantrasast’s WHY studio. With its expanded footprint, Frieze LA will be able to curate a wider selection of galleries and collaborations with non-profit organizations, as well as a series of new activations, and pop-ups from some of the city's most beloved restaurants.
FELIX ART FAIR - HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT (FEB. 15-19)
Founded by collector Dean Valentine and dealers Al and Mills Morán, Felix Art Fair will once again take place at the landmark Hollywood Roosevelt. Now in its fourth year, Felix was previously held by the famed David Hockney pool and satellite "Tower Galleries" on the hotel's 11th and 12th floors. The 2023 edition will feature 60 exhibitors, from local to international galleries.
HAMMER MUSEUM (MARCH 26)
The two-decades-long transformation of the Hammer Museum will culminate on Sunday, March 26. Anchoring the project, the new Lynda and Stewart Resnick Cultural Center welcomes museum visitors with a street-level entrance located at the corner of Wilshire and Westwood Boulevards. The center honors co-owners of The Wonderful Company, global philanthropists Lynda and Stewart Resnick, and their longstanding commitment and impact on arts and culture in Los Angeles and across California.
The highlight of the Hammer's 2023 slate of exhibitions is an unprecedented display of works from its contemporary art collection that will fill nearly all of the museum’s galleries. The new lobby will debut with a dramatic installation by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota, while the new street-level gallery will feature Rita McBride’s Particulates, part of the Hammer’s permanent collection. Previously installed in New York’s Rockefeller Center, Sanford Biggers’s 25-foot-tall cast bronze sculpture Oracle will occupy the new sculpture terrace. A retrospective of drawings by British artist Bridget Riley will open on February 5.
JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: KING PLEASURE (MARCH)
Organized and curated by the family of Jean-Michel Basquiat, King Pleasure features more than 200 never-before-seen and rarely shown paintings, drawings, multimedia presentations, ephemera and artifacts.
King Pleasure is the title of a 1987 painting by Basquiat, named for a bebop-loving bartender turned jazz vocalist whose first hit, 1952's “Moody’s Mood For Love,” catapulted him to fame.
"KEITH HARING: ART IS FOR EVERYBODY" - THE BROAD (MAY 27 - OCT. 8)
Opening at The Broad in May, Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody is the first-ever LA museum exhibition of the late artist's work, renowned for its vibrant color, energetic linework, and iconic characters like the barking dog and the radiant baby.
Spanning ten galleries, the exhibition presents 120 artworks in a wide range of mediums from the late '70s to 1988, just two years before Haring died from AIDS-related illness at the age of 31. Haring’s participation in the nuclear disarmament and anti-Apartheid movements, and his activism within the HIV/AIDS crisis, are featured prominently.
Immersive elements include a blacklight gallery soundtracked by playlists created by the artist himself. Additionally, the Shop at The Broad will be transformed into Haring’s artistic retail space The Pop Shop, which first opened in 1986 in the SoHo neighborhood of New York.
New Restaurants
With newly-awarded Michelin stars and highly-anticipated restaurant openings, the Los Angeles dining scene is more exciting than ever.
- Casa Dani - Taking over the former Rocksugar space at Westfield Century City, Casa Dani will showcase the avant-garde Andalusian cuisine of Chef Dani García.
- Flor y Solera - Opening in the red-hot Arts District in January, this tapas bar helmed by Chef Mònica Angelats is a culinary journey through Spain's 17 regions, complemented by a standalone Sherry Bar.
- Somni - Chef Aitor Zabala is reopening his two Michelin-starred Somni - originally part of José Andrés’s The Bazaar at the SLS Hotel - in West Hollywood this summer.
- Superfine Playa - Steve and Dina Samson are expanding their Fashion District takeout pizza concept to Playa del Rey. Scheduled to open in early 2023, the full-service restaurant is a collaboration with Lemonade founders Heidi and Alan Jackson.
- Sushi Nakazawa - Chef Daisuke Nakazawa is bringing his acclaimed sushi counter experience to Robertson Boulevard. The Michelin Guide describes his signature style, which combines "supremely tender fish with perfectly seasoned rice, a spark of wasabi and judicious brush of nikiri for consistently excellent results."
- Topanga Social - Scheduled to open at Westfield Topanga & The Village in early 2023, Topanga Social is a 30,000 square-foot dining hall with 20+ food vendors, ranging from original concepts to established names like Amboy from Eggslut founder Alvin Cailan; Fat Sal's, Katsu Sando, former Smorgasburg standout Shrimp Daddy; and Wanderlust Creamery.
Concerts
From world-famous music legends to local rising stars, there are must-see performances happening every night in LA. Here are some of the concerts scheduled for 2023.
- Carrie Underwood (March 13)
- Muse (April 6)
- Madonna (Sept. 27-28, 30 & Oct. 1)
- Anita Baker + Babyface (Dec. 22)
- Kim Ho-joong (April 1)
- Keshi (April 7-8)
- Sabrina Carpenter (April 20)
- Light Up the Blues 6 (April 22)
- Ne-Yo, Robin Thicke, Mario (April 29)
- Lewis Capaldi (May 3)
- The Whispers, Jeffrey Osborne, Con Funk Shun (May 6)
- Placebo (May 11)
- Hippo Campus (May 14)
- Dwight Yoakam + Emmylou Harris (May 18)
- Brett Young (May 20)
- The National (May 30-31)
- Seal (June 7)
- Garbage + Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds (June 9)
- Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band (June 15)
- Cake (June 21)
- Barenaked Ladies (June 23)
- Le Tigre (July 9)
- Charlie Puth (July 11)
- Goth Babe (July 15)
- Cavetown (July 20)
- Tori Amos (July 21)
- Natalia Lafourcade (Aug. 3-4)
- Noah Kahan (Aug. 11)
- Gipsy Kings feat. Nicolas Reyes (Aug. 12)
- beabadoobee (Aug. 14)
- Chicago (Aug. 19)
- Michael Franti & Spearhead (Aug. 20)
- Mt. Joy (Aug. 25)
- Lost '80s Live (Aug. 27)
- Sylvan Esso (Aug. 31)
- Aly & AJ (Sept. 8)
- Van Morrison + Taj Mahal (Sept 17 & 19)
- Brenton Wood + Barbara Mason (Oct. 7)
- Intocable (Oct. 8)
- Reba McEntire (April 1)
- Phish (April 21-23)
- Willie Nelson 90 (April 29-30)
- Ricky Gervais (May 6)
- Andrea Bocelli (May 9-10)
- Game of Thrones (May 13)
- Matchbox Twenty (May 22)
- Shania Twain (May 28)
- Mariachi USA (June 3)
- Janet Jackson + Ludacris (June 10)
- Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival (June 17-18)
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (June 21)
- Jill Scott (June 22)
- Louis Tomlinson (June 30)
- July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with the Beach Boys (July 2-4)
- Charlie Wilson (July 12)
- Kool & The Gang + Village People (July 14-15)
- Sparks + They Might Be Giants (July 16)
- Diana Krall (July 19)
- Café Tacvba with the LA Phil (July 21)
- Reggae Night XXI (July 23)
- Quincy Jones 90th Birthday Celebration (July 28-29)
- Portugal. The Man + Chicano Batman (Aug. 6)
- Joe Bonamassa (Aug. 9)
- Rubén Blades (Aug. 11)
- Maggie Rogers (Aug. 13)
- Gladys Knight (Aug. 16)
- My Morning Jacket + Fleet Foxes (Aug. 20)
- Herbie Hancock (Aug. 23)
- Boy George & Culture Club (Aug. 25-26)
- Air Supply + Michael Bolton (Sept. 3)
- Buddy Guy (Sept. 6)
- Fireworks Finale with Maxwell (Sept. 8-10)
- Jacob Collier with the LA Phil (Sept. 13)
- The Postal Service + Death Cab for Cutie (Oct. 13, 15, 17)
- Harry Styles (Jan. 26-27, 29)
- MANÁ (Feb. 10-11)
- SZA (March 22-23)
- Depeche Mode (March 28)
- New Edition (April 8)
- Dead & Company (May 19-20)
- Paramore (July 19-20)
- Beck & Phoenix (Aug. 7)
- Sam Smith (Aug. 31 & Sept. 1)
- Arctic Monkeys (Sept. 29 - Oct. 1)
- Bruce Springsteen (Dec. 4 & 6)
- Steve Lacy (June 2)
- Boygenius (June 3)
- LCD Soundsystem (June 4)
- Coldplay (Sept. 30 - Oct. 1)
- Billy Joel & Stevie Nicks (March 10)
- Taylor Swift (August 3-5 & 8-9)
- Metallica (Aug. 25 & 27)
- Beyoncé (Sept. 2)
- Ed Sheeran (Sept. 23)
- P!nk (Oct. 5)
Festivals
Celebrate LA's diverse communities at festivals taking place across the city all year long.
OSHOGATSU FAMILY FESTIVAL - LITTLE TOKYO (JAN. 8)
Hosted by the Japanese American National Museum, the annual Oshogatsu Family Festival welcomes the Year of the Rabbit with cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and kids of all ages. Highlights include a traditional mochitsuki (Japanese rice pounding ritual) performance by Kodama Taiko; candy sculpture demos by Shan Ichiyanagi; interactive storytimes and a scavenger hunt. Free admission, RSVP at the JANM website.
LUNAR NEW YEAR - CHINATOWN (JAN. 22)
Downtown LA's historic Chinatown ignites the Year of the Rabbit with the Midnight Temple Ceremony at Thien Hau Temple - participants make offerings to deities and burn incense for good fortune; traditional lion dancers will perform; and 500,000 firecrackers will scare away evil spirits for an auspicious start to the new year. The Lunar New Year festivities culminate with the 120+ year-old Golden Dragon Parade and festival, with more than 110,000 spectators lining the route. The Golden Dragon Parade is the oldest celebration of its kind in the U.S.
ROLLING LOUD - HOLLYWOOD PARK GROUNDS (MARCH 3-5)
Taking place at the Hollywood Park Grounds adjacent to SoFi Stadium, Rolling Loud California features a stacked lineup led by headliners Playboi Carti (March 3), Travis Scott (March 4), Future (March 5) and special guest Lil Wayne. Rolling Loud will be the first music festival hosted at the 300-acre Hollywood Park Grounds.
TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL (APRIL 13-16)
Held over four days in the heart of Hollywood, the TCM Classic Film Festival welcomes movie lovers from around the world to gather and watch classic movies as they were meant to be experienced: on the big screen, in some of the world’s most iconic venues, with the people who made them. The festival will cover a wide range of programming topics, including its 2023 theme, "You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet: Celebrating Film Legacies."
FESTIVAL OF BOOKS - USC (APRIL 22-23)
Since 1996, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books has gathered writers, poets, artists, filmmakers, musicians and emerging storytellers. Taking place at USC, the festival is the largest event of its kind in the country.
RUPAUL'S DRAGCON - LACC (MAY 12-13)
RuPaul's DragCon is back, back, back again at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 12 and 13! Don't miss out on the most iconic weekend ever with all of your favorite Drag Race queens, incredible shopping vendors, show-stopping performances and surprises, thousands of like-minded drag enthusiasts just like you, and SO. MUCH. MORE.
LA FLEET WEEK - LA WATERFRONT (MAY 26-29)
LA Fleet Week® is an annual celebration of our nation’s Sea Services held on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles over Memorial Day Weekend. Public events include: active duty ship tours; military displays and equipment demos; aircraft flyovers, live entertainment and the ever-popular Galley Wars, a cook-off competition between Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army teams.
LA PRIDE (JUNE)
Los Angeles has a long and rich history in the LGBTQ+ community, from one of the country's earliest Pride demonstrations at Silver Lake's Black Cat bar in 1967, to the world’s first permitted parade advocating for gay rights that was organized in 1970. In 2022, LA Pride returned to its roots, presenting its world-famous parade in Hollywood, along with the LA Pride in the Park festival, featuring a headlining set by Christina Aguilera.
ANIME EXPO (JULY 1-4)
The largest anime convention in North America, the Anime Expo (AX) is held annually over July 4th Weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Downtown LA. Each year, the four-day AX welcomes more than 100,000 fans to celebrate Japanese pop culture and experience the Masquerade, Anime Music Video Contest, concerts, and the epic Fashion Show. There's also late-night programming such as dance, video screenings, tabletop and electronic gaming, and open-mic karaoke.
AMERICAFEST (JULY 4)
For nearly 100 years, Rose Bowl Stadium has hosted AmericaFest, recognized as one of the nation’s largest and longest running shows to celebrate America’s birthday. Festivities include a thirty-minute motocross show, music performances, family-friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks display.
LEIMERT PARK JAZZ FESTIVAL (AUG. 26)
One of LA’s premier summertime music events, the Leimert Park Jazz Festival celebrates jazz, community and the cultural heritage of the historic South LA neighborhood of Leimert Park.
NISEI WEEK (AUGUST)
Spanning two weekends and nine days of family-friendly events in Little Tokyo, Nisei Week includes the Grand Parade, Plaza Festival, Car Show, and traditional performances of Taiko and Ondo.
WATTS TOWERS FESTIVALS (SEPTEMBER)
For more than 40 years, the iconic Watts Towers has hosted a weekend of cultural festivals: the Day of the Drum Festival and the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival. Both events are free and feature an all-star line-up of international recording artists, local jazz greats, percussionists and dancers. The weekend includes art exhibitions, supervised children's activities, plus food and arts & crafts vendors.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS - HOLLYWOOD FOREVER (OCT. 28)
Taking place at the historic Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the 24th Annual Día de los Muertos is California's largest celebration of the Mexican holiday that honors loved ones who have passed away. The festival features two separate events: the family-friendly Día de los Muertos is a daytime event with a children’s plaza; and Noche de los Muertos in the evening. Both events feature traditional ofrendas (altars), live music, cultural performances, art exhibitions, Aztecs, traditional dance, arts & crafts vendors, and culinary vendors.
MARIACHI FESTIVAL (NOVEMBER)
Now in its 34th year, the Mariachi Festival & Fiesta Anual de Santa Cecilia is a free, all-day event taking place at Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights. The annual festival is a cultural exchange of Mariachi music, folklórico art and heritage passed on from generation to generation. The Mariachi Festival is usually held on or near November 22 - the Feast Day of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music and musicians.
Sports
Los Angeles will add to its unparalleled legacy of hosting championship sports events, from the CFP National Championship to the U.S. Open, CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, and the first-ever SuperMotocross World Championship.
ROSE BOWL GAME - ROSE BOWL STADIUM (JAN. 2)
The 109th Rose Bowl Game will be held on Monday, January 2 at Rose Bowl Stadium. "The Granddaddy of Them All" will feature the Pac-12 champion Utah Utes and the Penn State Nittany Lions from the Big Ten. This will be the first time the two teams have played each other.
CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - SOFI STADIUM (JAN. 9)
Less than a year after hosting Super Bowl LVI, SoFi Stadium will host the College Football Playoff National Championship. The game will feature the winners of the CFP semifinals: the Peach Bowl (#1 Georgia vs #4 Ohio State) and the Fiesta Bowl (#2 Michigan vs #3 TCU).
USMNT - INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES (JAN. 25 & 28)
The U.S. Men’s National Team will play international friendlies at LAFC's Banc of California Stadium in Exposition Park and the LA Galaxy's Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. The two matches will kick off the four-year cycle leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- USA vs Serbia - Banc of CA Stadium (Jan. 25)
- USA vs Colombia - Dignity Health Sports Park (Jan. 28)
NASCAR BUSCH LIGHT CLASH - LA COLISEUM (FEB. 5)
Following a wildly successful inaugural race in 2022, NASCAR returns to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with the 2023 Busch Light Clash, which will be the first event of NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season. After four preliminary heats and two last-chance qualifiers, the main event will feature 23 drivers racing on the quarter-mile track to capture the checkered flag.
LAFC vs LA GALAXY - ROSE BOWL STADIUM (FEB. 25)
LAFC begin the defense of their MLS title with this 2023 season opener against their intercity rivals, the LA Galaxy at Rose Bowl Stadium. This will be the 17th meeting between the two sides across all competitions, with the Galaxy leading the all-time series 7-4-5.
LA MARATHON (MARCH 19)
The 38th running of the Los Angeles Marathon will once again feature the "Stadium to the Stars" course - participants will begin at Dodger Stadium in Downtown LA and finish at Avenue of the Stars in Century City.
WRESTLEMANIA - SOFI STADIUM (APRIL 1-2)
WrestleMania "Goes Hollywood" for its 39th edition, taking place at SoFi Stadium the weekend of April 1 and 2. Rumors are rampant surrounding potential matches, including a showdown between Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns and The Rock.
Additional events will take place at Crypto.com Arena in Downtown LA:
- Friday Night SmackDown / 2023 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (March 31)
- NXT Stand & Deliver (April 1)
- Monday Night Raw (April 3)
MUHAMMAD ALI EXPERIENCE - HHLA (SPRING 2023)
Opening at HHLA in Spring 2023, the Muhammad Ali Experience will take guests on an immersive journey with the "Greatest of All Time." Step into the ring and virtually face off with the champ; view never-before-seen memorabilia; and learn the story of the legendary boxer who transcended sports to become one of the most important figures of the 20th century.
U.S. OPEN - LA COUNTRY CLUB (JUNE 15-18)
Taking place at the historic Los Angeles Country Club, the 123rd U.S. Open marks the first time LA has hosted the tournament since 1948, when Ben Hogan won the first of his four titles at the Riviera Country Club, aka "Hogan's Alley." The 2023 U.S. Open will be played on LACC's North Course, designed by the famed golf course architect George C. Thomas, Jr. and restored by Gil Hanse.
CONCACAF GOLD CUP FINAL - SOFI STADIUM (JULY 16)
For the first time in more than a decade, Los Angeles will host the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final. This will be the seventh time LA has hosted the Final - LA Memorial Coliseum hosted four final matches (1991, 1996, 1998, 2000) and Rose Bowl Stadium in 2002 and 2011. The Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) is one of FIFA’s six continental confederations, servicing 41 Member Associations from Canada in the north to the Guianas in South America.
SUPERMOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - LA COLISEUM (OCT. 14)
Long credited as the birthplace of Supercross, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will host the first-ever SuperMotocross World Championship - top riders from the Supercross stadium series and Pro Motocross outdoor motorcycle racing will vie for a $10-million purse, the richest offering in either sports' history.
USC vs UCLA - LA COLISEUM (NOVEMBER)
On odd numbered years, the LA Coliseum hosts the annual rivalry game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins, alternating with Rose Bowl Stadium. The winner of the USC-UCLA game takes possession of the Victory Bell, a 295-pound brass bell from a Southern Pacific railroad locomotive. USC currently has the trophy after beating UCLA 48-45 in 2022. USC leads the overall series, 50–33–7.
Pantone 2023 Color of the Year
Pantone has announced Viva Magenta as its 2023 Color of the Year. Formally known as PANTONE 18-1750, Viva Magenta "galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength," says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. Much like Los Angeles itself, Viva Magenta "welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a color that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all."
Visitors and locals alike will find this "brave and fearless" color throughout LA, from unforgettable sunsets to gorgeous botanical gardens and the city's best wine shops.
