Arts and Entertainment Events in California, 2024

Film Festivals

Palm Springs International Film Festival (January):

One of the most prestigious film festivals in North America, this event attracts a glamorous crowd and showcases independent and international films. The event is a key kickoff for the film awards season.

Los Angeles Film Festival:

This is a top destination for independent filmmakers to showcase their work. The festival includes world premieres, panel discussions, and networking events for film professionals.

Sundance Film Festival Satellite Events (January):

Although based in Utah, Sundance has a significant presence in California through satellite events in cities like Los Angeles. It’s an excellent opportunity to catch independent and experimental films from emerging filmmakers.

Art Exhibitions and Fairs

LA Art Show (February):

Held in Los Angeles, this art fair is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the U.S. It features modern, contemporary, and historical artworks from around the world.

Frieze Los Angeles (February):

Frieze is a premier contemporary art fair that takes place at various locations throughout Los Angeles. It’s a showcase of cutting-edge art from established and emerging artists.

Laguna Beach Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters (July-September):

One of California’s most celebrated art festivals, this event features fine art, along with the famous “Pageant of the Masters,” where living actors recreate famous works of art in a stunning theatrical production.

Theater and Performing Arts

Hollywood Bowl Concert Series (Summer months):

The Hollywood Bowl is an iconic outdoor amphitheater in Los Angeles, where you can enjoy performances ranging from classical music and jazz to rock and world music. It’s a cultural landmark that hosts a variety of top-tier performers each year.

San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker (December):

The Nutcracker is a timeless classic that takes the stage every holiday season. The San Francisco Ballet is renowned for its exquisite production of this ballet, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Ahmanson Theatre (Ongoing):

Located in Los Angeles, the Ahmanson Theatre hosts Broadway-caliber shows ranging from musicals to dramatic performances. Check the schedule for upcoming productions like “The Lion King” and “Hamilton.”

Music Festivals and Concerts

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (April):

Known worldwide, Coachella combines music with large-scale art installations. It’s held in the desert city of Indio and features artists across various genres, attracting music lovers and art enthusiasts.

Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival (June):

This two-day festival features top jazz performers and emerging talents at the Hollywood Bowl, one of the most famous venues in the world.

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival (August):

Set in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, this festival blends music, food, and art, offering a broad mix of performers across multiple genres and artistic installations scattered throughout the park.

Dance and Performance Art

San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival (July):

This unique festival celebrates diverse dance traditions from around the world. It offers performances from artists specializing in everything from African and Middle Eastern dances to classical ballet and folk traditions.

American Ballet Theatre at Segerstrom Center for the Arts (May-June):

Based in Costa Mesa, this venue is one of the best places to see ballet performances in Southern California. The ABT frequently performs here, and the venue also hosts numerous other world-class dance companies.

Museums and Galleries

The Getty Center (Ongoing):

One of Los Angeles’s most famous museums, the Getty offers rotating art exhibitions alongside its permanent collection of European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts.

SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art):

This museum regularly features contemporary art exhibitions and installations, drawing art lovers from across the globe. Look out for temporary exhibits that focus on groundbreaking modern artists.

Comedy and Improv Shows

The Comedy Store (Ongoing):

Located on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, The Comedy Store is an iconic venue that hosts some of the top comedians in the country. This is where many comedy legends like Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy performed.

Upright Citizens Brigade (Ongoing):

UCB is a go-to for improv and sketch comedy in Los Angeles, showcasing both established and up-and-coming talent.

Film and Television Industry Events

Academy Awards (March):

Held annually in Los Angeles, the Oscars are one of the biggest entertainment events globally. Though access is limited to industry insiders, the event has a significant impact on the film industry and fans alike.

Television Academy’s Emmy Awards (September):

Another high-profile Los Angeles-based event, the Emmys celebrate the best in television.

Cultural Celebrations and Arts

Dia de los Muertos Celebrations (November):

This Day of the Dead festival features art exhibitions, altar displays, and traditional performances in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (Ongoing):

The JACCC in Los Angeles hosts a variety of Japanese arts and cultural events, including traditional tea ceremonies, theater, and art exhibitions.

Upcoming 2024 Arts & Entertainment Events:

SF Sketchfest (January):

San Francisco’s annual comedy festival showcases stand-up, sketch, and improv performances from top comedians and emerging talent.

Desert X (February-April):

Held in the Coachella Valley, this outdoor art exhibition features large-scale installations that interact with the surrounding desert environment.

Hollywood Fringe Festival (June):

This open-access performing arts festival features theater, dance, and music performances in various venues across Los Angeles.

With its abundance of art exhibitions, live performances, film festivals, and music events, California offers a wealth of opportunities for arts and entertainment enthusiasts. Whether you’re into cutting-edge contemporary art or classical performances, California’s arts scene is as diverse as the state itself.