Events in L.A.

Endless Things to Do: Check out our LA Events Calendar

At any time of year, the LA events calendar is buzzing with fun for every age and interest. Check-in at the Holiday Inn Express Century City for easy access to all the excitement!

As the leader of Century City hotels in West Los Angeles, we offer a host of complimentary amenities and unique rooms and suites.

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February
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April
May
June

July
August
September

October
November
December

JANUARY 2012

Rose Bowl Game
January 2 | Rose Bowl Stadium
See the Oregon Ducks take on the Wisconsin Badgers at the 98th annual Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, CA. The traditional New Year's Day game will be held on Monday, January 2, because it is never played on Sunday. Holiday Inn Express Century City is the perfect Rose Bowl hotel. Learn more.

Tournament of Roses Parade
January 2 | Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena
Hundreds of thousands show up every year to see the Tournament of Roses Parade, the annual kick-off to the New Year and lead-up to the Rose Bowl college football game. Humongous floats, color guard, marching bands and so much more. Learn more.

69th Golden Globe Awards
January 15 | Beverly Hilton Hotel
Get caught up in the glitz and glamour of this annual celebration of television and film. British comedian Ricky Gervais will return for his third straight year as host.

Golden Dragon Parade
January 28 | Chinatown
Celebrate the Chinese New Year at this humongous parade on North Broadway in Chinatown. Features dozens of floats, several marching bands, traditional martial arts and much more.

FEBRUARY 2012

Mardi Gras
Dates TBA | Downtown LA
It may not be the Big Easy, but LA still celebrates Mardi Gras in a big way. Head to downtown LA for the annual Mardi Gras Parade, done up in grand New Orleans style.

Lantern Festival
February 6 | El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
The Chinese American Museum hosts this annual festival in Los Angeles. Visit a re-created tradition village street fair, see exciting live performances and attend interactive workshops.

Pan African Film & Art Festival
February 9-20 | Magic Johnson Theaters: Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw Plaza
An influential film and art festival devoted to the creative works of all people of African lineage. Live performances included.

54th Grammy Awards
February 12 | Staples Center
Experience the biggest night in music - live! Top nominees at the 2012 Grammy Awards include Kanye West, Adele, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars and Radiohead, but who will walk away with the most trophies?

Northern Trust Open
February 14-19 | Riviera Country Club
The beautiful Riviera Country Club is the setting of one of the oldest stops on the PGA Tour.

National Hot Rod Associations (NHRA) Winternationals
Dates TBA | Fairplex in Pomona, CA
Another great season of drag racing begins in Pomona at the annual NHRA Winternationals. Don't miss the exciting new car reveals.

Docu Day Los Angeles
February 25 | Writer's Guild of America Theater
A full day of this year's Oscar® Nominated documentary films screened back-to-back and an opportunity to meet the filmmakers.

84th Academy Awards
February 26 | Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center
One of the biggest and most glamorous Los Angeles events, the annual Academy Awards honors the best film making achievements of the previous year. The 2012 Oscars will be hosted by veteran comedian Billy Crystal.

MARCH 2012

McDonald's Quality of Life Expo
Dates TBA | Los Angeles Convention Center
Experience the latest trends in fitness and health first hand at the largest marathon expo in the nation. This event is an annual lead up to the LA Marathon.

LA Marathon
March 18 | Throughout Los Angeles
Join more than 20,000 participants and a million spectators to experience one of the largest organized road races in the world. Course begins at Dodger Stadium and ends with a beach party at Santa Monica Pier.

WestWeek 2012
March 21-22 | Pacific Design Center
The premier fashion trade show on the West Coast, bringing 10,000 interior designers, manufacturers and architects. Some events are open to the general public.

Cesar E. Chavez Day
March 31 | TBD
March to celebrate the life and accomplishments of famed farm workers organizer, Cesar Chavez.

APRIL 2012

Month of Photography Los Angeles (MOPLA)
April 1-30 | Citywide
The vast photography community of Los Angeles comes together for a series of marquee events throughout the month of April.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire
April 7-May 20 | Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
An extravagant affair stepping back into another time. Enjoy Renaissance Faire favorites, such as jousts, juggling, minstrels and hearty cuisine.

Cherry Blossom Festival Southern California
April 14-15 | Little Tokyo District
The streets of Little Tokyo come to life like never before at the Cherry Blossom Festival Southern California: Japanese dancing, live taiko drumming, fashion shows and plenty for the kids as well.

UCLA Bruin Day
Dates TBA | UCLA Campus
A campus-wide open house for incoming UCLA freshmen and their guests. UCLA Bruin Day gives future students a chance to meet their fellow freshmen and explore the campus in a low-pressure environment.

SPECIAL OFFER: Visitors to UCLA Bruin Day stay at an exclusive rate. Learn more.

Toyoto Grand Prix of Long Beach
April 13-15 | Downtown Long Beach
For this exciting road race, lively downtown Long Beach becomes the track. Featured are a professional race and celebrity fun race.

Doh Day Parade
Dates TBA | Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA
This unusual "fake" Rose Day parade shares a route with the New Year's Day favorite, but that's where the similarities end. Outrageous floats and personalities set the tone.

MAY 2012

Cinco de Mayo Celebration
May 5 | La Placita at El Pueblo de Los Angeles
The crowds pile into El Pueblo historic monument for a festive party commemorating an important Mexican military victory of the French in 1862. Traditional folk music and dance are featured.

Calabasas Arts & Crafts Festival
May 5-6 | Calabasas Commons
An inviting destination for local artists and craft-workers to set up shop. Live entertainment and food included.

EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women
May 12 | Exposition Blvd. and Figueroa St.
Do your part to help raise money to fight women's cancer at this annual run or walk.

Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Fold Festival
May 20 | Paramount Ranch
Competitive festival attracts top names in the clog, contra and square dancing fields, as well as guitarists, mandolin players and full bands.

Museums of the Arroyo Day (MOTA Day)
May 20 | Museums of the Arroyo
Get free admission and other fun perks at the six treasured museums along the historic Arroyo Seco in San Gabriel Valley.

UCLA Pow Wow
Dates TBA | UCLA
A festive gathering hosted by UCLA's American Indian Student Association.

Affaire in the Garden
Dates TBA | Beverly Gardens Park
A free arts and crafts show with more than 200 top-quality exhibitors in attendance. Find your pick of photography, sculpture, watercolor, mixed media and much more.

Venice Art Walk & Auctions
May 20-22 | Throughout Venice, CA
Benefit event for the Venice Family Clinic. Several Venice artists and designers open their studios and home to visitors in order to collect money for this important institution.

WorldFest
May 20 | Woodley Park
The largest Earth Day event in LA is a full day of live entertainment, local ethnic cuisine, kids' events and a green marketplace.

Fiesta Hermosa
May 26-28 | Pier Plaza in Hermosa Beach
The beautiful coast of the Pacific sets the stage for the popular family festival in Los Angeles. A great place for biking, swimming, sunning and exploring an array of fine arts.

UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival
Dates TBA | UCLA
Some of the best artists in contemporary jazz and reggae attend and perform at this Southern California music festival.

Valley Greek Festival
Dates TBA | St. Nicholas Church
Popular Memorial Day event that celebrates the rich Greek heritage of the locals in the San Fernando Valley. Greek music and dancing are the stars of the day.

Israel Conference
May 31-June 1 | Luxe Hotel
Visit this fast paced business conference bringing together leaders in a variety of industries.

JUNE 2012

Playboy Jazz Festival
Dates TBA | Hollywood Bowl
Some of the most legendary stars in jazz, blues and world music make regular appearances at this two-day Los Angeles music festival.

Los Angeles Film Festival
June 14-24 | Throughout Downtown L.A.
A world-class film festival revered by filmmakers and movie-goers alike. The all-encompassing festival aims to highlight the best in American and International cinema.

Mariachi USA Festival
Dates TBA | Hollywood Bowl
The top mariachi bands from the United States and Mexico meet and compete at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A.

JULY 2012

July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular
July 4 | Hollywood Bowl
This annual celebration revs up with a big name concert and ends with a humongous fireworks extravaganza.

OUTFEST
July 12-22 | Throughout Hollywood
Outfest is the official name of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. The festival includes hundreds of film showings, plus receptions, parties and discussion panels.

Lotus Festival
July - August | Echo Park
Discover the many facets of Asian and Pacific Islander culture in Echo Park, home of one of the largest lotus groves outside of China.

AUGUST 2012

Nisei Week Japanese Festival
Dates TBA | Little Tokyo
An exciting collection of festivals in one action-packed week. Visit the Tofu Festival, Anime Festival, Street Arts Festival and Taiko Gathering, and don't miss the Grand Parade.

SEPTEMBER 2012

Los Angeles County Fair
September 1-30 | Fairplex in Pomona, CA
One of the largest and wildest county fairs in the country. Explore a stunning variety of things to see and do, including live music, delicious street foods, parades, livestock judging, horseracing, demolition derby and much more.

Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival
Dates TBA | Ports O' Call Village
Dancing, street performers, tall ships and plenty of succulent Maine lobster make this Los Angeles food festival an annual favorite.

Watts Towers Day of the Drum
Dates TBA | Rodia's Sculpture Towers
A clamorous event for all things percussion. See riveting performances of Japanese, African, Native American and jazz drumming.

OCTOBER 2012

Justice Jog 2012 (5k Walk / Run)
Dates TBA | Begins on Avenue of the Stars
A charity run in support of CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. Registration includes t-shirt and breakfast.

Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
Dates TBA | Juan Batista de Anza Park
A family festival devoted to autumn's favorite squash: the pumpkin. Enjoy everything from pumpkin bowling and seed spitting to, of course, pumpkin pie.

Hollywood International Film Festival
October 18-22 | ArcLight Cinemas
Big stars and big films highlight this late season festival. Most screenings take place at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood.

Los Angeles Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
October 28 | L.A. Live
Register early for your chance to compete in the Los Angeles Rock 'n' Roll Marathon or Half-Marathon. The race is preceded by the 2-day Health & Fitness Expo presented by Power Balance®.

NOVEMBER 2011

Los Angeles Music Awards
November 10 | Avalon Hollywood
Featuring an awards ceremony and live performances, this annual event is dedicated to helping local musicians gain exposure.

AFI Fest
November 4-11 | ArcLight Cinemas
The longest-running Los Angeles Film Festival. At this highly anticipated festival, up-and-comers often have the change to share the spotlight with Hollywood's biggest filmmakers.

Catalina Island Triathlon
November 5 | Catalina Island
Athletic competitors are put through their paces in the challenging annual triathlon showing off the best Catalina Island and the surrounding coast.

DECEMBER 2011

Marina Del Ray Holiday Boat Parade
December 11 | Marina Del Ray
A holiday favorite. Beautifully decorated and lit boats cruise the marina for all to see. The night ends with a gorgeous fireworks display.

Las Posadas
December 16-24 | Olvera Street at El Pueblo
A nightly procession featuring the merchants of Olvera Street commemorates the story of Joseph and Mary.

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Discover what makes LA one of the top travel destinations in the world. Make plans to attend one of the many Los Angeles events and reserve your stay at Holiday Inn Express Century City hotel.