Arts and Entertainment
Arts and Entertainment Events in California | A Cultural Hub of Arts & Entertainment
Explore the best Arts and Entertainment Events across California, from live theater and comedy shows to art exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural performances. Whether you’re looking for a Broadway-style production in Los Angeles, a gallery opening in San Francisco, or a local performance in your city, find updated events happening year-round.
Browse upcoming shows by city, date, or category and discover experiences that match your interests, from intimate venues to large performance halls. Our listings make it easy to plan ahead or find something exciting to do tonight or this weekend.
Start exploring California’s vibrant Arts and Entertainment scene today.
Arts and Entertainment
Arts and Entertainment
Arts and Entertainment
Arts and Entertainment
Arts and Entertainment
Arts and Entertainment
Arts and Entertainment
Arts and Entertainment
What’s on in California – Discover Events!
World-Renowned Museums and Galleries
California’s museums hold priceless collections. They also present groundbreaking contemporary shows.
Getty Center in Los Angeles
The Getty Center stands as an architectural triumph perched high atop the Santa Monica Mountains. You can explore a world-class collection of European paintings and sculptures while wandering through the ever-changing Central Garden. Every corner of the campus offers breathtaking, panoramic views that stretch from the downtown skyline to the Pacific Ocean. This hilltop sanctuary perfectly blends high art with the natural beauty of the Southern California landscape.
- Visit the Getty Center to experience one of the world’s most stunning architectural landmarks.
- Explore a massive collection of European masterpieces, including works by Van Gogh and Rembrandt.
- Wander through the Central Garden to see seasonal blooms and intricate landscape design.
- Enjoy stunning views of the entire Los Angeles basin from the museum’s numerous outdoor terraces.
- Take advantage of free admission for all visitors, though you must book a timed entry slot.
- Prepare for a parking fee of $25 per car, or $15 after 3:00 PM.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
SFMOMA stands as one of the largest and most influential modern art museums in the United States. Its striking architecture serves as a masterpiece in itself, housing a massive collection across seven floors of light-filled galleries. You can walk through the history of contemporary creativity while exploring some of the world’s most recognizable paintings and installations. This downtown San Francisco landmark offers an immersive look at the artists who redefined the modern era.
- Explore SFMOMA to see one of the most significant modern art collections in the world.
- View iconic masterpieces by legendary artists like Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock.
- Experience the building’s design, which features a dramatic Snohetta-designed expansion and a massive living wall.
- Visit the Pritzker Center for Photography, the largest space dedicated to the medium in any American museum.
- Wander through the outdoor sculpture garden for fresh air and large-scale contemporary works.
- Discover cutting-edge exhibitions that highlight new media, digital art, and social activism.
Broad in Downtown LA
The Broad serves as a premier destination for contemporary art, housing an impressive collection from the 1950s to the present day. Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, the museum is famous for its “veil and vault” architecture and its commitment to making world-class art accessible to all. You can explore two floors of gallery space featuring over 2,000 works, including massive installations and immersive digital art. This cultural landmark provides a vibrant look at the artists who continue to shape the modern world.
- Discover The Broad in Downtown LA, home to one of the world’s leading collections of postwar and contemporary art.
- See famous masterpieces by legendary artists such as Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
- Experience Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Rooms, including the breathtaking The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away.
- Explore the Robert Therrien retrospective, featuring his iconic “giant” furniture, on view through April 5, 2026.
- Book timed-entry tickets for free online to bypass the standby line; new tickets release on the last Wednesday of each month.
- Check for special exhibitions, as unique installations like Robert Therrien: This is a Story may require a separate paid ticket ($19).
Local Art Walks and Gallery Districts
Local art walks and gallery districts offer a vibrant, community-driven way to experience California’s creative scene. Most major cities host these monthly events, where galleries open their doors for free public viewing alongside street performers and local vendors. Whether you are exploring the historic KONO district in Oakland or the sun-drenched streets of Venice, these walks provide an electric, festive atmosphere. They are the perfect way to discover emerging talent and soak in the local culture without a ticket.
- Join Oakland First Fridays in the KONO district on the first Friday of every month from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
- Explore the Venice Art Crawl, with confirmed 2026 dates including March 19 and June 18, for an eclectic coastal art experience.
- Visit DTLA ArtNight on the second Thursday of each month to see the historic core of Los Angeles come alive with gallery openings.
- Catch the La Jolla First Friday Art Walk to wander through 26 different galleries and pop-up artist spaces by the sea.
- Discover the Frogtown Artwalk along the LA River, which returns for its biennial celebration in September 2026.
- Walk through the Brewery Artwalk, one of the world’s largest art complexes, during their open-studio weekends in the spring and fall.
Spectacular Live Theater and Performing Arts
From Broadway tours to cutting-edge plays, the stage is always set in California.Broadway Musical at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood
The historic Hollywood Pantages Theatre offers the ultimate Broadway experience wrapped in the glitz of old-school Hollywood glamour. This Art Deco masterpiece serves as the premier destination for massive touring productions, featuring a stunning interior that transports you back to the golden age of cinema. You can sit beneath the theater’s legendary gold-leaf ceiling while watching the world’s most acclaimed musicals come to life. A night at the Pantages remains one of the most iconic and spectacular ways to experience live performance in Los Angeles.
- See a Broadway musical at the world-famous Hollywood Pantages, the crown jewel of the Hollywood and Vine intersection.
- Admire the Art Deco architecture and the breathtaking, ornate ceiling that defines the venue’s historic 1930s charm.
- Watch massive touring productions currently on stage, including the limited engagement of Wicked running through mid-February 2026.
- Experience the pure Hollywood glamour of a theater that once hosted the Academy Awards for ten consecutive years.
- Utilize the Metro B Line (Red) to arrive easily, as the Hollywood/Vine station is located directly across the street.
- Secure your tickets early for popular weekend matinees and evening shows, as Broadway blockbusters frequently sell out.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) in Ashland serves as a world-class cultural destination, drawing massive crowds from Northern California and beyond. The 2026 season offers a diverse 10-show lineup that spans three distinct theaters, blending timeless Shakespearean classics with contemporary blockbusters and urgent new works. Guests can experience the magic of rotating repertory, where different plays perform on the same stage within a single day. This immersive festival atmosphere turns the scenic town of Ashland into a vibrant hub for theater lovers.
- Attend the 2026 Season featuring 10 major productions including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Come From Away, and A Raisin in the Sun.
- Experience the Allen Elizabethan Theatre, one of America’s oldest outdoor stages, for Shakespeare under the stars.
- Visit the Angus Bowmer Theatre for intimate, world-class staging of both classic dramas and modern musicals.
- Discover new works at the Thomas Theatre, a flexible space known for its provocative and contemporary dialogue.
- Enjoy the Free Green Show, featuring live music and dance performances on the bricks before evening shows.
- Plan for a multi-day trip to catch the rotating schedule, as the season runs from March 13 through October 25, 2026.
South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa
The Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa serves as a premier destination for theater lovers seeking both polished classics and daring new works. As Orange County’s leading professional theater, it produces a diverse season on its two intimate stages, the Segerstrom and the Julianne Argyros. You can witness high-caliber performances ranging from world-premiere contemporary dramas to timeless masterpieces, all created on-site by world-class artists. This cultural cornerstone provides an exceptional, up-close theatrical experience that frequently earns national acclaim.
- Catch a show at South Coast Repertory to experience one of the nation’s most respected regional theaters.
- See Tony Award-winning plays performed in repertory this winter, including the biting comedy God of Carnage and the electric classic Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
- Explore the Julianne Argyros Stage for intimate performances that bring you within feet of the actors.
- Book “Pay Your Age” tickets on select Thursday and Friday nights if you are under age 40 to save on admission.
- Visit the Segerstrom Center campus early to enjoy dinner at nearby restaurants like Vaca or Water Grill before the curtain rises.
- Check the 2026 calendar for the Pacific Playwrights Festival in the spring to discover the next great American play.
Incredible Live Music Venues
California’s music scene is unmatched in its diversity and history.
Concert at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl serves as Los Angeles’ premier outdoor sanctuary for music and culture, offering a summer ritual that spans generations. Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, this 17,500-seat amphitheater hosts a prestigious lineup of global pop stars, classical masterpieces, and cinematic tributes under the stars. Whether you are sharing a picnic with friends or witnessing a world-class fireworks display, the venue’s natural acoustics and electric energy create an unforgettable concert experience. The season takes on historic significance as it celebrates Gustavo Dudamel’s 17-year legacy and debuts the newly dedicated John Williams Stage.
- Hear a concert at the Hollywood Bowl to experience a legendary summer tradition on the world’s most famous outdoor stage.
- Watch The Beach Boys headline the iconic July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular In July.
- Experience the Roots Picnic In June featuring a massive lineup with Nas, De La Soul, and T.I.
- See legendary pairings such as Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight in July or Pitbull and Lil Jon in May.
- Pack your own picnic and wine for LA Phil-presented events, or pre-order a gourmet box from Chef Suzanne Goin.
- Book a Park & Ride or Bowl Shuttle to bypass the intense Hollywood traffic and stacked parking lots.
Greek Theatre in Los Angeles
The Greek Theatre offers an enchanting outdoor concert experience nestled deep within the lush greenery of Griffith Park. This historic venue is world-renowned for its perfect acoustics and a surprisingly intimate atmosphere despite its 5,900-seat capacity. You can enjoy a diverse range of performances, from legendary rock bands to modern indie stars, surrounded by towering trees and a cool canyon breeze. Artists and fans alike treasure the “The Greek” for its unique ability to make a major production feel like a private garden party.
- Visit the Greek Theatre for a premier open-air concert experience in the heart of Los Angeles.
- Catch the Flight of the Conchords reunion on May 9, 2026, as part of the Netflix Is A Joke Fest.
- Enjoy the intimate sightlines that ensure a clear, close-up view of the stage from almost every section.
- Take the DASH Observatory bus or the dedicated Greek Theatre shuttle to avoid the limited and expensive on-site parking.
- Arrive early for a picnic at one of the scenic spots in Griffith Park before the gates open.
- Dress in layers because temperatures in the canyon can drop significantly once the sun goes down.
Fillmore in San Francisco
The Fillmore stands as a sacred temple of rock history, having hosted legendary icons from Jimi Hendrix to the Grateful Dead since the mid-1960s. You can feel the electric legacy the moment you step onto the famous hardwood floors beneath the venue’s massive, glittering chandeliers. This intimate space remains a top destination for both modern stars and rising talent who want to walk the same stage as the greats. To end your night, the venue honors its long-standing tradition by handing out free, unique concert posters to every guest.
- Experience the Fillmore to stand inside the most historic and influential music venue in San Francisco.
- Admire the iconic chandeliers that cast a vintage glow over the audience and the legendary stage.
- Browse the world-famous poster room upstairs to see decades of psychedelic art and concert history.
- Grab a free apple from the bin at the entrance, a classic Fillmore tradition started by Bill Graham.
- Catch a free commemorative poster on your way out the door after sold-out performances.
- Arrive early for a floor spot near the stage, as the intimate layout offers an up-close view of every performer.
Roxy Theatre on the Sunset Strip
The Roxy Theatre on the Sunset Strip is a legendary pillar of Los Angeles music history and an essential stop for any fan of live performance. Since its 1973 debut with Neil Young, this 500-capacity club has served as a launching pad for global icons and a sacred space for intimate superstar sets. You can still feel the rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll while standing on the same floor where Bob Marley recorded his live album and The Rocky Horror Show made its U.S. premiere. Today, it remains a premier destination to catch the next big name in music or a secret, high-energy performance from an industry titan.
- Go to The Roxy Theatre on the Sunset Strip to experience one of the world’s most famous and historic music venues.
- Experience the intimate 500-seat setting that brings you face-to-face with legendary acts and emerging talent alike.
- Visit “On the Rox,” the legendary upstairs bar once frequented by John Lennon and the “Hollywood Vampires.”
- Walk the halls where icons like Bruce Springsteen, Prince, and Guns N’ Roses performed career-defining shows.
- Catch a comedy set during special events, honoring a stage that helped launch the career of Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman.
Major Arts Festivals and Cultural Events
California’s calendar is filled with annual celebrations of creativity.Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returns to Indio this April for its landmark 25th anniversary, once again defining the global pulse of music and fashion. You can wander through the Empire Polo Club to discover massive, immersive art installations that transform the desert into a surrealist landscape. The lineup features historic headlining sets from Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G, the festival’s first-ever Latina headliner. This sun-drenched experience blends high-concept creativity with a high-energy atmosphere that sets the cultural agenda for the rest of the year.
- Attend Coachella across two weekends.
- Watch historic headlining sets from Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G on the main stage.
- Catch unique collaborations like Nine Inch Noize, an exclusive pairing of Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize.
- Explore massive art installations that serve as interactive landmarks across the vast festival grounds.
- Discover global trends in the “Sustainable Desert Chic” and “Neo-Western” fashion movements dominating the season.
- Utilize the Coachella Shuttle from local hotels or LAX to skip the stress of desert traffic and parking.
SF Sketchfest in San Francisco
SF Sketchfest takes over San Francisco every January, transforming the city into a massive laboratory for alternative comedy. For over two weeks, this landmark festival celebrates the art of the laugh through a dizzying array of sketch, improv, stand-up, and live podcast tapings. You can witness once-in-a-lifetime cast reunions, tribute nights to industry legends, and experimental performances that you won’t see anywhere else. From historic theaters to intimate clubs, the festival creates a vibrant, high-energy hub where fans and creators mingle in the heart of the Bay Area.
- Experience SF Sketchfest across 13 iconic venues from January through February.
- Watch rare anniversary reunions, including a 30th-anniversary live read of Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy.
- Attend all-star tributes honoring comedy powerhouses like Elizabeth Banks, Randall Park, and the Women of SNL.
- Catch live podcast tapings of fan favorites like Stuff You Should Know, Judge John Hodgman, and Welcome to Night Vale.
- See a “Futurama” cast reunion or a 35th-anniversary celebration of Nickelodeon’s Doug at the Great Star Theater.
- Discover the next big stars through “The SF Sketchfest Dozen” showcase at the Punch Line and Cobb’s Comedy Club.
- Join the “Thomas Lennon & Friends” musical event to hear stars like Ben Gibbard and Ana Gasteyer sing songs by The Smiths.
Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach
The Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach offers a mesmerizing spectacle where fine art literally comes to life on stage. You can witness “living pictures,” a unique theatrical tradition where real people pose to recreate world-famous paintings and sculptures with pinpoint accuracy. Each nightly performance under the stars uses sophisticated lighting and intricate sets to trick the eye into seeing flat canvases or cold marble. This breathtaking illusion serves as the centerpiece of the annual Festival of Arts, drawing thousands of spectators to the Irvine Bowl every summer.
- Watch live actors pose in costumes and makeup to mimic classic masterpieces with incredible stillness.
- Listen to a live orchestra and professional narration that guides you through the story behind each artwork.
- Visit the Festival of Arts grounds before the show to browse original works by 140 local Orange County artists.
- Arrive early for a picnic or dinner in the canyon to soak in the coastal evening atmosphere.
- Book your tickets months in advance for the July and August run, as this world-famous event consistently sells out.
Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale
The Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale invites you to escape the modern world and step into a bustling 16th-century English seaport. Located at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, this sprawling 20-acre spring festival recreates the vibrant village of Port Deptford during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. You can wander through a lively marketplace filled with over 125 world-class artisans while street performers, musicians, and colorful guilds bring the Elizabethan era to life. Whether you are cheering for armored knights or feasting on a giant turkey leg, the faire offers a rollicking, immersive adventure for the whole family.
- Witness the thrill of the joust as fully armored knights compete in high-stakes tournaments of skill and bravery.
- Explore the marketplace to shop for handcrafted leather, jewelry, and period costumes from over 125 master artisans.
- Savor “faire food” favorites including steak-on-a-stake, Scotch eggs, and the legendary giant turkey legs.
- Watch 13 stages of entertainment featuring belly dancers, comedy troupes, and world-class musical acts like The Craic Show.
- Book your tickets online early and remember that the Santa Fe Dam charges a separate $15 vehicle entry fee.
Local and Community Arts
California’s vibrant local scene offers endless opportunities to experience professional-grade art and music without the high cost of a stadium ticket. You can discover hidden talent at local community theaters, where passionate performers stage everything from Broadway hits to avant-garde dramas in intimate settings. Throughout the summer, public parks transform into open-air concert halls, inviting you to enjoy live music under the sun or stars. Cultural celebrations and massive street fairs further enliven the state, filling miles of car-free roads with the sights and sounds of diverse communities.
- See a show at a local community theater like the Westminster Community Playhouse or Whittier Community Theatre for affordable, high-quality talent.
- Catch a free summer concert in the park, with the City of Glendale series kicking off in July at Verdugo Park.
- Pack a blanket and picnic for Santa Clarita’s Concerts in the Park, held every Saturday evening at Central Park throughout the summer.
- Explore the Carnaval San Francisco in the Mission District in May to witness a massive grand parade and five music stages.
- Join a CicLAvia event in Los Angeles to walk, bike, or skate through miles of open streets during their 15th anniversary season.
- Visit local street fairs to support neighborhood artisans and enjoy live entertainment in a festive, car-free environment.
Plan Your Arts & Entertainment Outing
Maximizing your cultural experiences in California requires a blend of smart digital tools and strategic timing. By utilizing local event listings and venue newsletters, you can stay ahead of the curve with pre-sale announcements and exclusive alerts. Planning your visit for off-peak hours or securing tickets months in advance not only saves money but also ensures a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Major events like the NBA All-Star Game in LA and the World Cup matches on the horizon, proactive scheduling is more essential than ever to guarantee your spot at the state’s most sought-after venues.
- Follow local newspaper calendars, such as the LA Times or the SF Chronicle’s “Datebook,” to discover under-the-radar neighborhood events and art walks.
- Purchase tickets in advance to lock in lower prices and avoid the sell-out crowds expected for the 25th Anniversary of Coachella this April.
- Consider off-peak times by visiting museums like SFMOMA or the Getty on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons to enjoy the galleries in peace.
- Opt for matinee theater performances, which often provide the same high-caliber talent as evening shows at a significantly reduced ticket price.
Embrace the Spirit of Discovery
Find your inspiration in California. Secure tickets to a Broadway smash. Wander a world-class museum for free. Dance at a local street fair. Your next unforgettable cultural experience is waiting. Explore, listen, and be amazed. The curtain is always rising somewhere in the Golden State.
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