Discover regional events in Southern California – plus local festivals, creative cultural gatherings, and exhibitions.

In March, celebrate Spring with events, art, and culture including the American Documentary and Animation Film Festival, The Irish Film Festival, and Fashion Week El Paseo. April delivers art, music, and a BagelFest among its entertaining offerings. In May, expect great vibes at the Joshua Tree Music Festival, an all-star line-up at Beachlife Festival, and WeHo Pride from May 22.

Things to do in Southern California: Worth the Detour

Convergence: Contemporary Artists of Armenian Descent
To August 9, 2026, Los Angeles

Features the work of over twenty artists who push the boundaries of traditional mediums and challenge conventions based on their heritage from those born in the United States to immigrants from various regions.

Destiny is a Rose: The Eileen Harris Norton Collection
To August 16, 2026, Los Angeles

Harris Norton has built a collection and philanthropy actively focused upon the work of women, artists of color and her native California. Marking fifty years since her first acquisition, this exhibition presents more than 80 works reflecting her vision, and commitment to social justice and learning.

Los Angeles Marathon
March 8, 2026, Los Angeles

41st Annual:  Iconic marathon presented by ASICS along the course including the Stadium of the Stars and famous LA landmarks. As well as meeting personal goals, runners are supporting The McCourt Foundation’s mission to find cures for neurological disease.

American Documentary and Animation Film Festival
March 25-29, 2026, Palm Springs

15th Annual: Founder Teddy Grouya created this festival as a forum to celebrate and promote documentary film, and the independent filmmakers around the world who bring knowledge and awareness through their stories about real people and issues.

The Irish Film Festival
March 20-22, 2026, Santa Monica

Three-day celebration of Irish cinema, showcasing a dynamic selection of feature films and documentaries. Also short films from both established and emerging Irish film-makers..

Diamond Week Fashion Week El Paseo
March 13-18, 2026, Palm Desert

Luxury, art, fashion on the West Coast in a week when the country’s designers, influencers and innovators come together to share their work. Highlights what’s trending today as well as what’s coming on the style horizon.

What is a Western?: Stagecoach (1939)
March 21, 2026, Los Angeles

Screening of the landmark film directed by John Ford, and starring John Wayne against the backdrop of Monument Valley. Presented in conversation with the exhibition Desert Dreams and Coastal Currents, tracing how artistic representations of landscapes have shaped expectations of the American West. Revisiting the film allows viewers to hold both its cinematic achievements and its role in perpetuating harmful stereotypes in view.

BagelFest West
April 12, 2026, Los Angeles

Uniting top bagel makers, bakers, chefs, and food brands to celebrate bagel culture. Come for the samplings, competitions, and an array of flavors from traditional to innovative West Coast specials.

Yuja Wang and Mahler Chamber Orchestra
April 25, 2026, Los Angeles

One of the most celebrated artists in the world, Yuja Wang returns to the Soraya, joined by her regular partner, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, a pan-European ensemble created to tour globally. The orchestra will perform Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1, Tsfaman Jazz Suite, and Chopin Piano Concerto No.1.

Beachlife Festival
May 1-3, 2026, Redondo Beach

All-star lineup features Duran Duran, The Chainsmokers, The Offspring, Slightly Stoopid, James Taylor and His All-Star Band, My Morning Jacket, Sheryl Crow, and many more

Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival
May 14 -17, 2026, Greater Palm Springs

24th Spring: Staged twice a year, music lovers gather for this intimate outdoor festival. First up in May –  Thumpasaurus, Ruby Ibarra, DJ Williams Band, Les Greene and the Swayzees, Steamy Windows, Steve Poltz, Ronkat Spearman’s Katdelic, Bia Ferreira, Arobeta, Olum, Pearl Charles, and more.

WeHo Pride
May 22 -June 30, 2026, West Hollywood

Full Calendars of Events

• Death Valley National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Los Angeles
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• Palm Springs
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• West Hollywood
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