“Ah! Los Angeles in the Spring”: said absolutely no one. But they should – LA is a great time to be at this time of year. The rainy season is behind us, the nights are longer, it’s nice and warm, but it still hasn’t gotten hot yet. Things are starting to gear up for summer and people are desperate to get out AND DO SOMETHING! But what? These are the 10 best things to do in LA in April. From movie stars to circuses, via marionettes and Mozart, Los Angeles has it all! And we’ve got the lowdown for you right here.

1. AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE: SEE THREE SCREEN LEGENDS (APRIL 2 & 30) 

The American Cinematheque is a fantastic institution, based here in LA. At the moment their main theatre, Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre, is undergoing renovations for its 100th anniversary, but they have a a great program of film events at their two other historic theatres. Including a screening of Revolution, preceded by a Q and A with its star, Al Pacino. At the end of April they are showing Lilian Gish, a documentary by Jeanne Moreau which features a conversation between the two movie legends.

More information here.

2. LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS (APRIL 22-23)

Even in this modern age, with smart phones, tablets and computers, there’s still something very nice about reading from an actual, you know, book. They also make for great home decoration. Since 1996 the festival has grown into the largest one of its kind in the entire United States. Based on the USC campus, the event features public readings, including performances by well-known authors and poets, and loads and loads of, you know, books.

More information here.

3. KNOTT’S BOYSENBERRY FESTIVAL (TO APRIL 16)

Knott’s Berry Farm is in Anaheim, just south of Los Angeles (near the Mouse Kingdom) and is a great place to visit if you’re in Southern California (it’s also considerably cheaper its neighbor). The Boysenberry festival is an “annual food-inspired event that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. Indulge in a tantalizing lineup of dishes ranging from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to one-of-a-kind specialty desserts and drinks that you can only find at Knott’s Berry Farm during this limited-time food festival”. Sounds good to me!

More information here.

4. GO TO THE CIRCUS (THROUGH APRIL)

Cirque du Soleil have a new show at the Microsoft Theatre in downtown this month.

The clown Mauro has passed, but his spirit is still with us. Instead of mourning, the funeral cortege celebrates the here and hereafter with laughter and exuberance. Rich, extravagant memories frolic with the senses. The sound of laughter peals around the stage, visions of joyous tumblers and players fascinate the eyes. Regret and melancholy retreat in the face of a cavalcade of lively recollections of a life gloriously lived.

Cirque du Soleil

More information here.

5. WATCH A PUPPET SHOW (VARIOUS DATES)

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater moved to Highland Park during the Pandemic and in April they’re putting on one of their classics, that’s been redesigned and retooled for 2023. I’ve taken my daughter to several shows at Bob Baker’s old theatre, near downtown, and they’ve always been absolutely fantastic. Definitely one of the best things to do in LA in April.

¡FIESTA! features a marionette lineup of dancing cacti and colorful birds, marimba maestros from Xochimilco, a brand new Día de Muertos sequence, and a newly outfitted marionette mariachi band inspired by Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Ángeles! 

Bob Baker Marionette Theater

More information here.

6. WALT’S BARN (APRIL 20)

Everyone knows Disneyland is in Anaheim, near Los Angeles, but not many people know of this attraction in Griffith Park. Walt had a toy train set at his house in Holmby Hills, near Beverly Hills – and as you can believe that when we say “toy trains” we’re not talking about the Hornby train set you may have had as a child (like the one I had). Some of his toys are three-quarter size and even the smallest are pretty big. On the third Sunday of every month this small non-profit opens its doors for the general public to have a play. Did I mention it’s free?

More information here.

7. CHOCOLATE SUNDAES COMEDY @ THE LAUGH FACTORY (EVERY SUNDAY)

Who couldn’t do with a good laugh at the moment? The Laugh Factory is a very well established comedy institution here in LA, where many of the most famous comedians first started (and often return for surprise sets). This one “is unlike any other comedy show you’ve seen, featuring your favorite comedians, a hot DJ on the 1’s and 2’s, and LA’s sexiest crowd”. It’s free, although you’re expected to buy a couple of drinks.

More information here.

8. LA: FOOD + HISTORY + DESIGN TOUR (EVERY SUNDAY)

So many people – not only visitors to LA, but also residents – erroneously think that our city “doesn’t have much history”. How wrong they are! Why not spend a Sunday visiting some of the most historic sites here (where the city was founded), seeing some of the most iconic buildings in the World (such as Union Station, City Hall and the Walt Disney Concert Hall) and eating some great food (have you tried the French Dip sandwich, which was invented here?). Join us on a tour this month and let us show you a whole other side of Los Angeles.

More information here.

9. 2022 LA BEER FEST (APRIL 1)

Who doesn’t like beer? Well, if you don’t this event may not be for you – but if you do it might be right down your street. Taking place at Los Angeles Center Studios (the filming lot next to downtown, where shows like Mad Men were filmed), it “features over 80 breweries, 200 beers, LA’s best food trucks, live music, and much more!”

More information here.

10. GO TO A CONCERT AT THE MUSIC CENTER (VARIOUS DATES)

Talking of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, why not enjoy a concert there in April? It’s one of the best live music venues in the world, with one of the leading orchestras (the LA Phil) – and, arguably, classical music’s most charismatic conductor (Gustavo Dudamel). There’s a great program of concerts and events this month, including Jazz great Herbie Hancock, ‘Schumann and Scheherazade‘ and Mozart & Brahms. You can even improve the experience further by adding a Complimentary Wine Reception.

More information here.

If you have any feedback on the 10 Best Things to Do in LA in April please email us or reach out on social media, we’d love to hear from you.

– By Damien Blackshaw (Twitter)