Look, I get it. You're scrolling through your phone this morning thinking "what are the actual things going on in LA today that won't be a total waste of time?" I've lived here 12 years, and half the event lists feel like they're written by robots pushing sponsored content. Not today. We're cutting through the noise with real details – prices, parking hacks, which spots are overrated – because your time is too valuable for bad plans. Let's dive into what's actually happening.
LA's Can't-Miss Events Happening Right Now
I drove past three different "exclusive" events yesterday that were basically Instagram traps with $28 juice. Here's what's genuinely worth your time instead:
Concerts That Won't Empty Your Wallet
| Artist/Venue | Location | Time | Price Range | Parking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jazz Night at The Baked Potato | 3787 Cahuenga Blvd, Studio City | 8:30 PM - 11 PM | $15 cover + 2 drink min | Valet only ($12) or Uber – street parking impossible |
| Indie Showcase at The Echo | 1822 Sunset Blvd, Echo Park | 7 PM doors | $10-$20 (cash only!) | Lot behind venue $10, or park on Glendale Blvd |
| Mariachi Divas at Hollywood Bowl | 2301 N Highland Ave | 7:30 PM | $25 lawn seats | TAKE THE SHUTTLE ($7 from Metro stations) – trust me |
Saw the Mariachi Divas last summer. Yeah, the Bowl's sound is incredible, but getting out of that parking lot? Absolute nightmare. Shuttle saves you 90 minutes of frustration.
Art Exhibits Beyond the Basic Instagram Spots
- Interactive Light Maze at LACMA (5905 Wilshire Blvd): Open 10 AM - 7 PM. $25 admission (includes general entry). Pro tip: Go after 3 PM when school groups leave. Skip the overpriced cafe – walk to Farmers Market on Fairfax instead.
- Underground Street Art Tour (Arts District): 1 PM & 4 PM daily. $35/person. Meet at Hauser & Wirth (901 E 3rd St). Actual street artists guide you – not those cheesy bus tours. Saw one last month – mind-blowing stories.
- Free Thursday at MOCA (250 S Grand Ave): Open until 8 PM. $0 admission. Crowded? Yeah. But no worse than waiting for brunch. Skip the permanent collection if you're short on time – focus on the contemporary wing.
Local Rant: The "Urban Light" installation at LACMA? Cute photo op, but honestly it's just lamp posts. Spend your time inside the actual galleries instead. My cousin visited last week expecting some grand art piece and was like "That's it?"
Family-Friendly Stuff That Doesn't Suck (For Parents Either)
Been dragged to enough kiddie hellscapes to know the difference. These won't make you want to hide in the bathroom:
Top 3 Picks for Today
| Activity | Spot Details | Cost | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Griffith Park Pony Rides | 4400 Crystal Springs Dr. 10 AM - 4 PM | $10 for 3 laps (cash only) | Before 11 AM – ponies get sluggish in heat |
| Kidspace Bug Fair | 480 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena. 9:30 AM - 5 PM | $16.95/person (under 1 free) | Morning hours – way less chaotic |
| Santa Monica Pier Carousel | 200 Santa Monica Pier. Opens 11 AM | $2/ride | Weekdays after 2 PM – school groups gone |
Took my nephew to that pony ride last month. Fun? Sure. But wear closed-toe shoes – that dirt area gets muddy. And pack hand sanitizer.
Free Things Going On in LA Today (Yes, Really)
Because $18 smoothies shouldn't be your only option:
- Hollywood Farmers Market (Ivar & Selma Ave): Until 1 PM. Free samples galore – cheese, fruit, bread. Go hungry.
- Venice Beach Skate Dance Party (Muscle Beach area): 6 PM - 9 PM. Free to watch. These skaters move like they’re on ice. Bring a blanket.
- Sunset Meditation at Point Dume (Westward Beach Rd, Malibu): 6:45 PM start. Free (donations welcome). Local yogis host – no weird chanting vibes.
Personal Hack: The Getty Center is technically free, but parking costs $20. Solution? Park at the VA Hospital lot nearby (free after 3 PM) and Uber up. Saved me $140 last year.
Food Events Worth the Calories
Skipping the overhyped pop-ups – here’s where locals actually eat:
Taco Tuesday Specials (That Aren't Sad Desk Nachos)
| Spot | Address | Deal | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonoratown | 208 E 8th St, DTLA | $2.50 carne asada tacos until 8 PM | ★★★★★ (4.9 on Google) |
| Guisados | Multiple locations | $1.75 mini tacos (min 3 order) | ★★★★☆ (4.7) |
| Mariscos Jalisco | 3040 E Olympic Blvd | $13 shrimp taco platter (3 tacos + beans) | ★★★★★ (4.8) |
Ate at Sonoratown yesterday. Those flour tortillas? Life-changing. But go early – line wraps around the block by 6:30 PM.
Sports & Action
For when you need to scream at something besides traffic:
- LAFC vs. Portland Timbers (BMO Stadium). 7:30 PM kickoff. Tickets from $45 on SeatGeek. Expo Line drops you right there.
- Outdoor Yoga Hike (Runyon Canyon): 9 AM meet at Fuller Ave gate. Free (bring mat). Sweat with mountain views.
- Midnight Roller Disco (Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale): 11 PM - 2 AM. $15 + $5 skate rental. Warning: Serious 70s vibes.
Stuff I’d Skip Today (Save Your Cash)
Being real with you:
- That "Secret" Rooftop Cinema Club: $45 for a folding chair? Nah. Catch free movies at Street Food Cinema instead.
- Malibu Wine Safari: $85 to pet llamas? The zoo does it better for $22.
- DTLA "Speakeasy" Bars: Most are just dark rooms charging $18 for well drinks. Head to Thunderbolt in Echo Park instead.
Critical Need-to-Knows Before You Go
Traffic Reality Check: Google Maps says 25 minutes from Santa Monica to DTLA? Double it. Always. Saw someone miss their concert last week trusting that estimate.
- Parking Apps: SpotAngels beats ParkWhiz – shows free street spots near venues.
- Public Transit: Metro Micro ($1 rides) covers short hops in 10 zones. Way faster than Uber in rush hour.
- Weather Prep: Coastal fog? Bring layers. Valley heat? Water bottle + hat. Sounds obvious but tourists always shiver at sunset.
Your Top Questions Answered (Things Going On in LA Today FAQ)
What are cheap things to do in LA tonight?
Free comedy at The Satellite (Silver Lake) – 8 PM show. Two-drink minimum, but PBRs are $4. Or catch the Venice drum circle at sunset (free, magical).
Where's the best place for last-minute event tickets?
Ace Theatre shows often release $20 "rush" tickets at 10 AM day-of. Follow @LATicketDeals on Twitter.
How do I avoid scams with "things going on in LA today" listings?
If they demand payment via Venmo without a website? Red flag. Legit venues use Eventbrite or direct box office links. Got burned last year on fake art walk tickets.
Any indoor activities for bad weather days?
New arcade bar Button Mash (Echo Park) has vintage games + killer Thai food. $10 cover, unlimited play.
What events are best for solo visitors?
Smorgasburg LA (Sunday only) – easy to wander and chat with vendors. Or the Huntington Library – nobody judges you for reading plaques alone.
Final thought? LA's things going on today scene changes faster than freeway lanes. Check Instagram stories of venues (@discoverlosangeles is solid) before heading out – cancellations happen. That warehouse party might've moved to a parking garage. Typical LA. But hey, that's why we love it. Now go actually enjoy those things going on in LA today instead of just reading about them.