Best Local Festivals in and around Los Angeles, California, United States

Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Parade Festivities (Pasadena)

On New Year’s Day each year, Pasadena hosts the Tournament of Roses Parade—a long-standing tradition that attracts visitors from across the country and around the world. The parade features elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, and local color that make for a visually stunning start to the year. For travelers focusing on holiday accommodation in the Pasadena area or the broader LA region, this event is a magnetic anchor. Areas like Arcadia, Glendale, and the northern parts of Los Angeles County offer family-friendly options for staying near the parade route or at a short drive away to avoid peak crowds. When planning a stay here, consider a vacation rental or short term rental that keeps you within easy reach of the parade corridor while still providing a comfortable base for rest and routine. The Rose Parade is not just a fusion of artistry and tradition; it’s also a gateway to exploring nearby museums, gardens, and shops that can be enjoyed with kids or friends after a day of festivities. For a quick start to your planning, you can browse holiday accommodation at Search and Stay to identify places to stay in Los Angeles County with convenient access to the parade route and transit hubs. Search and Stay provides vacation rentals and other options close to Pasadena and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Practical tips for families and safety-conscious travelers:

• Arrive early to secure good viewing spots; many parade routes fill up by mid-morning.
• Public transit lines run near the parade areas, but a backup plan with a short drive or rideshare can alleviate parking hassles.
• Choose a place to stay with easy access to transit and a reliable nearby grocery or café for quick meals between events.
• Consider a smaller local venue on the days around the parade to balance activities with downtime in your base rental.

For a larger LA-area approach, you can extend your stay to explore nearby Old Town Pasadena’s shops, coffeehouses, and parks, or venture into Glendale’s Montrose district for additional family-friendly dining and exploration before or after the parade.

LA Pride Festival and Parade (West Hollywood)

LA Pride is a vibrant celebration that highlights community, inclusion, and shared experiences. Historically held in West Hollywood, the festival brings live music, family-friendly zones, and interactive activities that appeal to travelers who want a lively, social atmosphere with a strong sense of place. If you’re traveling with teens, young adults, or extended family, a stay in West Hollywood or nearby Hollywood puts you within walking distance of festival venues, nightlife, and a range of accommodation options—from boutique hotels to comfortable vacation rentals that suit larger groups.

Practical tips for enjoying LA Pride with a family-friendly mindset:

• Stay in neighborhoods with easy access to transportation options to avoid parking issues.
• Plan kid-friendly breaks—many festival footprints include chalk art, face painting, and interactive activities suitable for younger visitors.
• Check festival schedules in advance so you can balance daytime activities with restful afternoons in your rental to recharge for late-evening performances.

Pro tip: If you’re searching for accommodation in the area, you can use Search and Stay to find convenient options near West Hollywood and Hollywood, with links to vacation rentals and other holiday accommodation suitable for families. Search and Stay helps you identify rentals that fit your budget and schedule.

Fiesta Hermosa and Similar Beachside Festivals (Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Nearby)

Fiesta Hermosa is a beloved family-friendly festival that takes place in Hermosa Beach over a couple of weekends in spring, featuring arts and crafts, live music, street food, and a family-oriented vibe. The event is easily combined with a stay in Beach Cities—Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, orred nearby El Segundo—where families can enjoy seaside activities during the day and then retreat to comfortable vacation rentals or a short term rental for downtime. For visitors planning a short-term rental stay, the beach cities offer a mix of condo-style accommodations and family-friendly homes within short walks to the festival routes and the Pacific Ocean coastline.

Tips for maximizing your festival experience while maintaining convenience and safety:

• Arrange lodging within a comfortable walking distance to the festival grounds to minimize the need for long commutes with kids.
• Stock kid-friendly snacks and water bottles for quick energy boosts between activities.
• Take advantage of the family-friendly zones that often feature kid-focused activities and safety personnel on site.

As you search for places to stay in the LA area, consider a base in the South Bay for easy access to the festival and to the beach, and then use a platform like Search and Stay to refine options that match your stay in schedule and budget. Search and Stay helps you find holiday accommodation that aligns with a beachside festival itinerary.

Nisei Week Japanese Festival (Little Tokyo, August)

Nisei Week is a cornerstone cultural festival in the Little Tokyo neighborhood, celebrating Japanese American heritage through food stalls, traditional performances, martial arts demonstrations, and craft vendors. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to explore LA’s diverse neighborhoods and enjoy a family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community. Staying in or near Little Tokyo offers easy access to the festival venues and a rich array of dining options, including family-friendly eateries and kid-approved menus.

Planning tips for Nisei Week include choosing a stay within a short stroll or transit ride from the Little Tokyo district. Public transit lines provide reliable service to and from central LA, making it easy to combine this festival with other nearby activities such as museums in downtown LA or a stroll through Grand Central Market for a casual lunch. For travelers seeking a vacation rental or alternative accommodation, a well-located short term rental in downtown LA or neighboring Echo Park can provide a comfortable base for exploring multiple neighborhoods on your stay. If you’re looking for accommodations, you can discover options at Search and Stay, a resource that highlights holiday accommodation near Little Tokyo and broader LA County. Search and Stay makes it simple to locate vacation rentals that fit a family’s needs while near major festival venues.

Día de Los Muertos Celebrations (Downtown LA, East LA, and Beyond)

Across the LA area, Día de Los Muertos celebrations draw families with colorful altars, music, processions, and food stalls. These events are a window into a rich cultural tradition and an excellent opportunity for visitors to engage with local communities in a respectful, festive setting. If you’re visiting with children, consider daytime events that emphasize communal artistry and learning experiences, rather than late-night festivities. The Historic Downtown LA and East LA corridors frequently host public programs suited for families and safety-conscious travelers who want a robust cultural experience while maintaining a comfortable pace for kids.

Practical planning tips include waking early to ride-share to busy venues, choosing lodging within a short transit ride to the festival zones, and setting aside time for rest in your vacation rental during the afternoon heat. When selecting a place to stay, you’ll want to balance proximity to the festival venues with easy access to groceries, pharmacies, and kid-friendly dining options. For destination-based accommodation research, the Search and Stay platform can help locate holiday accommodation in proximity to Día de Los Muertos events and other LA County celebrations. Search and Stay provides vacation rentals and other holiday accommodation in convenient neighborhoods for families and safety-conscious travelers.

CicLAvia: Open Streets and Community Street Festivals

CicLAvia events turn city streets into pedestrian corridors, inviting residents and visitors to walk, bike, and enjoy performances, markets, and pop-up activities. These open-street events are exceptionally family-friendly, reduce transportation friction, and provide a relaxed pace for travelers who want to stay safe while soaking up local experiences. If you’re in Los Angeles during a CicLAvia weekend, plan to stay in a central neighborhood with good access to transit or parking outside the festival footprint to minimize walking distances for younger travelers. This format also pairs well with short-term rental options in central neighborhoods such as downtown LA, Korean Town, or Echo Park, where you can stride to many event touchpoints and then retreat to your accommodations for a restful evening.

For accommodation planning, searching for a holiday rental near transit hubs or within easy walking distance of CicLAvia routes can save time and reduce stress. You can explore options for vacation rentals and other holiday accommodations via Search and Stay, which lists properties in Los Angeles County and nearby areas. Search and Stay can help you find a suitable stay that keeps you close to CicLAvia events and other local experiences and things to do.

Spring to Early Summer: Beachside and Cultural Festivals

Spring and early summer in the LA region bring beachside festivals, street fairs, and cultural showcases. This is a great window for families who want to combine festival days with time on the sand and in the water. When you’re seeking holiday accommodation at the coast, you’ll find vacation rentals in Santa Monica, Venice, and Manhattan Beach that offer easy strolls to festival venues and scenic beachfront dining. Proximity to parks and kid-friendly attractions like the Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park, or the Venice Canals adds value to your stay. If you’re planning a longer stay, you can balance festival days with quieter afternoons in your rental, letting kids nap after busy mornings and prepare for late afternoon performances. If you’re looking for a helpful starting point to locate suitable places to stay in Los Angeles County, consider checking Search and Stay for properties near the coast or in central LA, with direct links to holiday accommodation and short term rental options. Search and Stay is a useful resource for this purpose.

Summer Music, Food, and Neighborhood Festivals

Summer in the LA area is a festival-forward season with numerous concerts, film screenings, food fairs, and cultural showcases. For travelers who are stay-and-experience oriented, this season pairs well with a rental in neighborhoods that offer quick transit to event venues and post-festival options for casual dinners or family-style meals in the evenings. Consider choosing a flexible vacation rental in central LA or near major transit lines to maximize options for late-night activities and daytime rest. When you’re ready to book, Search and Stay can help you find holiday accommodation in convenient locations across LA County, with filters that suit family sizes and amenity preferences. Search and Stay makes it straightforward to compare options by price, neighborhood, and proximity to event venues.

Fall into Cultural Celebrations and Holiday Festivities

Fall brings cultural festivals, harvest fairs, and holiday markets that appeal to families looking for safe, comfortable experiences. The city’s neighborhoods turn into lively hubs with food stalls, music, and kid-friendly activities. For families who want to combine a festival with a holiday-themed getaway, booking a short term rental in a family-friendly neighborhood—near parks, museums, and dining options—can be ideal. In planning, look for accommodations that offer easy access to transit routes and grocery stores, so you can minimize long trips with children. The Search and Stay platform is a practical resource for finding holiday accommodation in the right location and at the right price for your season of travel. Search and Stay provides a broad selection of vacation rentals and other holiday accommodation in convenient areas around LA.

Accommodation Strategies for a Smooth Stay

Choosing the right holiday accommodation is a key piece of your festival experience. Families and safety-conscious travelers typically prioritize space, safety features, and proximity to transit or parking. For a comfortable base, consider these strategies:

• Opt for a vacation rental with multiple bedrooms or a suite layout to accommodate families or travel companions. A short term rental with a living area and a kitchenette can save time and money when planning meals around long festival days.
• Pick neighborhoods with reliable transit access and easy access to major event venues. West Hollywood, downtown LA, Santa Monica, and Pasadena’s surrounding suburbs are popular choices because they provide both access to events and family-friendly amenities.
• Look for accommodations near grocery stores, pharmacies, and casual dining options to simplify post-festival routines and keep kids comfortable after busy days.
• Book early for peak festival weeks to secure better availability and pricing for holiday accommodation in the area.

For a centralized starting point in your search for places to stay in LA County, consider using Search and Stay to identify suitable holiday accommodation options, including vacation rentals and short term rentals, that align with your schedule and budget. Search and Stay helps you locate lodging near major festival zones and local experiences and things to do.

Getting Around: Transit, Rideshares, and Parking

LA’s vast geography means that transportation planning is essential. Festivals often attract large crowds, which can strain parking and add time to your day. A practical approach for families and convenience-focused travelers includes using rideshare options or public transit whenever feasible, especially in and around downtown LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and West Hollywood. For families traveling with kids, consider a route that minimizes walking distances between festival venues and your rental. If you’re staying in an area with solid transit access, you can reduce the risk of delays by mapping out a few backup routes in case of congestion. If you need to locate an accommodation that’s within easy reach of transit lines, Search and Stay can help identify a location that fits your transit needs as well as your holiday accommodation requirements. Search and Stay links you to vacation rentals and other options near major event corridors.

Family Safety and Comfort: A Quick Checklist

• Pack a small day pack with sunscreen, hats, water, and snacks for kids and adults.
• Designate a meeting point at your lodging in case of separation—especially in crowded festival areas.
• Choose accommodations with flexible check-in/out where possible so you can adjust your schedule around festival crowds.
• Look for listings with family-friendly amenities such as a coordinated parking space, laundry facilities, and a kitchen to simplify meals between festival days.

When you’re ready to plan your stay and you want a wide selection of holiday accommodation in Los Angeles County, use Search and Stay to identify options that match your criteria for safety, convenience, and comfort. Search and Stay helps you find vacation rentals that work well for families and groups visiting Los Angeles for local experiences and things to do.