Best Things to Do in Los Angeles and Southern California: April 2026 Events Guide
From world-class storytelling and literary celebrations to immersive art installations and urban exploration, Southern California is packed with diverse experiences this month. Whether you’re looking for a night of laughter in Downtown L.A. Or a scenic ride through West LA, there’s something for every interest.
Upcoming Highlights for Mid-April
The coming days feature high-profile storytelling events and one of the region’s most anticipated literary gatherings.
The Moth Mainstage
The globally-beloved storytelling institution, The Moth, is returning to Southern California with two Mainstage shows. These events feature true stories told live and unscripted on stage.
- Los Angeles: Wednesday, April 15, at The Orpheum Theatre (842 S. Broadway, Downtown L.A.).
- Orange County: Thursday, April 16, at the Irvine Barclay Theater (4242 Campus Dr, Irvine). This marks the first time The Moth has brought its Mainstage show to Irvine.
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
On Saturday, April 18, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books takes over the University of Southern California (USC) University Park in Downtown L.A. This celebration of reading is a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar. Visitors can discover LAist at two separate locations: Booth 154, hosted by the marketing team, and Booth 723, hosted by the Education team.
Late April Experiences
As the month winds down, the events shift toward interactive trivia and community-driven urban mobility.
Go Fact Yourself LIVE
For those who enjoy competitive trivia, Go Fact Yourself LIVE arrives in Pasadena on Saturday, April 25. The event takes place at The Crawford (474 S. Raymond Ave.) and features actor Jennifer Morrison and musician Hrishikesh Hirway, along with other surprise guest experts, joining J. Keith and Helen for a unique trivia show.
CicLAvia—West LA
Experience the city from a different perspective on Sunday, April 26, during CicLAvia—West LA. This event encourages thousands of Angelenos to take to the route. Those attending can visit the LAist booth located at the Santa Monica Hub (12435 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles).
Looking Ahead: May Events
The momentum continues into early May with a massive celebration of art and history in the heart of the city.
Night at the Library: A Century of Light
On Saturday, May 2, the Richard J. Riordan Central Library (630 W. 5th St., Downtown L.A.) will host Night at the Library: A Century of Light. This immersive festival celebrates a century of light and will feature more than 200 artists, storytellers, and performers.
Quick Reference: Event Summary
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| April 15 | The Moth Mainstage (LA) | The Orpheum Theatre, Downtown L.A. |
| April 16 | The Moth Mainstage (OC) | Irvine Barclay Theater, Irvine |
| April 18 | LA Times Festival of Books | USC University Park, Downtown L.A. |
| April 25 | Go Fact Yourself LIVE | The Crawford, Pasadena |
| April 26 | CicLAvia—West LA | Santa Monica Hub, Los Angeles |
| May 2 | Night at the Library | Central Library, Downtown L.A. |
Key Takeaways for Attendees
- Downtown L.A. Hub: A significant number of events, including The Moth and the Festival of Books, are centered in the Downtown area.
- LAist Presence: If you are attending the Festival of Books or CicLAvia, look for the LAist booths for more information and community engagement.
- Diverse Programming: The schedule balances intellectual pursuits (literature and storytelling) with physical activity (CicLAvia) and immersive art.