28 Awesome Things to Do in May in Los Angeles
Summer is around the corner, and May is ushering in the start of endless fun with Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and More! Here’s the list of the best 28 things to do in May in Los Angeles if you’re looking for good vibes only all month long.
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Eat Something New (Ongoing May)
Things are pretty delicious in Los Angeles this May. Below are just some of the places you should be eating at, either because they’re new or doing something in a new way.
Honey Harissa “Hot Pickle” Cream Cheese, anyone? Beginning May 1st, you can get this specialty collab at H&H Bagels and online for the whole month. Be among the first 50 customers from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Santa Monica location on May 1st to get FREE Jars of Hot Girl Pickles in a variety of flavors. H&H also has a location in Echo Park.
Tokyo-born matcha café brand Nana’s Green Tea has got its first flagship U.S. location brewing. Visit them in Pasadena at 45 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103, beginning on May 9th, 2026, at 10 a.m. The first 100 Guests who follow them on Instagram will receive a special gift and the contest goes live on May 1st.
I love Los Angeles Centennial news, and the Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica is celebrating 100 years of both the hotel and Route 66 with specialty menu items. Visit their Terrazza restaurant for lunch to enjoy a Route $66 Special. It includes Casa Fries, a Caesar Salad with your choice of Protein, and a Classic or Dirty Martini. As stand-alones, this would run you about $80, so go get your kicks in May while you can.
If you’re heading out to Altadena for a meal, consider purchasing a gift card through their recovery program first. If you spend $100, you get an additional $50 back in credit to use at a list of local restaurants and shops. It’s a win-win.
Social-dining community, The Dinner Table, is partnering with Katana for a special dinner on May 7th from 7 to 10 p.m. Purchase tickets here. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends for a 3-course meal for less than $100.
Drink Something Memorable (Ongoing May)
On Sunday, May 3rd, Bar Next Door is celebrating its 3rd anniversary with FREE BAR PIES and Drink Specials. This also kicks off their Sunday food menu debut, which features next door neighbor Prince St. Pizza. Drink specials include $16 Cocktails and $8 Skyduster Beers. Hours are 5 p.m. to late.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has two brand new limited-time offerings that will have you feeling Margarita Vibes even on Monday at 9 a.m. The Mangonada and Pineappleada are inspired by the frozen Mangonada and feature cold-brew Ceylon tea, green coffee extract, and green tea infused with Vitamin B12, topped with some spicy Tajín. It’s a mellow lift that’s not too heavy on the calories either. Enjoy these until June 2nd, 2026.
Friday, May 16th, is the grand opening of Menotti’s Coffee Stop at West Edge in Santa Monica. Be among the first 75 guests on the 15th AND 16th, and you can treat yourself to a FREE Oat Milk Latte in partnership with Minor Figures and Hatchet Hall cookies.
The list of the 50 Best Bars in North America by World’s Best is out, and Los Angeles is home to two of them. Mírate in Los Feliz is listed again, this time at #28, while their sister concept, Daisy Margarita Bar in Sherman Oaks, is #44 in only its first year of business.
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Ongoing May)
Here are a few events to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. Events will be added as they come:
- April 29th to May 3rd: The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival will screen at venues throughout the city. So get out and see something new.
- May 17th: An AAPI dedicated Smorgasburg LA with Live Music, Family Programming, and, of course, Food Stalls. The free event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Row DTLA.
Enjoy Free Jazz Fridays at LACMA (Fridays in May beginning May 1st)
Sway to the sounds of FREE Jazz every Friday in May and continuing through November on the plaza of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, beginning at 6 p.m. Check the calendar to confirm who’s playing. It’s also a great chance to explore the new Geffen Galleries if you’re a member.
Get Out on First Fridays (May 1st)
There are several neighborhoods and museums where you can Party with the Dinosaurs, Enjoy Free Art, and Ditch the Driving on the 1st of the Month.
- The L.A. River Crawl in Frogtown is celebrating “All about the Animals” by asking attendees to leave their car behind and explore the river walk from 5 to 10 p.m. undisturbed. More details are on their website, including where to park (if you have to).
- The Norton Simon is offering Free First Fridays on May 1st, where you can explore the galleries from 4 to 7 p.m. without having to purchase a ticket.
- The Natural History Museum’s First Fridays is so popular that it’s sold out as of the time of publication. Set a reminder for next month if after-hours with an ankylosaurus sounds appealing to you.
- First Friday on Abbot Kinney is a Food Truck Fest on the Westside of town from 5 to 9:30 p.m. See the details here.
Don your Hat for Derby Day (May 2nd)
The Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 2nd, and I’m always in it for hattery over horse racing.
Baltaire in Brentwood is serving up a Julip-centric Brunch complete with Contests and a Viewing Party beginning at 11 a.m.
Meanwhile, Redbird in DTLA is hosting its annual Derby Party with Triple Crown Cocktails and Live Music from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The main race is at 3:45 p.m. Tickets are $65 and include passed appetizers, a buffet, and a cash bar. Reserve here.
Laugh till it Hurts at The Hollywood Bowl (May 4th-10th)
Beginning May 2nd, the Hollywood Bowl will be host to several of the biggest stars in comedy for the Netflix Is a Joke Festival. The comedy festival is happening ALL over Los Angeles for the first full week of May, but I’m honing in on the Bowl because it’s one of my favorite venues and still has tickets from $32 available with no fees. Below are those special seats:
- Netflix is a Joke Presents: Shane Gillis at 8 p.m. on May 4th
- Netflix is a Joke Presents: Louis C.K. at 7:30 p.m. on May 5th
- Netflix is a Joke Presents: Night of Too Many Stars at 7:30 p.m. on May 7th
- Netflix is a Joke Presents: John Mulaney at 7:30 p.m. on May 8th
- Netflix is a Joke Presents: FEID, Marcello Hernandez, and Sophia Niño de Rivera at 7 p.m. on May 10th
Party it up on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th)
Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French in Puebla back in 1862, and in Los Angeles, it seems we all take it as a day to celebrate by drinking.
If you care for the history of the event, head to Plaza Mexico’s annual Cinco de Mayo event on May 3rd from 2 to 10 p.m. Guests can expect Live Music, Soccer Inflatables, and a replica space of famous Mexican monuments.
On May 5th, head to the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in the birthplace of Los Angeles on Olvera Street. The day begins as early as 10 a.m. with Guided Tours that trace the early history of the city. There will also be musical guests, shopping, and a kids’ area. Happy Hour Drink Specials run from 2 to 4 p.m.
Tocaya, with locations in Studio City, Hollywood, Burbank, and more will be serving All-Day Specials like $2.50 Tacos, $3.50 Chips and Guacamole, and $6 Margaritas.
SOL Cocina in Playa Vista is celebrating starting May 1st with perks like Kids Eat Free (May 1st), $2 off Dos Equis Drafts and Bottles (May 2nd), and Taco Tuesday/All-Day Happy Hour on Cinco de Mayo.
Also, be sure to visit KA’TEEN in Hollywood on Tuesday, May 5th, for Cocktails and Bites beginning at 5:30 p.m. Reserve on Resy.
Visit the L.A. County Fair (May 7th-31st)
The L.A. County Fair is back in Pomona with Rides, Concerts, and all things Carnival. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday to Sunday, and you can purchase tickets on their website for Opening Day starting at $12, or about $20 most days. It’s $32 at the door (for adults).
Show Mom some Love on Mother’s Day (May 10th)
Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 10th, and nothing says I love you more than a day of pampering.
Start with a meal at the San Antonio Winery, whose restaurant, The 1917 Wine Bar + Bistro, is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for Dining or Wine Tasting from May 8th through the 10th.
Follow that up with a trip to NOW Massage, which offers affordable luxury with locations all over the city and specialty Massage and Enhancement Packages for Mother’s Day. Also new and fun this year is an immersive experience in The Santa Monica Proper Hotel’s Recovery Suite. There’s an Ammortal Chamber featuring light, sound, breathwork, and PEMF therapy, along with a Cold Plunge and an Infrared Sauna on a private terrace. The cost is around $145-$195 for 60 or 90 minutes, respectively. You don’t need to stay in the hotel to enjoy.
See more ideas in this dedicated Mother’s Day article.
Eat your Heart Out at EEEEETSCON LA (May 16th and 17th)
EEEEATSCON, from The Infatuation, is designed to feel like a music festival instead of a food fest: “For people who want more from a food festival than just tasting-sized portions and cooking demonstrations.”
Expect Musical Performances and bites including Bistro Na, Henrietta, Rasarmurah, and a special debut of Peeeeeach Mart by Momofuko.
Tickets cost $25, but that’s just to enter! You have to purchase all the food after that point, but it keeps you from wasteful overeating.
The event takes place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica from 12 to 6 p.m.
Exhale at the Montana Avenue Wellness Walk & Sidewalk Sale (May 16th)
On Saturday, May 16th, Montana Avenue will host its annual Wellness Walk & Sidewalk Sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event blends Fitness, Self-Care, and Shopping into something irresistible for Angelnos. Curated experiences include Pilates, South Baths, and Facials, among others.
Unleash your Inner Collector (May 23rd-24th)
Front Row Card Show is hosting their two-day event for all things Collectible, May 23rd and 24th at the Pasadena Convention Center. The event includes 770 Tables of Cards, Comics, and More from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a special VIP Hour at 10 a.m. daily There’s also a Trade Night from 5 to 9 p.m. on May 23rd, which is FREE to enjoy with your ticket. It’s a chance to show off your own collection. Be among the first 200 guests on each day to get a FREE SWAG BAG. Tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door. VIP Admission is $20 online or $30 at the door. The best deal, though, has to be $25 for VIP for BOTH DAYS when you purchase ahead of time. Get your tickets here. Kids 10 and under are FREE.
Celebrate the Last Friday of the Month (May 29th)
Golden Hour: Music in the Garden is beginning at The Norton Simon Museum for the summer season. Jazz begins at 4:30 p.m., and the concert is FREE with your admission ticket.
Barnsdall Art Park is also bringing back their Barnsdall Wine Tasting and Live Music Series on May 29th, and it offers one of the best vistas in Los Angeles while you lounge around on blankets surrounding a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets go on sale May 1st.
Enjoy Movies Outside (Ongoing)
Participate in some of these food+film screenings where it really starts to feel like summer.
- Cinespia is your home for film screenings under the stars, starting on May 23rd with E.T. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.. Also on the list for this month is Moulin Rouge on May 24th and Mulholland Drive on May 25th. All showings are at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Tickets are available on the website.
- The Street Food Cinema Schedule has got a roving Food Truck meets Front Row Screening thing going on at locations from Pasadena to Grand Hope Park. It all kicks off on May 1st with Half-oween screenings of scary films.
Cash in on a New Sports Bar Opening (Ongoing May & June)
Every Friday between now and their June opening, Pawn Shop is hiding gift cards at small businesses and neighborhood spots across LA, with clues dropping on their Instagram. Keep your eyes open for denominations that match sports trivia, like $23 for Jordan and LeBron, and $42 for Jackie Robinson.
Celebrate Memorial Day (May 25th)
Memorial Day on May 25th brings with it a day of remembrance and the unofficial start of summer. Celebrate with LA Fleet Week maritime activities, and a trip to the County Fair if you haven’t been yet. It’s open just that Monday for $25 a person.
Taste the Best Hamburgers in Los Angeles
International Hamburger Day falls on May 28th, and May is also Burger Month, so there’s no better excuse to go out and eat! Among the best in Los Angeles is The Window, Burgers Never Say Die in Silverlake, and of course, In-N-Out, with locations all over.
If you’re looking to score a deal, West Coast chain Farmer Boys will be offering their Big Cheese® Burger for just $3.99 when you use the Farmer Boys VIF App on May 28th.
Love reading and learning of all the places in LA!
The 1917 Bistro looks terrific as the Burke Williams Day Spa 🙂
Wish I was in LA
Thank you for always reading! You’ll need to visit.
May in Los Angeles is filled with excitement, from Dine L.A. to Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day. If you’re looking for fun things to do, check out the 28 awesome ideas on this blog, including trying new restaurants during Dine L.A., attending the First Fridays event at the Natural History Museum, and enjoying free jazz at LACMA on Fridays. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a few special events.