Page 95 - 2022-2023 Travel Guide to California

SPECIAL EVENTS 2022 MUST
SEE,
DO
THE HOLLYWOOD REEL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL Screens new feature
films, documentaries, shorts and videos by emerging filmmakers. Feb. 26-28 at multiple
venues and locations in Los Angeles. hollywoodreelindependentfilmfestival.com
FESTIVAL OF BOOKS Meet hundreds of literary lights and browse the booths at one
of the largest book festivals in the country. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
celebrates its 27th year. April 23-24 at USC. events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks
LOTUS FESTIVAL This annual fête celebrates the Asian American community in Los
Angeles. Enjoy live music, food, dance and dragon boat races set against a backdrop of
blooming lotus flowerbeds. July 9 at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles.
facebook.com/lotusfestivalla
MIDSUMMER SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Featuring Measure for Measure, presented
by Ophelia’s Jump Productions, in co-production with Pomona College. Beautiful lawns
surrounding the theatre are perfect for BYOB picnicking; local restaurants offer picnic spe-
cials in town to bring to the show. A “Green Show” featuring local musicians and
performers begins at 7:00 p.m. each night. Thursdays to Sundays 8:00 p.m., July 14-24
Sontag Greek Theatre, Claremont opheliasjump.org
LOS ANGELES COMEDY FILM FESTIVAL The nation’s largest comedy festival fea-
tures film, live comedy acts and a screenplay competition. Held at the Let Live Theatre in
Los Angeles. July 28-Aug. 7. lafilmfestivals.com/la-comedy-fest
THE ABBOT KINNEY FESTIVAL Founded in 1984, this eco-conscious artisan and food
festival with live music attracts many to this bohemian-chic area in Venice. Located on a
one-mile stretch on Abbot Kinney Blvd. from Venice Blvd. to Main Street. Sept. 27 in Venice.
abbotkinney.org
WEST HOLLYWOOD CARNAVAL Every Oct. 31 along Santa Monica Boulevard in West
Hollywood, more than 500,000 people attend the world’s largest Halloween street party.
Dress up in your favorite costume and prepare to dance the night away.
visitwesthollywood.com/halloween-carnaval
The entertainment industry is an integral part of the local economy, annually con-
tributing $47 billion to the region. For decades, the name Hollywood has been synonymous
with the movie business, but today most studios have moved into neighboring suburbs
such as Burbank and Culver City.
Some of the better-known areas in LA County aren’t even cities but rather districts
or neighborhoods within Los Angeles, such as Hollywood, Silver Lake and Venice. In
ROSE PARADE, Pasadena, below; sunset, Los Angeles downtown skyline, opposite.
• HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME Launched
on Hollywood Boulevard at Vine Street in 1958, this
constellation of coral-pink terrazzo and brass
sidewalk stars honors motion picture, TV, radio,
recording, live theatre and sports entertainment
legends. Among the first honorees were Burt
Lancaster and Joanne Woodward—in 1994, Sophia
Loren became the 2,000th star. Today there are
more than 2,700 stars, with typically two added
monthly to the 15-block stretch of the boulevard.
Millions of visitors come every year to find their
favorite actors, directors, musicians and other
entertainment luminaries.
• walkoffame.com
• SANTA MONICA PIER Savor a Will Rogers Hot
Fudge Brownie Sundae, ride a vintage carousel, view
the area from the Ferris wheel (a movie celebrity in its
own right) and explore the amusement park on this
century-old pier. Snap a selfie by the End of the Trail
sign on the pier for the legendary Route 66, which
ends its 2,450-mile journey here.
• santamonicapier.org
• OLVERA STREET Known as the birthplace of Los
Angeles, this section of LA was the town center during
the colonial era under Spanish and Mexican rule
through most of the 19th century. Some vendors are the
descendants of the original merchants in this
marketplace, established in 1930 to preserve and bring
back “old Los Angeles” and its customs. Absorb the scent
of tacos and sounds of mariachi music amid the street
stalls and old structures. Browse lucha libre (Mexican
wrestling) masks, Day of the Dead figurines, piñatas and
other souvenirs in this block-long Mexican marketplace
located in Los Angeles Plaza Historic District.
• olvera-street.com
• VENICE BEACH BOARDWALK This 1.5-mile
pathway parallels the Pacific Ocean and is a never-
ending carnival of LA’s most outrageous characters.
Stroll past vendors and street performers trying to
impress you with their breakdancing or juggling.
Others may dress up as if every day is Halloween.
When you’re ready for a break, visit a restaurant or
juice bar, or simply walk down to the beach and
soak up some sun. And if you need souvenir T-
shirts or trinkets, or an affordable painting or
photograph, you’re bound to find it here.
• visitveniceca.com
• SEE IMPROV, SKETCH OR STAND-UP
COMEDY So many great comedians came out of
the clubs of Los Angeles, and you can still catch rising
stars honing their craft or legendary veterans trying
out new material. Notable clubs and improv troupes
include The Groundlings, Hollywood Improv Comedy
Club, Laugh Factory, Upright Citizens Brigade and
Comedy Store.
• thecomedybureau.com
• discoverlosangeles.com/blog/comedy-clubs-los-angeles
2022-23 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA 93