What to Do in Los Angeles in February (2020)

This post covers things to do in Los Angeles in February, including free, family-friendly, as well as nighttime events and activities, all updated for 2020. 

 

 

LOS ANGELES HOTEL DEALS ON TRIPADVISOR – If you haven’t already booked your accommodations.

TOP 10 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY

For more ideas on popular activities and attractions in LA, see our popular posts here: 

1. Go to a Concert

There are a lot of concert venues in Los Angeles. We’ve listed the highlights below, but you can find all the February concerts here.

 

 

Find all the Los Angeles concerts here.

2. Go to a Sporting Event

February is a wonderful month to enjoy a Los Angeles game! Check the information below for game specifics.

 

 Hockey

Basketball  

Football  

Seeing a big game is a great way to spend your afternoon or evening! For more things to do at night, check the section down below.

See all the sporting events here.

3. Attend the Theatre

Live theatre is a wonderful thing to enjoy while traveling. L.A.  has several options in February.

Los Angeles loves to entertain! Here are just a few of the many plays and ballets happening this month.

 

 

Find all the theatrical productions in town here.

4. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass

To make the most out of your time in LA, and save a lot of money while seeing the sights, consider purchasing a tourist attraction discount pass.

You’ll pay one fee upfront and receive free or highly discounted entry into many of the city’s most popular attractions and activities.

 

 

Tourist discount passes work by bundling multiple tickets into one price, usually between 20%-50% the retail price.   

Read our post comparing the different LA tourist discount passes. Several bus tour companies, including hop-on-hop-off buses, also offer discounts and deals.

For more ideas for any time of year, be sure to read our master post on Things to do in LA.

 5. Annual Golden Dragon Parade 

On February 1st, 2020, celebrate the Lunar New Year with the 120th annual Gold Dragon Parade. There will be festivals, parades and a lot of colors all over L.A.

 

 

Head to Chinatown, catch the historic Golden Dragon Parade that entertains spectators with nearly two dozen floats, marching bands, cultural groups, and entertainers among others.

A Los Angeles tradition, the parade draws over 100,000 people annually.

6. Go on a Sightseeing Tour

We offer pay-what-you-like walking tours or you can try our self-guided walking tours.  Check out our calendar to book a guided walking tour.

 

 

If you’re looking for a bus tour, we have a great comparison of L.A.’s best. From hop-on-hop-off buses to nonstop our nighttime tours, you’ll find one to suit you. 

Another option is to check out a studio tour. See what it is like to be a working Hollywood actor or a gaffer. Or find out what a gaffer does! 

Check out our post about studio tour options. 

7. Attend a Photography Show in Santa Monica

On January 30-February 2 you can venture out to lovely Santa Monica to attend the 28th annual photo L.A. show.  

 

 

There will be over 60 national and international artists and dealers. Come for the lectures, events, and even docent tours of the Banker Hanger- a perfect backdrop to the event!

Be sure to buy tickets in advance from the event site.

8. Take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour

This is a fantastic family-friendly outing for anyone who is a fan of the Warner Bros. movie and TV properties like Harry Potter, DC Universe movies, or Friends. 

 

 

The Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood tour will take you through exhibits with props, vehicles, and clothing items, as well as fun set pieces that let you feel like you’re in the scene!

The best thing about these tours is that they’re included or discounted with several discount passes and combo packages.

9. Celebrate Valentine’s Day

La La Land is the perfect setting to celebrate the national day of love.  There are many activities surrounding the V-day theme to choose from.  

Head to DTLA to the famous Grand Park for a free music event of “Lovers Rock” at 7:00 pm on February 14th. 

 

 

Another option is to celebrate at the el Capitan which will be playing a Disney movie that is sure to get your heart pounding. 

On February 15, the Getty Museum will be hosting a Watson Adventure Scavenger hunt that is called “The Naked at the Getty Scavenger Hunt”. 

10. Laugh with Ali Wong and Jo Koy

With multiple Netflix specials, and after writing and starring in a movie, Ali Wong is quickly becoming a household name for comedy fans. You can catch Ali for two shows at the end of the month.

NOTE: If you can get out to Long Beach, there are two more opportunities to see her on February 1, 2020!

 

 

Jo Koy will also be having two shows in the area this month.

Make sure to have physically-printed tickets to ensure a smooth entry into the venues for both comedians.

Find all the comedy shows in February here.

 

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THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN FEBRUARY

Below is just a sampling of the many things to do at night in February.

 

 

For suggestions on other nighttime activities, see our post, Things to do at Night in LA.

Sleepless: Quinceanera Reimagined

The Music Center is hosting a fun-filled event on February 9 between 11:20 pm – 3:00 am with their Sleepless: Music Center After Hours series. 

This one will be a Quinceanera Reimagined.  

There will be live bands, DJs, art installations, improv groups- and so much more. This is an event that should not be missed. Click here for more information.

Go to the Cirque du Soleil Show

During February, you can catch the Cirque du Soleil Volta show in Los Angeles. It is a truly unique experience and fun for the whole family.  

Helene Grimaud Concert 

Head to the Walt Disney Concert Hall (which is the meeting location for our Downtown L.A. tour) to enjoy famous pianist Helene Grimaud on February 26th.

Live Taping of the Bachelor

Any Bachelor fans out there? The show occasionally has need of a live audience for pivotal episodes.

There is a live taping event on February 28. BYOR (Bring your own rose).

See Oprah

On February 29 Oprah will be doing a live show at the Forum! Here is one option to buy tickets.

See Live Stand-Up Comedy

If you’re in need of a good laugh, Los Angeles is home to some of the best comedy clubs and improv in the world and there are a lot of notable comedians who perform here throughout the year.

Improv Comedy

Stand-Up Comedy

During the month of February, you can expect the following famous comedians to host stand-up specials in the LA area:

  • Ali Wong | February 1 at Long Beach Terrace Theatre
  • Jo Koy  | February 21-22 at the Forum
  • Ali Wong | February 22 at Fred Kavli Theatre

Find all the comedy shows in January here.

Check out a Los Angeles Bar

There are many places to get a good drink in L.A.  Below are just a sample of suggestions.

  • Visit the Idle Hour in North Hollywood- the building is literally a giant barrel, plus they have trivia on Tuesday nights.
  • Bar Clacson is the place to go for an AMAZING cocktail.  It is one of Eric Alperin’s bars and he is big in the “mixologist” world.  
  • Check out Hollywood’s favorite speak-easy No Vacancy.  It is a very unique experience!
  • Want to go back in time to a Hollywood-style swing bar?  Go to the Cicada Club.
  • Looking for a themed- bar?  Try Scum & Villainy in Hollywood- It is a STAR WARS themed bar.

For suggestions on other nighttime activities, read the other sections of this post or our post on things to do at night in LA.

 

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FREE THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY

Los Angeles always has free events for the whole family to attend. 

 

 

For even more free activities, see our Guide to free things to do in LA.

Free Monday Night Concerts at Echo

If you love live music and are on a budget- head over to Echo on a Monday night for their free Monday night residency (18 +). 

Check out this hot spot on days other than Monday and the tickets are still very reasonable.

Public Star Party at Griffith Park Observatory 

One Saturday every month (February 1 and 29) the Observatory hosts a night where guests can try amazing telescopes.

 

Griffith Park at Night in LA

 

The event runs between 2:00 pm – 9:45 pm on the lawn. You can also check out the free museum while you are there!

Ciclavia Bike Event

Los Angeles has an event every other month for bike enthusiasts called Ciclavia. This event is free and you do not need to have your bike! 

The streets are shut down in a specific neighborhood for locals to roam and explore the streets, bike, and enjoy the community.

Click here for more information.

Go for a Hike during L.A.’s Winter Weather

The weather in LA in December can be crystal clear blue skies with very moderate temperatures, making it the perfect climate for a lovely afternoon hike.

 

LA View from Griffith Observatory

 

For a popular option, check out Runyon Canyon Park where you’ll have 360-degree views of downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign & Griffith Observatory, and even the ocean on clear days. It’s free to hike in the park! 

TIP: Check out our post on Things to do in Griffith Park for even more hiking options!

Attend a Live Taping

There is nothing more Hollywood than attending a live taping and it is free! 

Many T.V. shows and game shows tape in LA, of course. 

Looking for tips and tricks to getting free tickets? Check out our live taping blog here.

See Los Angeles from Above 

Catch the (free!) views from above on the observation deck at LA’s City Hall downtown.

The observation deck is open on weekdays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and provides spectacular views of the city. 

If you plan to see the view for yourself note that you’ll enter the building through the doors on Main Street.  You’ll be passing through a metal detector upon entering the building and you’ll need a valid photo ID card with you. 

For even more nighttime activities, check out our master post on things to do at night in LA post. 

 

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THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN FEBRUARY

There are lots of things to do in L.A. with families! Here are a few more kid-friendly activities for the month of February.

 

 

Be sure to read our full post on things to do with kids in LA.

Watch the Harlem Globetrotters 

Head to a few different Southern California locations to check out the Harlem Globetrotters on several dates in February 2020, but on February 16, 2020-they will be at the United Center.

This celebrated exhibition basketball team who combine comedy and theatre with their style of Basketball. The Harlem Globetrotters put on a fun event for people of all ages! 

There is an additional matinee performance at the Staples Center at 2 pm on February 17th. 

Take a Day to Go to Disneyland

February is the best month to visit world-famous Disneyland! Why? Because most American schools are back in session so the lines are short!  

Plus, it is “winter” in California so the weather is perfect for a day of romping around riding rides. 

For more ideas of things to do with kids in LA, see our post things to do in LA with kids.

Head to Universal Studio Themepark

The whole family will enjoy this movie-themed theme park.  There are roller coasters, rides, attractions, and shows! 

 

Universal Studios Hollywood Tour LA

 

Universal is also home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as well as the world-famous Studio Tour.  

Pro-Tip: The third car is the best car (tip directly from a studio tour guide!) Also, if you want to raise your chances of spotting a working celebrity- the best time to take a tour is Monday-Friday.  

Visit the Automotive Museum

Vintage car lovers flock to the Petersen Automotive Museum where its extensive collection studies the history of the automobile and its impact on culture. 

Check out over 250 vehicles in the “vault” as well as a number of rotating exhibits.  

For kiddos, there is a super cool Disney Pixar Cars exhibit where you can work to create your own virtual race car.

Visit the Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier has been entertaining visitors since 1909 and now also houses Pacific Park.

Pacific Park is a small amusement park but has rides, carnival games, and delicious dining options.  

 

Santa Monica Pier at Night

 

While February will be chilly, there is nothing like sipping hot cocoa while staring at the ocean!

For more ideas of things to do with kids in LA, see our post Things to do in LA with Kids.

 

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About the author

Chicago Tour guide Mel
Manager | Chicago & Los Angeles

Mel loves to be a tourist in her own city. With a background in performing arts, tourism, and photography, giving tours and being a story-teller comes naturally to her. She loves traveling, food, and theatre. Mel splits her time between Chicago and Los Angeles (#theatrelife) and leads tours and manages both cities!