Things to do in SoCal

There are many things to do across SoCal to start getting into the holiday spirit. Here is a list of some events worth checking out:

The Brady Experience

Launching in May for a limited time only, “The Brady Bunch” fans can embark on a semi private-self guided visit into “the most iconic home in TV history” — and featured on HGTV’s “Very Brady Renovation.” They’ll be fully immersed during a walkthrough that brings the beloved Los Angeles home to life, with immaculate details, unforgettable rooms and all the nostalgic charm viewers have dreamed of over the years. Bookings will open up shortly. Join the waitlist and find out more information here.

‘Roots & Rails’

Metro Art will hold a free bluegrass event at LA’s Union Station on May 2, a first-of-its-kind experience in the historic ticket concourse. The all-ages “Roots and Rails” night is open to the public. RSVPs are recommended but not required, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 40 visitors who present their TAP cards at the Metro Art information table will receive free Metro Art swag. For more information, visit here.

Heal the Bay Aquarium

After weeks of having to close its doors to the public due to heavy flooding, the Heal the Bay Aquarium on the Santa Monica Pier is now reopened to the public. Nearly two feet of water flooded the aquarium back in February during a heavy rainstorm. While some exhibits were damaged and some murals were destroyed, the aquarium was able to care for the animals, Heal the Bay said in a social media post. 

The aquarium, located at 1600 Ocean Front Walk in Santa Monica, is now open from 12-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets for adults and teens are $13 and $5 for kids 4-12.

Universal Fan Fest Nights

Universal Studios Hollywood is gearing up to whisk guests to its iconic movie studio backlot via Studio Tour trams as part of Universal Fan Fest Nights‘ original “Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot” adventure. The experience will fuse theatrics, suspense, humor and engaging live-action, who-done-it mystery. Tickets are now available for purchase to attend one of the remaining nights: May 1-3, 7-9 and 14-16.

Venice Family Clinic Art Exhibition + Auction

The 47th annual exhibition and auction will take place May 8-17. The exhibition, featuring the works of established, mid-career, and emerging artists, will be free and open to the public at 910 Abbot Kinney in Venice with artwork available to view online, and bids accepted May 8-17. Proceeds from art sales will support the Clinic’s innovative and integrated approach to providing comprehensive health care services to more than 45,000 people across the Westside of Los Angeles, Inglewood, the South Bay and everywhere in between. For more information, visit here.

The Flower Fields

The 2026 spring tulip season in Carlsbad is currently underway and runs until May 10 at 5704 Paseo del Norte. The Flower Fields are considered one of the largest flower fields in the world. Visitors can wander through more than 80 million blooms, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Beyond the Ranunculus blooms, guests can enjoy the expanded Butterfly Encounter, live weekend music, yoga sessions, artist gardens and more. For more information, visit here.

‘Orcas: Our Shared Future’

A new exhibit featuring Orcas is available for people visiting the Natural History Museum of LA to view. The musuem calls “Orcas: Our Shared Future” an “unforgettable, underwater-inspired experience.”

The exhibit looks at the connection between people, orcas and oceans with life-size orca replicas. It also features sculptures, masks, prints by Indigenous artists of the Pacific Northwest Coast, the museum said.

First Fridays at MOCA

Check out First Fridays at LA’s Museum of Contemporay Art. Though admission is free, tickets are required and capacity is limited. Advance reservations are recommended. For more information, visit here.

‘Jaws: The Exhibition’

A 50th anniversary “Jaws” exhibit is open through July 2026 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The exhibit features more than 200 pieces from the blockbuster and is the first full show in the four-year history of the museum that is dedicated to a single film. It comes amid a bevy of celebrations of the film’s five-decade life, including a theatrical re-release.

Disneyland’s 70th celebration

Running through summer 2026, the resort’s 70th celebration will continue to honor seven decades of happiness. Disneyland is offering limited-time entertainment, colorful décor, themed food and beverages, collectible merchandise and more. The celebration’s specialty menu features more than 70 new items, including themed treats, modern spins on nostalgic eats and collectible novelties.

Hollyhock House

Self-guided tours of the Frank Loyd Wraight house are offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Advance tour ticket purchase is recommended.