> At a Glance
> – The LA Art Show opens its Latin American & Contemporary Africa pavilions through Jan. 11
> – Smorgasburg LA returns to ROW DTLA on Jan. 11 with 12+ new vendors
> – Pageant of the Masters tryouts run Jan. 9-11 in Laguna Beach
> – Oshogatsu Festival celebrates the Year of the Horse at JACCC Plaza on Jan. 11
> – David Bowie birthday skate glides into Moonlight Rollerway on Jan. 10
> – Why it matters: LA packs art, food, culture and family fun into one final winter weekend
LA’s January energy peaks this weekend with five headline events-art fair debuts, food-market comebacks, festival auditions, Japanese New Year crafts, and Bowie-on-wheels-before the post-holiday lull sets in.
LA Art Show Levels Up
The city’s largest art fair runs through Jan. 11 at the LA Convention Center, unveiling two new pavilions: Latin American art and Contemporary African works, alongside thousands of fresh pieces for the new year.
Smorgasburg Returns Sun, Jan 11
After a holiday break, the open-air food market re-opens at ROW DTLA under forecast sun. Expect:
- 12+ first-time vendors
- Classic stalls still in force
- Free entry; pay-as-you-go bites
Pageant of the Masters Tryouts
Think you can freeze like a living statue for minutes? Auditions begin Jan. 9 in Laguna Beach, with a family fest Jan. 10-11. The two-month summer show demands nightly availability.
Oshogatsu Family Festival
JACCC Plaza hosts a free Jan. 11 celebration of the Year of the Horse, offering:
- Cute crafts
- Photo ops
- Live music
RSVP online for entry; produced by the Japanese American National Museum.
Bowie Birthday Skate
Moonlight Rollerway honors David Bowie on Jan. 10 with a themed skate night spinning Ziggy Stardust classics and Goblin King hits-an early-year tradition for Glendale skaters.
Key Takeaways
- Jan. 11 dominates: art, food, and cultural festivals all land on Sunday
- All events are within driving distance; most are family-friendly
- Several require advance sign-ups-check websites before heading out
Grab your calendar, pick your vibe, and send January out in true LA style.
