LA is buzzing again — awards season is in full swing and new events are starting to pop around town and the county. From events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to a Lowrider show in Long Beach there’s something for everyone. Wherever you plan to go, Metro can get you there. Keep reading for details.
Kingdom Day Parade
The annual Kingdom Day Parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is Monday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m.
With big crowds expected — as usual — Go Metro to reach the parade! Two Metro K Line train stations (Martin Luther King Jr. & Leimert Park) are just steps from the parade route so you can skip traffic and parking hassles.
All Weekend
The Pasadena Bead & Design Show returns to the Pasadena Convention Center Jan. 16-18, transforming the space into a vibrant marketplace for bead lovers and jewelry makers. Browse stunning gemstones, artisan jewelry, textiles, artwear, findings and handcrafted works from talented vendors. Whether you’re a seasoned jewelry designer or just starting your first beading project, you’ll find inspiration and supplies galore. It’s a crafter’s paradise. Tickets start at $10.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Del Mar Station, and it’s about a 10-minute walk to the convention center.
Experience The Dream: MLK The Musical
Get ready for a powerful new stage production bringing the love story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King to life. “Experience the Dream: MLK The Musical” takes audiences on a heartfelt journey through the personal and public lives of two of America’s most iconic figures. Experience the passion, sacrifice and unwavering commitment that fueled the civil rights movement, told through soaring music and stirring performances. It’s an inspiring tribute that resonates as powerfully today as ever. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $37.50.
Go Metro: Take Bus Line 128 to Bloomfield/Park stop, and it’s a short walk to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
Friday, January 16
LA Kings vs Anaheim Ducks
It’s a SoCal showdown on the ice as the LA Kings face off against the Anaheim Ducks at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. Whether you bleed black and silver or orange and gold, these rivalry games are usually very entertaining. 7:30 p.m.
Go Metro: Take the A or E Line to Pico Station, and it’s about a 10-minute walk to Crypto.com Arena. Or Take the J Line straight to the arena stop.
Long Beach Night Market: Blue-tastic Family Night
Partake Collective hosts a special night market featuring everyone’s favorite blue dog. Bring the whole family for a fun meet-and-greet, photo ops and plenty of blue vibes. Expect local vendors, food, entertainment and that signature community energy that makes these gatherings special. It’s a perfect evening out for kids and adults alike.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Fifth Street Station, and it’s about a five-minute walk to the event.
Saturday, January 17
iHeartRadio ALTer Ego returns to the Kia Forum with a stacked lineup of alternative rock heavyweights. This year’s concert, hosted by iHeartRadio’s ALT 98.7, features headliners Green Day, Twenty One Pilots, Cage the Elephant and Sublime ready to blow the roof off the Forum. It’s the alternative rock event of the year, bringing together some of the biggest names in the genre for one unforgettable night. Tickets start at $287.50.
Go Metro: Take Bus Line 115 to Prairie/Manchester or take Bus Line 211 or 212 to Prairie/Kelso.
Get ready to dance. Calibash 2026 takes over Crypto.com Arena with an explosive celebration of urbano music and Latin hits. This year’s incredible lineup features Yandel, Chencho, Zion, Ivy Queen and more powerhouse artists ready to light up the stage with reggaeton, Latin pop and urban beats. Expect an unforgettable night of energy, passion and nonstop hits that’ll keep you moving all night long. This is the Latin music event of the year.
Go Metro: Take the A or E Line to Pico Station, and it’s about a 10-minute walk to the arena. Or take the J Line straight to the Crypto.com Arena stop.
The City of Gardena is hosting their 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration. The route will kick off from Serra High School and end at Rowel Park. There will be food, entertainment and a battle of the bands competition. Go Metro: Take Bus Line 125 to the Rosecrans/Van Ness stop and walk about 10 minutes to the parade route.
The Lowrider Super Show rolls into Long Beach, celebrating the artistry and culture of custom lowriders. This iconic automotive event showcases stunning classic cars, trucks, bicycles and motorcycles that define lowrider culture. Expect intricate paintwork, detailed interiors, gleaming chrome finishes and impressive hydraulic builds that bounce to the beat. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity and the vibrant community behind some of the most beautiful lowriders you’ll ever see. Long Beach Convention Center. Tickets start at $30. 11 a.m.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Downtown Long Beach Station, and it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Long Beach Convention Center.
Gallop into the Year of the Horse with a joyful afternoon for the whole family at The Wallis! Head to Beverly Hills to welcome good fortune, share happiness, and celebrate new beginnings. From colorful traditions and lively performances to immersive arts and crafts, there is something for everyone to explore. Whether learning the art of origami, joining in on story time, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, it is the perfect way to start the year together.
Go Metro: Take Bus Line 4 to the Santa Monica/Canon stop and walk a short distance to The Wallis.
Downtown Long Beach comes alive every third Saturday with DTLB Live!, a free monthly celebration on the Promenade. Enjoy live music, browse local craft vendors and soak up family-friendly activities in the heart of downtown. This EZ Sip event lets you grab drinks from participating bars and restaurants and stroll the Promenade with your beverage in hand. It’s the perfect way to support local businesses, discover new artists and enjoy the Long Beach vibe with your community.
Go Metro:Take the A Line to First Street Station, and it’s about a five-minute walk to the Promenade.
Sunday, January 18
The Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K is a truly unforgettable race experience, with a one-of-a-kind finish line on the field at the world-famous Rose Bowl! Come enjoy the picturesque course through beautiful Pasadena, passing landmarks like the Colorado Street Bridge, Old Pasadena and Cal Tech before a majestic finish on the field at the world-famous Rose Bowl.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Memorial Park Station and take the Foothill Transit Rose Bowl shuttle to the stadium for special events. Check with the event organizer to ensure shuttles are in service.
LA Lakers vs Toronto Raptors
The Lakers host the Toronto Raptors at Crypto.com Arena. 6:30 p.m.
Go Metro: Take the A or E Line to Pico Station, and it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Los Angeles Convention Center. Or Take the J Line straight to the arena stop.
Go Metro Weekend Forecast
As we head to the weekend, the gusty Santa Ana winds we had early this week should begin to die down on Friday or Saturday. Besides some windy or breezy weather look for temperatures to be warm on the weekend. The weekend is looking gorgeous with highs peaking into the low 80s.
Go Metro This Weekend
To plan a transit trip, you can use Google Maps, Apple Maps, the Transit or Moovit apps or the trip planner on metro.net.
Know of a great Metro-accessible event happening in L.A.? We want to hear about it! Send us your suggestions for future weekend roundups at bryantke@metro.net or tag us on social media @metrolosangeles.
To keep up with real-time updates on our buses, rails and elevators just head to alerts.metro.net
Check back next week for another weekend roundup!
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