California is no stranger to arts and entertainment. And this fall-through-winter season, there are plenty of arts events lined up to satisfy a range of palettes, from theater to music, visual arts, and more.
Travis Preston is the Dean of the CalArts School of Theater and Artistic Director for the CalArts Center for New Performance. Below, Mr. Preston takes a look at some of the biggest arts events scheduled to take place in California over the next couple of months.
Once Upon a Time in LA Festival (December 18)
This year, the famed Los Angeles music festival Once Upon a Time in LA will take place at the Banc of California and Exposition Park. Travis Preston reports that ticket packages range from general admission ($159.99) to VIP Cabana ($5,000.00) where attendees get complimentary beverages, expedited entry, rooftop access, air-conditioned areas, and more.
The one-day event, which takes place from 11 AM – 11 PM on Saturday, will headline Al Green, Snoop Dogg, YG, Ice Cube, and The Game, and 50 Cent. You can also catch several DJ sets, Bones Thugs N-Harmony, as well as dozens of other acts.
COVID-19 guidelines: All guests must provide proof of fully COVID-19 vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 PCR Test taken within 72 hours of attending the festival in order to gain entry.
Hamilton (November 23, 2021 – February 6, 2022)
This highly rated musical is coming to the Pantages Theater in Hollywood CA for the next few months. Shows will happen almost every day during this 3-month period, where you can view Lin Manuel Miranda’s masterpiece in one of the most popular Broadway venues in Los Angeles.
Tickets will start as low as $75 and go as high as $145, depending on the selected showtime. For high buyers, though, you can even get Orchestra Center seats for $731.00 a pop.
COVID-19 guidelines: Travis Preston notes the Pantages Theater states the following regarding their COVID guidelines “Please note that event entry may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with any requirements before booking and attending. If in doubt, please contact the venue directly.”
Huntington Beach Art Center Annual Artist Council Exhibition (November 20, 2021 – December 18, 2021)
This is the 8th annual Artist Council Exhibition at Huntington Beach Art Center, and the theme this year is Inspired. It’s a non-juried presentation of original art, celebrating visual mediums like painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, print, and video installations. The event will feature 180 works of art from more than 80 different members of the HBAC Artist Council.
Members and patrons of the Huntington Beach Art Center can preview the exhibition on November 20, 2021, from 5:30-6:30 PM. Travis Preston reports that the public opening reception will be on November 20, 2021, from 6:30-9:00 PM. You can virtually view from their website or visit in-person on the day of.
COVID-19 guidelines: Be sure to contact the Huntington Beach Art Center to verify any COVID-19 guidelines you may need to follow as a guest at their in-person location.
Desert Air Festival (December 10-11, 2021)
Presented by Splash House and Goldenvoice, this 2-day festival (Friday-Saturday) is a “dance weekend getaway under the desert sky”. Desert Air will feature underground dance music, and guests can enjoy it all alongside the historic Palm Springs Air Museum aircrafts.
Travis Preston of CalArts explains this is a 21+ festival that features a concert taking place directly on the tarmac, among other special events. The lineup for Friday features artists like Dixon, Jayda G, and Patrick Holland, while Saturday’s lineup has Peggy Gou, Moodymann, and Perel in the mix.
COVID-19 guidelines: All guests must show a proof of negative COVID test or proof of full vaccination against COVID for entry.
Rolling Loud Music Festival (December 10-12, 2021)
This 3-day music festival will be at the NOS Event Center in Southern California, and its headliners include Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Future, as well as Chris Brown x Young Thug. According to Travis Preston, tickets are already sold out, but the festival has partnered with ticket-exchange platform Lyte so that fans can still get tickets from those who now need to sell their tickets or give them away.
Rolling Loud has a Friday-Sunday lineup, starting with artists like Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign, 2 Chainz. Saturday will feature Tyga, Jack Harlow, Soulja Boy, Kodak Black, and more. And Sunday will present artists like Playboi Carti, Lil Yachty, Rod Wave, and more.
COVID-19 guidelines: Guests must present proof of vaccine (vaccine card, record, or negative COVID-19 test obtained within 72 hours of attendance).
California is host to some of the hottest music and arts festivals in the country. From live theater to concerts, Travis Preston of CalArts says it’s time to get out and take in some of these big happenings across the state.
