FREE DAY OF ARTS EXPERIENCES FOR ANGELENOS
It’s just a couple of days away from Grand Ave Arts: All Access, a day like no other where Downtown Los Angeles’s cultural corridor becomes a giant open house for Angelenos of all ages to experience free art opportunities with 14 of LA’s most iconic institutions on Saturday October 21 from 11am to 4pm. The event is free to attend, but visitors are encouraged to RSVP at Grand Ave Arts for the latest information. Grand Avenue will be adorned with colorful signage to help guide visitors as they enjoy Grand Ave Arts: All Access programming at each organization. An information table with general information about the day’s experiences will be located at the corner of Grand Avenue and 2nd Street.
Grand Ave Arts: All Access, one of L.A.’s longest running free open house events for arts and culture exploration in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), returns on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. when Angelenos choose their own arts adventure as they stroll along DTLA’s cultural corridor and enjoy performances, workshops, and activities offered by 14 of L.A.’s iconic cultural institutions.
With so many organizations each offering multiple activities, the list of things to do is quite long. Some of the highlights include the opportunity to conduct a chamber orchestra, or try on dance shoes at Colburn School; celebrate Día de los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park; enjoy live recitals performed by the LA Opera at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion; take a photo of yourself and transform it into an Andy Warhol-style portrait at The Broad; make your own violin with LA Phil; and decorate sugar skulls at Central Library. There are many more activities including tours, performances and sidewalk sales — a map and the full list of activities below. 
EXPERIENCES:
THE BROAD | East West Bank Plaza | 221 S. Grand Ave.
Family Weekend Workshops: Make Your Mark! | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Take a photo of yourself to transform into an Andy Warhol-style portrait, or draw inspiration from Julie Mehretu using maps of Los Angeles as your canvas. Visit The Broad’s third-floor galleries to see artworks by these groundbreaking artists. Both Warhol and Mehretu convey personal messages about the world surrounding them through mark-making, color, and photo manipulation. While Warhol’s works often used portraits or popular products to talk about American culture and consumerism, Mehretu uses pictures and drawings layered atop images of cities to describe movement and emotion.
CENTER THEATRE GROUP | Mark Taper Forum | 135 N. Grand Ave.
Create with Center Theatre Group | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Center Theatre Group (CTG) creates an extraordinary connection between artists and audiences with a 50-year tradition of using the art of theatre to broaden horizons and illuminate new perspectives. CTG’s Education and Community Partnership teaching artists Estela Garcia and Tara Ricasa will offer workshops that connect theatre production elements, puppets, and storytelling on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center.
COLBURN SCHOOL | 200 S. Grand Ave.
- Open Sing | 11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Do you like singing in the shower? Then you’ll love singing in a choir! Take your skills to the next level: Colburn’s Choir Director Adrian Dunn leads an open sing workshop for vocalists of all ages. - Student Performances | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy Colburn’s tap ensemble, strings, and more. - Conduct Us | 1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Become the maestro for a chamber orchestra; no tuxedo required. Learn what it’s like to conduct an ensemble. Maxim Eshkenazy, director of orchestras for Colburn’s Community School of Performing Arts, will lead you through the steps. Open to all ages and no experience necessary—just bring yourself, and we’ll provide the baton. - Step into Dance | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Get an up-close look at the shoes that make dance possible, including pointe, tap, and jazz shoes. Selected shoes will be available to try on along with dance costumes for boys and girls of all ages. Take your photo at the step and repeat and pose with a dancer in full costume between 1 and 4pm. - Creative Dance Sample Class | 2:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m.
Children ages 4 to 8 are invited to take a 15-minute Creative Dance class. Guided by a teacher with live percussion accompaniment, children will experiment with movement, improvise, and demonstrate their creativity in a supportive, joyful environment. - Instrument Petting Zoo | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Always wanted to play the trumpet, try a flute, or learn the saxophone? Stop by our instrument petting zoo to try an instrument of your choice and get expert advice on getting started in music.
DOWNTOWN CENTER BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (DCBID) | Omni Hotel Plaza on Grand Ave. | 516 West 3rd St.
Omni ARt Experience | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Experience a family-friendly, art-centric augmented reality (AR) journey with the Omni ARt Experience, hosted on the Omni Hotel Plaza. Enjoy engaging original AR art activations along with refreshing snacks and beverages provided by the DCBID and the Omni Hotel. Think of this as a gateway to continue exploring more experiences along Grand Avenue with Grand Performances nearby and the L.A. Central Library right down the street!
GLORIA MOLINA GRAND PARK | 200 N. Grand Ave.
- Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos: Altars, Art & Performances | All day
Visitors to Gloria Molina Grand Park can celebrate the traditions of Día de los Muertos, contribute to the community altar and view 20 altars created by local artists and community groups. - Performances | Various throughout the day; visit grandavearts.org for additional information. Celebrate Día de los Muertos with performances from Grupo Folklórico Huitzillin in both Gloria Molina Grand Park and on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center, with a special procession to and dance workshop on the Plaza. Enjoy performances from Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles in Gloria Molina Grand Park and on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center.
- Sugar Skull Decorating | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Decorate your own delicious sugar skulls. - Mini Altars | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hosted by The Music Center Teaching Artist Maria Elena Cruz, visitors can customize and embellish their own mini cardboard altar to take home and add a photo of a loved one.
GRAND PERFORMANCES | California Plaza | 350 S. Grand Ave.
From Backyards to Discotheques: The Evolution of Los Angeles DJ Culture |
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
From Backyards to Discotheques will feature a panel of avant-garde DJs and promoters who thrived in the early 80s, followed by live DJ vinyl sets from pioneers of L.A.’s DJ subculture and live performances from guest artists. Curated by Pablo Aguilar and Jack Monforte in conjunction with Grand Performances, the event will also feature Pablo Aguilar’s Lookout Weekend 1984-1988 book preview and an ‘80s-inspired sound and lighting art installation. Get your photograph taken with #flowersonyourhead, an interactive art pop-up by Mud Baron.
LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALE | Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center | 135 N. Grand Ave.
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meet the Master Chorale
Learn more about Los Angeles Master Chorale! Spin the wheel to earn prizes like concert tickets, swag, and sweet treats while checking out video concert performances of the Master Chorale at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall.
LA OPERA I The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion & Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center | 135 N. Grand Ave.
- Behind-the-Scenes Talks | 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
Learn all about how an opera production comes together. You’ll hear from experts about the entire process of bringing an opera to life, from building a set to rehearsals and back stage management. You’ll also get a sneak peak of the set for Barber of Seville, which will be premiering that evening at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. - Opera Recitals | 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Enjoy a live recital of some of some of opera’s greatest hits, plus highlights from LA Opera’s upcoming productions throughout the 2023/24 season. Performances are held inside the elegant Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, previously home to the Academy Awards.
- Arts and Crafts | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Get ready for the magic of LA Opera’s upcoming production of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego (The Last Dream of Frida and Diego) with Frida Kahlo-inspired arts and crafts!
LA PHIL | The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall |
111 S. Grand Ave. & on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center | Throughout the day
Stock up on LA Phil goodies, enjoy performances by teaching artists, and learn all about the violin. Fun for all ages!
- LA Phil Store Sidewalk Sale | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Taking place outside of the LA Phil Store on Grand Avenue. Stock up on LA Phil goodies! - Violin 101 + Create Your Own Violin | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center
Learn about the different parts of the violin and then create your own from household materials. - Performances from by YOLA Teaching Artists | Times to be announced | Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center
Enjoy performances from the Violin Quartet and Brass Quintet from LA Phil’s Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) teaching artists.
LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY | 630 W. 5th St.
Special Exhibitions | Throughout the day
Explore art, music and architecture throughout the library with various tours, classes, and art workshops.
TOURS
- Art & Architecture | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 pm
Enjoy the art and architecture of the 1926 Bertram Goodhue Building and the 1993 Tom Bradley Wing. Meet in front of The Library Store. - Maguire Garden Tour | 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Learn about the art, architecture, and history of the Central Library’s exterior and the surrounding Maguire Gardens. Meet in front of The Library Store. - LAPL150 – “Our Story is Yours” Guided Tour | 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Learn what the Los Angeles Public Library has been up to for the last 150 years with a guided tour of the Library’s sesquicentennial exhibition with co-curator and senior librarian – Photo Collection Christina Rice. - Ukulele Class for Beginners | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Adults and teens can learn the basics of how to play songs on the ukulele. Participation is limited to the first 20 attendees. - Decorate Your Own Sugar Skull | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Decorate sugar skulls to celebrate Día de los Muertos (while supplies last). Open to children, five years old and up.
METRO ART
Metro Station Underground Art Tour | Metro Grand Av. Arts/Bunker Hill Station |
11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
Join Metro Art for an underground tour of the newly unveiled Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill rail station, which features large scale, site-responsive artworks by Ann Hamilton, Pearl C. Hsiung, and Mungo Thomson. Stroll through the concourse and enjoy works by Samira Yamin, temporarily on view. Tours include insights about the artworks, artists, and art-making processes.
Metro Art Bus | visit grandavearts.org for location information | 11:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m.
The Metro Art Bus brings art to the streets and to Metro riders of all ages, as well as passersby, in a unique and unexpected way. Metro Art’s Rider Portrait Series and the current exhibition, We Are… Portraits of Metro Riders by Local Artists, is a bright and uplifting visual intervention that honors the personal stories of Metro riders.
MOCA | The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles | 250 S. Grand Ave. | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- MOCA Store
Shop featured sale items on the plaza and take advantage of a MOCA poster sale inside the store. - Photography Workshop
MOCA Education hosts a fun photography workshop for families featuring guest artist Sean MacGillivray. - “Can I Recycle This?” And Other Questions
Led by MOCA’s environmental and sustainability strategist, an environmental information kiosk shares resources and free ‘n easy tips for a sustainable home. - Entertainment & Photobooth
Join us for hours of music from L.A.’s most exciting DJs, food from our favorite food trucks, and make a memory by grabbing some friends and taking photos at our photobooth!
REDCAT – Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater at the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex | 631 W. 2nd St. | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Curator-Led Tours
Join REDCAT for curator-led tours of The Feminist Art Program (1970-1975): Cycles of Collectivity. This new exhibition reflects on the pioneering and influential Feminist Art Program, initially launched by Judy Chicago at Fresno State College and continued at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) with Miriam Schapiro. It brings together rarely seen archival material, as well as newly-created work from CalArts alumni, including ak jenkins, Andrea Bowers, Gala Porras-Kim, and Suzanne Lacy.
TMC ARTS ON JERRY MOSS PLAZA AT THE MUSIC CENTER | 135 N. Grand Ave. | All Day
Family Fun
Join The Music Center for a series of arts displays, performances, and craft-making workshops inspired by Día de los Muertos.
Performances | Various Throughout the Day, visit grandavearts.org for additional information
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with performances from Grupo Folklórico Huitzillin in Gloria Molina Grand Park and on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center, with a special procession to and dance workshop on the Plaza.
Enjoy performances from Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles in Gloria Molina Grand Park and on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center.
Craft Making Workshops | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center
- Decorate Your Own Sugar Skull Mask
- Create your own paper version of a sugar skull mask. Hosted by The Music Center Teaching Artist Ana Miro Herrans
- Papel Picado Banners — Create a decorative and festive “papel picado” banner from tissue paper and other materials. Hosted by The Music Center Teaching Artist Alvaro Asturias.
- Paper Marigolds — Learn how to create your own traditional paper marigold flowers used to decorate altars with Self Help Graphics & Art.
The Music Center Tours | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (last tour leaves at 3:30 p.m.)
(Tours including Walt Disney Concert Hall begin after 1:30 p.m.)
Take a tour of The Music Center campus including the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the architecturally stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall (after 1:30 p.m.).
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INFO: All events are free and first-come, first-served. For event schedule and programming information, including details on available food options, please visit: grandavearts.org or (213) 972-7211. Events and schedule subject to change. #GRANDAVEARTS
TRANSPORTATION:
METRO:
Exit at the Civic Center / Grand Park Station along the Metro B (Red) Line or Metro D (Purple) Line or the newly opened Grand Av Arts / Bunker Hill station for the Metro A (Blue) Line and Metro E (Gold) Line. Use the Metro Trip Planner or call (323) Go Metro (323-466-3876). Visit metro.net for more information.
PARKING:
The Music Center Main Garage
Enter at 135 N. Grand Avenue
Entrance between 1st Street and Temple Street
$10/weekends all day
Also offers accessible self-parking for vehicles displaying valid, state-issued disability parking placards on levels two and four.
Walt Disney Concert Hall Garage
Enter at 2nd Street between Hope Street and Grand Avenue
$10/weekends all day
Also offers accessible self-parking for vehicles displaying valid, state-issued disability parking placards on levels three and four.
*Please note a performance will be taking place at 11:00 a.m. in The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall; parking at The Music Center Main Garage may be preferable at that time.
The Broad Parking Garage
Enter on 2nd St. between Hope St. and Grand Ave.
$17 all day on weekends
Also offers accessible parking spaces for vehicles displaying valid, state-issued disability parking placards or license plates, electric vehicle parking spaces, and bicycle parking are all available on level P1 of The Broad’s parking garage.
PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK*
Agua Viva (At The Grand by Frank Gehry)
Chipotle (255 S. Grand Ave.)
Colburn Café (200 S. Grand Ave.)
Concert Hall Café (At The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall)
Danny Boy’s Pizza (In the Wells Fargo Center)
Firenza Pizza (300 S. Grand Ave.)
Fruit Cart (On Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center)
Grand Café (Inside the Omni Los Angeles Hotel)
Kendall’s Brasserie (At The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion)
Lemonade (250 S. Grand Ave., beneath MOCA)
The Mullin Wine Bar (On Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center)
Otium (222 S. Hope St.)
Pez Cantina (401 S. Grand Ave.)
Shake Shack (In the Wells Fargo Center)
Sip & Sonder (At The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall)
Starbucks (In Gloria Molina Grand Park)
Subway (255 S. Grand Ave.)
Vespaio (225 S. Grand Ave.)
