Don’t we all love April? Well, maybe not the famous deadline on April 15, but other than that, what a glorious month it typically is. It’s perfect for getting out and doing things.
And here are 18 things you can do that will cost nothing at all. So enjoy!
April 2 — Riverside: It’s time for the First Thursday Riverside Artswalk, held monthly from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy visiting more than 20 downtown venues, including with free entry and late hours to museums, galleries, studios, and over 120 artisan vendors on Main Street. riversideartscouncil.com/about-artswalk
April 2 and 22 — Costa Mesa: Bring the kids or just your own curiosity to the Centennial Farm at the Orange County Fairgrounds. The tour and parking are free on Discovery Days, when “farmers” are stationed around the working demonstration farm to provide information. Upon check-in, you will receive a map to aid you in seeing all Centennial Farm has to offer. Children can pet a chick and plant a radish seed. This is for all ages. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more. ocfair.com/centennial-farm/tours-and-reservations/self-guided-tours/
April 2, 7, 9, 21, 23, 28, 30 — Pasadena: Enjoy this free lunchtime outdoor concert series at the West Patio of Pasadena City College, held at noon on select Tuesdays and Thursdays. Limited seating. It’s good idea to bring your own lawn chair or seat cushion. Shows start at noon and are 50 minutes long, weather permitting, no reservation required. April 2: Lancer Jazz Big Band; April 7: Latin Jazz Ensemble; April 9: Vocal Jazz Combo; April 21: Jazzadena Vocal Ensemble; April 23: Percussion Ensemble; April 28: Jazz Combos; April 30: Jazz Combos. Center for the Arts, Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena. (Closest parking is Lot 5. Buy a parking permit from the machine). eventsincalifornia.com/events/music/free-outdoor-concert-series-west-patio-pasadena-ca-mar-19-may-26-2026/
April 4 — Los Alamitos: How about “Popping Through the History of Popcorn”? Learn about this food as part of the OC Libraries Culinary History series. From garlands worn by Aztec girls to honor the rain god to a beloved movie treat, popcorn has a fascinating story. Learn who first popped corn, explore early recipes, discover the invention of the popcorn machine, and trace how popcorn became a movie-theater favorite. Participants will enjoy a hands-on activity. Two sessions: April 4 at 2 p.m. Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library, 12700 Montecito Rd, Seal Beach. Also Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library 1855 Park Ave, Costa Mesa. file:///C:/Users/mfisher/Desktop/Culinary_History_Classes_-_Flyer.pdf
April 4 — Los Angeles: Head to historic Olvera Street for the annual Blessing of the Animals by Archbishop Jose Gomez, which takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Although this custom is rooted in Catholic traditions, you don’t have to be Catholic to participate. Just bring your favorite friendly beast to participate. Entertainment from noon to 4 p.m. Location: On Main Street, between Arcadia Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue. olveraevents.com/blessing-of-animals-olvera-street
April 5 — Long Beach: Head toward the beach for the “WOW! World of Waterfronts: Voices from the Pier” event with PlacemakingUS. It’s an evening on the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier from 5 to 7 p.m. to share stories, fishing traditions and what it means to eat from these waters. The evening start at the Belmont Brewing Company (edibles not free) and continues with a sunset walk on the pier. You don’t need a fishing license on a public pier, making Belmont Pier one of the most democratic spaces on the waterfront. This edition involves the anglers, regulars, and waterfront stewards who know the pier well. Along the way, hear stories about fishing, access, public health, changing conditions, and more. Pier located at 35 39th Place, Long Beach. Sponsored by the Port of Long Beach. Learn more: eventbrite.com/e/wow-world-of-waterfronts-voices-from-the-pier-tickets-1985348000313
April 8 — El Monte: Make new friends and learn at a free scrapbooking workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This is a great way to memorialize your life story or pay tribute to your favorite things. Whatever your inspiration, you can receive the supplies and expertise to get you started (while supplies last.) This is an adult program that recurs on the second Wednesday of the month, except in November. Contact librarian Lisa Hoang at 626-444-9506 for more information. El Monte Library, 3224 Tyler Ave. El Monte. visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/14875986
April 11 — Los Angeles: Baseball fans should note this free author talk, panel discussion and book signing about Dodgers history in an afternoon of lively discussion, memorable stories, and company at the downtown L.A. Public Library. This event is scheduled from 2 to 3:30 p.m. featuring authors Eric Vickrey and Steve Dittmore, with special guests Tom Hoffarth and Fred Claire. Two new books will be available for signing: “Before They Wore Dodger Blue: Tommy Lasorda and the Greatest Draft Class in Baseball History” by Eric Vickrey, and “Jim Gilliam: The Forgotten Dodger” by Steve Dittmore. Also, Fred Claire — former Dodgers general manager and executive vice president — will be there to discuss “Extra Innings: Fred Claire’s Journey to City of Hope”. The conversation will be moderated by journalist Tom Hoffarth, author of “Perfect Eloquence: An Appreciation of Vin Scully.” Downtown L.A. Public Library, 630 West 5th St., Los Angeles. Free reservations here: eventbrite.com/e/dodgers-author-talk-panel-discussion-and-book-signing-tickets-1985007712503
April 11 — Rancho Palos Verdes: Don’t miss the 41st annual “Whale of a Day” at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, which celebrates the gray whales that migrate from the Arctic to Baja California each year to mate and give birth. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. enjoy live music, museum tours, kids games and crafts, face painting, food trucks and more. Free parking and shuttle bus from Ken Dyda Civic Center (RPV City Hall), 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes. If it rains, the event is rescheduled to April 25. whaleofaday.com
April 11-12 — Chino: Celebrate Chino Days at this two-day festival with live music, entertainment, chalk art, history and lots of fun. Saturday 2 to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A beer garden (not free) will be presented by the Chino Valley Historical Society. Chino Civic Center, 13220 Central Ave., Chino. cityofchino.org/344
April 11 — Santa Clarita: Stop by the Bloom Fest spring shopping event. Bring your own chair to enjoy free DJ music and then a live band. Lots of vendors and food trucks. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, bloomfestscv.com
April 12 — Newhall: Bring your acoustic musical instrument and get ready for some toe-tapping fun from 1 to 3 p.m. Local musicians are hosting an acoustic music jam, and everyone age 18 and older is welcome to join in. This drop-in jam session is held the first Sunday of the month at Old Town Newhall Library. No registration required. 24500 Main St., Santa Clarita santaclarita.librarycalendar.com/event/afternoon-acoustic-jam-2605
April 12 — Riverside. Take in a free fashion show featuring women’s style and story, presented by the Mission Inn Foundation and Toni Moore Clothing. “Threads of HERstory” is scheduled from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Mission Inn Foundation & Museum, 3598 Main St., Riverside. Entrance is free, but reserve your seat here: eventbrite.com/e/threads-of-herstory-tickets-1985082564387
April 15 — Temecula: Kids can attend a Mad Hatter Tea Party with crafts and treats at the Temecula Public Library, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. This is for ages 3-13. Register at the Children’s Desk starting April 8 at 3:30 p.m. (Required). Carpools encouraged. 30600 Pauba Road, Temecula. temeculaca.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=8614
April 18-19 — Newhall: It’s time to get along to the annual Cowboy Festival in Newhall, which has been held now for 27 years. This is a unique glimpse into Santa Clarita’s Wild West past, so don’t miss it. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission, including live entertainment, Western vendors, Living History performers and interactive fun, is completely free. Some ticketed events and experiences have additional cost. William S. Hart Park, 24151 Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita. cowboyfestival.org
April 22 — Fullerton: Go see Hitchcock’s classic “North by Northwest” (1959) at 4 p.m. at the Fullerton Library, which now has a true theater-style experience featuring a 184-inch screen and surround sound. A New York City advertising executive goes on the run after being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and falls for a woman whose loyalties he begins to doubt. No registration required — just show up, grab a seat, and enjoy a movie with family and friends. fullertonlibrary.libcal.com/event/15539129
April 25 — Calabasas: Join instructors Greg and Dawn at 9:30 a.m. for Yoga on the Mountain at King Gillette Ranch, with live acoustic music. All skill levels are welcome. Bring your own yoga mat. Parking is free. Come 10 minutes early. Located at the Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center, King Gillette Ranch, 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. Sign up in advance here: eventbrite.com/e/yoga-on-the-mountain-at-king-gillette-ranch-tickets-1977529209098
April 25 — Riverside: Bring a chair and blanket to enjoy the Riverside Concert Band’s “Festival at Fairmount” celebrating its 150th Anniversary with music. Ceremonies start at 10:30 a.m. and the event is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket, but no liquor allowed. There’s a nearby playground for the kids. Food will be available for sale. The bands scheduled to perform are Moreno Valley Wind Symphony; Empire Wind Ensemble from San Bernardino; Pomona Concert Band; Long Beach Concert Band, Valley Winds Community Concert Band from Temecula and, of course, the Riverside Concert Band. At Fairmount Park, 2601 Fairmount Blvd., Riverside. riversideconcertband.org