The Guide to Los Angeles Art Walks

From Downtown L.A.'s thriving arts district to Venice's history as home to creatives, local art walks offer glimpses into the city's diverse communities and an opportunity to engage with its  artists.

When: Second Thursday of every month, noon-10 p.m.
Where: Downtown L.A.'s Financial District and Historic Core

The self-guided Downtown L.A. Art Walk, which started in 2004 and has flourished along with the DTLA renaissance, encompasses more than 40 galleries and museums spread throughout the area's many sub-districts, including Bunker Hill, Little Tokyo and Gallery Row on Main and Spring Streets in the Historic Core. About 10,000 visitors regularly take the tour.

When: First Friday of every month, starting at 5 p.m.
Where: Venice's Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Local merchants on or near Abbot Kinney, the thoroughfare that runs diagonally through Venice, come together every month to feature the best artists, gifts, products and music in the area. Local charities benefit as art aficionados, couples and families descend on the always funky beach community. And, of course, beverages are available. Read more about First Fridays at Abott Kinney.

When: Starts June 8, 4-6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Culver City

Anyone who's been paying attention to the local food scene is well aware of the explosion of Culver City as a foodie destination. Experience the area's culinary resurgence first hand and check out the galleries during the city's Second Saturdays all summer. The Culver City Arts District celebrates the arts by hosting a full calendar of cultural events and art openings throughout the year. Look out for their annual Art Walk & Roll Festival in October.

When: First Thursday of every month, free tour starts at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown San Pedro

Since 1996, both locals and cruise-ship tourists from the nearby Port of Los Angeles have flocked to the area to experience San Pedro’s tight-knit artists’ community, impromptu street performances and conversation-worthy art — all classic ingredients for a great art walk. The 1st Thursday Art Walk exhibits rotate between sculptures, paintings, jewelry, pottery and more, with waterside musical performances as well.

When: Last Sunday of every month, starting at 2 p.m.
Where: Leimert Park

Leimert Park Village, one of L.A.'s premier enclaves for African-American culture, launched its own art walk in 2010. It is a free self-guided art and community experience that happens on the last Sunday of every month, with changing themes highlighting both visual and performance art. 

When: Second Saturday of every month, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Eagle Rock and York Boulevards, North Ave. 50, Eagle Rock and Highland Park districts, northeast Los Angeles

A car is probably needed for NELAart's Second Saturday Gallery Night as this is a self-guided tour through a cluster of neighborhood art spaces, nonprofits and galleries in Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, Elysian Valley and Lincoln Heights. Consult their map to be sure you don't miss a thing.

When: Second Saturday of every month, 4-10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Long Beach

Exhibits of paintings, sculpture, photography and crafts all greet those who explore the Long Beach 2nd Saturday Art Walk. This monthly event also includes two stages for live music and street performances. 

When: Second Saturday of every month, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Pomona

Located at the Pomona Arts Colony, the 2nd Saturday Art Walk features more than two dozen galleries that showcase the work of hundreds of local artists ranging from painting to photography to ceramics and jewelry. 

When: 2nd Sunday of every month, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: 3540 East 1st St

Not to be confused with the NELA Art Walk, the East LA event includes live music and art, fed by the surrounding area restaurants and taco stands. Sponsored by the small business owners of the 1st Street Corridor.