January 8-9 2026 Art Parties & Events
Thursday, Friday, January 8-9 2026 Art Parties & Events kick off 2026 with a bang. This fun weekend starts Wednesday with the LA Art Show’s opening night gala. On Thursday, head downtown for the LA Art Show during the day, and stay for the evening to enjoy the DTLA ArtNight. In addition, LACP offers anEvening with Todd Hido. However, Friday we have even more art events (along with another chance to stop into the LA Art Show). Plus the Music Center hosts another event from its Innovation series and we have some live comedy too.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Downtown…It’s the first official day of the 2026 LA Art Show. Last night the opening gala at the LA Convention Center took place. You have all weekend to visit this art fair. You can find out more about it on our 2026 LA Art Show Feature or read more about the history of the LA Art Show on EatTravelgo.com – our sister site and art inspired platform.
LAArtParty has sponsored the LA Art show since 2012, and EatTravelGo.com also became a sponsor in 2022. Event: 12-6pm (unless you have a VIP tix for an earlier entry); Admission: $44.96 (fee included); Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall 1201 South Figueroa Street, 90015; http://www.laartshow.com/
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More Downtown
DTLA ArtNight is back tonight. Meet up with some friends and wander. Most pop-ups and venues will be open from 5-9pm;
Head to the Eastern Columbia Building and explore immersive new media and digital artwork. The Eastern Gallery brings together contemporary art, emerging technology, and media culture within one of DTLA’s most celebrated Art Deco landmarks. Eastern Gallery, 849 S Broadway, LA, 90014;
LACDA participates with a group show. Run dates: January 8-31, 2026. Art Party: 6-10pm; 410 S Spring St, LA 90014; Unfortunately one of our favorite galleries – Gabba will be closed tonight as it is busy getting ready for a huge show – stay tuned. Hive Gallery (729 S Spring St., LA 90014) always has something fun. Find out more on the website – https://dtlaartnight.com/
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Little Tokyo in Downtown…LACP (Los Angeles Center for Photography) hosts a special evening with renowned photographer Todd Hido. The Evening with Todd Hido takes place in conjunction with his newly revised and expanded edition of his monograph, Intimate Distance (Aperture).
The event is FREE for LACP Members, however, there is an admission charge of $15 for non-members. Event: 7-8pm; LACP, 252 S Los Angeles Street, LA, 90012; https://lacphoto.org/
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Friday January 9, 2026
Downtown…Don’t forget the LA Art Show continues. see above for more info or see our 2026 LA Art Show Feature. You can also read about the history of the LA Art Show on EatTravelgo.com – our sister site and art inspired platform. Event: 12-6pm (unless you have a VIP tix for an earlier entry); Admission: $44.96 (fee included); Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall 1201 South Figueroa Street, 90015; http://www.laartshow.com/
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Chinatown
Charlie James Gallery celebrates the art of Glenn Hardy Jr. with an opening art party. Born in 1995, the self-taught artist was born in Washington, DC, and was raised in Waldorf, Maryland. He is a graduate of Towson University in Baltimore, MD. The show runs through February 6, 2026; Event: 5-8pm; Charlie James Gallery, 969, Chung King Road LA 90012; www.cjamesgallery.com
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Also Downtown
The Music Center’s Innovation series is back with another installment. Nonny de la Peña directs students in Arizona State University’s Narrative and Emerging Media program. Faculty and students share stories about the LA to unite Angelenos in collective events such as the 2025 L.A. fires. The free event offers attendees to connect via VR and AR. The event will also include interactive 3D stations that document the personal and environmental narratives that have arisen from the ashes. Evolve Altadena will perform and TreePeople will give out special gifts.
Courtesy of the Music Center
Event: 6-9pm; The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Founders’ Room & Stern Grand Hall, 135 N. Grand Ave. LA, 90012; https://www.musiccenter.org/experience-learn/experience-learn/for-all-ages
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Venice
ARCANE Space invites the public to an opening art party for someplace, somewhere featuring the work or Morleigh Steinberg. The art in this solo exhibition uses photographic material from Western Ireland thus reimagining the classic Irish landscape. The exhibition runs through February 8, 2025; Art Party: 6-9pm; ARCANE Space, 324 Sunset Ave., Unit G, Venice 90291; https://www.arcanespacela.com/
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West Hollywood
Jetpack Comedy is LA’s best Friday stand-up comedy showcase. Comics from HBO, Netflix, and also SNL cast members, all drop-in for a night of laughter. Headliners and surprise drop-ins have included: Sarah Silverman, Kevin Nealon, Fred Armisen, Bob Odenkirk, Pete Holmes, Hannibal Buress, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, Jeff Garlin, Ali Wong, Demetri Martin, as well as many more.
Event begins: 8:30pm; Admission starts at $20; Visit the website to RSVP for events (multiple dates); FB Page; Bar Lubitsch, 7702 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, 90046; https://jetpackcomedy.com/
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For additional art exhibitions, and performances as well as culinary events, see LAArtParty’s Upcoming Events Page.
Read more about Arts and Entertainment throughout the world on our sister site EatTravelGo.com, an art inspired travel site.
Or enjoy artist / gallerist interviews on our Art Talk Page also on ETG.
