Los Angeles is no stranger to trends, but 2024 is proving to be especially vibrant with massive new projects, from celebrity chef openings to iconic entertainment events. Here’s a breakdown of what every Angeleno should be excited about.
1. New Culinary Hotspots
From globally acclaimed sushi to French fine dining, L.A. is about to step up its culinary game. This year, Daisuke Nakazawa—protégé of the legendary Jiro Ono—is finally bringing his renowned Sushi Nakazawa to West Hollywood. Diners can expect a meticulously crafted omakase experience that rivals his Michelin-starred spots in NYC and D.C. But sushi isn’t the only thing on the menu; Daniel Boulud is making waves with his first-ever West Coast opening, Café Boulud, inside the upscale Mandarin Oriental in Beverly Hills. Angelenos can expect a mix of Boulud’s famed French classics alongside globally inspired fare that’s perfect for Beverly Hills’ discerning crowd.
Meanwhile, the neighborhood dining scene gets a boost with unique offerings like Lustig in Culver City, which brings Austrian-inspired, all-day dining by former BierBiesl chef Bernhard Mairinger. For fans of Thai food, Holy Basil will be expanding into Atwater Village, promising Bangkok-style street food with spicy, bold flavors. With these eateries and many others on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to be a foodie in Los Angeles.
2. The Return of Netflix is a Joke Comedy Festival
Comedy lovers, rejoice! Netflix’s “Netflix is a Joke Fest” returns in May, transforming L.A. into a comedy mecca. Some of the industry’s biggest names—think Chris Rock, Ali Wong, and Jim Gaffigan—will grace stages all across the city. The Hollywood Bowl, The Forum, and iconic clubs will host these comedians, making this one of the city’s largest live entertainment events of the year. With previous years being a huge success, the fest promises an even bigger lineup and laughter-packed nights. For anyone who missed the previous editions, this is your chance to see comedy’s elite in an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
3. The New Home of the Clippers and Revitalized Venues
L.A.’s sports scene is buzzing with the opening of the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome, a dedicated home for the Clippers set in Inglewood, just a stone’s throw from the SoFi Stadium. This billion-dollar venue represents a new era for Clippers fans, offering them a permanent, high-tech hub to rally around their team. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ current home, the Crypto.com Arena, is also undergoing a substantial facelift with enhancements in seating, suites, and a new dining experience. The updates promise to keep Lakers fans on their toes, ensuring they get the best in entertainment and comfort.
4. Shohei Ohtani’s Blockbuster Deal with the Dodgers
One of the biggest sports stories of 2024 is undoubtedly Shohei Ohtani joining the Dodgers. The former Angels player, renowned for his rare two-way talent as a hitter and pitcher, signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million deal. Dodgers fans are thrilled as Ohtani’s move represents a seismic shift in L.A.’s baseball scene, bringing hope for another championship run. While tickets might be hard to score, the energy at Dodger Stadium will undoubtedly be electric throughout the season.
5. New Culture and Entertainment Offerings
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is set to unveil its new David Geffen Galleries after years of construction. Designed by Peter Zumthor, this modernist marvel is sure to stir mixed opinions among L.A. locals, but there’s no doubt it will become another iconic L.A. destination. In addition to LACMA, Disney fans have something special to look forward to as Disneyland launches Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a Princess and the Frog-themed transformation of the classic Splash Mountain ride. With a focus on inclusivity and storytelling, this reimagined attraction promises an immersive experience that honors New Orleans culture.
6. Major Musicals Hitting L.A. Stages
Broadway fans won’t need to travel to NYC, as a lineup of big-name productions will hit Los Angeles stages this year. Noteworthy shows like A Strange Loop and Funny Girl will be hosted at the Ahmanson Theatre, while the Pantages will feature crowd-pleasers like Wicked and Company. This diverse slate of musicals will give theater enthusiasts an exciting range of options to enjoy the thrill of live performance right in their backyard.
Conclusion
With all these events and venues making their debut or return in 2024, Los Angeles is ready to deliver a year packed with culture, entertainment, and sports for its residents and visitors. Whether you’re a foodie, sports fanatic, comedy lover, or culture buff, there’s something for everyone in the City of Angels this year. Mark your calendars and get ready for a season to remember in L.A.!
