Well, it’s officially spring, so it’s time to get out of the house and do some fun stuff, right? But what if you just paid your taxes, so you’re broke? Well, here’s a list of fun things you can do that cost nothing! Enjoy. (And here’s a list of things to do that are always free)
April 5 — 3rd Annual Citrus Festival. Riverside: Spring fun at the California Citrus State Historic Park will include live music, citrus tastings, kids’ activities, cooking and painting demonstrations and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Parking shuttles available. 9400 Dufferin Ave., Riverside. californiacitruspark.com
April 5-6 — L.A. Vegan Street Fair, North Hollyood: Explore the 150 vendors and fun at the 10th annual vegan street fair. The event, featuring a live DJ, runs 11 a.m.-7 p.m. both days. Get your free ticket at eventbrite.com/o/vegan-street-fair-9035601544. 11223 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood.
April 6 — Music and Dance of Spain, Cypress: Ecos de España: This all-ages, interactive performance will explore the multicultural roots of Hispanic performing arts. Children over 5 welcome. After the show, a workshop will teach attendees how to play castanets. The Cypress Library, 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress. 714-826-0350. ocpl.org/libraries/cypress
April 6 — Bowers Museum, Santa Ana: 11-3. The Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival at the Bowers Museum’s Key Courtyard will feature live performances, face painting and snacks. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 714.567.3600 bowers.org/index.php/programs/festivals/japanese-cherry-blossom
April 6 — Riverside Art Museum and The Cheech: Free admission to the public and no tickets required as part of their Free First Sundays program. (Also free every First Thursday as part of the Riverside ArtsWalk.) Noon-5 p.m. 3425 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. riversideartmuseum.org,
April 12 — Family Art, Laguna Beach: Create artwork together with instruction from LOCA artists at the Laguna Beach library. Each month, a new art project will be introduced and everyone will have fun creating their own unique art piece. All materials included. 2-3 p.m. 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach. 949-497-1733. ocpl.libcal.com/event/13339159
April 12-13 — Cowboy Festival, Santa Clarita: Main festival general admission is free; other events have fees. Learn about life on the American Frontier with live performances and more. Vendors with Western gear and chuck wagons will sell barbecue. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. William S. Hart Park, 24151 Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita. cowboyfestival.org
April 13 — Cypress. Music of New Orleans: Explore the multicultural roots of New Orleans jazz music with the Jazzy Ash Trio. This is an interactive performance for all ages. 3-4 p.m. Cypress Library 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress. 714-826-0350. ocpl.libcal.com/event/14315637
April 19 — Free National Park Day: For the kickoff of the annual National Park Week, which for 2025 will be held April 19-27, the park service is offering free admission to its parks and monuments on Saturday, April 19. This can save you $50 or even more, but I suggest you get to the park really early. Like, really early. Learn more: nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm
April 19 — Japanese Taiko Drumming. Northridge: Learn about Japanese Taiko Drumming through performance and discussions of the history and cultural significance of taiko drums. Audience members will be able to try the drums themselves. 3:30 p.m. Northridge Branch Library, 9051 Darby Ave., Northridge 818-886-3640. lapl.org/whats-on/events/la-made-presents-japanese-taiko-drumming-1
April 24-27 — Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa: This is the 35th annual show with plants, sculptures, fountains, exhibits and tons of vendors. Located at South Coast Plaza, in the Crate & Barrel & Macy’s wings. Walk over the Garden Bridgeway for shops and eateries. Find a tour of the garden and sculpture areas online, plus a guided palm tour hosted by the Sherman Library and Gardens. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. southcoastplaza.com/gardenshow/
April 26 — Cello with Chelsea, Cypress: Cellist Chelsea Wong will present an interactive performance for music lovers of all ages. 3-4 p.m. The Cypress Library, 5331 Orange Avenue, Cypress. 714-826-0350. ocpl.libcal.com/event/14315638
April 27 — Fiesta Broadway 2025, Downtown Los Angeles: This Cinco de Mayo event includes two stages with live music, Lucha Libre wrestling matches, Latin food, health resources and product samples. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 111 N Broadway, Los Angeles. fiesta-broadway.com
April 30 — See “Wicked” movie, Hollywood: The Oscar-nominated movie will be screened for free from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Frances Howard Goldwyn — Hollywood library. 1623 Ivar Ave.. Los Angeles. 323-856-8260. lapl.org/whats-on/events/movie-screening-wicked