Los Angeles Night at the Library

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles is turning the Richard J. Riordan Central Library into a four-hour after-hours festival on Saturday, May 2. (lfla.org) The event is called Night at the Library: A Century of Light and marks the 100th anniversary of the downtown landmark, which opened in 1926. (lfla.org) (lapl.org) Organizers said more than 200 performers, artists and storytellers will spread through the building from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on May 2. (lfla.org) (eventbrite.com) General admission was listed at $30, VIP at $150, and Eventbrite said general admission is already sold out, with possible $40 day-of tickets if space remains. (lfla.org) (eventbrite.com) The lineup reaches across Los Angeles arts institutions and scenes: Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Da Poetry Lounge with Yesika Salgado, Heidi Duckler Dance, Los Angeles Master Chorale and dublab are all booked. (lfla.org) LA Phil Insight is also programming Sarah Rara’s Orchis (Book of Flowers) inside the Children’s Literature Department puppet theater, with an orchid mask-painting station for attendees. (laphil.com) Beyond performances, organizers are promising art installations, tarot readings by Michelle Tea and Davida Rappaport, sound baths, live screen-printing, board games, crafts, drinks and local food trucks. (lfla.org) (laphil.com) The event is 21 and over, and last entry is 10 p.m., according to the ticket page. The library’s street address is 630 West 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles. (eventbrite.com) (lapl.org) This is the second Night at the Library, and the foundation said the inaugural 2025 edition drew a sold-out crowd of more than 3,000 people. (lfla.org) For the centennial year, the pitch is simple: keep the stacks open after dark, fill them with music and performance, and let a public library act like a citywide venue for one night. (lfla.org)