The term CicLAvia stems from a similar Spanish word for “bike way,” and in L.A. it’s become a shorthand for the temporary, festival-like closing of L.A.’s streets. The event welcomes bikes, tricycles, skateboards, strollers and basically anything else without an engine to ride a rotating cast of car-free routes—this month’s Koreatown meets Hollywood edition features a 4.75-mile route that connects Hollywood, East Hollywood, Melrose Hill and Koreatown (see the map here). Shop owners and restaurants along the CicLAvia route tend to host specials. And it goes without saying that you should bike or take the Metro to your desired spot along the route.
Coachella might steal the spotlight, but April has so much more to offer beyond the behemoth music fest. In fact, it’s long been my favorite month of the year—there’s something about the perfect weather (beach days are almost here), cherry blossoms and wildflowers in bloom, and weekends full of festivals and cultural events—many of them free—teeming with uniquely L.A. programming. This year, I’m especially excited about the Night of Ideas, Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings, Bob Baker Day and, one of my faves, the Festival of Books. There are also lunchtime classical concerts, an Easter celebration in Santa Monica, Earth Day events, museum exhibitions and many more ways to celebrate springtime without opening your wallet this month.
