Autry's Annual Block Party 2026

The Autry Museum of the American West is throwing its yearly fall block party this Saturday, September 26, and it's easily one of the better LA events this weekend if you've got kids, a date, or just a free afternoon. This year's theme is "Love Letters to L.A.," and the museum is leaning into it with a full carnival on its grounds in Griffith Park.

Doors open at 10 a.m. and the party runs until 5 p.m. General admission is $4.75, which is a nod to the museum's 1988 opening-day pricing. Members get in free.

What's on the grounds

The carnival setup includes a Ferris wheel, along with bounce houses, games and a mechanical bull for anyone who wants to test their grip in front of a crowd. Food trucks will be parked on site, so you can make a lunch of it without leaving.

Classic car displays round out the outdoor setup. Vintage cars parked outside a museum devoted to the history of the West make a fitting pairing for a day that's all about the city's heritage.

Live music

Two acts are on the bill. The Midnight Cowgirls and Las Chorizeras are both scheduled to perform, with cultural programming running alongside the music. Check the museum's schedule on the day for set times.

Getting there and practical info

The Autry sits in Griffith Park across from the Los Angeles Zoo, right off the 5 and the 134. Parking fills up on busy Saturdays in this corner of the park, so arriving close to the 10 a.m. opening is the easy move. Bring sunscreen: a lot of the carnival action happens on open plaza with little shade in late September.

Admission: $4.75 GA, free for Autry members. Rides, games and food truck purchases may cost extra, so plan on bringing cash or a card. Details come from the We Like LA weekend roundup linked above; check the Autry's own site before heading out in case times shift.

Why it's worth the drive

Museum block parties can feel like an afterthought. This one doesn't. Under five dollars to get onto a lawn with a Ferris wheel, a mechanical bull and two live acts is a hard price to beat anywhere in the city. It belongs on any list of Things Happening In Los Angeles this fall.

Find more community gatherings in our festivals section, or browse everything else going on around the Los Angeles area. Or just head to the Autry on Saturday morning and grab lunch off a food truck.