It seems like there are different pop ups in LA on a weekly basis. In fact, these days it seems like there is a new pop up event to check out almost every other day. There are several different types of pop up events in LA, and some only last for 24-72 hours while others stay around for at least a few months. Pop ups in LA can vary from a food-themed one to promo ones for a brand, to photo-op exhibits, and so much more.
With some pop ups giving little notice it is hard to keep this page up to date but I am trying my best to share as much as I can with you. I am able to keep my Instagram updated a little easier than this page but again, I am trying to keep this as current as possible. Here I have your essential guide to Los Angeles pop up events to help you have some extra fun!
We spoke with LA adventurer Lena from Lenazilla on Instagram for the LA Dreaming Podcast all about pop up experiences in LA. You can listen to the podcast through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or Podbean.
This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and buy something, I will earn a small commission from the advertiser at no additional cost to you.
What Is A Pop Up?
A pop up event can be anything the creators imagine. For the most part in Los Angeles, the pop up events tend to be related to movies & tv shows or Instagram hot spots. In some cases, the pop ups are more like an Instagram museum while others are eateries. The main thing they have in common? They are all temporary.
How to Find Out About Pop Up Events in Los Angeles
I recommend signing up for email lists for Los Angeles Bucketlisters, the Santa Monica Pier and We Like LA. Consider getting on the wait list for the LA Hackers Club where you’ll get a text every Friday with ideas of what to do for the weekend which can sometimes include information on pop ups. Follow Fever, Secret.LosAngeles, Westfield Century City, Spontaneous Planner, and Princess Key on social media.
Be sure to connect with me at LA.Dreaming on Instagram as well to try and stay up to date on events in LA.
Current Pop Ups in LA
Dior x Beverly Hills Hotel Pop Up
Now through September 4th, you can visit the Dior pop up shop at The Beverly Hills Hotel. At the pool, which is only available to hotel guests, they have a Dior cabana, Dior ice cream, and other fashionable Dior touches. Unlike the pool, the pop up is open to the public. Before I went I kept seeing online that this is open to the public but when I went the gate leading to the pool area was closed. I had to wait for someone to let me in. But in other people’s videos, I’ve seen that the gate is normally open so if you find it closed just wait for someone.
When I went to the pop up they only had two pieces of Dior merchandise that said Beverly Hills as everything had already sold out. Hopefully, they will restock but when I asked they did not mention a restock. What they had at that time was a Dior x Beverly Hills bracelet and a body suit. The pop up is beautiful. It looks like you have stepped inside a sand castle. If you want free parking you can find street parking close to the hotel. When you get to the hotel walk towards the polo lounge and go downstairs towards the spa and shop. Eventually, you’ll get outside and either find the gate to the stairs open or wait for someone to let you in.
World of Barbie
At the World of Barbie, fans can visit her iconic dreamhouse, chill in her camper van, record in her music studio, visit the giftshop, and see dolls and accessories that represent six decades of fun. It opens on 4/14 with ticket time slots available every 30 minutes. Plan to spend about 60 minutes enjoying it all. This will be at Santa Monica Place. They are open 12 pm -6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, 12 pm – 8 pm on Friday, 9 am to 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Get your tickets here.
The Friends Experience
From 6/23 through 9/17 Friends fans can visit the ultimate Friends pop-up experience at the Lakewood Mall. This experience is filled with fun photo ops. My favorite parts were Chandler and Joey’s apartment and the Pivot recreation. Most of the other stuff I had already seen at the Warner Bros Studio Tour but this is still really fun. You can purchase your tickets here.
Van Gogh The Immersive Experience
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Now through September, you can be immersed in the art of Van Gogh.
Guests can see famous paintings come to life in this 360 degree experience.
The digital projections through the exhibit are fascinating to watch. The VR experience felt like I was transported into the paintings. At the end, you can color one of the paintings and see it displayed on the digital canvas.
Tickets start at $17.90 for children and $29.90 for adults. VIP tickets include the VR experience and a poster.
I would plan on spending 1 hour here. It is open 9 am to 9 pm every day except Tuesday when they are closed.
Parking is free. Use address 1345 N Montebello Blvd, Montebello, California.
You can get your tickets here.
Explore Vatican
Now through September Check out Explore Vatican
Guests can enjoy a multi-sensory journey to Vatican City here in Los Angeles. Experience the art, history, and architecture of the historic site. Screens, textures, scents, sounds, and music will transport you to Vatican City.
Location: ACE Mission Studio, 516 S Mission Rd, Arts District, Los Angeles
You can purchase your tickets here.
Bubble World
Located in Montebello, next door to Dino World, visitors can enjoy 13 unique themed rooms at Bubble World. You can find a bubble bath ball pit, a hot air balloon simulator, an infinity experience, and more. You can get your tickets here. You can read my recap of the experience here.
Mr. Brainwash Museum in Beverly Hills
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Mr. Brainwash became well known through the Academy Award-nominated documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop and is currently making a splash with a pop-up museum in Beverly Hills. This is not your regular museum as it has things that you can touch and sit on. The photos and videos that I have seen of this one so far are impressive. You can find tickets for this pop-up here.
The MODS pop-up is still open at the Beverly Center. MODS is the Museum of Dream Space. It is a small pop-up with only six rooms but it is really great! You can read more about my experience here.
Dino’s Alive
The Dinos Alive is an immersive experience in Montebello that truly makes you feel like you are seeing live dinosaurs. This is one of the most family-friendly pop-ups at the moment. If you like dinosaurs this is a really fun one to check out.
You can find tickets through Fever.
Selfie World Los Angeles
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Selfie World is at the Glendale Galleria and has 50+ unique photo ops. You can find tickets here.
Flutter Experience
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The Flutter Experience invites you to create, play, imagine, and explore in 14 rooms. You can find tickets here.
Neon Wrld OC
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Neon Wrld OC is a new pop-up at the Westminster Mall. They have several cute photo ops and a changing area. They really thought about how they can make the experience great for visitors. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased here.
Past Pop Ups in LA
Grey’s Anatomy Gallery Exhibit
This pop up event was only open for three days to celebrate the season 15 premiere of Grey’s Anatomy. It was primarily an exhibit of fan art. You can read more about my experience at the Grey’s pop up here.
Happy Place
This pop up left Los Angeles after a very strong run and has traveled around to other cities like Chicago. Happy Place has been one of my favorite pop ups. Various parts of the exhibit included snacks and it was all really well done. You can read about my experience with Happy Place here.
That’s From Disneyland
This was a collection of Disneyland memrobilla that one man spent years gathering. He finally reached a point where he decided to sell his collection. First though he opened up this pop up experience so that fans could come and enjoy his items. I loved getting to sit in a sky way bucket again. To read more about my experience at That’s From Disneyland click here.
Pokemon Pop Up
One of the shortest but cutest pop ups in LA was the Pokemon Pop Up Bar. It was only open for one weekend. You can check out my post on the event here.
The Foodie Space
The Foodie Space was so stinking cute! I absolutely loved it. You can read about it here.
Any 90210 fans? In 2018, there was a Peach Pit pop up in West Hollywood. When I visited the Peach Pit on opening weekend it was a free and really fun experience. If you want to read about my experience you’ll find that article here.
The Scenario Studios was one of the most professional pop-ups in LA that I have ever been to. This place is designed to help you get fabulous photos. You can read about my experience here.
29Rooms is making a second visit to Los Angeles later in 2018. Last year the pop up event took place in Downtown Los Angeles for two weeks in December. Tickets for this event sold out within an hour so be sure to keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale. This experience is great for those who love taking pictures and having their pictures taken. You can read more about my experience with 29Rooms here.
Friends Couch Pop Up
While you can always visit the real Central Perk set at Warner Bros Studio, a pop-up version did make its way to Coffee Beans across LA for a few weeks. You can read all about it here.
Benefit Cosmetics Pop Up
Benefit had a temporary pop up in Beverly Hills to promote a new product. The pop up was adorable and they even gave out delish sprinkles cupcakes with purchases. In 2022, they had a pop up event on the Santa Monica Pier.
Saved By The Max
Located at 7100 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046.
Saved By The Max started out in Chicago and made its way to Los Angeles this past summer. Tickets for the restaurant went on sale in the spring and sold out very quickly. A few reservations have opened up along the way so if you have been unable to visit please do not lose hope. This is a recreation of The Max from the hit tv series Saved By The Bell. You will see the Bayside lockers, The Max, and Mr. Belding’s office. You can read more about my experience at Saved By The Max here.
Saved By The Max was replaced by a Good Burger Pop Up.
