We’ve put together a handy list highlighting upcoming sensory-friendly events in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. This list includes events that are accessible and inclusive to people on the autism spectrum and individuals with other developmental and/or intellectual disabilities who have sensory needs.
This list gets updated every quarter to reflect the most up-to-date events. (last updated January 17, 2023)
SENSORY FRIENDLY THEATERS AND PERFORMANCES
Sensory Friendly Performance of Stuart Little
Venue: The Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot
Location: La Habra, CA
Date: February 19, 2023 (12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)
Why We Love It: This rendition of ‘Stuart Little’, based on the book by E. B. White and adapted for theater performance by Joseph Robinette, is specifically designed for individuals with sensory needs. Per the Phantom Project Theatre, this performance is modified “to allow for patron movement; staff and actors are trained to accommodate patron needs, and all patrons are welcome to experience theatre in a safe, non-judgmental environment.”
Learn more & Buy Tickets: https://thephantomprojectstheatre.com/
Sensory Friendly/Relaxed Series at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Venue: Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Date: Varies (check schedule)
Why We Love It: The Segerstrom Center for the Arts offers several performances every quarter to give people with sensory needs the opportunity to experience the joys of live performance arts in a relaxed and inclusive environment. Accomodations include a reduction of sound levels and stage lighting, the ability to walk and talk freely during the show, pre-visit guides, designated break spaces, and more.
Learn more & Buy Tickets: https://www.scfta.org/
El Capitan Theatre’s Sensory Inclusive Screenings
Venue: El Capitan Theatre
Location: Hollywood, CA
Date: Varies (check schedule)
Why We Love It: El Capitan Theatre is certified as a Sensory Inclusive Venue through KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization creating sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities. They offer inclusive showtimes of recently-released films with dimmed lights and lower sound, reduced smells and sounds in the lobby, reduced theater capacity, and more. Please check their schedule for upcoming showtimes.
Learn more & Buy Tickets: https://elcapitantheatre.com/
AMC Sensory Friendly Films
Location: Varies
Date: Available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month
Why We Love It: AMC Theaters partners with the Autism Society to offer movie sensory-friendly showings for people with autism and other needs. Sensory-friendly film screening turns the lights up and the sound down to let people walk around, move, talk, and just be their authentic selves during the show. Check the link below for a list of participating theaters in your area.
Learn more & Buy Tickets: https://www.amctheatres.com/
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY EVENTS
Cupid’s Crush No Tap Bowling Bash
Venue: Valencia Lanes, hosted by Major Impact Theater
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Date: February 11, 2023 (5:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Why We Love It: This inclusive bowling event is hosted by Major Impact Theater, a prominent non-profit theater troupe of adult actors with intellectual disabilities in Santa Clarita. Please note thier prices: $30/per bowler, $150/lane. $10 pulled pork slider dinner. Sign up deadline is February 5th.
Learn more & Buy Tickets: https://majorimpacttheater.org/events
Create COMMUNITY: The Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival Community Day
Venue: Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Date: February 25 2023 (11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m)
Why We Love It: The Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival features neurodivergent artists and celebrates the artist in all of us. The event is a free, inclusive one-day festival that is perfect for children of all abilities and their families. RSVP online in advance to join sensory-friendly art making workshops and performances.
Learn more & Buy Tickets: https://www.musiccenter.org/
Abilities Expo Los Angeles
Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Date: March 10-12, 2023 (Fri. 11am-5pm | Sat. 11am-5pm | Sun 11am-4pm)
Why We Love It: The annual Abilities Expo celebrates and empowers individuals with all kinds of abilities and has been called ‘disability wonderland‘ by some participants. The expo showcases innovations in accessibility technology and offers workshops and resources on a variety of topics from: “home access and medication overload to accommodations at work, living authentically, and empowerment.” Best of all, registration to attend the expo is free!
Learn more & Register: https://www.abilities.com/losangeles/
Festival of Human Abilities
Venue: Aquarium of the Pacific
Location: Long Beach, CA
Date: January 28 & 29, 2023 (9:00 am–5:00 pm)
Why We Love It: The Festival of Human Abilities at the Aquarium of the Pacific celebrates the incredible creative talents of individuals with disabilities. This inclusive event features wheelchair dance, live music, and free classes led by people who have disabilities. Sign language interpreters are available at all performances, and an audio tour and a visitor guide in Braille are available for those who are visually impaired. RSVP online to join.
Learn more & Buy Tickets: https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/
(last updated January 17, 2023)
The Mission of Jay Nolan Community Services: Since 1975, Jay Nolan Community Services has enabled individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives as members of the community by providing support services customized to their individual needs.
Learn more at: https://jaynolan.org
