L.A. on Wheels Day
Date
Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 9:30 am–3 pm
Location
Tickets
Free with paid General Admission and to Members.
General Admission to the museum is required if you plan to explore the L.A. on Wheels festival or other museum exhibits earlier in the day.
Paid parking will be available at the Blue Structure Parking Lot at Exposition Park Drive and Figueroa Street.
Celebrate creativity in motion on L.A. on Wheels Day!
This one-day festival brings NHM's online series L.A. on Wheels to life at the museum and showcases how Angelenos have transformed movement into a celebration of creativity and community.
Explore car and bike shows, live skate demos, hands-on art activities, storytelling sessions, and discussions with mobility justice advocates, builders, and more. Most activities are included with General Admission tickets and are perfect for all ages.
In the afternoon, join Retro Pop Culture Humorist Charles Phoenix for his spirited “Southern California in the 50s & 60s” slide show. With unbridled enthusiasm and an eagle-eye for oddball detail, Charles celebrates mid-century SoCal pop culture—from space-age suburbia, car culture, and unique architecture to legendary landmarks, Hollywood glamour, and world-famous theme parks. Be prepared for your imagination to be inspired and your love of SoCal to soar like never before! Advanced tickets are recommended as this special presentation is expected to sell out. Separate tickets are required.
It’s a wheely good time you won’t want to miss!
Explore an exciting lineup of local vendors and kids activities celebrating everything on wheels—from bikes and boards to skates and scooters.
Mike Parente, Great Autos Car Club
From the boulevard to the car show, Los Angeles rides on innovation and pride — every car tells a story about L.A.’s love affair with motion and style.
Step back in time through rare historic photos from the Seaver Center and see how wheels of all kinds transformed life across Los Angeles — connecting communities, fueling innovation, and driving the city’s growth.
Rev up your engines and explore L.A.’s rich motorcycle culture by meeting the riders who call its streets home.
Chat with Museum Educators and discover hidden gems from NHM's collection of wheels found in nature.
Pick up an event program for the day and grab (or download) a Scavenger Hunt to explore wheels on display at NHM!
Unleash your inner artist to make hands-on, transportation and wheel-themed art, designed to spark imagination and play. (While supplies last.)
Take a ride through fun and imagination with storytime in the garden with Drag Arts Lab and The Skateside as they read books from L.A. County Library featuring wheeled wonders of every kind.
California Derby Dolls
From the rink to the streets to the skate park, L.A.’s roller skating culture is all about strength, style, and bold moves.
Schedule Overview
For full schedule and event details, download the L.A. on Wheels Day Event Guide.
Ongoing Activities | 9:30 am–3 pm | Various Locations
Car & Bike Show – NHM Car Park & North Plaza (FREE EXPERIENCE)
Discover a diverse collection of vehicles, motorcycles, and scooters spanning decades of design and innovation, accompanied by tunes from DJ Dave.Note: This select experience is free. All other activities require General Admission or a special experience ticket.
- Community Partner Exhibitors – Nature Gardens Path
Explore an exciting lineup of local vendors and organizations celebrating everything on wheels—from bikes and boards to skates and scooters.
- Collection Connections & Scavenger Hunt – Grand Foyer & Lower Otis Booth Pavilion
From armadillos and pangolins to roly-polies and wheel snails, discover our “wheely cool” animal collection. Explore vehicle-related artifacts and historic photos from NHM’s history collection and the Seaver Center for Western History Research. Don't forget to pick up a scavenger hunt to gamify wheels on display.
- Storytime – Bird Viewing Platform
10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm
Take a ride through fun and imagination with storytime in the garden with Drag Arts Lab and The Skateside as they read books from L.A. County Library featuring wheeled wonders of every kind.
- Skate Demonstrations – Neighborhood Grill Patio
10 am–2:30 pm
Watch game of “SKATE” and enjoy demonstrations by skateboarders and roller skaters as they show off their style and skill.
Theater Programs | 9:30 am–3 pm | NHM Commons Theater
- 10–11:15 am | Film Screening & Discussion: Wheels of Change
Attend a screening of the short documentary Biking While Black followed by discussion with the filmmaker and mobility justice advocates.
- 12–12:45 pm | Discussion: Skate Culture in L.A.
Join roller derby skaters, car designers, and builders as they share how customization sparks creativity and builds community.
- 1:15–2 pm | Discussion: DIY & Drive
Explore L.A.’s vibrant skateboarding scene with skaters, filmmakers, and brand representatives highlighting its cultural impact.
- 3–4:15 pm | Charles Phoenix: Southern California in the 50s & 60s
Retro Pop Culture Humorist Charles Phoenix brings mid-century SoCal to life with a lively slide show of classic cars, colorful landmarks, space-age suburbia, and all the colorful fun of vintage Southern California. Separate paid ticket required.
Charles Phoenix: Southern California in the 50s & 60s | 3 pm
Step into mid-century SoCal with retro visuals, classic cars, colorful landmarks, and Charles Phoenix's comedic flair.
L.A. on Wheels is part of the Natural History Museum’s Being L.A. series, which, through sustained collaboration, invites Community Partners to speak on the natural and cultural heritage of L.A., and collects stories from Angelenos who work to build community, inclusivity, and access.