2025 blessed us with five Frieze art fairs. In 2026, we’ll get six. This month, the gift that keeps on giving arrives in Los Angeles, and it’s set to be a knockout. To guarantee you the best tips, we called upon our friends out West to give us the inside track on what to see, what to avoid, and where to eat, drink, shop, and hide (when it all gets too much).

We know you didn’t ask, but you’re getting it anyway. Strap in, it’s a big one…

See

The best of the best art to see in LA during Frieze Week

‘The Deer Park’, Paramount-Artcraft

Tucked away in a 1920s-era Hollywood courtyard, this group show with an LA-centric concept is curated by Greg Jenkins, unsuspecting art-bro and the only non-reptilian gallerist I know. Highlights: Scott Benzel’s functional clock made of sickles and Alan S. Tofighi’s split sculpture of the Olvera Street Donkey; the opening even featured a blessing from Norman Klein (author of the LA tome The History of Forgetting).

– Recommended by Grace McGrade, astrologer, writer, model

Until 8th March 2026 at 7471 Melrose Ave, Number 5, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Steven Arnold, ‘Cocktails in Heaven’, Del Vaz Projects

Steven Arnold’s photographs are full of clowns, ghosts, angels and these wild, dreamlike tableaux – it’s wonderful. (And for dinner or drinks, head to The Mulberry on Sawtelle, one of LA’s new Korean spots!)

– Recommended by Christine Messineo, director of Americas for Frieze

Until 25th April 2026, 259 19th St, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA 90402

‘Made in L.A. 2025’, Hammer Museum

Made in L.A. is the seventh version of the Hammer’s biennial exhibition of California-based artists. Showcasing 28 artists, it thoroughly engages with the city and its current creative scene.

– Recommended by Essence Harden, curator of Frieze Focus and Expo Chicago

Until 1st March 2026, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

‘Fire Kinship: Southern California Native Ecology and Art’, Fowler Museum at UCLA

Especially timely in the wake of the Altadena and Palisades fires last January, this exhibition offers a powerful introduction to Southern California’s Native communities and their longstanding relationships with traditional fire and land stewardship practices that have sustained the region for generations.

– Recommended by Zora Zajicek, artist, curator and art historian

Until 12th April 2026 at 308 Charles E Young Dr N, Los Angeles, CA 90024

‘What a Wonderful World: An Audiovisual Poem’, presented by Julia Stoscheck Foundation at Variety Arts Theatre

120 years of moving image works curated by Julia Stoscheck and Udo Kittelmann. From early silent cinema to works by Marina Abramović and Arthur Jafa, this immersive exhibition even has popcorn.

– Recommended by Hunter Drohojowska-Philp, journalist, critic and author

Until 20th March 2026, 940 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

‘Monuments’, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA Museum

Co-organised by MOCA and The Brick, MONUMENTS explores the history and lasting impact of post–Civil War America, featuring removed Confederate monuments alongside contemporary artworks.

– Recommended by Hunter Drohojowska-Philp

Until 3rd May 2026, 152 North Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Amoako Boafo, ‘Bring Home with Me’, Roberts Projects

Amoako Boafo’s third solo show with Roberts Projects celebrates Blackness through a series of new paintings integrated within an architectural re-creation of the artist’s studio in Accra, Ghana.

– Recommended by Hunter Drohojowska-Philp

Until 21st March 2026, 442 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Christina Quarles, ‘The Ground Glows Black’, Hauser & Wirth Downtown Los Angeles

Painted in the aftermath of the Altadena fires, Quarles’ newest show explores feelings of displacement: corporeal, emotional and geographical.

– Recommended by Plaster

23rd February until 3rd May 2026 at 901 East 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

‘Destiny Is a Rose: The Eileen Harris Norton Collection’, Hauser & Wirth Downtown Los Angeles

Rare exhibit of Norton’s art collection featuring work by women and artists of colour as well as nods to California – the collector’s birthplace.

– Recommended by Plaster

24th February until 16th August 2026 at 901 East 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

Bella Foster, ‘Flowers and Mushrooms’, The Pit

Breezy still life paintings by California-based artist Bella Foster.

– Recommended by Plaster

Until 5th March 2026, 3015 Dolores St, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Leiko Ikemura, ‘Riding Horizon’, Lisson Gallery

Since the 1980s, she has been working with thresholds: where light meets darkness, the sky meets the ocean and the female body the natural world. The artist’s first LA show captures this through a metallic architectural wave, designed in collaboration with her partner Philipp Von Matt.

– Recommended by Plaster

Until 28th March 2026, 1037 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 

Paul McCarthy, ‘CSSC Coach Stage Stage Coach, A&E Adolf/Adam & Eva/Eve, Samples’, The Journal Gallery

This exhibition culminates McCarthy’s collaborative drawing sessions with Lilith Stangenberg.

– Recommended by Plaster

Until 25th April 2026, 9055 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Polaroid Portrait Session with Miles Aldridge at Fahey/Klein Gallery

You’ll be photographed surrounded by props from Miles’ signature universe: classic movie popcorn, feather boas, retro telephones, and oversized glasses. Miles will then personally select and sign his favourite polaroid!

Each session lasts 30 minutes: 15 minutes shooting in front of Miles’ iconic orange curtain, followed by 15 minutes while your Polaroids develop.

– Recommended by Plaster

25-28th February 2026, 148 North La Brea, between 1st Street and Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA 90036

‘It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)’, Michael Kohn Gallery

I’m doing a talk on Wallace Berman at Michael Kohn to celebrate ‘100 Years of Wallace Berman’.

– Recommended by Hunter Drohojowska-Philp

Hunter Drohojowska-Philp and Michael Kohn in conversation at 6pm PST on 24th February 2026 at 1227 Highland Ave,Los Angeles, CA 90038

Eat

The best places to eat at during Frieze LA 2026

Grand Central Market

If you’re downtown for the Julia Stoscheck Foundation, The Broad (‘Robert Therrien: This is a Story’) or MOCA grand (‘Diary of Flowers: Artists and their World’), you can walk to Grand Central Market, which has a million food options. Go to Villa Moreliana for Michoacán style carnitas tacos. If you look scared, they’ll give you the lean and ultimately dry cuts of pork. You gotta ask for the surtido, which is chopped up with yummy juicy fatty bits. They’ll even make you a free sample. Still scared? The wood fired pizza at Olio is pretty great.

– Recommended by Janelle Zara, journalist

317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Lugya’h by Poncho Tlayudas

“Lugya’h” translates as “the face and heart of the plaza” in Zapotec and references the street markets throughout the Oaxaca highlands. Expect seasonal traditional food.

– Recommended by Essence Harden

4301 W. Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Tom Bergins

In a city that hates old things, this is one of the few places that hasn’t been given a facelift. It’s an old school Irish pub that’s been around since 1936, and the interior is adorned with handmade four-leaf clovers. They also have a secret hunting lounge upstairs, where Diva Corp is rumoured to write her critiques. I am addicted to their Shepherd’s pie, and once ate three in one sitting.

– Recommended by Grace McGrade

840 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Street Tacos, specifically Brothers Cousins Tacos

Support our local street-side food vendors! Just ten minutes from the Frieze grounds is a locals’ favourite called Brothers Cousins. The best food in LA isn’t waiting at a trendy, overpriced restaurant – you can find authentic, delicious meals in nearly every neighbourhood in the city for under $15.

– Recommended by Zora Zajicek

3118 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Leo’s Tacos Truck

If you want a first class meal (or snack) for less than $10.

– Recommended by Noor de Falco, curator

All over LA!

mdk noodles (Myung Dong Kyoja)

For when you get hungry after Wii Spa (see below).

– Recommended by Noor de Falco

3630 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Holbox

Insanely fresh and ridiculous selection of Mexican seafood hidden in a market Downtown. Prices are on the slightly steeper side and there may be a little wait, but as its 4.8 google rating will testify, you will not regret going.

– Recommended by Noor de Falco

655 S Grand Ave c9, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Little Dom’s

So cute and classic.

– Recommended by Marisa Brickman, COO of Plaster

2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Mitsuwa Marketplace

A spot that has a rice bowl with salmon and roe that I dream about.

– Recommended by Marisa Brickman

3760 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Gjelina Take Away

Gjelina without all the fuss. Breakfast sandwiches are bangin (add hot sauce).

– Recommended by Marisa Brickman

1427 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, Los Angeles, CA 90291

Drink

The best places to drink during Frieze LA 2026

Chateau Marmont

I hate to be that girl, but it is what it is. Glamorous and pretentious, the barricade of bodyguards beneath the neon sign holds no promise of certain entryway. One of God’s little tests. If you get in, you’ll find fun. Order ‘The Good, The Bad and The Hombre’ which is no longer on the menu, but can still be made on request.

– Recommended by Grace McGrade

8221 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Capri Club

Eagle Rock’s Apertivo Bar since 1963!

– Recommended by Essence Harden

4604 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Eastside Luv Wine Bar

Family owned haunt in Boyle Heights with a sunken bar and old school interior. The music shifts night to night, ranging from punk to norteño, mariachi, and cabaret. (Hi Will!)

– Recommended by Zora Zajicek

1835 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

La Poubelle

La Poubelle means “The Trash Can” in French. No one in LA seems to have figured this out; unclear why. This infamous French Bistro was slightly adjacent to a Scientology scandal a year ago, and people still flocked to it, despite the small crowd of protesters. Best people watching. Ask for crayons and they’ll let you draw on the tables.

– Recommended by Grace McGrade

5907 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Tiki-Ti

If you’re visiting Frieze from another country, tiki bars are a distinctly Californian experience you likely won’t find back home. Since the 1960s, Tiki-Ti in Los Feliz has been one of LA’s most beloved drinking institutions – a tiny room with vibrant cocktails and characters.

– Recommended by Zora Zajicek

4427 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 

Musso & Frank Grill

A classic Old Hollywood haunt for nostalgics. Since around 1919, its glitzy list of patrons is the stuff of legends like Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and writers including F. Scott Fitzgerald (in his screenwriting days), Raymond Chandler, Charles Bukowski, and of course the great Eve Babitz (she drops the bar extensively in her books). Take a seat at the bar and order the martini – it’s the best in town, and comes with a little top-up on the side in its own little decanter. DO NOT ORDER FOOD!!!

– Recommended by Noor de Falco

6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

Shop

The best places to get retail therapy this Frieze LA 2026

Trashy Lingerie

This LA staple is identified by its Pepto Bismol pink exterior. It’s a mom-and-pop store known for quietly costuming the stars for decades. Almost every piece is designed and made in-house. It’s a fantasyland where they have “sexy” everything. Sexy dresses, sexy Marie Antoinette costumes, sexy FBI agent costumes – perfect for peacocking like a Playboy Bunny or revenge dressing a la Lily Allen. There’s also a massive St. Bernard dog that slinks around the shop, who has undoubtedly seen it all.

– Recommended by Grace McGrade

402 La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 9004

Grand Slam LA

Grand Slam is a tennis shop focused on community, unlike big box stores and traditional pro shops. They host events too!

– Recommended by Essence Harden

852 N Virgil Ave Los Angeles, CA 90029

Jet Rag

On Sundays, they dump a bunch of clothes on the hot LA sidewalk, and people sift through them like wild animals. Everything is a dollar. It’s amazing. I secured a vintage Galliano Dior “world champion” tank top here, but only after accidentally picking up a used hospital gown. Not for the faint of heart.

– Recommended by Grace McGrade

825 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

The Mart Collective

On the west side, The Mart Collective is an antique and vintage store packed with tchotchkes, hidden treasures, artworks, records, shelves of books. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s a joy to wander and sift through the collection – though you’ll almost certainly leave with something.

– Recommended by Zora Zajicek

1600 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Alias Books

This place is a mandatory pilgrimage site. Amazingly well curated selection of rare books on film, criticism, architecture, art, you name it.

– Recommended Noor de Falco

3163 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Pasadena Antique Mall

Always a hoot and a great place to secure a souvenir, you’ll find anything from a 1920s fur shawl to midcentury glassware.

– Recommended by Noor de Falco

309 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101

Any dispensary

The lingering scent of weed in the air is no coincidence, LA is the city of ganja. Dispensaries are an obligatory pit stop; take your pick, there’s one on practically every block.

– Recommended by Noor de Falco

Hide

Where to hide when it all gets too much

Wii Spa

Great place to hide after a particularly gruelling night out. $30 gets you in for the day and grants you access to a three story spa complex. If you’re feeling fancy, splurge on a massage or a body scrub.

– Recommended by Noor de Falco

2700 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Huntington Library

Located in Pasadena, the Huntington Library grounds are its own world. It’s like Disneyland but for romantic introverts. Visit the art exhibitions, library, gardens, and café, and bring a good book to read in the rose garden. You could easily spend the whole day by yourself grounding and getting lost in it all.

– Recommended by Zora Zajicek

1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108

Arcana Books

This is now a Plaster favourite after filming Arthur Jafa’s Book Voucher here back in 2024.

– Recommended by Plaster

675 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Garden of Oz in Beachwood

This secret garden is only open for two hours (10am-12pm) every Thursday morning. Nestled behind a private residence in Beachwood Canyon, it is a mosaiced masterpiece beyond description. Inspired by the OG Emerald City, a yellow path leads you through a bizarre amalgamation of hand-painted quotes, ceramic figurines, bejewelled thrones, and even a 9/11 memorial. They don’t allow cameras – it’s meant to be felt, not photographed.

– Recommended by Grace McGrade

3040 Ledgewood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Avoid

Everywhere to steer clear of this Frieze LA 2026

Barney’s Beanery

This place is haunted. Not only by ghosts, but by professional TikTokers.

– Vetoed by Grace McGrade

All over LA!

Runyon Canyon

“Hikes” are what we Angelenos use to describe long and uncomfortable walks. Everyone and their Mom does this hike on the weekends. There’s nothing more annoying than seeing someone I know while I’m sweating like a glazed pig, having to huff out small talk.

– Vetoed by Grace McGrade

2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

The freeways during rush hour

This is an important note for the inexperienced. If you are planning on trekking across town an easy 30 minute ride at 10am could quickly turn into a two hour nightmare by the early afternoon so please plan wisely to avoid frustration.

– Vetoed by Zora Zajicek

Hollywood blvd

(Sorry)

– Vetoed by Zora Zajicek

Santa Monica Pier

A hellish crossroads of middle schoolers and confused tourists.

– Vetoed by Noor de Falco

The Grove

Again only acceptable to be seen here if you’re in middle school.

– Vetoed by Noor de Falco