Roses Parade: held in early January, this New Year’s Day tradition sees football fans gather in their droves for the football championship match held in the afternoon, while morning events include a parade, floats and marching bands

Academy Awards: held in late February, this is one of Hollywood’s premier film events on the calendar. The event gets much publicity coverage, and provides star-spotters with an opportunity to see celebrities glide along the red carpet.

African American History Month: held throughout February, African American history is celebrated through film, lectures and performances.

Beverly Hills Film Festival: one of the city’s less famous film events, this early April festival showcases non-studio films and screenplays as well as hosting theme parties and charity events that precede the prestigious awards ceremony.

Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles: mid-April sees Arc Light Cinemas celebrate India’s contribution to film, with screenings of films made exclusively by Indian filmmakers.

UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival: occurring annually each May, this outdoor event incorporates dance, food, culture and music. Gathering to see some of the year’s hottest acts, the event attracted around 30,000 jazz and reggae fans each year.

LA Pride: a chance for the resident gay community as well as visitors to join in a celebration of gay pride. The venue, Santa Monica Boulevard, is host to this frenetic carnival that sees costumes, dancers and lots of partying.

Lotus Festival: Echo Park lights up with this cultural exchange each July, with Asian and Pacific Islander visual, musical and performing arts celebrated. Aimed at promoting the exchange of culture, this is a popular festival among the city’s Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

Annual African Marketplace and Cultural Faire: late August sees the Los Angeles Coliseum come alive for a one week with colourful celebrations including African costume, dance, arts and crafts exhibits and vendors.

LA Greek Festival: in mid-September, is a celebration of Greek traditions. The city’s large Greek population put on a good party, with authentic Greek food and traditional music and dance.

World Festival of Sacred Music: held in late September, music venues city-wide host international music events in an attempt to cross the boundaries of culture, faith and race.

Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival: in late October, is a celebration of Latino filmmaking, with the best of the year’s Latino films screened to the delight of Hispanic audiences among other ethnicities.

West Hollywood’s Halloween Carnival: late October sees Hollywood come alive with spooks and ghouls as the district’s residents get into costume and hit the streets. One of the largest Halloween celebrations in the US, this event is one you will remember.

American Film Institute Festival: early November sees the largest motion picture trade event in the world. Attended by star-spotters from around the country, the festival also provides a great opportunity to see premiers and new releases.

Hollywood Christmas Spectacular: Christmas gets going early in LA, with this late November parade kicking off the festive season. Expect to see floats, music, cars and bands as well as Santa and his elves among other stars.

Israel Film Festival: held in early December, the final film event of the year showcases films exclusively from Israel, highlighting Israeli culture and the county’s thriving film industry.