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Events in Los Angeles - Los Angeles Hotels .com

Like moths to a flame, individuals from all walks of life are drawn to the glitz and glamour of LA, a city where just about anything can -- and does -- happen. From glamorous awards shows and Easter animal blessings to diverse cultural festivals, LA has events you won't find anywhere else.

Known as the City of Entertainment more than the City of Angels, LA hosts an awards season that star-struck visitors won't want to miss, including the granddaddy of them all, the Academy Awards. These gilded Oscars honor the year's best films and the directors, actors, writers, and production teams that make them. Reserve your spot along the red carpet at the Kodak Theatre, and be prepared to be blinded by the cameras, the stars, and their over-the-top bling.

Celebrate Easter in a unique way with LA's Blessing of the Animals. This obscure Catholic custom involves bringing your favorite beloved animals to church to receive a priest's blessing on the saint day of San Antonio de Abad, which falls on the Saturday before Easter. This animal-lover's free-for-all has included the blessings of peacocks, pigs, camels, and monkeys in the past, as well as your garden-variety dogs and cats.

Speaking of great Easter events, don't miss Easter Sunrise at the Hollywood Bowl, where thousands of people gather to enjoy the sunrise and great music, prayers, and pageantry, compliments of the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service.

Book lovers take note: In April, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books brings together 400-some authors and thousands of readers for a weekend of panel discussions, readings, and exhibits on UCLA's sprawling campus. This free event is one of the largest of its kind in the nation, and is not to be missed.

What better way to beat the sweltering July heat than by hitting the beach for the US Open of Surfing? The focus of this week-long event is the world's largest professional surfing competition; however, attendees can also enjoy BMX and FMX demonstrations by the industry's biggest players, as well as beach volleyball matches, live bands, a fashion show, and surfing clinics.

LA is truly a melting pot of cultures, and the best way to dip your spoon into this ethnic goulash is by attending a cultural festival or two. The LA African Marketplace and Cultural Faire, which takes place in August, celebrates unique African cultures and influences through food, crafts, and music. The Nisei Week Japanese Festival, which pays tribute to second-generation Japanese Americans (and their heritage), is also celebrated during this time, featuring a popular Tofu Festival and Grand Parade.

Fall marks a return to awards season with the Primetime Emmy Awards, which honors television heavyweights, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards. Nurture the 14-year-old girl within you by staking your spot along the red carpet and blowing your lungs out screaming for your favorite stars.

Celebrate the Glory of Christmas like you never have before by reserving your tickets to see the Crystal Cathedral's live nativity pageant. Featuring music by the London Philharmonic and a production featuring live animals, awe-inspiring organ music, and breathtaking carols, this performance is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.