Autry Museum Block Party 2026: Dinos, Ferris Wheel & $2 Kids' Tickets!
Picture this: it's Saturday morning, the coffee is finally kicking in, and your kids have already asked "what are we doing today?" roughly eleven times. You could do the usual park-and-snack loop. Or you could load everyone into the car, point it toward Griffith Park, and spend the day riding a Ferris wheel, meeting a PBS Kids star, watching a grown-up cowboy get tossed off a mechanical bull, and standing face-to-face with a life-size dinosaur. All for less than the price of one fancy latte per person. Yes, really.
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the Autry Museum of the American West throws its annual block party, and this year it has a name that makes my Angeleno heart do a little happy dance: Love Letters to L.A. It's a full-on, all-day celebration of the city we love to complain about and secretly adore. Think county fair meets music festival meets museum day, all wrapped up in one of the prettiest corners of Griffith Park. And the ticket prices? They're a wink back to 1988, the year the museum first opened its doors. Adults pay $4.75 and kids 12 and under are just $2.
We've rounded up everything you need to know about the Autry Museum Block Party 2026: what's happening, what's worth racing to first, where to park, what to pack, and the insider tips that'll make your day smoother than a fresh jar of Jif. Let's saddle up!
The Autry Museum Block Party 2026 at a Glance
4700 Western Heritage Way Los Angeles, CA 90027 Saturday, September 26, 2026 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Autry's biggest family day of the year takes over the museum grounds in Griffith Park, right across from the Los Angeles Zoo. Tickets are a throwback steal: $4.75 for adults, $3.50 for seniors (62+) and students (13–18), $2 for kids 12 and under, and free for Autry members and for active-duty military and veterans with ID. Parking at the Autry is free. The event is cashless, so buy your tickets online ahead of time through the Autry's ticketing partner, Fever, and bring a card or phone wallet for food trucks and extras.
Why "Love Letters to L.A." Is the Best Family Deal in Town This Weekend
Let's talk numbers for a second, because this mama loves a good deal. On a regular day, adult admission at the Autry runs $20 and kids' tickets are $9. For the block party, a family of four with two little ones can get in for about $13.50 total. That's less than a round of drive-thru kids' meals. And unlike most "cheap" family events, this one isn't a watered-down version of the real thing. You get the carnival, the music, the dinosaurs, the horses, the car show, AND the museum galleries.
But the real magic of the Autry Block Party isn't just the price tag. It's the vibe. This is the kind of event where your toddler dances in front of a jazz band, your tween actually looks up from their phone to check out a candy-apple-red hot rod, and you get a quiet minute to admire a plein air painter capturing the Griffith Park hills. It's a day that feels very, very L.A. in the best possible way: a big, mixed-up, joyful celebration of everybody who calls this city home.
Last year's block party honored first responders and celebrated the community's resilience after the fires. This year's "Love Letters to L.A." theme keeps that warm, hometown spirit going. It's basically one giant thank-you note to our city, and our kids get to be part of writing it.
Dino Land: Where Little Paleontologists Lose Their Minds (in the Best Way)
If you have a dinosaur-obsessed kid (and let's be honest, who doesn't?), head straight for Dino Land on the museum's back lot. The Autry is transforming the space into a Jurassic-style adventure zone complete with life-size dinosaurs, containment fencing, broken dinosaur eggs, and weathered "research crates" that look like they were left behind by a very nervous team of scientists.
There are dino-themed inflatables for bouncing off extra energy, games, crafts, and plenty of photo backdrops for that holiday-card-worthy shot of your little one "escaping" a T. rex. My tip? Head here first. Dino Land is going to be the most popular spot for the under-10 crowd, and lines for the inflatables will only grow as the day goes on. Get your roars in early, then move on to the rest of the party with happy, tired-out kids.
Meet Nature Cat and Catch Mr. Silly Gloves
Calling all PBS Kids fans! Nature Cat, the house cat with big outdoor dreams, is making an appearance for a meet-and-greet. If your preschooler has ever shouted "Tally-ho!" while running into the backyard, this is their moment. Have your phone ready, because the look on their face when they see their favorite cartoon adventurer in real life is pure gold.
Little ones will also love Mr. Silly Gloves, a kid-favorite performer who brings the goofy, sing-along energy that preschoolers crave. Pair the meet-and-greet with a face painting stop and you've got the makings of a very happy morning.
Carnival Rides, Games, and That Famous Mechanical Bull
What's a block party without a little carnival chaos? The Autry is bringing out the big guns: a Ferris wheel, bounce houses, carnival games, and yes, a mechanical bull. Older kids (and let's be real, a few competitive dads) will be lining up to see who can hang on the longest. Watching is half the fun, so grab a snack and a seat nearby for some free entertainment.
The Ferris wheel is the sweet spot for families with kids of all ages. There's something about floating above the treetops of Griffith Park with the hills rolling out around you that feels a little bit like magic. The city's event listing also mentions a mini train, so keep your eyes peeled if you've got a little conductor in the family. Insider tip: ride the Ferris wheel in the late afternoon when the light turns golden. Your photos will thank you.
Live Music Stages Your Whole Family Will Love
Here's where the "Love Letters to L.A." theme really sings. The lineup is a delicious mix of sounds that feels like a musical road trip across Los Angeles. Expect sets from The Midnight Cowgirls, Las Chorizeras, The Volcanics, Holy Crow Jazz Band, and Country Vision Band, plus family favorite Mr. Silly Gloves.
Honky-tonk, Latin grooves, surf-tinged rock, and toe-tapping jazz, all in one afternoon? That's L.A. in a nutshell. Bring a picnic blanket, stake out a spot on the lawn, and let the kids dance it out while you soak up the sunshine. There's no better way to introduce little ears to live music than at an outdoor stage where nobody minds if they twirl, wiggle, or yell "again!"
Cultural Performances, Cowboy Poetry, and Square Dancing
The Autry has always been about telling the full, rich story of the American West, and the block party brings those stories to life. The Wildhorse Singers and Dancers will share Native song and dance, a beautiful and powerful moment for kids to witness up close. Then the energy shifts with square dancers who are more than happy to show you a do-si-do or two. Don't be shy. Grab your kiddo's hands and give it a whirl!
For something a little different, stop by for Cowboy Poetry L.A. Yes, cowboy poetry is a real thing, and it's wonderful. It's storytelling with rhythm, humor, and a whole lot of heart, and it's a sneaky way to introduce kids to the idea that poetry isn't just something in a school textbook.
Horses, Hot Rods, and Hands-On Art
Horse-crazy kids, this one's for you. Urban Saddles is hosting horse photo ops and horse grooming workshops, so your little equestrian can learn how to care for a real horse (and get that dream photo). Keep an eye on the workshop area when you arrive so you can plan around it.
Meanwhile, car lovers can wander the classic car and hot rod show, a gleaming lineup of chrome, candy paint, and vintage style. It's a total L.A. tradition and a great "look but don't touch" lesson for curious toddlers.
Want a calmer moment? Visit members of the California Art Club as they paint plein air, which is fancy talk for painting outdoors, right on the spot. Kids are fascinated watching a blank canvas turn into a landscape in real time. Bring a small sketchbook and a few crayons so your little artist can paint alongside the pros.
Movie Screenings in the Autry's Renovated Theater
Need a break from the sun? Duck into the museum's newly renovated theater for film screenings. The lineup includes Maara'yam: The Yuhaaviatam Story, a documentary that shares the history and culture of the Yuhaaviatam people, and L.A. Story, Steve Martin's 1991 comedic valentine to Los Angeles.
Quick mom-note: L.A. Story is rated PG-13, so it's better for teens and grown-ups than for little ones. It's the perfect "love letter" pick for the theme, though, so if you have a partner or grandparent along, tag-team it and let one adult sneak in for a laugh while the other handles Dino Land duty.
Don't Skip the Museum Galleries
Here's the part a lot of families miss: your block party ticket gets you into the museum too. Two exhibitions make this visit extra special.
Life, Liberty, and Los Angeles explores the famous words of the Declaration of Independence through the stories of real Angelenos, using historic artifacts, contemporary art, and community voices to show how people here have chased life, liberty, and happiness for more than two centuries. It's a thoughtful, kid-friendly way to talk about what those big words mean in our own city.
And here's a fun bonus: Promised Lands: California's Unratified Treaties and Native Resilience opens the very same day as the block party. Developed together with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, it explores California's treaty history with archival materials, contemporary objects, and perspectives from local tribal communities. Being there on opening day is a pretty cool bragging right for your family history buff.
What to Eat at the Autry Block Party
Food trucks and beverage stations will be on site to keep everyone fueled. Remember, the event is cashless, so bring a card or have your phone wallet ready. Lines at food trucks tend to peak around noon, so if your crew can handle an early lunch at 11:30 or a late one around 1:30, you'll spend less time waiting and more time playing.
Of course, picnicking is an L.A. family superpower. Pack some easy snacks, refillable water bottles, and a few fruit pouches to tide the kids over between adventures. Nothing ruins a Ferris wheel line faster than a hangry four-year-old.
Insider Tips for the Best Day at the Autry Museum Block Party
After years of dragging my own crew to festivals all over Los Angeles, I've learned a few things the hard way. Here's how to make the Autry Block Party a total win:
Buy tickets online before you go. The event is cashless and tickets are sold in advance through Fever. Grab them the night before so you're not fumbling with your phone at the gate while your kids stage a mutiny.
Arrive right at 10 a.m. Parking is free at the Autry, which means it'll fill up. Early birds get the best spots, the shortest lines, and the coolest temperatures of the day.
Dress for sun and dirt. Late September in L.A. can feel like mid-July. Sunscreen, hats, and comfy closed-toe shoes are a must, especially for Dino Land and the horse area. Throw in a light layer for when the afternoon breeze kicks up.
Pick your "must-dos" in advance. Nature Cat, the Urban Saddles horse workshop, and a specific band set? Ask a staff member for the day's schedule when you arrive, snap a photo of it, and build your plan around those anchors.
Take a museum break at midday. When the sun is at its strongest, head indoors to the galleries or a film screening. Air conditioning and a quiet moment can reset even the crankiest kiddo.
Bring a stroller or wagon for little ones. The grounds are spread out and little legs get tired. A wagon doubles as a snack cart and a nap spot. Win-win.
Make It a Griffith Park Family Day
The Autry sits right in the heart of Griffith Park, which means you can easily turn your block party outing into a full weekend adventure. Here are two nearby favorites worth adding to your list:
5333 Zoo Dr Los Angeles, CA 90027
Right across the parking lot from the Autry, the L.A. Zoo is an easy add-on if you have energy to spare (or want to come back Sunday). Separate admission applies, so plan ahead and check the zoo's website for current hours and ticket prices.
5200 Zoo Dr Los Angeles, CA 90027
Train-loving kids will be over the moon at Travel Town, a free outdoor museum packed with vintage locomotives and railcars they can climb aboard and explore. It's just a short drive from the Autry and makes a perfect, low-key Sunday follow-up to a busy block party Saturday.
Takeaway
The Autry Museum Block Party 2026 is one of those rare Los Angeles family events that checks every single box: affordable, packed with activities for every age, rooted in culture and community, and set in a gorgeous corner of Griffith Park. Between Dino Land, the Ferris wheel, Nature Cat, live music, horses, hot rods, and two fascinating exhibitions, there's truly something for everyone in your crew. With adult tickets at $4.75 and kids at just $2, "Love Letters to L.A." is the easiest yes of the season. Grab your tickets, pack the sunscreen, and go write your own family love letter to this wild, wonderful city on Saturday, September 26.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Autry Museum Block Party
1. When and where is the Autry Museum Block Party 2026?
The "Love Letters to L.A." block party takes place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027, in Griffith Park across from the L.A. Zoo.
2. How much are tickets to the Autry Block Party?
Tickets are priced in honor of the museum's 1988 opening: $4.75 for adults, $3.50 for seniors (62+) and students (13–18), and $2 for children 12 and under. Autry members and active-duty military and veterans (with ID) get in free.
3. Is parking free at the Autry Museum Block Party?
Yes! The Autry offers free parking for its visitors. Since it's a popular event, arrive early for the best spots and the shortest lines.
4. Can I pay with cash at the event?
No, the Autry Block Party is a cashless event. Buy your tickets online in advance and bring a credit card or phone wallet for food trucks and beverages.
5. Is the Autry Museum Block Party good for toddlers and young kids?
Absolutely. Dino Land, bounce houses, face painting, the Nature Cat meet-and-greet, Mr. Silly Gloves, horse photo ops, and the Ferris wheel make it a dream day for little ones. Just bring sunscreen, snacks, and a stroller or wagon for tired legs.
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