CalArts Events

The Open Show is a screening of all Character Animation student films made this academic year. The films range from year-long films to 48 hour films and one-week films. The show takes place over two nights. To see all of the films, make sure to attend both evenings. Films are screened in the order they’re submitted, with several short intermissions.

The 2026 Calarts Creative Writing MFA graduating class is proud to present the Next Words Reading Series!

Come join this two-night performance extravaganza by ExPop student bands!

For the first time since its creation in 1979, For Whose Entertainment by renowned filmmaker, artist, and educator Ben Caldwell has its first public screening. Read more...

Paul Brach Visiting Artist Lecture: Lauren Bon

The Creative Writing MFA’s Writing Now reading series is excited to host: Tisa Bryant, author of Residual, a nonfiction assemblage of the interiors of grief, the home as archive, and the mystery of mothers!

Travel the globe through sound with an electrifying lineup of musicians bringing international rhythm, culture, and groove to the stage! FREE admission, though tickets required for some performances.

Queer performance artist Jibz Cameron, best known for her multimedia alter ego Dynasty Handbag, returns to REDCAT for an evening of performance, film, and readings celebrating the debut of her memoir. Read more...

About:The School of Art cordially invites visitors to our annual open studios. CalArts students open their studios for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their work and creative process. Free and open to the public, but we kindly ask you to register!

Come hang out, make art, eat snacks, and connect with fellow alumni and current students. Whether you’re cutting, pasting, chatting, or just vibing—everyone’s welcome. Materials provided.

Browse and shop unique, handmade creations from CalArts’ own students and alumni artists and local SCV makers—art, jewelry, prints, while capturing the magic of MAYhem at the event photo booth! Free and open to the public.

The 2026 Calarts Creative Writing MFA graduating class is proud to present Satelite Dreams, a Next Words Reading Series! 

Coyote Makes a World, an extramusical project between Chad Hamill/čnaq’ymi (lone eagle) and The Forest. As the central figure within Indigenous storytelling traditions of the Interior Northwest, Coyote navigates the tenuous and tumultuous present in Coyote Makes a World, a blend of storytelling, dynamic percussion, Native songs, and raga music.

Implied Machine Aesthetics presents a group exhibition of kinetic works exploring movement, behavior, and interaction through simple robotics and electronic systems.

The Character Animation Producers’ Show features a selection of films made by students in the Character Animation program this academic year, juried by the faculty.