First Fridays FAQs | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

First Fridays FAQs

If I buy a pre-sale ticket, what do I get? Does it guarantee me admission to the show?

Depending on tier that you select, you can now buy a ticket which guarantees access to the concert hall or just a museum admission. Both tickets include access to the Museum after-hours, the guided tour, the scientist-led discussion and the First Fridays lounge (complete with spinning from KCRW DJs). Due to limited capacity in the North American Mammal Hall, musical performances are sold as the Concert ticket.

If the Concert ticket for the event is listed as sold-out online, does that mean I can’t come?

We reserve a portion of the ticket sales for the door. The entire evening is based on a first-come, first-serve basis for admission, with the exception of the performance hall. If you come early in the evening, you should still be able to purchase tickets for the evening’s events. Doors for the evening open at 4:00pm.

If I purchased a Museum Admission Only, do I not get to see any of the concert?

Don’t let that deter you because the performances will be projected onto screens throughout the Grand Foyer and many people prefer to watch the performances there. Don’t forget access to the DJ lounge, Museum, curatorial tours and lectures are all part of the Museum Ticket.

What is the Annual Membership with Concert package?

This package includes annual membership dues at the level chosen including all standard membership benefits and access to all First Fridays for free during the year of membership. It also includes First Fridays Concert tickets for the month purchased i.e. if you purchase an Annual Membership with January Concert you will receive Concert tickets for the January First Fridays. Please note tickets must be claimed by 6:45pm the night of the show or else they will be released. As a member you will be able to reserve free Concert tickets for any of the remaining First Fridays ahead of time online.

What are the benefits of purchasing membership?

In addition to various membership benefits, NHM members receive free admission to all First Fridays events for a year. Members additionally have access to free concert tickets, which must be reserved ahead of time. Capacity is limited and tickets are distributed on a first-come first-served basis. Tickets are non-transferable and members must show a photo ID to claim their ticket. Unclaimed concert tickets will be forfeited at 6:45pm the night of the event.

How do I reserve a Concert ticket if I am already a member?

Go online through the First Fridays webpage to reserve your General Admission with FREE Concert Ticket. Supplies are still limited to a first-come first-serve basis. Members at the Individual level can reserve 1 free concert ticket per show. Members at the Dual level and above can reserve 2 free concert tickets per show. Members can purchase additional concert tickets while supplies last. You can pick up your tickets at the Members desk on the night of the First Fridays event. A very limited number of concert tickets will be available to members for free at the Membership Desk beginning at 5pm the night of the show for those who did not reserve ahead of time. If you have any other specific questions, contact our Membership Office at (213) 763-3426. Unclaimed concert tickets will be forfeited at 6:45pm the night of the event.

Do members need to reserve tickets if they DO NOT wish to access the concert hall?

No. Members who are not interested in accessing the North American Mammal Hall for the concert performance do not need to reserve admission to First Fridays. Simply present your Membership ID at the Membership Desk the night of the show to receive free access to the lecture, tours, DJ lounges, and exhibits. The concert can still be heard and viewed on screens in the Grand foyer.

If I bought a ticket online, and when I arrive it says the event is SOLD OUT, will I still be able to get in?

If you have purchased a pre-sale ticket online your ticket will be available at the will call desk.

How long is Will Call open?

Will Call will be open from 4:30pm to 9:00pm at the South Entrance.

Where can I park?

Parking ($10) is available in patrolled Exposition Park lots on Bill Richardson Lane, across from the Museum. Bill Richardson is accessible from both Exposition Blvd and Martin Luther King.

How many people does the performance hall hold?

First Fridays musical performances take place in the Museum’s North American Mammal Hall, which has a capacity of 500 people. Our new ticketing policy allows guests to purchase a concert ticket for $18, which guarantees admission and eliminates the need to wait in line for the show to start. Don’t let that deter you, however, as the performances will be projected onto screens throughout the Grand Foyer and many people prefer to watch the performances there.

What time are the performances?

KCRW DJs will be spinning throughout the evening in the First Fridays lounge. Musical performances generally take place at 8:00pm (opening act) and 9:15pm (headliner). We encourage you to come early. The entire event generally sells out, early arrival is recommended.

How do I find out about future events?

You can add yourself to the First Fridays e-mail list; sign-up sheets will be available at the event.  You can also visit us at nhm.org/firstfridays for information about future events.

Is the First Fridays lounge open to everyone?

Yes! Enjoy!