Mark the first LA wildfires anniversary with concerts, vigils and volunteering

It’s been a tough year in these parts. Many communities affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires are still reeling, whether directly as homeowners continue to rebuild, relocate and remediate, or indirectly, as communities fight insurance logistics, navigate political processes and recover from mental health implications and job losses. Despite these challenges, the resilience of our city is astounding — and that is worth celebrating, even when it’s bittersweet.

Across the region, events marking the one-year anniversary begin in early January and continue throughout the month. Many organizers have told LAist they would love to have volunteers to help out, so reach out directly to organizers if you are interested in doing more than just attending. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Events

With Us: Walk with fire survivors through sight, sound and story

Sunday, Jan. 4, 12 to 4 p.m., through Jan. 7, noon to 7:30 p.m.
City Market Social House
1145 S. San Pedro St., downtown L.A.
MORE INFO

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Department of Angels

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Continuing to tell survivors’ stories is key to recovery. That’s the thinking behind the project With Us, an audio and visual storytelling installation focused on “remembrance and recovery.” The event, put on by Department of Angels and Extreme Weather Survivors, aims to bring the community together at City Market Social House on Jan. 4; the art will be available to check out through Jan. 7.

Altadena Candlelight Vigil

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6 p.m. 
5400 N. Lake Ave., Altadena
MORE INFO

Join local leaders for a candlelight vigil marking one year since the Eaton Fire. The community will “gather in solidarity as we look toward healing, rebuilding, and a brighter tomorrow.”

A Concert for Altadena 

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m. 
Pasadena Civic Auditorium 
COST: $150; MORE INFO

Indie band Dawes has been one of the most visible survivors and supporters of the Eaton Fire community since the 2025 wildfires. They are putting their notoriety to good use and planning A Concert for Altadena, happening Jan. 7 and featuring some major musical talent, including Jackson Browne, Mandy Moore, Ozomatli, Jenny Lewis, Lord Huron, Rufus Wainwright and many more. Hosted by John C. Reilly, the show benefits the Altadena Builds Back Foundation, which is spearheading long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Songs of Remembrance: A Memorial Service of Hope and Renewal

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Lake Avenue Church
393 North Lake Ave., Pasadena
MORE INFO

Best-selling Christian author and speaker Philip Yancey will speak at a special community memorial service led by Lake Avenue Church’s Chamber Orchestra and members of the Sanctuary Choir, featuring sacred hymns, choral anthems and classical works that invite reflection, comfort and renewed hope. “This will be a meaningful opportunity to come together and find something redemptive in the midst of tragedy,” said Yancey. “Ironically, it’s often tragedy that brings people together.”

Eaton Fire anniversary community art gathering

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 3 to 5 p.m.
John Muir High School 
1905 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena
MORE INFO

Artist Cynthia Lake, Side Street Projects and the John Muir High School Alumni Association will come together to make art and share stories on a day of remembrance honoring the first anniversary of the Eaton Fire. The afternoon includes art activities, music, resources, performances and more, plus Lake will launch her "Eaton Fire Bowl Series," giving away free handmade ceramic bowls to people affected by the fire — each piece a symbol of hope and comfort.

Community Prayer Services and Concerts of Remembrance, Healing and Renewal 

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. 
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
1031 Bienveneda Ave., Pacific Palisades
OPEN TO ALL, SUGGESTED DONATION $45; MORE INFO

Grammy-winning violinist Anne Akiko Meyers joins members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, conducted by Grant Gershon, with music by Bach, Morten Lauridsen and Eric Whitacre. Each concert will be preceded by a prayer service at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. Donations will benefit Chamber Music Palisades, Palisades Symphony and Chorale, St. Matthew’s Music Guild and Theatre Palisades.

Power Up Altadena!

Sunday, Jan. 11, 11 a.m.

Zorthian Ranch 

3990 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Altadena 

MORE INFO

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Dena United

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Dena United is hosting this all-day festival at Altadena’s historic Zorthian Ranch to celebrate the community’s diverse culture and commemorate one year since the devastating Eaton Fire. Expect to see a wide range of performances from acts including Bobby Bradford, Dwight Trible, Baba Onochie Chukwurah & the Rhythms of the Village Family Band, the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, Earthseed Band and the Whispering Giants with MCs Medusa and Myka 9.

Writers Bloc presents: Firestorm author Jacob Soboroff

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. 

Writers Guild Theater

135 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills

COST: $25; MORE INFO

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Writers Bloc

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Palisades native and MSNBC reporter Jacob Soboroff has a new book out in January on the L.A. fires, Firestorm. He’ll be in conversation with Mariana van Zeller at Writers Bloc to discuss.

L.A. Fires One-Year Reflection: Workers in Action

Thursday, Jan. 15, 4 to 6 p.m.

UCLA James Lawson Jr. Worker Justice Center

675 S. Park View St., MacArthur Park

MORE INFO

Construction workers begin to rebuild a business destroyed by the Palisades Fire on May 07, 2025.

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Justin Sullivan

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Getty Images

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The UCLA Labor Center will host a panel discussion at the Lawson Worker Justice Center (adjacent to MacArthur Park), focused on impacts on and protections for workers. Please RSVP; space is limited.

Out of the Ashes: Benefit Concert and Hero Award

Saturday, Jan. 17 
Private residence, Malibu 
COST: $750; MORE INFO

Hosted by Mission Project CEO Erik Rock, the event features a performance from Grammy winner Andy Grammer. Expect other big-name speakers and guests to participate too.