The plaza around the new Wilshire/Fairfax Station will feature a host of interactive activities. (photo by Edwin Folven)

When Metro’s D Line subway extension opens to Wilshire/La Cienega on May 8, trains will whisk riders between downtown Los Angeles and Beverly Hills in 21 minutes. With three new stations at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega, Metro and local leaders are planning a series of events and pop-up activations on the station plazas to enhance the public transit experience. The stations will host a variety of programming including  farmers’ markets, salsa dance classes, pickleball and craft markets. Riders will also have the option to purchase coffee from carts at the three new subway stations during morning commutes. 

Metro is planning to release specific details soon for the opening ceremony on May 8, which is planned at the Wilshire/Fairfax Station, located across Wilshire Boulevard from the Academy Museum and Los Angeles County Museum of Art and directly next to the Petersen Automotive Museum. Metro is planning public events at all three stations in conjunction with opening day. 

Starting on Tuesday, May 12, the Wilshire/Fairfax station will host the Farm Habit Farmers’ Market every Tuesday from noon-7:30 p.m. Farm Habit Farmers’ Market will be held at the Wilshire/La Brea Station on Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., starting on May 17. 

“You’re going to be able to hop off the train, find a farmers’ market right upstairs and grab some veggies and go home and make dinner,” said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, 5th District. “This is part of a bigger effort to activate our stations and make them places that are functional.” 

Many additional events are planned at the Wilshire/Fairfax station. Starting on May 9 and recurring every Saturday from 3:30-4:30 p.m., a free outdoor salsa class with PRO Dance will be offered. The interactive activation turns the station into a live dance floor.  

Cultural programs are also planned at Wilshire/Fairfax, including the Taste of Latina Fest on May 16 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., celebrating Latina-owned businesses through food and music. Destination Ethiopia will be held on May 20 from noon-6 p.m. highlighting the diverse businesses of Little Ethiopia on South Fairfax Avenue. Starting June 7, Craft Contemporary will hold a hands-on basket weaving activity every first Sunday of the month from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Wilshire/Fairfax station plaza.  

The Wilshire/La Brea station also comes alive with Small Shop starting on May 11 and May 12, and continuing every Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m.-noon. The recurring retail-focused activation showcases local entrepreneurs and small businesses offering opportunities for rider engagement. 

PIKL LA, which is located at 639 S. La Brea Ave., is bringing a high-energy pickleball pop-up activation to both the Wilshire/La Brea and Wilshire/Fairfax stations starting on May 14 from 3-7:30 p.m. and continuing every second Thursday of the month. Riders can compete and play for free. Games are open to the public and do not require pre-registration. 

Further information about events and activations at the Wilshire/La Cienega station will be released soon. Local businesses are hoping the new subway line will bring increased foot traffic to the Wilshire Boulevard corridor. 

“We are anticipating it getting busier,” said Yocelyn Flores, an assistant manager with Lassen’s Natural Foods & Vitamins, near Wilshire/La Brea. “Last year, a lot of the streets were closed and it was hard for customers to get here. Now it’s OK. We are hoping to get a little busier and see more customers.” 

Greg Goldin, president of the Miracle Mile Residents Association, said the public events will bring new opportunities for the community. 

“I know that people are particularly happy that there will be a farmers’ market,” Goldin said. “It will be nice to have one in the neighborhood.” 

Metro has announced that coffee cart service will be available from 7-11 a.m., Monday through Friday, at all three stations starting on May 11. Yaroslavsky’s spokesman Leo Daube said events on the station plazas help build community and promote safety. He added that many additional programs are in the works and encouraged the public to stay tuned. 

For more information and a full list of upcoming events and pop-ups at stations on the D Line, visit metro.net/about/upcoming-metro-station-events.