Metro is preparing for fun community activities at the subway stations in conjunction with the line’s opening on May 8. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The first riders will climb aboard trains on Metro’s D Line subway extension at 12:30 p.m. on May 8 when the new line opens to the public between Wilshire/Western and Wilshire/La Cienega.

The plazas around the subway stations at Wilshire/Western, Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega will come alive with music and special public activities from noon-4 p.m. in conjunction with the subway opening. The “Discovery Runs Deep Community Celebration” includes DJ sets from Metro Art and KCRW’s “Soundtrips,” food from local restaurants, family-friendly programs, activities hosted by museums and booths from local community organizations.

Metro will offer free rides across the entire public transportation system – including bus, rail, Metro Bike Share and Metro Micro – from 4 a.m. on Friday, May 8, through 3 a.m. on Monday, May 11, to coincide with the D Line subway extension opening. Use code 050826 for free Metro Bike Share rides.

Service on the D Line between Wilshire/Western and Wilshire/La Cienega starts at 12:30 p.m. after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Wilshire/Fairfax Station. Passengers can travel between Downtown Los Angeles and the eastern edge of Beverly Hills in 21 minutes on the new subway line.

At the Wilshire/La Cienega station, the May 8 community celebration includes DJ Al Cohen and food from Continental Kitchen and the Beyond the Bell Cookiepreneurs. DJ Novena Carmel will entertain at the Wilshire/Fairfax station, and food will be provided by Descanso, Canter’s Deli, Kaylin + Kaylin Pickles and Buna Ethiopian Restaurant.

At Wilshire/La Brea, DJ Silva will perform, with food provided by Pink’s Hot Dogs, Rocco’s Pizza, Met Her at a Bar/Met Him at a Bar, Chica’s Tacos and Special Flavors Community Kitchen. KCRW DJ Wyldeflower will be featured at the Wilshire/Western Station, along with food from Edible Arrangements, Yasiknara and Paris Baguette.

Activities at the new subway stations continue after opening day. The stations will host farmers’ markets, salsa dance classes, pickleball and craft markets.

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.

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 at the Wilshire/Fairfax Station. The Taste of Latina Fest will be held at the station on May 16 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., celebrating Latina-owned businesses through food and music, and Destination Ethiopia will be held on May 20 from noon-6 p.m.

The Wilshire/La Brea station hosts 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 brings a 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.

Metro is asking people to photograph or video their first ride on the D Line extension and share it on social media. Tag @MetroLosAngeles to be part of the celebration.

Metro is continuing work on sections two and three of the D Line subway extension project in Beverly Hills, Century City and Westwood. Section two, which includes the Beverly Drive and Century City stations, is expected to open in spring 2027. Section three to the Westwood/UCLA and West L.A./VA Hospital stations is scheduled to open in fall 2027.

For information on the D Line and schedules, visit metro.net.