Things To Do

36 Totally Fun Things To Do in L.A. This Week You Ought to Know About [1-11-16 to 1-15-16]

January 11, 2016 by Christina Champlin

Every week in Los Angeles there are tons of great things to do (even before the weekend gets started) that we think you ought to have on your radar. With that in mind, we put together a list every Monday morning to keep you in the know about what’s happening in the city you love (or maybe just like).

This week features lots of cheeseburgers in Pasadena, Neil deGrasse Tyson, free previews at The Odyssey Theater, the DTLA Art Walk, a ‘Quiet Clubbing’ Party, a massive arcade expo, and more.

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Hope you find the rundown useful and, as always, enjoy your week!

[RELATED: The Best Way to Find Discount Events in Los Angeles]

Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area

View from Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

[REMINDER: In some cases We Like L.A. does receive revenue when visitors click on ticket links and make purchases, however we maintain complete editorial control over the events we suggest. Basically, it only makes it on to the website if we think it is cool!]

Monday January 11th, 2016

1. Pasadena Cheeseburger Week

From January 10-15 the city of Pasadena along with 40 participating restaurants, bars, pubs, and lounges will offer specials on cheeseburgers in celebration of Cheeseburger Week.

2. Eat Well Week Santa Monica 

Eat Well Week kicks off January 11 to promote healthy eating in the New Year. In conjunction with California Restaurant Month, select Santa Monica restaurants will offer a dish highlighting California’s native vegetable, the artichoke. From grilled and fire roasted artichokes to ceviche, risotto and puree, restaurants will offer an assortment of artichoke delights throughout the city. Highlights include the newly opened Inotheke who will feauture a Lamb & Artichoke “Avolemono.” RawVolution offering a Raw Vegan Sweet Potato Puff stuffed with artichoke cream topped with cranberry chutney and Locando del Lago will feature Risotto con Carciofi e Burrata with organic carnaroli risotto, artichoke, buratta cheese and parmesan.

3. The Contenders Film Series

Each year MOMA hand picks a section of films from the last 12 month they believe will stand the test of time for their annual The Contenders series. Each screening also includes a conversation with the filmmaker. The series takes place at the Hammer from January 6-20. Tickets are $15.

4. $1 Cup Of Morning Joe At Otus Thai Kitchen

We spotted an awesome deal over at Otus Thai Kitchen on La Brea. As seen on their Instagram, they are trying out a new morning coffee happy hour that will run weekdays from 6:30am – 9:00am. Grab a coffee for just a buck and espresso drinks are half off during this time.

5. Write Club Los Angeles at The Bootleg Theater

Two opposing writers argue opposing ideas for 7 minutes a piece. Audience picks the winner, who gets a cash prize donation to the charity of their choice.

6. Nerdist Open Mic

Watch Kyle Clark and Caitlin Durante host this weekly comedy free-for-all. You’ll see new comics and familiar comics trying out new material. It’s free to sign up but do it at 5:00pm for the best chance to get selected! The lottery is at 5:30pm. They pull 25 names for the night plus 5 guaranteed spots for the following week. You get 3 minutes to make some comedy magic!

7. BOURBON STEAK Launches New Lunch Program

BOURBON STEAK Los Angeles launches a new lunch program that features inventive plates such as a chefs choice Trio Of Ceviche; Chilled Crab Soba Noodles; Heritage turkey burger; steaks cooked on the hickory wood burning grill as well as more classic fare including beets and burrata with watercress. Guests who dine at the restaurant during the first month of service will be sent surprise food gifts from the kitchen that might include duck fat fries, daytime friendly 0% cocktails, and more. Guests who tag the restaurant on Facebook and Twitter during their brunch visit will receive complimentary dessert on their next visit.

8. 50% Off Juice & Meal Cleanses At Cafe Gratitude! 

Café Gratitude’s current cleanse promotion going on now through January 31st is perfect for those who partied too hard during the holiday. Get 50% off their 1,3, and 5 day cleanse programs at all locations

Tuesday January 12th, 2016

9. An Evening With Neil deGrasse Tyson

Join acclaimed astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson for an evening of enlightening conversation on science, exploration and the world as we know it. Dr. Tyson will make appearances at the Pantages on January 11 (sold out!) and the Pasadena Civic Center on January 12.

10. Sip Cocktails, See The Sights With The Historic Hollywood: Stars & Bars Gang!

Get a taste of Old Hollywood and sip on classic cocktails as an awesome guide share history tidbits, celebrity stories and more on Urban Adventures tour of Historic Hollywood. For more information and discount tickets check out our friends at Goldstar.

11. Free Day At The Autry National Center Of The American West

The Autry National Center of the American West if free the second Tuesday of every month.

Wednesday January 13th, 2016

12. KURIOS — Cabinet of Curiosities At Dodgers Stadium

Step into the world of Cirque du Soleil’s KURIOS a place of wonders where your imagination can alter reality. Interested? Get more information and discount tickets on select days this week via Goldstar!

13. Radio Picture Show

The wildly entertaining Radio Picture Show is back at The Virgil. RPS invites talented writers, actors and comedians to share true stories inspired by a song or picture of their choosing. Often this media is used in unexpected and hilarious ways. Hosted by Lauren Cook and Shauna McGarryand and a pre-show music party, curtesy of KCRW DJ Marion Hodges this is going to be the best Wednesday ever!

14. Free Preview Shows At The Odyssey Theatre

The Odyssey Theatre is holding free previews of My Sister, a smash hit at last season’s Hollywood Fringe Festival, Janet Schaphohl’s story of identical twins in pre-World War II Germany has been expanded and will receive a full production at the Odyssey Theatre. Previews will run Wednesday 13th (8:00pm),Thursday 14th (8:00pm), Friday 15th (8:00pm) just call the box office to add your name to the list, as general admission.

15. Star Wars: The Force Awakens At El Capitan

Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a special engagement of Lucasfilm “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” December 18, 2015 through February 7, 2016. Before the movie, El Capitan guests will be treated to an all-new Laser Lightsaber Curtain Show and can explore El Capitan’s exclusive display of costumes and props from the movie. Get more information and discount tickets on select days this week via Goldstar.

16. The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey

The critically acclaimed off-Broadway hit The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, written by and starring James Lecesne, the writer of the Academy Award-winning film Trevor, will have a limited 23 performance engagement at the Kirk Douglas Theatre from January 13 to January 31, 2016. Watch veteran New York actor and writer James Lecesne as he portrays every character in a small Jersey shore town as they unravel the story a 14 year-old boy who goes missing. This is a show not to be missed as The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey was just awarded the United Solo Special Award and is a New York Times Critic’s Pick. Tickets are priced from $25 and are available at http://absolutebrightnessplay.com.

17. Barton G. Premiers Over The Top Winter Menu

Barton G. LA introduces an inventive Winter menu to entertain and delight adventurous patrons. The new menu features up to 10 new sweet and savory culinary creations to warm up winter palates including smoking bacon and truffle nitrogen popcorn, Champagne bubble oysters and caviar, white truffle whipped Deviled Eggs, and more.

18. Jonah Reider Brings His Reknowned Dorm Room Experience To Lost Property Bar

As a student at Columbia University, Jonah created Pith, an internationally renowned supper club in his dorm room that combined music, art and food that have since been recognized in The New Yorker, New York Magazine, NPR, USA Today, Le Figaro (Paris), Daily Mail (London), The TODAY Show, and CNN. On January 13th and 14th, Jonah Reider will transport Angelinos to his dorm room during a 2-day pop-up at Hollywood’s Lost Property Bar. The pop-up will feature unique food created and executed on-site by Reider and a special cocktail menu created by Lost Property’s Jeremy Lake.

Thursday January 14th, 2016

19. 1984 At The Broad Stage

This smash hit straight from London’s West End, makes’s it’s U.S. debut at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. See George Orwell’s novel come to life through radical staging that blurs the line between the past and present and what’s fiction and reality. Keep in mind our friends at Goldstar have some discount ticketing options for this performance throughout the month of January (while supplies last).

20. Throwback Thursdays Screening of Trainspotting

The Throwback Thursdays film series is back at NOHO cinema, the screening features a gourmet food truck onsite, and guest may bring their food inside the theater!  Get more information and discount tickets via our friends at Goldstar.

21. Fire Side Tea Tasting At TOMS Venice Beach HQ

Every month TOMS HQ in Venice Beach organizes events that can range from panels, classes to fitness. This week, come in and sip on some tea (on the house) and hangout with Naked Sage Tea Blends Founder Alicia Henry who will share her story about what inspired her to become a herbal alchemist. Happening at 6:00pm.

22. The Downtown Art Walk

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The Downtown Art Walk has been an L.A. cultural phenomenon bringing in art enthusiasts and locals together every second Thursday of each month. Art galleries, shops, bars and more open up for one big party celebrating art and DTLA for one fine night.

Participating galleries for the January 14th Art Walk include: Fathom Gallery, REN Gallery, Please Do Not Enter, DAC Gallery, Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts Gallery, Carol Cirillo Stanley Studio Gallery, the Fine Arts Building, The Spring Arts Collective, PSKAUFMAN Gallery, LACDA, and The Hive.

23. Broadway Sings Disney

Broadway Sings Disney is a powerhouse concert developed from the Walt Disney catalog’s 80-plus years of magical music. From Steamboat Willie, to Frozen’s “Let It Go,” Broadway Sings Disney is part of SiriusXM podcast, On Broadway’s Supper Club Live, a monthly broadcast sung by some of the brightest of stage and screen. Happening at the Rockwell Table & Stage. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

24. Free Day At The Japanese American National Museum 

Japanese American National Museum from 5:00pm to 8:00pm every Thursday!

25. See The World’s First And Only Heavy Metal Mariachi Band Metalachi At The Federal Underground

Hailing from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, the Metalachi covers heavy metal songs while incorporating traditional mariachi musical instruments and are known for their exaggerated accents and Metalachi-blessed Margaritas. They also take their music and fashion cues from metal bands of the past, such as Judas Priest, Metallica, Iron Maiden and Kiss.

26. MOCA Free Night

Every Thursday evening from 5:00pm – 8:00pm admission is free to both the MOCA on Grand and The Geffen Contemporary.

27. Discada Night At The Briks

Every Thursday, Chef Mario Christerna cooks up his Discada right infront of his DTLA restaurant The Briks. What is Discada? To start, it’s a mixed meat dish made up of carne asada, bacon, chorizo, ham and hot dogs- The Briks seem to be the only restaurant serving this Northern Mexican dish and it’s delicious in their taco or on top of fries.

28. $2 Drink Specials At The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

On Thursday from 2:00pm – 6:00pm, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will celebrate the New Year with $2 seasonal Winter beverages. Order up a Hazelnut Americano or Mexican Hot Chocolate for just $2 during the SoCal coffee and tea retailer’s Winter Open House event.

29. Free Night At The Skirball Cultural Center 

The Skirball Cultural Center is free to all every Thursday. Checkout Manzanar: The Wartime Photographs of Ansel Adams in association with the Japanese American National Museum on view now through February 21, 2016.

Friday January 15th, 2016

30. Arcade Expo 2.o

Yes it’s in Riverside but this three-day Arcade Expo will bring over 800 games, old-school and new-school in one place and hold tournaments, an auction, a sleep over and more!

31. Romeo + Juliet: Love is a Battlefield

What happens when a classic Shakespearean story gets merged with a soundtrack by Pat Benatar? A highly entertaining dinner theater show at the Rockwell in Los Feliz starring Family star Ashley Argota (The Fosters) as Juliet and handsome Corbin Bleu (High School Musical) as Romeo. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

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32. It’s the Pits!

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum and 5 Everyday present It’s the Pit’s! A “creative salon” where artists, musicians and filmmakers all converge for a late-night, science and arts party. Expect screens of science and animation films; Tom Carroll leading guided tours; a site-specific dance piece; a string quartet and Dublab DJs spinning tunes. RSVP’s to this free event is maxed out online  but they announced more tickets will be at the door.

33. The Farriers Package at Santa Anita

Wh y not spend a day at the races with a package that includes admission to the races, box seating and a racing program, along with a pint of local craft beer from the Farriers bar. Get more info and discounted tickets via Goldstar.

34. Free Museum Day At The Long Beach Museum Of Art

The Long Beach Museum of Art is free every Friday!

35. Quiet Clubbing Launch Party

Quiet Clubbing is coming to Los Angeles and to celebrate they are throwing a launch party that involve three DJ’s playing live simultaneously, through frequencies only heard through headphones. Partyers can switch between channels to hear any DJ they want, at any given time. The headphones also glow to the color of the DJ that you switch to, so that you can see who else is listening to what you are. Get more information and discount tickets (just $5!!!) via Goldstar.

36. Escape Reality At Magicopolis

Husband-and-wife duo Steve Spill and Bozena Wrobel perform a vaudeville-style magic show that’s fun for the whole family. Expect optical illusions, levitation, mind reading, disappearances and a nail-biting Houdini-type escape called the Table of Terror! Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.


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