Things To Do

26 Totally Fun Things To Do in L.A. This Week [5-18-15 to 5-22-15]

May 18, 2015 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 includes free botanical garden admissions, fireworks at Dodger Stadium, Motown at the Pantages, 24 hours at Disneyland, a free Wild Nothing show, comedy shows, and much, much more.

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

[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 May 18th, 2015

1. Alcove Dinner & A Movie Night

The Alcove kicks off their summer Dinner and a Movie series with the Los Angeles classic: Speed. Movie starts at 8:00pm, and it’s a first come, first seated type deal. Grab a cocktail at Big Bar, order some seasonal treats like their featured sliders grab a slice of cake and find a seat in their gorgeous garden patio.

2. Chris Burden: Ode to Santos Dumont At LACMA

After a decade of artist research and work Chris Burden: Ode to Santos Dumont will makes its debut at LACMA. This monumental performance sculpture, by the late artist pays homage to ingenuity, optimism, and the persistence of experimentation, failure, and innovation. Inspired by Alberto Santos-Dumont a french pioneer in aviation the kinetic airship sculpture is one of the last works of the American artist.

Tuesday May 19th, 2015

3. Free Day at The Los Angeles County Arboretum

On the third Tuesday of every month, admission is free at The Los Angeles County Arboretum. The arboretum boasts 127 acres of greenery, plus upwards of 200 species of birds, and a variety of specialized reserves with an aquatic garden, a tropical green house, an herb garden, and a rose garden.

4. Free Day at the South Coast Botanic Garden

If you’re down in the South Bay with a day off on Tuesday, head over to the South Coast Botanical Gardens for free admission.

Wednesday May 20th, 2015

5. Immediate Family

Immediate Family is posited as a cross between Modern Family and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner with all the social, racial and political implications that sort of combo brings to mind.  Directed by two-time Emmy nominee and Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad (you know her as Claire Huxtable), Immediate Family has been called “timely, and important” by the Chicago Tribune. Get more info and tickets for upcoming performances via Goldstar.

4. Become A Cheese Connoisseur At Cheese 101

Andrew’s Cheese shop in Santa Monica will hold a class about the history, origin and basics of cheese. Of course there will be plenty of cheese to sample. How else would you be able to learn? The class is $30 and can be found on eventbrite here.

7. Rooftop Wednesdays At Palihouse

Every Wednesday night practice Vinyasa yoga on the rooftop of West Hollywood’s Palihouse. For $15 guests get to stretch out as the sun sets in this all level, music filled, fun flowing class. To help kick off the Spring/Summer Rooftop season Zico will be providing FREE Coconut water for all rooftop yogis. As a bonus all rooftop guests will receive a 10% discount on food at The Palihouse Restaurant after class.

8. Pint Of Science At Barneys Beanery Westwood

Lets keep things geeky on hump day! Barneys Beanery and Amanda Freise a doctoral candidate at UCLA who is engineering antibody proteins to develop probes for medical imaging are combining two awesome things into one night: beer and science. Amanda will discuss the history and future of medical imaging as you drink your pint! Might feel like you are drinking in class but this discussion is far more interesting. Antibody probes have potential to improve clinical imaging diagnostics and Amanda will explain why and how! This event has a limited amount of seating make sure to reserve your free tickets online.

[REMINDER: On both Wednesday and Thursday you can get FREE Grilled Cheese Truck at select locations via the Wescom Kindness campaign]

Thursday May 21th, 2015

9. Motown the Musical at the Pantages 

Motown the Musical killed it on Broadway, and now the show’s national tour brings it to the Pantages Theatre in the heart of Hollywood. Shows are playing all week, but you can still get a heavy discount to Thursday night’s 8:00pm show via our friends at Goldstar. More information and tickets.

10. Sushi Rolling Class at Katsuya Glendale

Katsuya in Glendale is hosting an introduction to the time-honored art of sushi-making and sake-pairing, led by their expert chefs. For $39 you’ll see a live demonstration, make rolls of your own, and taste plenty of sake in the process. Space is limited so reserve your spot today!

11. Free Wild Nothing Show At The Echoplex

One of my favorite bands Wild Nothing are back in town for FREE thanks to the Converse Rubber Live series. Playing at the Echoplex with first come first in the show is all ages and starts at 8pm with Roses as the opening act. I definitely suggest getting in line early for this one.

12. MOCA Free Night

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

13. Game Night At Grand Central Market

Eat, drink and play every Thursday at Grand Central Market. Grab dinner and cocktails then top the night off with an assortment of games from Jenga to ping pong. The festivities end at 9:00pm for all the early risers out there!

14. Spring Awakening

One of my favorite musicals of all time (YES I like musicals!) I have seen Spring Awakening three times since its debut in New York and can honestly say it’s one of the best. The eight time Tony Award winning musical took Broadway by storm when it debuted with Leah Michele in the original cast! An awesome electrifying rock score follows a group of teenagers as they navigate the confusing and often troubled waters of adolescence. Based on a play that caused a scandal in 19th-century Germany, it’s a bold and touching musical that captures through music the experience of youth transitioning to adulthood. Tickets start at $89 but our friends at Goldstar have them starting at $55.

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

Get a taste of Old Hollywood sip on classic cocktails as an awesome guide share history tidbits, celebrity stories and more on Urban Adventures tour of Historic Hollywood. Usually tickets are $79 but Goldstar is hooking people up with $47.40 tickets this week!

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16. High Five Art Launch Party At The Autry

Last month, The Autry museum held its first public art contest which called for open submissions for a large banner that will face the 5 Freeway and L.A. River at the rear of the museum. Five works were selected by the committee that addressed rethinking perceptions of the American West and the Autry is throwing a party in honor of the winning artist. Enjoy live music and a variety of activities, there will be beer, wine and food trucks. The event is free but space is limited.

17. Cocktail Study featuring Jameson Irish Whiskey

Impress friends with serious cocktail expertise by attending Cocktail Study featuring Jameson Irish Whiskey! The Library is a cozy, book-lined indoor lounge inside The Redbury in Hollywood there you will discover how the triple distilled whiskey is carefully crafted, taste the full line of products, and sip specialty Jameson cocktails. Light appetizers from Cleo, The Redbury’s award-winning restaurant, will be served during this event. Tickets cost $30 a person.

18. Playhouse District Block Party

All summer long every Thursday night from 6:00pm to 11:00pm in the Playhouse District of Old Town Pasadena, join a crowd of locals gathering for live music and food trucks. This week brings India Jones and the Kogi truck to Old Town. Get more info on the official Facebook page for the event.

Friday May 22th, 2015

19. Double Feature of Invasion of the Body Snatchers & Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Classic movies anyone? It’s a two for the price of one movie deal over at the The Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Show starts at 7:30pm. Get more info and tickets via Goldstar.

20. Dodgers Friday Night Fireworks

Head to Chavez Ravine for a Dodgers-Padres matchup on Friday night and stay after the game for a spectacular fireworks show. Get more info and discount tickets via our friends at Goldstar.

21. Disneyland Open For 24 Hours For 60th Anniversary

The happiest place on earth turns 60 this year and to celebrate both Disneyland and California Adventure Park will be open for 24 hours straight. Party until the break of dawn! The parks will be open starting at 6:00am. Friday and continue through 6 a.m. the next day. A new “Paint the Night” parade featuring your favorite Disney characters and over a million LED lights will debut with the addition of a new “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show. Neil Patrick Harris will also partake in the festivities, he’ll be hosting California Adventures new “World of Color” water and light show.

22. Barnsdall Park’s Friday Night Wine Tasting

Barnsdall Art Park kicks off their popular weekly fundraiser. Perched on a hill with a gorgeous panoramic view of Hollywood guest will enjoy fine wine and art in the gardens of Frank Lloyd Wright’s newly restored architectural gem, Hollyhock House. Silver Lake Wine will curate fine selections of boutique, small production, artisanal wines for park-goers as well as local gourmet cheese shop, Say Cheese. Art workshops will be set up for children, KCRW’s DJ Dan Wilcox will spin tunes, and a host of specialty food trucks will be on the scene. Admission is $30 and all profits benefit Barnsdall Art Park Foundation programs and projects.

23. The Groundlings: The Completely Different Late Show

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The Completely Different Late Show is a hilarious improv show by the cast of the Groundlings’ Main Company. Audience shout suggestions throughout the night for improvisational scenes performed by some of the best in the business. It’s also a testing ground for brand new material for the Groundlings’ main show. Get more information and tickets via Goldstar (prices starting at $6.50)

24. Odd Nights At The Autry

From the man who brought you Dodger Stadium Flea, Downtown Flea and Melrose Flea launches his next epic adventure, Odd Nights At The Autry. Curator Phillip Dane brings another community hot spot to life with a variety of over 200 vendors from 20 gourmet food trucks, beer garden, custom handmade treasures and live local bands. This vivid culture is perfect for all ages and families to bring a blanket, host an evening picnic while enjoying the great outdoors. This event AND parking is free!

25. ComedySportz: Fast & Funny Improv

ComedySportz is a fast-paced comedy show designed for the whole family. Watch as two teams battle for points and LOL’s at the National Comedy Theatre in Hollywood.  Tickets are priced between $15-$18 normally, but you can find half-price tickets (plus fees) via Goldstar for performances this Friday (8:00pm), Saturday (10:00pm) and Sunday (7:00pm).

26. The Last Book Review

Comedians Ever Mainard and Caitlin Bergh recruit a lineup of storytellers, comics and authors to share funny stories and essays at The Last Bookstore in DTLA.


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