Things To Do

36 Awesome Things to do This Weekend in L.A. [2-19-16 to 2-21-16]

February 18, 2016 by Christina Champlin

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome. Since time is precious in this fast paced city, we decided to curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles every week end that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend (February 19 to February 21) includes a massive LEGO sculpture garden, a chocolate & art show, the Long Beach Comic Expo, Shaun White’s Air+Style, a Cupid Undie Run, and plenty more options to choose from.

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So grab some friends or go at it alone, but most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself!

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

Photo via South Coast Botanic Gardens

Photo via South Coast Botanic Gardens

[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!]


Friday February 19th, 2016

1. Nature Connects at The South Coast Botanic Garden

Nature Connects features 27 unique, nature-inspired sculptures constructed with over half a million LEGO brick pieces with subjects ranging from a hummingbird to a goldfinch to a 6-ft tall Bison made from 45,000+ individual bricks. On exhibition at the South Coast Botanic Gardens from February 19 to May 8.

2. Walt Disney’s Frozen at the El Capitan

Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a “Countdown to ‘Zootopia, ’celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new era of storytelling with a festival of seven films. All feature films will be accompanied by recent and celebrated Disney animation short subjects, including the Academy Award winners, “Paperman” and “Feast.” This Friday they will screen Frozen. The event also features a screening of Disney’s latest animated shorts and an exclusive Q&A with the film’s directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

3. Chocolate & Art Show

The Chocolate & Art Show is landing in East Chinatown for two nights (Friday and Saturday) of artsy shenanigans with a boat-load of entertainment including body painting, DJs, live musical performance, face-painting, free nail art, henna tattoos, live portraits and, most importantly, lots of free chocolate!

4. Jeff Garlin Live at Flappers

Emmy-nominated actor-comedian, writer, producer and director Jeff Garlin — best known on Curb Your Enthusiasm and hit ABC comedy show The Goldbergs comes to Flappers Comedy Club Burbank for one night. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

5. The Unauthorized Musical Parody of The Devil Wears Prada

A favorite tale of a basic-to-fierce transformation of a fashion magazine assistant is retold in this hilarious musical. There will be plenty of cattiness, back-stabbing and of course makeover magic. All happening at The Rockwell where you can grab a bite and have a cocktail during the show (girls night anyone?) Get more information and discount tickets on Goldstar for this week’s performances.

6. Free Museum Day at The Long Beach Museum Of Art

The Long Beach Museum of Art is free every Friday!

7. The Virus an Immersive Escape Room Experience

A deadly virus has swept the earth and a team of scientists (played by you and other folks!) are in an underground laboratory trying to find a cure. Each move becomes crucial to finding an antidote OR if you’re unlucky accidentally setting off the computerized decontamination system, where you might find yourself smashed flat by the slowly constricting laboratory walls. Sounds like your kind of mission? Come down to the Six01 Studio in Burbank and check out one of Los Angeles’ most exciting and immersive escape room utilizing digital technology and virtual reality to create a totally realistic experience. Get more information and discount tickets for this week via Goldstar.

8. Lorna Jane Warehouse Sale

Friday through Sunday (8:00am – 5:00pm) score up to 70% off trendy activewear pieces by the Aussie brand Lorna Jane when the Santa Monica location holds a warehouse sale.

Location: 395 Santa Monica Pl Santa Monica, CA 90401

9. The Groundlings: The Completely Different Late Show

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 discount tickets via Goldstar.

10. Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival

The annual Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival (February 18 – February 27) and competition celebrates indie films by screening a wide variety of critically acclaimed works. James Franco, Guy Pierce, Sandra Oh and more have projects screening! View the full schedule of events, showtimes, and participating theaters on the HRIFF website.

11. 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.

 

12. Santa Monica’s Maru Launching Happy Hour

Looking for a happy hour spot on the Westside? Maru, Santa Monica’s newest go-to omakase / steakhouse from Chef Jason Park, is launching happy hour from Tuesday – Friday (5:00pm – 7:00pm) with farmer’s market-to-table bites ($10 lamb tacos, $6 nachos, $7 pulled pork sandwich and more) alongside half price cocktails from master mixologist Matthew Biancaniello, plus half price draft beer and $6 select wine by the glass.

 

13. 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.

Saturday February 20th, 2016

14. Picture This! At The Virgil

LA’s only live animated comedy show is doing a live taping this Saturday at The Virgil and they need the best audience ever to represent them for the laugh track! Hosted by Brandie Posey with comedians Eric Dadourian, David Gborie, Julia Prescott, Cornell Reid, Drennon Davis and Brooke Van Poppelen with animation by Luke McGarry, Mike Mayfield, Colin Heck and Mike Hollingsworth. The event is totally free, the bar is fully stalked and theres even a taco truck.

15. Crime Bus Tour of Weird West Adams Neighborhood

Esotouric Bus Adventures hosts a four-hour luxury coach tour of Weird West Adams. The tour’s ultra-informative guides will take you through one of L.A.’s most graciously dilapidated neighborhoods. Guest will be treated to detailed descriptions of some of the most fascinating tales from the past hundred years, and visit landmarks like Alvarado Terrace, the Rosedale Cemetery and the death scene of Motown’s Marvin Gaye. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

16. The Long Beach Comic Expo

The Long Beach Comic Expo is an annual event celebrating all things comic book and pop-culture. Attendees can expect a diverse crowd of talented writers, artists, illustrators and creators exhibiting their work in addition to the usual array of celebrity appearances, signings, and panels. Be sure to check Goldstar for discount tickets to the expo saving you up to $25 for a weekend pass (while supplies last). Taking place Saturday and Sunday.

17. Grab A Partner And Compete In The Amazing Santa Monica Race

Part sightseeing, part scavenger hunt and 100% team work! This race will have you and your partner exploring Santa Monica Beach and the Venice Boardwalk searching for clues to solve the ultimate puzzle. For more information and discounted tickets check out our friends at Goldstar.

18. Borrowed Time A Magic Show in a Secret Location

Award winning magician Helder Guimaraes will perform his mind-blowing tricks in a top-secret venue to an intimate number of guests this weekend. Guimaraes sleight-of-hand skills will have you ohhing and wowing time and time again. Most of his shows are sold out but one time slot for Saturday is still availble.

19. Walt Disney’s Tangled at the El Capitan

Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a “Countdown to ‘Zootopia, ’celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new era of storytelling with a festival of seven films. All feature films will be accompanied by recent and celebrated Disney animation short subjects, including the Academy Award winners, “Paperman” and “Feast.” This Saturday they will screen Tangled. The event will also include an appearance from the film’s director, Nathan Greno. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

20. 38th Annual Chinatown Firecracker Run & Festival

Come out for a Chinatown community celebration on the third weekend of February (20-21) at the 2016 LA Chinatown Firecracker Celebration. The weekend includes plenty of traditional music and dance performances highlighting a range of different cutlures, plus a group bike ride (Saturday) and a 5k/10k run and walk (Sunday), both available for ticketed registration. The Firecracker Festival itself is free to the public and takes place in Chinatown’s Central Plaza.

21. Air + Style Festival 2016

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Think of Air + Style sort of like X-Games but with live bands providing the soundtrack. The two-day event takes place at the L.A. Coliseum and headliners include J. Cole, Incubus and HAIM. For the savers out there, our friends at Goldstar have some discount ticket options (up to $50 off) for both two-day or one-day passes to the fest.

22. Two Free Orchestra Concerts by the American Youth Symphony at UCLA

The American Youth Symphony has been presenting extraordinary free concerts at UCLA’s Royce Hall for over 50 years. The next installment will take place this Saturday February 20th, two time slots are scheduled at 11:00am AYS will perform “Family Music Adventure” featuring Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and other selections chosen to engage young children and classical music enthusiasts of all ages. First 5 LA will lead arts & crafts activities following the performance. ​The 7:00pm concert features ​Grammy-nominated violinist Robert McDuffie as conductor and soloist for Philip Glass’ The American Four Seasons, a modern counterpart to Vivaldi’s Baroque classic, written for and dedicated to McDuffie. Also on the program, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Reserve your seats for free here.

23. Children’s Workshop: Bookmaking and Storytelling at The Pasadena Museum of California Art

A well-designed page, beautiful typefaces, and decorative borders were important to Arts and Crafts bookmakers. Show your little ones how to handcraft a book and begin work on their narrative and decorative elements in this free workshop (from 2:00pm – 3:30pm with admission). All ages are welcome and no rsvp is required.

24. Cupid’s Undie Run in DTLA

A party and 1 mile run (at your own pace) where clothing is optional is going down in DTLA.  The “run” raises money to combat neurofibromatosis so it’s all for a good cause. Strip down, run your bare asses off for a 1 mile and head on over to the open bar (YUP) to meet some of other scantly clad locals. Sign up for the run here.

25. Southern California Pet Expo

Taking place Saturday and Sunday at the Pomona Fairplex the So Cal Pet Expo is FREE to attend and open to all types of pets as long as they have a proof of vaccination. Guest can experience agility demos, training sessions, and more. There will also be be prize giveaways, free grooming and pet adoptions for those who wish to extend their fur family!

Sunday February 21st, 2016

26. Walt Disney’s Big Hero 6 at the El Capitan

Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a “Countdown to ‘Zootopia, ’celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new era of storytelling with a festival of seven films. All feature films will be accompanied by recent and celebrated Disney animation short subjects, including the Academy Award winners, “Paperman” and “Feast.” This Sunday they will screen Big Hero 6. The event will also include an appearance from the film’s director, Chris Williams, producer Roy Conli and Ryan Potter. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

27. Ranger Ernie Hikes

Ranger Ernie leads a 3-mile moderate hike to Amir’s Garden in Griffith Park on Sunday morning.

28. Yoga With A View

Join yoga instructor Jake Ferree for a revitalizing rooftop yoga session in the Panorama Lounge at Andaz West Hollywood. After working up an appetite, yoga attendees can now enjoy 20% off a bottomless brunch at Riot House Restaurant on the first floor. Choose from a delicious spread of farm fresh eggs, farmer’s market fruit, house-made pastries, and freshly squeezed juices, or toast to a workout well done by indulging in bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys for an additional $15. Collect your Brunch Voucher at “Yoga with a View” to redeem your discount. Yoga starts at 9:30am, validated parking is available for guests for $7 and complimentary Zico Coconut Water beverages will be provided. Tickets are available at www.jakeferree.com for $15.

29. Family Flicks Film Series: Muppet Treasure Island at Hammer Museum

Have a family fun Sunday with the kiddos and check out a free special matinee screening of the kids classic “Muppet Treasure Island.” The exhibits and collections at the Hammer Museum are also free so make a day out of it! Screening starts at 11:00am in the Billy Wilder Theater. Tickets are required and available at the box office one hour before the program.

30. Pay What You Can Day At Craft And Folk Art Museum

Every Sunday it’s pay what you can day at the Craft and Folk Art Museum.

31. Demitasse Roastery & Kitchen Now Open in Hollywood

At Demitasse the saying “But first coffee” rings true with farm to roasting to cups of direct fair trade java served alongside a globally inspired menu. The new flagship just opened in the heart of Hollywood boasting house-roasted small batches of ethically-sourced coffee beans, natural wines, local beers and signature Demitasse Shims. Come by for a morning coffee or enjoy a full breakfast with sweet potato pancakes with whipped yogurt, dates and maple syrup sauce to a breakfast sandwich featuring a fried duck egg the eats at Demitasse is a great addition to the north side of Cahuenga Boulevard.

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32. Free Day At Museum of Latin American Art

The Museum of Latin American Art has free admission every Sunday!

33. The Amazing Los Angeles Race II

This hybrid scavenger hunt / sightseeing tour is a brilliant way to spend your Sunday afternoon getting to know the city of angels. Starting at the Dave & Busters in Hollywood, participants form teams of two to eight people and make their way to different L.A. sites trying to solve puzzles and unlock the clues that will lead them to the next location. At the finish line you can enjoy drinks and snacks, and hang out with your fellow competitors. For more information and discount tickets to enter the race, check out Goldstar.

34. Alexandra Grant and Keanu Reeves at LACMA

Alexandra Grant and Keanu Reeves discuss their latest collaboration, Shadows, at Art Catalogues at LACMA (4:00pm – 6:00pm). The book, captures Reeves’ shadows and silhouettes through Grant’s photographs with text by Reeves. The talk is also a book signing and reception. This event is free and open to the public to attend. To purchase a signed book in advance, please call 323 857-6587 or email [email protected]. Only books purchased from Art Catalogues will be signed.

35. One-Day Joshua Tree Adventure: Experience the Majestic Mojave

If you’ve always wanted to check out the amazing beauty of Joshua Tree but needed a little extra motivation, consider this package that includes bus fare, a guided tour of local sights, and opportunities to dine at some of the best eateries in the area. Awesome excuse to go on adventure if you want to liven up your weekend. Get more information and discounted tickets on the package at Goldstar.

36. Republique launches Sunday dinner

Walter and Margarita Manzke’s La Brea hotspot Republique is now serving Sunday dinner. Try to reserve a table this week, news is sure to get out fast about this and reservation will fill up quick.


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