Posted by 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 (April 15 to April 17) includes the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, The Jungle Book at El Capitan, Shakespeare Day at the Huntington, the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival, Harry Potter Rollerskating Night, Obscura Day 2016, and lots more to choose from.
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So grab some friends or go at it alone, but most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself!
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[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 April 15th, 2016
1. Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
L.A. County’s largest annual street race is back! The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach taking place from April 15-17 will get any speed demon’s heart pumping with auto showcases, a celebrity race, music, food, and of course the featured IndyCar event on Sunday. Interested? Shop the discount ticket offers on Goldstar for select days.
2. The Jungle Book at The El Capitan
Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre presents a very special engagement of the all new live-action film The Jungle Book playing April 15 – May 1, 2016, in Dolby Vision 3D and Dolby Atmos. Guests will be treated to a performance by The Side Street Strutters Jazz Band,playing classic Sherman Brothers music live on stage before the movie. Get more information and discount tickets for this weekend via Goldstar.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers Friday Night Fireworks
Nothing beats catching a game beneath the stars especially with our beloved Dodgers . After the final out is called, the lights will go down and guests can actually go on to the field for a spectacular fireworks show. This week the Dodgers are up against the San Francisco Giants, and our friends at Goldstar have discount tickets while supplies last!
4. Canstruction LA 2016
Checkout some really impressive art works made with cans from April 14th-16th at the Farmers and Merchants Bank Building in Downtown Los Angeles. Organized by local leaders in design Canstruction LA invites prominent Los Angeles creators in architecture, engineering, and designing to create structures entirely made of cans of food. All pieces are put on public display and awarded prizes by a panel of judges. The cans are donated to the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank after the shows.
5. Nick Kroll & Friends
Actor, comedian, writer, and producer Nick Kroll (The Kroll Show, Parks and Rec, The League) is coming to Largo at the Coronet and he’s bringing along some very funny friends this Friday.
6. Thai Restaurant Week
The Tourism Authority of Thailand will launch Thai Restaurant Week, April 11th-17th in honor of Songkran the Thai New Year! A select number of restaurants around the city will offer special dishes and pre-fixe menus for the next seven days.
7. Kinky Boots
Kinky Boots is back at the Pantages Theatre for a limited two-week engagement. The six time Tony Award winning Broadway musical inspired by true events tell the story of Charlie Price who inherits his fathers shoe factory and Lola, a cabaret performer looking for some sturdy high heeled boots, together the unlikely pair help to save Price’s family business and discover they have a lot more in common than meets the eye. Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray) this fun loving red-hot musical will have you dancing in the aisle or at least foot tapping in your seats. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
8. Plan Check Honors Kobe Bryant with the “Lakers Pride Burger”
To commemorate the NBA all-star, Kobe Bryant’s final Laker game, LA’s modern American eatery, Plan Check Kitchen + Bar (Sawtelle, Fairfax, Downtown), welcomes back their towering “Lakers Pride Burger” ($14) loaded with two (three-ounce) burger patties, pig candy, habanero mayo, and a red wine reduction. Available now through Sunday, April 17, the burger special also features cheese two ways –port-infused gruyere & parmesan (purple) and americanized dashi cheese (gold).
9. Odd Nights At The Autry
From the man who brought you Dodger Stadium Flea, Downtown Flea and Melrose Flea presents Odd Nights At The Autry. Curator Phillip Dane brings another community hot spot to life with a collection of over 200 vendors from 20 gourmet food trucks, a beer garden, custom handmade treasures and live local bands. Perfect for all ages and families to bring a blanket, host an evening picnic while enjoying the great outdoors. Both the event AND parking are free!
10. Steinfest Oktoberfest in April
Alpine Village the epicenter for many Oktoberfest celebrations in Los Angeles returns for a mid-year event this Friday. Get free entry by dressing in your best Oktoberfest garb or else admission costs $10. No one under 21 is permitted.
11. The Detour Bistro Bar Celebrates Tax Day with $4.15 Specials
$4.15 food, drink and wine specials from 11:00am-11:00pm at The Detour Bistro Bar in Culver City.
12. Dinosaurs: Unextinct at the L.A. Zoo
The L.A. Zoo will play host to some prehistoric residents starting this Friday. Come get up close and personal with 17 life-size animatronic dinosaurs some reaching almost 22 feet high and weighing close to 7,000 pounds. Additions to the new exhibit are a Fossil Dig, controllable Stegosaurus, climbable Pachyrhinosaurus, and a free 3-D augmented reality app. Tickets cost $5 the exhibit will run till October 31st.
13. 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.
14. World Art Day
Downtown Art Walk will present World Art Day over a 4-day period starting on April 14th durning the DTLA Art Walk, and ending on Sunday, April 17th with various programming and festivities around town.
15. BLAH BLAH BLAH and Garth Trinidad
Get your groove on in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles when Ball Room rockers BLAH BLAH BLAH along with DJ’s Garth Trinidad and Victoria Van Damn take the stage at Mrs.Fish this Friday.
16. Clifton’s at Night
Clifton’s at Night hosts a regular programmed events series every month, this week Hedgehog Swing, deejays Dave Hernandez and Vintage Pete, and burlesque performers Olivia Bellefontaine, Amber Marie, and Miss Marquez will take the stage. Show starts at 9:30pm.
17. L.A. County Yarn Crawl
There’s a Yarn Crawl happening all over Los Angeles April 14th-17th. It’s the 5th year think pub crawl but replace the bar with knitting stores. Participating establishments will host contest, raffles, trunk shows, workshops, and tons of free giveaways during the crawl. Check the LA Yarn Crawl site for more information.
18. Laurent Quenioux Pop-Up at Sangers and Joe
Award winning Chef Laurent Quenioux is hosting a weekly pop-up at Sangers and Joe, in Pasadena. Stop by every Friday and Saturday until the end of April and treat yourself to an incredible raw bar, Quenioux’s acclaimed cheese cart, and much more. We tasted items on the raw bar menu with 20 plus top notch selections that included cherry stone clams, abalone and geoduck -this is a real treat for seafood lovers in Los Angeles. See our seafood platter here. Walk-ins are welcome but make a reservation if you want to be seated at a desired time.
19. Noir City Hollywood: The 18th Annual Los Angeles Festival
The longest-running film noir festival in Los Angeles returns to the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood for 10 days with a rare lineup of dark, sinister films brought back to life on the screen. The festival runs from April 15-24 with a special opening reception this Friday. Get more information on discount tickets to select screenings this weekend via Goldstar.
20. Lunchtime Yoga Retreat
Get your sun salutations on in the middle of Downtown in Grand Park! The free yoga class starts at 12:15pm and runs to 1:00pm.
21. 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?. Head down this Escape Room experience in Burbank with a couple of your smartest friends to see if you have what it takes! Get more information and discount tickets for this weekend via Goldstar.
22. BierBeisl Blow Out Party
Sadly BierBeisl Imbiss restaurant will be closing on April 16 to celebrate and say thank you to friends and patrons from now until the 16th take advantage of some killer specials like $5 every sausage sandwich, $3 sides, $7 all other sandwiches (schnitzel, sloppy george, pork belly etc.), $3 beer, $8 wine and lots more.
Saturday April 16th, 2016
23. The 5th Annual Harry Potter Roller Skating Night
Los Angeles Dumbledore’s Army is teaming up with Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale for the 5th Annual Harry Potter Roller Skating Night. In addition to roller skating, vendors will be selling Harry Potter themed candy, accessories and jewelry. There will be Butterbeer (non-alcoholic) for purchase and a ceremonial “raising of the wands” to celebrate the life of the late Alan Rickman a.k.a. Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies.
24. Obscura Day 2016
Obscura Day is a special occasion every year organized by Atlas Obscura. Over 150 events will be held in 35 states and 25 countries, all on a single day. It’s designed to celebrate the world’s most curious and awe-inspiring places. There are 15 events of exploration in Los Angeles scheduled from the ruins of the “White City” on Echo Mountain to a party at the Valley Relics theres bound to be something that peeks your interest.
25. Downtown Burbank Arts Festival
The streets of Downtown Burbank will be taken over by 100+ artists, street painters, chalk artists, special f/x artists and more for a two-day festival that’s free to attend and open to the public.
26. Shakespeare Day at The Huntington Library
Celebrate William Shakespeare’s 400-year anniversary of his passing this Saturday at the Huntington Library. Experience the day-long celebration of the Bard through theatrics, demonstrations, workshops, and musical performances. You’ll also get to view The Huntington’s rare “First Folio” edition of Shakespeare’s collected plays and other related works in the Library Exhibition Hall.
27. Broadway in Leimert Park
From Ella and Dizzy to Holiday and Sinatra and beyond, celebrate National Jazz Appreciation Month in April with a lineup of fantastic tributes to all the greats. Broadway in Leimert Park will run April 1-24. Get more information and discount tickets for Saturday and Sunday’s performances via Goldstar.
28. Same, Same a New Thai Wine and Beer Bar Debut’s in Silver Lake
This wine and beer concept also offers authentic Thai bar food making the new spot a must try. The bar is a partnership between Last Word Hospitality and the duo behind Rambutan Thai, Katy Noochlaor and Annie Daniel. Expect traditional Thai street food, shared plates, daily market-driven specials, and bar snacks along with a playful beer and wine list.
29. Record Store Day 2016
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Record Store Day began in 2008 as a way to celebrate the unique culture of nearly 1400 independently owned record stores in the US. Nine years later this day is participated by every continent except Antarctica. View all L.A. record stores here some will host in-store artist performances
30. The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire
The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire (April 9-May 23) offers guests the unique opportunity to relive a recreation of an Elizabethen English Village. The faire will have plenty to do with rides, arts, crafts, food, and dance along more than 1,500 costumed performers including artisans, acrobats, internationally acclaimed musicians and entertainers, juggling jokers and jesters, and jousting knights!
31. 2nd Annual L.A. Local Craft Beer & Artisan Food Fest
Get your hands on unlimited food and brews this Saturday afternoon at Alpine Village in Torrance. Tickets costs $35 (presale) and $40 at the door.
32. Maple Block $9 Special
Maple Block located on the Westside is hosting a promo where you can get any sandwich on the menu plus a non alcoholic drink for just $9. Promotion runs through Monday, April 22.
33. Champagne On Main! in Downtown Ventura
The Champagne on Main spring wine walk and street fair returns to Downtown Ventura this Saturday. Guest can start their day with a free Spring street fair starting at 11:00am and move on to the ticketed tasting events. A variety of Champagne, sparkling wines, and craft beer from Downtown Ventura businesses will be offered and each guest will receive a special wristband, tasting cup and a map of the participating tasting sites to explore.
34. 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.
35. Food Forward’s Annual Spring Melt Fundraiser
Join Food Forward for their annual Spring Melt as they work to raises funds to fight hunger and prevent food waste across SoCal. Taking place at LA River Studios, this tasting event will highlight local restaurants and beverage establishments. We spotted Clementine, Porridge & Puffs, Knead & Co., Yalla Mediterranean, The Gourmandise School, Smog City Brewing, CapRock gin, Greenbar Distillery and Salt & Straw on the list! Tickets are $150.
36. Rendezvous Artisan Market
The team behind the Abbot Kinney Festival, invites you to their latest project Rendezvous Artisan Market a family friendly craft market taking place at the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica Airport all weekend. Vendors include fine art, jewelry, kids apparel, vintage clothing, antiques and vinyl records. Santa Monica Brew Works will be hosting a beer garden too and guests have access to the museum free of charge.
37. Great L.A. River Clean Up
Volunteer for the Los Angeles River’s 27th annual clean up event for the next three Saturdays April 16, 23 and 30. Choose from 15 sites along the river to do your part.
38. Monrovia Station Beer & Music Festival
The city of Monrovia will celebrate the opening of their spanking new Station Square Park & Metro Gold Line with a Beer & Music Festival! General admission costs $45 and starts at 2:00pm, if you want to beat the crowds opts for VIP admission for $55 to come in at 1:00pm. Try to get your tickets online or else it’s $65 the day of. Everyone will receive fifteen 6oz beers and access to food vendors. This even is 21 and over.
39. 11th Annual Vintage Fashion Show and Tea
View tons of beautiful costumes and vintage gowns during the 11th Annual Vintage Fashion Show and Tea. Following the fashion show, guest will be treated to an afternoon tea buffet. Taking place at the Heritage Square Museum, tickets cost $30 for adults and $15 for children and must be purchased ahead of time.
40. 25th Annual Poppy Festival
Celebrate our state flower the poppy! The annual Poppy Festival takes place in the Antelope Valley Saturday and Sunday. There will be plenty of fun activities and food, drinks, vendors, music, dance, art, games, rides, and more. Admission costs $8 for adults and children, seniors, and the military cost $5.
Sunday April 17th, 2016
41. Ray Romano Hosts Comedy Benefit for Harvest Home
Everybody Loves Raymond star Ray Romano will host a star-studded evening of comedy performances from Dominique (Last Comic Standing), Nate Bargatze (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon), and PJ Byrne (The Wolf of Wall Street and HBO’s Vinyl) to benefit the Venice-based nonprofit Harvest Home. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
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42. Ranger Ernie Hike to the Griffith Observatory
This Sundays hike level is intermediate. The distance is 8-miles and the destination is the Griffith Observatory. The hike begins at 8:00am. Get more information here.
43. Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction at The Virgil
Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction is a comedy show created and hosted by Bryan Cook. 10 comics will take the stage writing and performing erotic fan fiction pieces through audience suggestions and improvisations. It’s hilariously stupid. The lineup this week will see returning CEFF champions Moshe Kasher, Ian Karmel, Solomon Georgio, Guy Branum, Eliza Skinner, Ben Roy, Dave Hill, Andres du Bouchet and Jackie Kashian battling it out.
44. The Skirball Presents the 5th Annual Puppet Festival
Puppets will take over the Skirball campus for a daylong celebration on the art of puppetry. This family-friendly festival showcases top talent in the puppeteering world telling stories through an array of elaborate puppets and live music that’s sure to entertain any age.
45. Earth Day Party at Center for the Arts Eagle Rock
The Center for the Arts in Eagle Rock is throwing a Earth Day Party this Sunday. Enjoy an interactive children’s concert with local band Cuicani, an all ages printmaking workshop from the Los Angeles Printmaking Society and Earth Day inspired home baked treats! Tickets run $8-$10.
46. Wally’s Wine & Spirits Presents: The 6th Annual Napa/Sonoma All-Stars Tasting
This Sunday Wally’s Wine & Spirits will hold their sixth annual Napa/Sonoma All-Stars tasting. The event will be held at The Olympic Collection and will feature nearly 150 of the most highly-respected wine producers in California. Chef David Féau will be preparing chicken liver and foie gras mousse Croque en Bouche. Jenny Knotts from Wally’s Cheese Box will be serving tasty bites to accompany the hundreds of wines being poured. On top of that cheese purveyor Cowgirl Creamery will also be on hand and Morning Glory Confections, will be serving hand-made specialty brittles. There will be live entertainment and a photo booth to keep guest busy during the event. Tickets to the tasting cost $75 per person pre-sale online and $100 at the door.
47. Live Butterfly Conservatory comes to Westfield Santa Anita
Adopt a Butterfly is coming to Westfield Santa Anita in Arcadia. In celebration of Butterfly Month the event will invite guest to encounter live butterflies, witness the miracle of a butterfly’s beautiful transformation, feed a butterfly, see one hatch from a chrysalis, and other hands-on craft projects and educational tours. General admission is $6.00 per adult and $5.00 per child (children under the age of 2 are free with an adult ticket)
48. Salt & Straw April Flavors Invented by LA Students
Salt & Straw partnered up with Larchmont Charter and Westminster Elementary (Venice) students to create the April flavors at the two shop locations. A portion of proceeds from the sales of these flavors will go toward both schools. Come try Caramel Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake, Waffle & Syrup, Coconut Flan and more for a good cause! Flavors only availble until the 27th.
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