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 Earth Day weekend (April 22 to April 24) includes MONSTERPALOOZA, a beer festival in Atwater Village, the Long Beach Zine Fest, a free kite festival in Ascot Hills Park, the Broke LA Music Fest, a ‘Feast of Thrones’ at Whimsic Alley, and much more.
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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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Friday April 22nd, 2016
1. MONSTERPALOOZA
MONSTERPALOOZA comes to Pasadena this Friday. The convention is a roundup of FX, over 200 vendors, make-up artists, fan art, screenings, celebrity guests and a monster museum a collection of memorabilia and movie monsters on view, past years have featured life-size King Kong and Jaws!
2. 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 this week’s performances via Goldstar.
3. Earth Day LA at Grand Park
Grand park, the Music Center and DWP are celebrating Earth Day this Friday. The free festivities will feature plenty of green activities during the day including a tour of Grand Park’s sustainable landscaping, electric vehicle demos, free trees and healthy lifestyle vendors.
4. 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 this weekend via Goldstar.
5. H Lorenzo’s Month Long Tent Sale
H.Lorenzo will take over the Sunset Plaza’s parking lot for its semi-annual tent sale now through the end of the month. The sale promises 50-70% off women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, and accessories from designers like Ann Demeulemeester, Comme des Garçons, Haider Ackermann, Helmut Lang, Y-3, and more. Sale happens daily from 10:00am-7:00pm.
Location: 8660 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
6. 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.
7. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo for Three Weeks at The Morrison
The Morrison Pub in Atwater Village will start their Cinco de Mayo celebrations early, serving special food and drink menus all day now through May 5th.
8. 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 big screen. The festival runs from April 15-24.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Trina Turk Sample Sale
Score 50-85% off on men’s and women’s apparel during the Trina Turk sample sale happening this Friday (9:00am-6:00pm) and Saturday (9:00am-5:00pm). Prices start at just $5!
Location: 3025 West Mission Rd., Alhambra 91803.
12. 32nd Annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
The film festival runs April 21-28 with screenings at venues across the greater Los Angeles featuring over 130 films from over 20 countries. There’s also a virtual reality (VR) documentary about Little Tokyo called Walking with Grace, which highlights a women’s perspectives of places. The project will be viewable at various festival sites through mobile VR kiosks. In addition look out for site-specific video map projections located in the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center (JACCC) Noguchi Plaza (adjacent to Azusa Alley) on Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23.
13. Beat the Clock Happy Hour Launches at Tom’s Urban
Tom’s Urban at L.A. Live recently launched a Beat the Clock happy hour. Featuring six hours of fun, guests are invited to indulge in bites and booze as they “beat the clock” for the ultimate happy hour deal. This Beat the Clock happy hour runs in the afternoon, Monday through Friday, beginning at 3:00pm with prices starting at $3 and rise every hour until 6:00pm AND late night, Sunday through Thursday, beginning at 10:00pm with prices starting at $5 and drops every hour until 1:00am.
14. 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.
15. Newport Beach Film Festival
Around 350 films will be screened at this years Newport Beach Film Festival. Attendees will sit in on sessions with directors and screenwriters, the opening gala will feature a live band and bites from some of Newport Beach’s top restaurants. Visit the website for a full schedule of April 21-28 films.
Saturday April 23rd, 2016
16. Broke LA Music Festival
Don’t have the funds to go to Coachella? Check out Broke LA 2016 (formerly Brokechella), a one-day event going down in the Arts District of Downtown featuring four stages and around 50 emerging L.A. bands along with a stage dedicated for a comedy showcase. Takes place at Imperial Art Studios and cost just $20 versus Coachella’s $399 price ticket. Be sure to look for discounted ticketing options to the fest via our affiliate friends at Goldstar.
17. Laughs By Volume 3: A Craft Beer & Comedy Show
Laughs By Volume is a monthly craft beer tasting and comedy show at Honeypot LA. The evening features three full hours of beer tastings featuring 40+ craft beers from over 25 breweries from around the globe and performances by locally brewed comics.
18. Bizarre Murders & More Echo Park Book of the Dead Bus Tour
Take a walk on the morbid side and tour the hills and suburbs of L.A. visiting locations of notorious crime scenes and homes of oddball Angelinos. Featured cases on the four-hour tour on the Esoteric Bus include Edward Hickman’s kidnapping of little Marion Parker and the bizarre “Man in the Attic” love nest slaying. You’ll also see amazing architecture, including a visit to Sister Aimee Semple McPherson’s exquisite Parsonage home, which is now a museum. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
19. Meet the Grunion at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Ever been to a grunion run? Stop by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium after hours and see if you can witness this seasonal marvel of nature. In addition to guided observation at the beach during grunion spawning (hopefully!), the Aquarium will offer a special auditorium program and demonstrations designed to help you learn about the grunion’s annual ritual.
20. Earth Day at Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens will celebrate Earth Day April 23-24 with events focused on flowers and plants for your garden with activities including the Mt. SAC plant sale, a California wildflower installation, a make your own wildflower seed packet event, guided nature walks, and more.
21. The 11th Annual Freestyle Festival
Bust-a-move on down to Long Beach on April 23-24 for some’80s and ’90s hip-hop during the Freestyle Festival. Groove to old-school acts like Salt-N-Pepa, Berlin, Stevie B., Lisa Lisa, Debbie Gibson, Slick Rick, Biz Markie, 2 Live Crew, Gucci Crew, Nu Shooz, and more. Grab your discount tickets for Sunday’s show (while supplies last) via Goldstar.
22. 4th Annual Feast of Thrones
What better way to usher in the new season of Game Of Thrones (premiering this Sunday) but with a Feast of Thrones at Whimsic Alley. Eat, drink and be marry for three hours with other G.O.T. fans. Tickets are only sold in store or over the phone.
23. Learn the Olympic Sport of Curling: Beginners Welcome!
Who hasn’t watched a curling match during the Winter Olympics and wondered to themselves… “How do you play that, anyway?” Well, now you no longer have to wonder. For around $25 you can get a beginners lesson featuring an excellent introduction to the basics, including sliding stones, sweeping, and game strategy. All equipment provided! Get more information and discount tickets (while supplies last) via Goldstar
24. Comics Dane Cook, Judd Apatow and Orny Adams at The Comedy Store
Some big names in comedy will be doing stand-up at L.A.’s legendary Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip this Saturday. Headlining the show is Dane Cook Judd Apatow and Orny Adams. There will be additional special guests making appearances as well. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
25. 4th Annual Pasadena Brewfest
The Pasadena Brewfest is back for the fourth year in a row to celebrate the burgeoning local brewing community. Taking place at T-Boyles Tavern in Pasadena, the festival features a select number of local breweries serving on 20 of the tavern’s taps.
26. 7th Annual AutoCon Los Angeles
On Saturday, the Los Angeles Convention Center will open its doors and welcome thousands of automotive enthusiasts to AutoCon Los Angeles. Check out race inspired track cars, custom widebodied exotics, product launches, exclusive vehicle builds and more during the popular event.
27. Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week
Long Beach Restaurant Week is a 9-day annual event featuring restaurants from twelve neighborhoods throughout the city hosting a variety of food and drink specials. This is a good time to explore the diverse cuisines that Long Beach has to offers while taking advantage of the discounts being offered.
28. Vincent Price Art Museum: Exploring the World of Giant Robot
Vincent Price Art Museum presents Silent Wonderment: Exploring the World of Giant Robot. Come view various disciplines of contemporary art, indie publishing, vinyl toy figures, and everything in between from the GR archives. The opening reception will take place on Saturday from 7:00pm-10:00pm. The museum is free and open to the public.
29. CityRace Urban Adventure Hunt: Olvera Street, El Pueblo and Beyond
If you want a fun way to explore the history of L.A., why not try this urban scavenger hunt in the heart of the historic center of old Los Angeles? Team up with your friends to crack codes, solve puzzles, and discover facts in a fast paced and fun-filled competition. Get more information and discounted tickets via Goldstar.
30. Wine Maker Barrel Tasting
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This unique opportunity offers wine enthusiast a chance to taste wines straight from the barrel. A limit of 50 tickets are available for this event and food is included. Taking place at DTLA’s very own San Antonio Winery.
31. Free, Rare Shakespeare Classics Screened at Paley Center LA for Shakespeare 400
The Paley Center will screen six seminal Shakespeare telecasts during the 400th anniversary of The Bards death this Saturday through Sunday. Screenings include: Richard II, The Taming of the Shrew, Twelfth Night, The Tempest, Macbeth and Hamlet. The Paley center is free with a suggested donation of $10.00.
32. BritWeek
BritWeek celebrates of all things British from Shakespeare to David Bowie to Brit Artists and Designers. The festival will hosts a number of lectures, parties, performances, and more from April 23 – May 8.
33. Great L.A. River Clean Up
Volunteer for the Los Angeles River’s 27th annual clean up event for the next three Saturdays April 23 and 30. Choose from 15 sites along the river to do your part.
34. Spring Pop Up Shop
The DTLA pop-up will feature dozens of local vendors and is open to all ages. Shop from 11:00am-6:00pm. Admission is free!
35. Santa Monica Scavenger Hunt
From the Santa Monica Pier to Third Street Promenade , this lively hunt takes you on a urban adventure in the diverse community of Santa Monica. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
36. 2016 Cambodian New Year Celebration
This Saturday Long Beach will celebrate the Cambodian New Year at El Dorado Park with performances, live music, a carnival, food, and much more. Admission to the festival cost $30 pre-sale and come with parking it’s $40 at the gate.
37. Artists & Fleas Venice
Brooklyn-born craft market Artists & Fleas is heading to Venice Beach this month and will set up at the Westminster Avenue Elementary School at Abbot Kinney and the corner of Westminster Avenue. A&F runs from 11:00am-5:00pm and features locally made art, fashion, vintage wares, vinyl, edibles and beyond. Join them every first and fourth Saturday of each month. Admission is free
38. Picture This! ‘FUN’raiser at The Federal Bar NOHO
L.A.’s only live animated comedy show is back on Saturday, April 23 at The Federal Bar in North Hollywood for a special evening to raise funds for the East Valley Family YMCA.
Sunday April 24th, 2016
39. 4th Annual Atwater Village Beer, Wine, & Food Festival
The Atwater Village Beer Festival combines beer and wine tasting into a rockin block party taking over the entire parking lot of Link N Hops to bring local breweries, local vendors, food, live music, and more to beer enthusiast this Sunday.
40. 6th Annual Kite Festival at Ascot Hills Park
Spend a day with family at one of L.A.’s most unique park spaces and outdoor trails Ascot Hills Park in El Sereno for the 6th annual Kite Festival and Earth Day celebration. There will be hundreds of free kites for kids, live jazz, solar powered video games and more.
41. Pasadena Restaurant Week
The 5th Annual Pasadena Restaurant Week will take place April 24-29 and will feature over 40 restaurants in the city’s burgeoning food scene. All participating restaurants will offer prix-fixe lunches and/or dinners at a specially discounted price.
42. 2nd Annual Long Beach Zine Fest
The Long Beach Zine Fest comes to the Museum of Latin American Art this Sunday to celebrating self-published works. The free festival will feature local musicians including Avi Buffalo, Bootleg Orchestra and DJ Dennis Owens, how-to workshops, a new reading room, a free bike valet and panelists talks that include Gustavo Arellano, Griselda Suarez and Davy Rothbart.
43. English Muffin Class + Brunch at Love & Salt
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Chef Michael Fiorelli of Love & Salt will lead a special baking class on perfecting the English muffin as part of a series with MasterCard’s Priceless program. The event will kick off at 9:00am with the hour-long, hands-on English muffin demo, followed by brunch in the restaurant’s upstairs private room.
44. ALIEN Art Show Opening Reception
There’s a group art show tribute for ALIEN featuring dozens of talented artists showcasing their own unique takes on the franchise. The free opening reception is this Saturday from 6:00pm-9:00pm at the Creature Features gallery in Burbank. Show runs through May 1st.
45. 2016 Taste of Huntington Beach
The 16th Annual Taste of Huntington Beach features bite sized tastes from 50 local restaurants and catering companies plus unlimited sips from 50 wineries and breweries. In addition there will be a silent auction, live entertainment and dancing is strongly encouraged.
46. Spring 2016 Brentwood Art Festival
This free all-ages art festival Brentwood features art, food trucks, shopping, a kids zone, music and more. Last year the festival garnered 10,000 visitors and over 120 artist!
47. Bottle Share at Monrovia Homebrew Shop
Mingle with craft beer fans this Sunday as The Monrovia Brew Shop hosts a bottle share for amateur and accomplished brewers alike to bring their home-brewed creations or favorite commercial beer to share for all, anything fermented is allowed including beer, cider, mead, wine and even home made sake. Organizers suggest bringing one bomber (22 oz bottle) or two 12 oz bottles to the gathering.
48. “Dutch King’s Day” on Santa Monica Pier
Dutch King’s Day taking place on the Santa Monica Pier, celebrates the birthday of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands. Last year’s event hosted wooden shoe makers, a drop off area for letters to the king, and plenty of photo stations. We expect this year to be similar. There’s also one simple rule, all guests are asked to wear orange to the party as it is the color of the Dutch Royal Family.
49. Game of Thrones Viewing Party at Alcove
The most anticipated premiere of the season has got to be G.O.T. Join Alcove in their cozy private event cottage hidden behind the restaurant to celebrate the premiere with special “goblets of punch”, small bites, and super fans. RSVP to [email protected] to reserve your spot!
50. Yoga with a View
Kick off this Spring with warmer weather and a great workout with “Yoga with a View,” located at Andaz West Hollywood’s rooftop Panorama Lounge. Experience a fun, flowing workout and center your mind, body and soul, all while taking in breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline. Hosted by renowned instructor Jake Ferree the class will start at 9:30am and complimentary Zico Coconut Water beverages will be provided. In addition all yoga attendees can enjoy 20% off a bottomless brunch at Riot House Restaurant at The Andaz after their work out. Book your spot for $15 at JakeFerree.com.
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