Things To Do

46 Awesome Things to do This Weekend in L.A. You Ought to Know About [5-13-16 to 5-15-16]

May 12, 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 (May 13 to May 15) includes a Rose Festival at Descanso Gardens, a spooky movie at the Old L.A. Zoo, a pickle party at Grand Central Market, CicLAvia in South L.A., free Museums of the Arroyo Day, the South Bay Beer & Wine Festival, 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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descanso rose garden

Image via Descanso Garden


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Friday May 13th, 2016

1. Friday the 13th on Friday the 13th at the Old L.A. Zoo 

The third and final spooky screening series at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park will be held on Friday the 13th and will feature the iconic horror movie Friday The 13th (duh). Keep in mind discount tickets may still be available via Goldstar.

2. First-Ever Whedonopolis: A Joss Whedon Convention

Joss Whedon is getting a very well deserved convention the inaugural event will take place May 13 – 15 in Van Nuys. Fans can expect some familiar faces from the Whedonverse to make appearances.

3 Free Shark Lagoon Nights At The Aquarium of the Pacific 

Get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators for FREE during Shark Lagoon Nights.

4. Captain America: Civil War in 3D at the El Capitan

Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a special engagement of Marvel’s Captain America all weekend long with special pre-show entertainment. Get more information and discount tickets  for this weekend via Goldstar.

5. Los Angeles Old-Time Social

Created to promote traditional, handmade music with fun events around the city, this three-day (May 12 – 14) event is back for its 11th year with happenings from Silver Lake to West Adams.

6. Piatigorsky International Cello Festival

The International Cello Festival (May 13 – 22) brings out some of the best master cellists from around the world onto various Los Angeles spaces to share their talents through orchestral concerts, chamber music performances, master classes, and other events.

7. Sci-Fi Fest

The third annual Sci-Fest will take over the ACME Theatre for 15 days (May 5-19) of one-act science fiction plays featuring faces from fantasy and sci-fi franchises.

8. Saved By The 90’s Bash

Party all night long to your favorite 90’s tunes at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach for Saved By The 90’s a one night rager where scrunchies and baggy jeans are acceptable. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

9. Reformation Sample Sale

Shop the cool girl label Reformation for up to 80% off retail price Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

10. The Groundlings: The Completely Different Late Show

This hilarious improv show by the cast of the Groundlings’ Main Company runs on audience suggestions which can get interesting. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

11. 3rd Annual OC Night Market

From the producers of the 626 Night Market, this three day affair (May 13-15) brings you Asian food vendors, shopping, music, games, and more. Admission costs $5 per person, these Night Markets always draw crowds so be prepared.

12. La Nuit en Rosé

La Nuit en Rosé at the Mondrian is a three day festival (May 13-15) dedicated to summer wine of choice rosé. Expect events like a four-course pairing meal to a poolside soirée featuring over 50 types of rosé .

13. Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale

Thursday through Saturday (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.), shop the designer’s bestselling bags, womenswear, and even footwear for up to 70% at her Melrose boutique and online.

Location: 8335 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90069

Saturday May 14th, 2016

14. West Coast BBQ Classic Returns to The Queen Mary

Bust out the wet naps this weekend the Queen Mary welcomes back the West Coast BBQ Classic for a finger lickin’ barbecue grillin’ good ole time.

15. Descanso Gardens Rose Festival

The Rose Festival returns to Descanso Gardens for two fragrant filled days (May 14-15) of celebrating one of America’s favorite flowers through rose related actives and more.

16. Eclectic Music Festival & Art Walk Returns to South Pasadena

Explore multiple live music stages walk through galleries and artist studios and get your grub on at the many food trucks participating at the Eclectic Music Fest & Artwalk.

17. L.A.’s Only Live Animated Comedy Show “Picture This!” Returns to The Virgil for a Free Show

L.A.’s only live animated comedy show is back with a FREE show at The Virgil where the bar will be fully stalked and a taco truck will be parked outside for your dining pleasure.

18. Griffith Park Heritage Festival Celebrates Anza Expedition

Griffith Park’s FREE Heritage Festival will bring early California history to life this Saturday through historical reenactments of the Anza Expedition, music, dance, kid-friendly activities and a 18th century fashion show.

19. Bacon, Blues & Brews Fest

Like bacon, beers and blues? Head over to Lancaster to sample all types of bacon and pork infused delicacies. Take your pick of craft brews from dozens of regional breweries and relax to the sounds of local blues bands keeping guests entertained well into the night.

20. Yummy California Sweets and Beads Show

The Yummy California Sweets & Beads Show brings together delicious treats and decorative beads for a two day event (May 14-15) at the L.A. Convention Center. Sample a variety of sweets and browse from a large selection of bead vendors if that’s your thing.

21. Eat|See|Hear

Eat|See|Hear is back with a screening of The Princess Bride at Santa Monica High School. Be sure to check for discount tickets for this event via Goldstar.

22. FREE Public Star Party At The Observatory

See the Sun, Moon, Planets and constellations magnified for your pleasure with the powerful telescopes at the Griffith Observatory. Their popular (and free) monthly Public Star Party happens this Saturday outside on the lawn of the Observatory.

23. LA on Tap: LA International Beer Competition & Festival

Sample craft beers for hours at LA on Tap a tasting event taking place at the California Market Center in DTLA. Music, food and merchandise vendors will also be on hand.

24. Los Angeles Air Guitar Championships

The L.A. qualifier of the Air Guitar Championships will take place once again at The Viper Room. Come out and watch some of the best AIRtists rock out for a chance to represent the city in the nationals.

25. Raymond Chandler’s Los Angeles Bus Tour

This fascinating four-hour guided bus tour by the folks at Esoteric Bus Adventures will take you through the rough streets that shaped pulp-fiction author Raymond Chandler’s writing. Tasty Bonus! There will be a stop at ice cream favorite Scoops for a Chandler-themed gelato. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

26. Street Food Cinema 

Street Food Cinema has two screenings this weekend. Almost Famous at Exposition Park and Raiders of The Lost Ark at Victory Park.

27. Tacos y Cervezas at Santa Anita Park

Spend a day at the races with tacos and refreshing cervezas. Some of the best local taco vendors will be on hand to serve their delicious creations which include a artisanal cerveza tasting. We spotted some discount tickets on Goldstar for this one.

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28. 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.

29. 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.

30. Music Under The Stars

Enjoy a FREE concert right in the heart of Pasadena City Hall. The concert will celebrate iconic Broadway hits from West Side Story to Phantom of the Opera.

31. Santa Fe Art Colony 27th Annual Open Studios Event

Once a year 40+ artists open up their studios for an art walk offering guests an opportunity to meet with artists, see an artist at work and even buy directly from an artist. This two day event will also host live performances, art exhibitions, and food / beverage vendors for the public.

32. The Green Living Fair

This free family friendly event will be held in Studio City along the L.A. River. Learn about water conservation, energy saving tactics and more. Live music, green activities, raffles and even a pie contest is expected at the event.

Sunday May 15th, 2016

33. Museum of The Arroyos Day

This Sunday, six local museums and historical homes will open their doors free of charge for the annual Museums of the Arroyo Day.

34. CicLAvia Comes To Southeast Los Angeles

For the first time, CicLAvia will connect six communities in Southeast Los Angeles. The result? The country’s largest open streets event… NBD.

35. Pickle Party at Grand Central Market

The first-ever Grand Central Market Pickle Party is a “one-day edible exploration of all things pickled, brined & fermented.” Expect special pickled items on the menu of participating vendors, chefs pickling demos and a crowd-sourced communal sauerkraut-making session.

36. 4th Annual Angel City Brewery Heritage Festival

The Heritage Festival will feature a range of entertainment to celebrate the Arts District Downtown and it’s commitment to the craft beer community. Expect live bands, food trucks, performances, art, and plenty of beer at this free event.

37. Le Salon de Musiques Presents Stage Free Chamber Musical Experience, Champagne and High Tea at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Head down town to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for an intimate musical experience where some of the finest musicians will play on the fifth floor stage-free and surrounded by guests. After the performance there will be a Q&A with musicians, as well as a Champagne and gourmet high-tea buffet catered by Patina. Discount tickets are available while supplies last via Goldstar.

38. Monrovia Days Musical Festival 2016

This free music festival will celebrate Monrovia’s 130th birthday with live performers, food trucks, and a craft beer garden. Plenty of kid friendly activities too.

39. 56th Annual Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival

If you’re a fan of folk and bluegrass, or interested in seeing banjo/fiddle showdowns than don’t miss the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival held at Paramount Ranch this Sunday.

40. Venice Art Week

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Venice Art Week kicks off with a free open house event at ARTBLOCK. Throughout next week there will be an art crawl and art walk.

41. Third Annual South Bay Beer & Wine Festival

The third annual South Bay Beer & Wine Festival will host a number of breweries on tap, wines, tasty food vendors at the Rolling Hills Estate. There will also be an art fair and silent auction.

42. Ranger Ernie Hike to Royce’s Canyon

This Sundays hike level is intermediate. The distance is 6.5-mile the destination is Royce’s Canyon. The hike begins at 8:00am. Get more information here.

43. Family Flicks at The Hammer: The Great Race

Watch a young Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, embark on a race from New York to Paris, as Natalie Wood plays a reporter out to snag the scoop in The Great Race during Family Flicks a FREE Sunday film series presented by The Hammer.

44. Yoga with a View

Kick off your Sunday with “Yoga with a View,” located at Andaz West Hollywood’s rooftop Panorama Lounge with breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline. Book your spot for $15 at JakeFerree.com.

45. 2016 C.O.L.A Opening Reception 

The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) awards 12 mid-career artists every year. Come out to the opening reception this Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. – 5 p.m. and meet award recipients in the visual arts and literature, preview new works created specifically for C.O.L.A. and explore the grounds around the historic Barnsdall Art Park home of the Hollyhock House.

46. The Original Tommy’s Will Be Offering $0.70 Chili Burgers For Their 70th Anniversary

To celebrate the big 7-0 Tommy’s will be offering their famous chili burger for a throwback price of just $0.70 on Sunday, May 15 from noon to midnight at the site of the first Original Tommy’s location at Beverly and Rampart Blvd.


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