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Art, mixology, history, comedy and feminist resistance. It’s all on the table this week in Los Angeles!.
From January 26-30 you’ll find Speed Friending at Common Space, the Central 100 Centennial Celebration Kick-Off at Central Library, the Feminist Book Club inaugural meeting at Skylight Books, Robot Karaoke at The Elysian, a free double-feature at the Hammer, and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
The Varnish Mixology Class with Sari Grossman – M > Step behind the bar for an exclusive, hands-on masterclass led by Sari Grossman, who spent eight years perfecting her craft at the legendary (and now closed) DTLA speakeasy, The Varnish. Hosted by TalkTales Entertainment, this session is designed to peel back the curtain on world-class mixology. You’ll learn the discipline, repetition, and “effortless” precision required to craft the perfect drink, all while hearing behind-the-scenes stories from one of L.A.’s most influential cocktail rooms. Tickets are $85. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
Speed Friending at Common Space -> You’ve heard of speed dating but how about speed friending? Head to Common Space Brewery this Wednesday for a night of meaningful connection organized by the folks at Skip the Small Talk. Expect a structured, low-stress environment where you’re encouraged to dive into the “big talk” conversations usually reserved for late nights with close friends. With curated prompts like “When are you the happiest?” and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great way to meet new people in the South Bay without the typical social awkwardness. Tickets are $19. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
Bring Your Own Pen: Drink and Draw @ Stories Books & Cafe – FA > This Wednesday, dust off your sketchbooks for the first monthly “Drink and Draw” of 2026 at Stories Books and Cafe in Echo Park. Hosted by Bring Your Own Pen, this is an uninstructed, low-pressure hangout designed for “creative exploration.” Whether you’re a professional illustrator or a self-proclaimed “bad artist,” the goal is simply to gather, grab a drink, and doodle on the back patio. The event is Free and open to all skill levels. If you’re feeling generous, small donations are welcome to keep the community group going. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
Central 100 Centennial Celebration Kick-Off – M FA TP > Celebrate a century of one of L.A.’s most stunning architectural gems at the Central Library. This Thursday marks the start of a year-long festivities honoring the building’s 1926 dedication. Guests can tour the new Central 100 exhibits and witness the reveal of a 100-year-old time capsule, originally buried in the cornerstone in 1925. Attendees will be the first to see the unsealed copper box containing documents, photos, and publications that have been hidden since the library’s construction. Free and open to the public. The Kick-Off event begins at 11 a.m. More info here.
Blight / Aquarius Double-Feature at The Hammer – FA > On Thursday, join the UCLA Film & Television Archive at the Billy Wilder Theater for a powerful double feature exploring the theme of “(Dis)placement.” The evening pairs John Smith’s Blight, a rhythmic documentary of neighborhood destruction in East London, with Kleber Mendonça Filho’s Aquarius. Starring the legendary Sônia Braga, Aquarius is a fierce, celebrated drama about a widow who refuses to let developers force her out of her seaside apartment in Brazil. Admission is free and open to the public. Starts at 7:30 p.m. More info here.
Robot Karaoke -> Robot Karaoke bee-boo-bops back to the Skunk Room at the Elysian Theater this Friday night. The monthly karaoke shindig takes the lyrics any song with words from a specific text, then syncs each line syllable-for-syllable using a totally fancy algorithm. Think something like a Yelp review for psychics to the tune of Total Eclipse of the Heart. Each song has never been heard before and will never be heard again. Singers will include local comedians, karaoke ringers and audience volunteers (sing as a group too!). Tickets are $10. Show starts at 8 p.m. More info here.
Fred Armisen’s Playlist, Live! -> Once upon a time, Saturday Night Live and Portlandia star Fred Armisen was the drummer for Chicago punk band Trenchmouth This Friday, Armisen returns to Permanent Records Road in Cypress Park for another solo performance featuring an evening of punk covers including tunes from The Damned, The Stranglers, The Clash, Devo, Husker Du and others. Tickets are $6.97. Two sets: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. More info here.
Feminist Book Club Inaugural Meeting at Skylight Books – FA > In a time of increasing book bans and erased histories, Repro Uncensored and Feminist Press have joined forces to launch a radical new space for L.A. readers: the Feminist Book Club. Taking place at the beloved Skylight Books in Los Feliz, this inaugural gathering is designed to foster community through “bold reading” and critical dialogue. The night kicks off with a poetry reading by Vianney Harelly, followed by a discussion of Reservoir Bitches by Dahlia de la Cerda. Free and open to all. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Jeni’s x Bridgerton Ice Cream Social (January 29) ->Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams celebrates the return of Bridgerton with two limited-edition, show-inspired flavors and a proper Ice Cream Social to match. On Thursday from 1-4 p.m., head to the Los Feliz shop for free scoops, including the collaborative Queen Charlotte Sponge Cake flavor, plus a special live performance by Vitamin String Quartet. Expect Regency-era flair, playful pageantry, and plenty of sweet indulgence. Free and open to the public. More info here.
Ladle Night: Soup, Beer & Synths at Solarc Brewing (January 26) -> This Monday, Solarc Brewing in Glassell Park hosts Ladle Night—a cozy collision of soup, beer, and sound. The beer, tea, and music hub is known for its gruit lagers brewed with herbs, spices, plants, fruits, and teas, drawing inspiration from herbal medicine rather than conventional beer traditions. Pink Flamingo Supper Club pops up with its weekly soup night, serving albondigas with beef meatballs or a vegetarian option, while OneL sets the atmosphere with modular synths, keys, and pump organ, weaving long-form ambient soundscapes. More info here.
Wine Tasting Night at Montauk (January 28) -> Montauk invites guests to settle in for a polished wine tasting experience spotlighting globally inspired pours from its Montauk Collection. Each week, the sommelier team curates a fresh lineup meant for discovery, indulgence, and easy conversation, all enjoyed on the patio with thoughtfully paired small bites. Tickets are $50 per guest. More info here.
Happy Hour at Robata JINYA (Daily) -> Robata JINYA rolls out happy hour at its new Hollywood Boulevard location, bringing Japanese robatayaki and izakaya-style favorites to the neighborhood. Stop by Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. to enjoy the $4, $7, and $10 menu featuring spicy tuna crispy rice, signature rolls, JINYA chicken ramen, skewers, plus wine, cocktails, and Sapporo. More info here.
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