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Things To Do

10 Fun Things To Do TODAY in L.A. for April 14, 2018

April 14, 2018 by Brian Champlin

You know what’s handy?

Waking up in the morning, firing up your phone/computer and being able to scan a super quick (but curated) rundown of the best of what lies ahead. So here it is, our list of fun things to do in Los Angeles for today, Saturday, April 14, 2018.

May it lead you to adventure!

[IMPORTANT: Want our latest ‘things to do’ rundowns sent straight to your email inbox? Sign-up for our newsletter program]

The Los Angeles River, looking towards DTLA. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Keep in mind for some of the ticketing options we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links (affiliates noted in parenthesis).

1. [7 a.m.] The Toyota Grand Prix features live street racing, live music concerts, a lifestyle expo, kids kart racing, dancing contests, food trucks and more from April 13-15. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

2. [9 a.m.] The Great the L.A. River CleaUp kicks off this weekend for the first of three consecutive Saturdays.. Thousands of volunteers will scour different parts of the river, collecting trash and helping to improve the environment.This Saturday volunteers will focus on the Sepulveda Basin / Balboa Sports Complex and Glendale Narrows Riverwalk. FREE

3. [9 a.m.] The March for Science returns to Los Angeles on April 14 in support of the environment, healthcare and scientific facts. This celebration will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m and will begin at Pershing Square and end at City Hall. Last year’s event featured various speakers, activities and live entertainment during the expo. FREE

4. [10 a.m.] Whale of a Day 2018 at Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Rancho Palos Verdes celebrates the migration of the Pacific Gray Whale. Catch a possible view of the whales’ on their journey, enjoy various free, fun-filled activities, like face painting, and games for kids, along with exhibits, food vendors and prizes. FREE

5. [10 a.m.] The Earth Day 2018 Community Festival comes to the Joint Administration Office in Whittier on April 14 to celebrate the majestic planet we call home. FREE

6. [10 a.m.] The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival returns for its 15th year April 14-15. This free two-day outdoor festival will feature 200 artists, famous Disney animators, interactive experiences, special appearances, and much more. FREE

7. [11 a.m.] Celebrate the art of monsters and movie magic during Monsterpalooza at The Pasadena Convention Center April 13-15. The monster fest will have over 250 exhibitors, screenings, panels and more.

8. [noon] There’s a Mobile Cat Cafe bringing adoptable kitties to locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. This weekend they’ll be in Brea. No reservations are required but access to the cafe costs $12. The price includes one pastry; one reusable coaster; and either a bottled water, cup of hot coffee, or bottle of cold brew.

9. [6:30 p.m.] To the Sea: Dance Concerts on the Pier is a free, three-evening dance event taking place on the Santa Monica Pier from April 13-15.

10. [8 p.m.] Picture This!, L.A.’s only live animated comedy show, is back with another free show at The Virgil in East Hollywood. During this show, see standup comics perform as talented animators, cartoonists and artists draw them live. FREE

DEAL OF THE DAY: Street Food Cinema at Expo Park (via Goldstar)

Want more ideas for upcoming things to do in L.A.? Check out our Los Angeles events calendar.

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Happenings

2018 Will Be the Last Year for the Harry Potter Roller Skating Night at Moonlight Rollerway

April 10, 2018 by Brian Champlin

Harry Potter Night at Moonlight Rollerway. Photo: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Frequent readers of We Like L.A. have probably seen us mention the annual Harry Potter Roller Skating Night at Moonlight Rollerway. But what you may not realize is that this year’s edition, coming up on August 25, will be the swan song for the event series, with organizers making the decision to wind it down after the seven strong years. So what gives?

Adrienne Aipia is the lead organizer for the Los Angeles Dumbledore’s Army, which bills itself as the second largest Harry Potter fan group in the world. Aipia, along with a team of dedicated volunteers, have been responsible for organizing the family-friendly roller night for each of the past seven years. But putting on an event with 1000 attendees is no easy feat, and as the personal and professional responsibilities of the group members have grown, the time allotted for Roller Skating Night has shrunk. Ultimately, it was decided by the group to wrap things up in 2018. Still, it was important that they do it one more time, and try to make it as special as possible.

“We knew we were make going to make it to seven, but we also probably knew it was going to be our last one,” Aipia told We Like L.A. One nice thing about ending on seven: It matches the number of books in the Harry Potter series. In that way, at least, it’s a fitting finale.

So what can you expect at a Harry Potter Roller Skating Night? Guests will enjoy Harry Potter music, merchandise, snacks (including Butterbeer), a raffle, games, and a costume contest. Oh yes, and skating too (if you can manage to stay on your feet). Based on my visit to the event in 2016, I’d argue the best aspect was the attention to detail of the costumes. The costumed / non-costumed crowd was probably split pretty evenly, but those who wore Harry Potter outfits wore them well. If you want to see a bunch of pictures from that night, go here.

Photo: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

One aspect that will make this year’s night different is how tickets are sold. In past years a massive line of hopefuls would gather several hours before the event opened hoping to squeak in before the 1020-person max capacity was hit. But this year an online ticketing system is available, which should make coordinating the night easier, and provide peace of mind for those who want to plan attendance in advance.

The final Harry Potter Roller Skating Night will take place on Saturday, August 25 from 8 to 11 p.m. Moonlight Rollerway is located at 5110 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA. Admission is $15 and includes skate rental. To purchase advance tickets, visit this link

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Food

A Massive Wood-Fired Pizza, Ice Cream and Beer Spot Opens in Eagle Rock Today

April 4, 2018 by Brian Champlin

Exterior of Piencone. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

A brand new pizza, ice cream, and beer spot opens its doors in Eagle Rock today, slotted on the corner of Colorado Blvd and Shearin Ave. Piencone Pizzeria, Creamery, & Pub is the brainchild of Michelle and Corey Wilton, the husband-and-wife team that owns and operates nearby mainstay Four Café. With a name that suggests three distinct specialities, you’d assume Piencone would be offering something for everyone. Based, at the least, on the sheer size of the restaurant’s layout, the intent is well executed.

The restaurant’s 4,500 square-foot space includes five rooms: A counter-area that greets visitors when they first walk in, the main dining room, a lounge and atrium area, a back patio, and a separate bar area. The patio features six tables and a kids section, while the bar has seating for 14.

In terms of the menu, guests will find an array of starters, vegetable-heavy wood-fired pizzas, craft beer, craft cocktails, and a selection of six seasonally-driven ice cream flavors and two sorbets. Beer options include Made West Pale Ale, Smog City Little Bo Pils, Port Brewing Mongo IPA and Ace Perry Hard Cider. There is also Kombucha available on tap (I can see this being a big deal to some!).

Among the openers are anchovy stuffed fried olives ($4), wood-roasted cauliflower with currants, serrano aioli and curried vinaigrette ($9.50), and wild boar stuffed arancini with lemon parmesan sauce (9). There are eight pizza options including the Honey Pot ($18), topped with Salami Americano, spigarello, sicillian oregano, sheep’s cheese, and fermented aleppo honey, and the Cauli Dreamin ($16) with béchamel, green olives, garlic, breadcrumbs, and grana padano (16).

The Green Thumb at Piencone. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Based on my preview-night sampling, I’d recommend the Green Thumb ($14). The pie comes loaded with greens, tomato, oregano, shaved garlic, cacio de roma, dill and sorrel. The oregano/garlic/dill combo provides a swift punch to the tastebuds, while the chewy crust gives some balance so you’re not overwhelmed.

All of the pizzas are served unsliced, and scissors are provided for guests to cut up their pieces to their own specifications. In terms of portions, I could have easily taken down one pizza all by myself, but I could see an average meal for two including one appetizer, one pizza, and one scoop of ice cream to share at the end.

Brown Butter Lavender (cone) and Mexican Hot Chocolate (cup). Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

If you’re bringing little ones you’ll note that kids pizzas are $6.50, and ice cream comes in regular scoops for $5 and kids scoops for $4. Current ice cream flavors are: Vanilla Bean, Maple with house-made Brown Sugar Pop Tart, Brown Butter Lavender, Meyer Lemon Buttermilk, Chocolate Hazelnut, Sesame Caramel, Vegan Coconut Passionfruit Sorbet and Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate.

Piencone Pizzeria, Creamery, & Pub is located at 1958 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles. It is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the bar open Monday to Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant will offer counter service during the day then transition to table service at night.

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Happenings

The Museum of Selfies Opens This Sunday in Glendale

March 30, 2018 by Brian Champlin

Iron throne of made of selfie sticks at the Museum of Selfies. Photo by Juliet Bennett Rylah

The Museum of Selfies opens this Sunday in Glendale, and tickets are on sale now. The new, highly Instagrammable pop-up will be here for a limited time only, opening on April 1 and finishing its run on May 31.

Billed as an exploration of the “history and cultural phenomenon of the selfie,” the Museum of Selfies offers an array of installations and exhibits for visitors to both learn about the art of the selfie, and take plenty of their own. Guests can snap photos inside Van Gogh’s bedroom, gawk at the world’s largest selfie stick, and enter two-sided “bathroom selfie” room that lacks self-reflection (nice opportunity for a bit of trick photography). There is even an iron throne made entirely of selfie sticks. And while there are numerous selfie sticks on display, guests are also strongly encouraged to bring their own (that’s a first for most ticketed experiences I’ve ever heard of). In addition to the photo ops and immersive displays, the museum also features works from various modern artists sharing their creative takes of the selfie phenomenon.

An illusion!

A post shared by Juliet Rylah (@jbrylah) on Mar 29, 2018 at 10:42pm PDT

This new pop-up is the latest in an ever-expanding list of experiences designed, almost explicitly, to bait content-seeking Instagrammers to show up, pay admission, and gram to their heart’s content. With the recent success of The Museum of Ice Cream, Candytopia, The Mermaid Museum, and others, I’m betting the Museum of Selfies has no problem drawing crowds, even with a price that’s north of a premium movie theater ticket.

The Museum of Selfies is located at 211 N. Brand Boulevard in Glendale. It will be open April 1 through May 31, 2018. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Ticket are are $25 and kids under three are free.

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Things To Do

10 Fun Things To Do TODAY in L.A. for March 27, 2018

March 27, 2018 by Brian Champlin

You know what’s handy?

May it lead you to adventure!

[IMPORTANT: Want our latest ‘things to do’ rundowns sent straight to your email inbox? Sign-up for our newsletter program]

The Last Bookstore. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Keep in mind for some of the ticketing options we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links (affiliates noted in parenthesis).

1. [10 a.m.] Step inside The Museum of Illusions in Hollywood and find yourself in a classic painting, part of a cartoon, part of current events, inside movies and much more. Highlights include watching the Titanic go down, “climbing” a sheer cliff and other eye popping visuals. Happening all week. DISCOUNTED via Goldstar

3. [7:30 p.m.] Christine Schutt & Kim O’Neil: Dangerous Women & Indecisive Men at the Last Bookstore. FREE

4. [7:30 p.m.] There’s a free double feature at The Hammer on Tuesday. Charlottesville: Race and Terror and The Great White Hoax followed by a discussion led by Brenda Stevenson, professor and Nickoll Family Endowed Chair in History at UCLA. FREE

6. [7:30 p.m.] The Moth storytelling competition at Los Globos. Tonight’s theme: AFTERMATH.

5. [8 p.m.] Echo Park Dodgeball at the Echo Park Community Center.

2. [8 p.m.] Offbeat Live in Highland Park.

7. [8 p.m.] Live Nation presents Jake Bugg at the Theatre at Ace Hotel.

8. [various] Stash House, a new escape room in L.A., will allow you and your friends to get actively involved in a crime drama — with zero chance of going to prison.

9. [various] Visit Virtual Room in Hollywood for a group VR adventure in which you’ll go back in time to ensure a better future.

10. [various] The VOID’s virtual reality experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire is now open in the Glendale Galleria. The “hyper-reality” experience puts players in a 360 virtual world allowing them to touch, smell, and sensing their surroundings.

SPECIAL NOTE: Greenbar Distillery has teamed up with The Burrito Project and a select list of local bars and restaurants, to provide thousands of burritos to those in need in the Los Angeles area. Simply go to a bar on the list and order a CITY Bright gin cocktail from there Greenbar Distillery will donate a burrito to The Burrito Project. Get more info here.

DEAL OF THE DAY: $10 tix to 420 Festival at The Wiltern

Want more ideas for upcoming things to do in L.A.? Check out our Los Angeles events calendar.

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Things To Do

10 Fun Things To Do TODAY in L.A. for March 23, 2018

March 23, 2018 by Brian Champlin

You know what’s handy?

May it lead you to adventure!

[IMPORTANT: Want our latest ‘things to do’ rundowns sent straight to your email inbox? Sign-up for our newsletter program]

Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Keep in mind for some of the ticketing options we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links (affiliates noted in parenthesis).

1. [11:30 a.m.] WonderCon returns to Anaheim Convention Center March 23-25 for the ultimate comic book convention weekend that also focuses on TV, film, animation, and more.

2. [6 p.m.] 4th Fridays on 4th Street activates the “Retro Road” business district in Long Beach on the fourth Friday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. through extended hours, dining specials, discounted merchandise, pop up shops, art shows, live music, double decker bus rides and more.

3. [6:30 p.m.] The grand opening of ART Up! will take place at Beyond The Lines Gallery and Event Space in Downtown Los Angeles. The pop-up art show will host four shows in a row, live music, food, drinks and comedy shows.

4. [7 p.m.] The 2018 Latin Food Fest is two days of food, beer & wine booths, celebrity chef demos, a michelada bar, a spirits expo, live performances and more. Happening in Santa Monica March 23-24.

5. [7 p.m.] There’s a Milk Bar Pop-Up at Night + Market Sahm in Venice this Friday from 7 to 11 p.m. Treat yourself to an after-dinner bite of b’day truffles, cookies, crack pie and more

6. [7:30 p.m.] Movie Under The Guns is a movie night aboard the Battleship Iowa in San Pedro. Free to the public they’ll screen 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. FREE

7. [ midnight] There’s a Blues Brothers screening in 35mm at the Vista this Friday.

8. [various] The VOID’s virtual reality experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire is now open in the Glendale Galleria. The “hyper-reality” experience puts players in a 360 virtual world allowing them to touch, smell, and sensing their surroundings.

9. [various] In honor of J.S. Bach’s birthday, Bach in the Subways returns to L.A. March 21-25 with free performances at Union Station, North Hollywood, Glendale, and other public venues. The events are highlighted by a 10-hour Bach Marathon at Union Station on March 24.

10. [various] A free, interactive Ready Player One pop-up lands in Hollywood March 18 to April 1. FREE

DEAL OF THE DAY: $10 tix to 420 Festival at The Wiltern

Want more ideas for upcoming things to do in L.A.? Check out our Los Angeles events calendar.

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Fun Stuff, Happenings

This Video Shows Reactions of Angelenos Seeing the Moon Through a 12″ Telescope

March 13, 2018 by Brian Champlin

Production still from A New View of the Moon. Photo by Alex Gorosh

In a city of stars sometimes it’s easy to take what’s in the sky for granted. But filmmakers Alex Gorosh and Wylie Overstreet are on mission to make sure we never forget to look up. Through their YouTube channel To Scale: the pair examines the astonishing scale of the universe. Their latest video, titled A New View of the Moon, shows us reactions from Los Angeles locals gazing through a telescope at an up-close picture of the moon’s surface.

For the video Gorosh and Overstreet wheeled a Skywatcher 12″ Dobsonian reflecting telescope (about the size of R2-D2) to numerous well-known L.A. locations, then let random passersby stop in for a look. The telescope, used in conjunction with a 13mm Televue Ethos eyepiece, provided viewers with a 110-degree apparent field of view.

Overstreet appears as host while Gorosh films the encounters and the subsequent reactions. The premise is simple but the result, appropriately soundtracked by Clair de Lune, is powerful (watch below), with many of the viewers in shock and awe of the beauty before their eyes.

“When Wylie first told me the idea, it sounded almost too simple and straightforward. I had no idea how compelling the reactions would be from people,” Gorosh told We Like L.A. over email earlier today. “We made sure to shoot in places around the city that were not only iconic locations but also very diverse, socially and economically. It was amazing to see that regardless of our backgrounds, we all revert to little kids when faced with something so grand and awe-inspiring.”

The newest video was shot in bits in pieces over the course of about 18 months. Gorosh said the ultimate goal was to turn this project into a television show. So far their channel (which only has four posted videos) has received more than 4 million views, with a video on the scale of the solar system amassing the majority of those views.

For their next project the duo will focus on the scale of time, and specifically the age of the earth. No matter where they take it from here, the ability to spark imaginations and share a love of science with others seems to be a clear motivating factor.

“The space/science enthusiasts were obviously delighted but what I really loved were the people who didn’t think it was going to be very cool and then they were blown away.” Gorosh said. “People that literally couldn’t believe their eyes.”

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Things To Do

10 Fun Things To Do TODAY in L.A. for March 12, 2018

March 12, 2018 by Brian Champlin

You know what’s handy?

May it lead you to adventure!

[IMPORTANT: Want our latest ‘things to do’ rundowns sent straight to your email inbox? Sign-up for our newsletter program]

Friends enjoying an epic view of L.A. from Griffith Park. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Keep in mind for some of the ticketing options we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links (affiliates noted in parenthesis).

1. [9:30 a.m.] Chicano artist Barbara Carrasco’s 80-foot mural, L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective, will be the centerpiece of a new exhibit coming to the Natural History Museum this Friday. The mural will be on view through August 18, and is included with general admission to the museum.

2. [10 a.m.] The Museum of Failure returns at a new location on Hollywood and Highland with new exhibits and products that include Juicero, Facebook Gifts, RCA SelectaVision, Pets.com, and Google Wave. There’s also an entire section dedicated to Hollywood with some of the industry’s biggest fails. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

3. [4 p.m.] There’s a Nintendo 64 Tournament double header with both Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart at Arts District Brewing Co. this Monday. Drink, play, and win some swag and bragging rights. Tournaments are free and sign ups are on a first come first serve basis.

4. [7 p.m.] Write Club Los Angeles at The Bootleg Theater.

5. [7:30 p.m.] Catch a free screening of 1991 classic Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead at UCLA with screenwriters Neil Landau and Tara Ison making a special appearance. FREE

6. [8 p.m.] The Blank Tapes March Monday residency at the Echo.

7. [8 p.m.] The Improvised Shakespeare Company at Largo.

8. [8 p.m.] Sacred Fools Theater Company presents We The People a bi-monthly, curated series of new works exploring concerns facing the country and world today. The theme of the show will be “Our Posterity” all proceeds for Mondays show will go to the organization Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

9. [8 p.m.] Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds at The Orpheum.

10. [various] Greenbar Distillery has teamed up with The Burrito Project and a select list of local bars and restaurants, to provide thousands of burritos to those in need in the Los Angeles area. Simply go to a bar on the list and order a CITY Bright gin cocktail from there Greenbar Distillery will donate a burrito to The Burrito Project. Get more info here.

DEAL OF THE DAY: You can enter to win the ultimate DTLA Staycation via Greenbar Distillery just by Instramming one photo. Get details here!

Want more ideas for upcoming things to do in L.A.? Check out our Los Angeles events calendar.

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Happenings

The ‘Hot Tub Cinema Club’ Series is Coming to L.A.

March 9, 2018 by Brian Champlin

Image via Hot Tub Cinema Club

Movies. Friends. Hot tubs. If that sounds like an intriguing trio then you might fancy something called Hot Tub Cinema Club, an international movie screening series set to debut in Los Angeles later this year.

Hot Tub Cinema Club has been putting on events in Europe and Australia over the past two years. The premise is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: Small groups gather in inflatable hot tubs to hang out on warm days/evenings and watch cult classic films, with a bit of drink and grub thrown in for good measure.

According to a release, HTCC’s L.A. debut will feature six screenings which will be limited to 20 tubs per screening with up to five people per tub. That’s 100 people per engagement. We Like L.A. spoke with a rep from Hot Tub Cinema Club via email who was to fill us in on some additional details. Here are few key need-to-knows:

Showers and a changing room will be available on site, meaning you don’t necessarily have to show up or leave in your swimwear.
Towels can be provided to guests, but you’re encouraged to bring your own.
Food and drink on hand should include pizza and beer.
About 80% of the tubs get sold on an entire tub basis (think: bring your group of friends) but individual tickets can be purchased for shared tubs, meaning it’s possible you end up tubbing with strangers.
The ticket price is projected to be $40 per person.

If the $40 ticket point sounds pricey, that’s probably because it’s more than double the cost of what two of L.A.’s more popular screening series have announced for 2018. Street Food Cinema and Rooftop Cinema Club both range in somewhere in the low to high teens per ticket on average, depending on the package you purchase. Then again, those series don’t include hot tubs, so we’ll let you be the judge of whether you think it’s worth it.

Hot Tub Cinema Club is targeting late September for its Los Angeles debut, but no official date has been confirmed as yet. The location will be somewhere in Downtown Los Angeles, but again, no venue has been confirmed. For now, interested guests can sign up to stay apprised of pre-release tickets at hottubcinemaclub.com.

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Things To Do

10 Fun Things To Do TODAY in L.A. for March 9, 2018

March 9, 2018 by Brian Champlin

You know what’s handy?

May it lead you to adventure!

[IMPORTANT: Want our latest ‘things to do’ rundowns sent straight to your email inbox? Sign-up for our newsletter program]

L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective at Natural History Museum. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Keep in mind for some of the ticketing options we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links (affiliates noted in parenthesis).

2. [10 a.m.] The Museum of Failure returns in a new location on Hollywood and Highland with new exhibits and products that include Juicero, Facebook Gifts, RCA SelectaVision, Pets.com, and Google Wave. There’s also an entire section dedicated to Hollywood with some of the industry’s biggest fails.

3. [6 p.m.] 19 Pasadena cultural institutions will participate in ArtNight Pasadena a night of free art, music, and entertainment. Complimentary shuttles will transport guests to each destination and venues include the Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Kidspace Children’s Museum, and more. FREE

4. [6:30 p.m.] LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will host a free screening of The Rise and Fall of the Brown Buffalo, a chronicle of radical Chicano lawyer, author and activist Oscar Zeta Acosta. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. this Friday. FREE

5. [7 p.m.] Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology welcomes the esteemed Dr. Cornel West to speak at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel L.A. Part of the Weber Distinguished Lecture Series, Dr. West’s public lecture, “Prophetic Fire,” will encourage attendees to live and inspire through more-than-ordinary means.

6. [7:30 p.m.] The Music Center presents Shakespeare’s timeless classic Romeo & Juliet performed by The Joffrey Ballet at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on March 9, 11 and 17.

7. [8 p.m.] Metro Art Presents Josh Nelson & The Discovery Project at Union Station this Friday. The jazz group will bring “a multimedia love letter to Los Angeles” combining video, light and live music to the iconic train station. FREE

8. [9 p.m.] Echo Flex a 2000’s era hip hop jams party happening at the Echoplex will include a live performance from Ghostface Killah and Smoke DZA.

9. [various] All-Star Chef Classic at L.A. Live in DTLA, from March 7-10, will feature dinners made by top chefs like Ludo Lefebvre, Michael Voltaggo, Jose Andres, Nyesha Arrington and Jose Garces. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

10. [various] FirstGlance Film Fest Los Angeles 18 happening March 8-11 will screen over 40 award winning indie films from across the globe at the Laemmle NOHO 7.

DEAL OF THE DAY: $26 tix to the New Jack City Jam Tour featuring Tony! Toni! Toné!, Dru Hill, and more 90’s legends

Want more ideas for upcoming things to do in L.A.? Check out our Los Angeles events calendar.

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Happenings

Rooftop Cinema Club Returns to L.A. Starting This April

March 7, 2018 by Brian Champlin

Image via Roof Cinema Club

The most popular rooftop movie series in Los Angeles has announced the first leg of its 2018 schedule, which starts on April 4. As with last year, Rooftop Cinema Club’s 2018 edition features two venues for guests to choose from: The rooftop at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood and a rooftop setting at LEVEL, DTLA, a luxury apartment building in Downtown L.A.. The distinguishing features of a typical RCC include early access to enjoy sunset views (which at the Montalban, at least, are quite lovely) plus a unique sound system. Rather than relying on outdoor speakers, guests watch films in lawn chairs while enjoying the movie’s audio via noise-cancelling headphones, which are provided for each attendee. Blankets are also handed out upon request if the weather gets a bit chilly.

A quick glance at this year’s schedule shows a densely packed lineup of acclaimed recent releases (I, Tonya, Call Me By Your Name, Get Out) mixed with classics (Casablanca, Blade Runner, The Godfather). There are numerous double-bills at The Montalban, including same-night screenings of The Breakfast Club with Fast Times at Ridgemont High as well as Pan’s Labryinth with The Shape of Water. However, I should note that a quick look at the ticketing system on RCC’s website makes it unclear whether a purchased ticket for an early screening (say Fast Times at 7:45 p.m.) also gets you access to the screening that follows (Breakfast Club at 10:30 p.m.) or if you would have to purchase two tickets to see both. I strongly recommend inquiring on this point before purchasing for a double-bill evening.

That said, individual tickets are $19 per screening, and you can also buy a ‘Love Seat’ for $28, which includes a double deckchair for two and bottomless popcorn. Cocktails, candy and street food are available for purchase on site. You can take a look at the full schedule of dates, times and films (released so far) below.

Also, if outdoor movies are your jam, you may want to take a look at the recently released schedule for Street Food Cinema 2018.

Rooftop Cinema Club Schedule – April + May 2018

April 4 – I, Tonya at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:30 p.m.

April 5 – The Florida Project at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:30 p.m.

April 6 – The Big Lebowski at LEVEL Downtown L.A. – 8 p.m.

April 6 – Back to the Future at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:30 p.m.

April 6 – Raiders of the Lost Ark at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

April 7 – Memento at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:30 p.m

April 7 – The Prestige at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m

April 7 – The Shape of Water at LEVEL Downtown L.A – 8 p.m.

April 10 – Chinatown at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:30 p.m.

April 10 – Drive at LEVEL Downtown L.A. – 8 p.m.

April 11 – Star Wars: The Last Jedi at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:30 p.m.

April 11 – Frances Ha at LEVEL, Downtown L.A. – 8 p.m.

April 12 – Gone Girl at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:30 p.m.

April 12 – It at LEVEL Downtown L.A. 8 p.m.

April 13 – La La Land at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:30 p.m.

April 13 – The Notebook at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

April 13 – Heat at LEVEL, Downtown L.A. – 8 p.m.

April 14 – Baby Driver at The Montalban Holywood – 7:30 p.m.

April 14 – Murder on the Orient Express at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

April 14 – Dunkirk at LEVEL, Downtown L.A. – 8 p.m.

April 17 – The Godfather at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

April 17 – Dirty Dancing at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

April 18 – The Godfather: Part II at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

April 18 – Coco at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

April 19 – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

April 19 – Lady Bird at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

April 20 – Mean Girls at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

April 20 – The Lost Boys at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

April 20 – Blade Runner at LEVEL, DTLA- 8 p.m.

April 21 – Fast Times at Ridgemont High at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

April 21 – The Breakfast Club at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

April 21 – Blade Runner 2049 at LEVEL, DTLA- 8 p.m.

April 24 – Boyz in the Hood at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

April 24 – Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

April 25 – The Greatest Showman at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

April 25 – All About Eve at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

April 26 – Thor: Ragnarok at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

April 26 – Star Wars: The Last Jedi at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

April 27: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

April 27 – Rebecca at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

April 27 – Phantom Thread at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

April 28 – Terminator 2 – Director’s Remastered Version at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

April 28 – Twelve Monkeys at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

April 28 – Silence of the Lambs at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 1 – I, Tonya at LEVEL, DTLA- 8 p.m.

May 1 – Some Like It Hot at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

May 2 – Goodfellas at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 2 – Casablanca at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

May 3 – Sleepless in Seattle at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 3 – The Ashphalt Jungle at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

May 4 – Stronger at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 4 – Taxi Driver at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

May 4 – Midnight Run at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

May 5 – Pulp Fiction at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 5 – Dunkirk at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

May 5 – Darkest Hour at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

May 8 – Battle of the Sexes at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 8 – Do The Right Thing at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

May 9 – Pretty Woman at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 9 – Scarface at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

May 10 – Clueless at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 10 – Call Me By Your Name at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

May 11 – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 11 – Muriel’s Wedding at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

May 11 – The King’s Speech at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

May 12 – The Post at LEVEL LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 12 – Pan’s Labyrinth at The Montalban Hollywood – 7:45 p.m.

May 12 – The Shape of Water at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

May 15 – Girls Trip at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 15 – Charade at The Montalban Hollywood – 8 p.m.

May 16 – It at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 16 – On The Town at The Montalban Hollywood – 8 p.m.

May 17 – Happy Death Day at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 17 – No Country for Old Men at The Montalban Hollywood, 8 p.m.

May 18 – La La Land at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 18 – Hell or High Water at The Montalban Hollywood – 8 p.m.

May 18 – Get Out at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

May 19 – Coco at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 19 – Risky Business at The Montalban Hollywood – 8 p.m.

May 19 – Top Gun at The Montalban Hollywood – 10:30 p.m.

May 22 – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 22 – The Greatest Showman at The Montalban Hollywood – 8 p.m.

May 23 – The Breakfast Club at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 23 – Lady Bird at The Montalban Hollywood – 8 p.m.

May 24 – Casablanca at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 24 – Dirty Dancing at The Montalban Hollywood – 8 p.m.

May 25 – The Godfather at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 25 – Blade Runner at The Montalban – 8 p.m.

May 26 – The Dark Knight at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 26 – Blade Runner 2049 -at The Montalban Hollywood – 8 p.m.

May 29 – Terminator 2: Judgement Day at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 29 – Inception at The Montalban Hollywood – 8 p.m.

May 30 – Back to the Future at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 30 – L.A. Confidential at The Montalban Hollywood – 8 p.m.

May 31 – Brick at LEVEL, DTLA – 8 p.m.

May 31 – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri at The Montalban Hollywood- 8 p.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit rooftopcinemaclub.com.

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Cool Spots, Happenings

You Can Now Ride Swan Boats at Echo Park Lake

March 6, 2018 by Brian Champlin

New swan pedal boat at Echo Park Lake. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Swans have arrived at Echo Park Lake just in time for spring. Well, sort of. The pedal boat services at the lake are under new management, and part of the change includes an upgraded fleet of swan-shaped pedal boats available for rental. Wheel Fun Rentals has taken over the pedal boat rental space previously run by Chaffin & Reeves (doing business as Echo Park Lake Pedal Boats Canoe & Gondola). The first day of new service was this past Saturday, and it included the debut of the aforementioned swans.

According to The Eastsider the previous operators were outbid by Wheel Fun for the rights to manage the rentals in a decision approved by the Department of Recreation and Parks this past September. Chaffin & Reeves had provided pedal boat rental services at the lake since the extensive renovation of the area that took place in 2013.

Riders are prepped for a swan boat ride. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

We Like L.A. spoke to assistant manager Tom Oddo, who was has worked at the pedal boat rental space for the past 10 months, and was kept on during the transition of service providers. Oddo said the newer boats represent a significant upgrade, both in terms of size and the notable addition of canopies to shade pedal-boat riders on the open water. A small swan boat can accommodate two adults and two children under 10 years old. A large swan boat can hold up to five people. Presently about half the fleet has been swapped out for the new swan models, but the plan is to convert all of the boats in the near future.

Rentals cost $11 per hour for adults and $6 per hour for children (ages 2-17). This is a $1 increase for both adults and children compared to the old rates. Weekdays are your best bet if you want to guarantee rental availability, as weekends tend to sell out quickly. Once summer begins Oddo told We Like L.A. he expects to see high demand every day of the week.

A swan pedal boat glides across the lake. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Boat rentals are available year-round, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to sunset. The boathouse is located on the eastern side of Echo Park Lake, adjacent to Beacon at 751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

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Keep in mind for some of the ticketing options we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links (affiliates noted in parenthesis).

Keep in mind for some of the ticketing options we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links (affiliates noted in parenthesis).

Keep in mind for some of the ticketing options we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links (affiliates noted in parenthesis).

Keep in mind for some of the ticketing options we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links (affiliates noted in parenthesis).

Keep in mind for some of the ticketing options we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links (affiliates noted in parenthesis).

Rooftop Cinema Club Schedule – April + May 2018