42 Totally Fun Things To Do in L.A. This Week You Ought to Know About [1-18-16 to 1-22-16]

Every week in Los Angeles there are tons of great things to do (even before the weekend gets started) that we think you ought to have on your radar. With that in mind, we put together a list every Monday morning to keep you in the know about what’s happening in the city you love (or maybe just like).

This week features free days at LACMA and the L.A. Arboretum, an MLK Day parade, a surf guitar show, the start of Photo LA, The Los Angele Print Fair, and tons more to choose from.

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Hope you find the rundown useful and, as always, enjoy your week!

[RELATED: The Best Way to Find Discount Events in Los Angeles]

Griffith Observatory Hiking Trail
Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

[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!]

Monday January 18th, 2016

1. dineL.A. 

Los Angeles restaurant week, aka dineL.A. , is a 14-day dining event showcasing over 300 of the city’s finest eateries. The diverse selection of restaurants participating this year will each offer specially priced prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus from January 18 through January 31. Check out our favorite picks for lunch and dinner deals here.

2. Free Day at LACMA for MLK Holiday

Thanks to the folks over at Target, LACMA will offer free admission starting at 11:00am for any and all visitors to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

3. 31st Annual Kingdom Day Parade

More than 150 floats plus marching bands, military units, dance groups and horses will all be part of the largest parade in the country honoring Dr. King’s legacy. Starts at corner of Western & MLK at 10:15am.

4. Joie, Current Elliott & Equipment Blow Out Warehouse Sale

Starting Monday the 18th to Saturday the 23rd luxe brands Joie, Current Elliott & Equipment are having a sale. Save 75%-92% on women’s apparel all week from 9:00am – 6:30pm and Saturday from 9:00am – 3:00pm. One rule, handbags are not allowed inside the sale.

Location: 5201 S. Santa Fe Ave., Vernon, CA 90058

5. “Island Wine” Tasting At Esters Wine Shop

Esters Wine Shop & Bar is bringing a little sunshine and warmth with a tasting of “Island Wines” from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. For $25, guests can try six wines hailing from six different islands like Corsica, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Canary Islands. Co-Owner and Wine Director Kathryn Coker will be on hand to walk attendees through the indigenous grape varietals and the history of winemaking techniques particular to each region. A spread of cheese and charcuterie is also included, with all wines from the tasting available for purchase with a 10% discount that night. No reservations are required. Just show up and enjoy!

6. Hot Tub With Kurt and Kristen

Comedians Kurt Braunohler and Kristen Schaal’s Hot Tub With Kurt And Kristen is one of the most popular weekly variety shows happening at The Virgil. You might recognize Kurt from Chelsea Lately and Kristen from The Daily Show and Flight of the Concords. Laugh your butt off for just $8 at the door.

7. Live Band Karaoke at The Federal Bar

Starting Monday, The Federal Bar in North Hollywood will present LIVE BAND KARAOKE! Every Monday night starting at 9:00pm, guests will have the chance to belt out their favorite hits while taking advantage of the $5 drink specials and The Federal Bar’s special poutine menu. No cover!

8. Opening Ceremony’s Winter Sale

Opening Ceremony is having their Winter sale now through the end of this month. Save 30%-70% on apparel and accessories by Alexander Wang, Kenzo, and more.

9. $1 Cup Of Morning Joe At Otus Thai Kitchen

We spotted an awesome deal over at Otus Thai Kitchen on La Brea. As seen on their Instagram, they are trying out a new morning coffee happy hour that will run weekdays from 6:30am – 9:00am. Grab a coffee for just a buck and espresso drinks are half off during this time.

10. Experience Dr. King’s Dream Through Art, Culture & History At CAAM’s Cake For King Celebration

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the California African American Museum (CAAM) will host their annual Cake for King Community Celebration, sponsored by Target, this Monday from 11:00am until 4:00pm. Event activities include a gospel performance; historical documentary film screenings on Dr. King’s legacy and historic speeches; an art workshop where guests can create a linocut image on tile of Dr. King; dance and drum performances; and much more. Since it is Dr. King’s birthday enjoy a slice of homemade birthday cake while the treat lasts too, this annual celebration at CAAM is free and open to the public!

11. Ale Academy XIX: The Beast Of Yeast

Come out to Angel City Brewery and learn about the magic of fermentation, and how fungus helps to create something magical! The discussion is $5 to attend and includes a tasting.

Tuesday January 19th, 2016

12. Sunset Walk at the Griffith Observatory

Each month as part of their regularly scheduled programming the Griffith Observatory offers a sunset walk led by a Park Ranger and a Museum Guide. Oh, and it’s FREE!

13. The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey

The critically acclaimed off-Broadway hit The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, written by and starring James Lecesne, the writer of the Academy Award-winning film Trevor, will have a limited 23 performance engagement at the Kirk Douglas Theatre from January 13 to January 31, 2016. Watch veteran New York actor and writer James Lecesne as he portrays every character in a small Jersey shore town as they unravel the story a 14 year-old boy who goes missing. Recently awarded the United Solo Special Award as well as being a New York Times Critic’s Pick, this is a show not to be missed. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

14. Free Day at Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens is free every third Tuesday of the month! Check out the new art exhibit “Farewell, Eden” a new view of the natural world.

15. KURIOS — Cabinet of Curiosities at Dodgers Stadium

Step into the world of Cirque du Soleil’s KURIOS a place of wonders where your imagination can alter reality. Interested? Get more information and discount tickets on select days this week via Goldstar!

16. Super Secret Comedy Show

Join Jay Mohr, Anthony Jeselnik, Neal Brennan and friends at The Lyric Theatre for a evening of comedy. Doors open at 7:30pm and show starts at 8:00pm. Tickets are $10-$20. Get more information and tickets on Ticketfly.

17. Free Day at The Los Angeles County Arboretum

Los Angeles County Arboretum is free every third Tuesday of the month!

18. The Contenders Film Series

Each year MOMA hand picks a section of films from the last 12 month they believe will stand the test of time for their annual The Contenders series. Each screening also includes a conversation with the filmmaker. The series takes place at the Hammer from January 6-20. Tickets are $15.

19. Art & Soul Sessions at The Association

Every third Tuesday, DTLA’s The Association presents The Art & Soul Sessions, a night of music and poetry with some of Los Angeles’ most soulful and talented artists. Hosted by Hewan this month will feature live music by The Philosophers. $5 at the door.

20. LACMA Tuesday Matinee Film Series Screens Notorious

LACMA will screen Notorious. This ongoing Tuesday Matinee film series cost $2 for members and $4 for non members.

Wednesday January 20th, 2016

21. 1984 at The Broad Stage

This smash hit straight from London’s West End, makes’s it’s U.S. debut at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. See George Orwell’s novel come to life through radical staging that blurs the line between the past and present and what’s fiction and reality. Keep in mind our friends at Goldstar have some discount ticketing options for this performance throughout the month of January (while supplies last).

22. The Super Serious Show

Expect to see some of today’s best working comedians alongside a few young up-and-comers at one of the best live comedy shows in Los Angeles, The Super Serous show! Although the lineup changes each month, the creators of the show Mandee and Joel of CleftClips try to consistently create a intimate and magical atmosphere to have a laugh. This week’s line up includes Michael Kosta as its host with Byron Bowers, Andres du Bouchet, Jay Larson, and Drew Michael.

23. FLIX at FIG Screens: Zoolander

Join FIGat7th for dinner and a movie. Grab food from their TASTE Food Hall, cozy up under a warm blanket, and watch a FREE movie every third Wednesday of the month. A live DJ and happy hour kicks off the night at 6:00pm and the film begins at 7:00pm.

24. LA Magazine’s Best New Restaurants Celebration

Join Los Angeles Magazine at the third annual Best New Restaurants celebration. Honor LA’s most appetizing arrivals of the past year which include Birch, Love & Salt, Terrine, Le Comptoir and Union. Enjoy tastes from the Top 10 Best New Restaurant honorees both past and present, meet the chefs, sip cocktails, listen to live music, and more.

Thursday January 21st, 2016

25. #Repost A Gallery + Pop-up Shop Featuring Colette Miller + WRDSMTH

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Art Share L.A. and Paper And Fabric have teamed up to present #Repost, a gallery exhibit and popup shop celebrating connectivity through culture in our digital age; featuring two of LA’s most recognizable street artists Colette Miller and WRDSMTH. On Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00PM, Emerging Leaders of Art Share L.A. will host a VIP reception and artist talk. The VIP reception will be sponsored by Iron Triangle Brewery ($40 Tickets for VIP Reception) After that the pop up will be open to the public from 8:00pm – 11:00pm. The exhibit will show at Art Share L.A. gallery until the 28th.

26. Sriracha & Wine Tasting Event

Dine on a three-course meal with Sriracha complete with wine pairings at Vintage Enoteca. Reservations are highly recommend for this event which cost $40 a person.

27. Free Evening At The Pasadena Museum Of California Art

The Pasadena Museum of California Art is free from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on the third Thursday of every month!

28. Build Your Own Mac & Cheese Night

Build Your Own Mac & Cheese Night is back at Beachwood BBQ in Seal Beach. Simply stop by and pick your toppings, herbs, cheese, sauce, meats, and even pasta. Happening 5:00pm – 10:00pm. No reservations needed to customize your own mac & cheese.

29. Free Day At The Japanese American National Museum 

Japanese American National Museum from 5:00pm to 8:00pm every Thursday!

30. Throwback Thursdays Screening of Moonstruck

The Throwback Thursdays film series is back at NOHO cinema, the screening features a gourmet food truck onsite, and guest may bring their food inside the theater!  Get more information and discount tickets via our friends at Goldstar.

31. MOCA Free Night

Every Thursday evening from 5:00pm – 8:00pm admission is free to both the MOCA on Grand and The Geffen Contemporary.

32. Quick Draw Poetry Cabaret

Quick Draw Poetry blends poetry, burlesque, song, and dueling typewriters in an artistic competition performed in front of a live audience at The Bootleg Theater.

33. Brash Higgins South Australian Wine Dinner at EP & LP

Executive Chef Louis Tikaram will craft a 7-course family style Asian feast paired with former NYC sommelier turned Aussie winemaker, Brad Hickey’s brand of Brash Higgins wines that are created using ancient techniques and a hands-off, natural wine-making approach. The menu highlights include Baby Green Lip Abalone, Sweet & Sour Crispy Pork, Massaman Spiced Curry with Venison Shank, paired with inventive and balanced wines that include bright whites, skin-fermented oranges, light spicy amphora reds and, the classic Aussie Shiraz. This is ticketed event ($125) and seating is limited so make reservations as soon as possible.

34. Free Night At The Skirball Cultural Center 

The Skirball Cultural Center is free to all every Thursday. Check out Manzanar: The Wartime Photographs of Ansel Adams in association with the Japanese American National Museum on view now through February 21, 2016.

Friday January 22nd, 2016

35. Photo LA

Photo LA is a three-day photography fair featuring lectures, roundtable discussions, special installations, and some of the most amazing pictures you’ve ever seen. Probably just a little bit better than what you’re seeing on Instagram… 😉 Discount tickets (up to 50% ) can be found via Goldstar.

36. Dick Dale at The Canyon

Catch a live performance from America’s undisputed king of surf guitar this Friday night at The Canyon in Agoura Hills. Discount tickets to the show start at $18 via our friends at Goldstar (while supplies last).

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37. Innovation In Aerospace Panel Discussion

The Idea 2 Innovation (i2i) event series, co-presented by Innovate Pasadena and Caltech, brings together the Pasadena innovation community with industry leaders to exchange ideas in a environment which fosters entrepreneurship. The subject for this particular discussion will be on innovation in aerospace. Happening from 1:30pm – 3:00pm at the Caltech, Hameetman Auditorium.This event is free with a RSVP.

38. Free Evening At The Museum of Latin American Art 

Museum of Latin American Art from 5:00pm to 9:00pm every fourth Friday of the month!

39. The Farriers Package at Santa Anita

Wh y not spend a day at the races with a package that includes admission to the races, box seating and a racing program, along with a pint of local craft beer from the Farriers bar. Get more info and discounted tickets via Goldstar.

40. Free Museum Day at The Long Beach Museum Of Art

The Long Beach Museum of Art is free every Friday!

41. Los Angeles Print Fair

Now in it’s 29th year, the Los Angeles Print Fair returns from January 22-24, 2016 in a new location at Bonhams in West Hollywood. The boutique art fair, offers a unique opportunity to meet leading art dealers and purchase prints from several periods. Works on display are created by artists of art historical importance using techniques such as etching, lithography or woodcut.

42. Escape Reality at Magicopolis

Husband-and-wife duo Steve Spill and Bozena Wrobel perform a vaudeville-style magic show that’s fun for the whole family. Expect optical illusions, levitation, mind reading, disappearances and a nail-biting Houdini-type escape called the Table of Terror! Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.


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Have an upcoming event you’d like suggest for listing? Drop us a line at [email protected].

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