
Let’s get a little spacey this week!
On offer this April 14-18 in Los Angeles, you’ll find a Carnegie Science Observatories Lecture at The Huntington, Astronomy on Tap in Pasadena, All Space Considered at Griffith Observatory, Meet The Grunion at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Poetry in the Garden at The Getty, Locals Night at the Santa Monica Pier, PINK CLOUD at Beyond the Streets, and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Carnegie Science Observatories Lecture at The Huntington – FA > Now in its 23rd season, the Carnegie Science Observatories lecture series returns this Monday to Rothenberg Hall at The Huntington with Hubble Einstein Fellow Dr. David Vartanyan, who’ll unpack a major paradigm shift in our understanding of supernovae. The evening kicks off with a brief musical performance at 7 p.m., followed by the lecture at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. More info here.
Astronomy on Tap in Pasadena – M FA > Astronomy on Tap returns on Monday with a pair of scientific talks (helped along by trivia, live music, and beer) at Dog Haus Biergarten in Pasadena. For the April event, catch talks by Caltech IPAC Research Scientist Aurora Kesseli on “Investigating the Origins of Planets through their Atmospheres” followed by Caltech PhD Candidate Viraj Karambelkar’s “Cosmic Fireworks from Stellar Mergers.” Starts at 7:30 p.m. More info here.
Meet The Grunion -> On Monday, join Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro for Meet the Grunion, a unique nighttime experience where you’ll learn about these silvery fish before heading to the beach to (hopefully) witness their fascinating mating ritual. As the waves roll in, the grunion briefly emerge onshore before disappearing back into the ocean—a true natural spectacle. Tickets cost $7 per adult and $3 for seniors and kids. More info here.
Lunchtime Concerts at Colburn – FA > This Tuesday, a new lunchtime concert series pops up on the Colburn Plaza in DTLA featuring midday classical performances. The shows run from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday from April 15 through May 6. More info here.
Touch-A-Truck at Discovery Cube LA -> “Touch-a-Truck” is back at Discovery Cube Los Angeles this April for a week-long pop-up (April 12-19) offering children a very hands-on educational experience. Kids can climb inside these vehicles to explore and learn about what it takes to provide essential services to the public, from police cars and firetrucks to construction rigs, garbage haulers and city buses. Included with general admission. More info here
Netflix is a Joke Radio Presents: Are You Still Listening? – M FA > Netflix’s free monthly stand-up series returns this Tuesday to Dynasty Typewriter with host Felipe Esparza plus a lineup featuring Martin Rizo, Gabby Lamb, Jordan Conley, Tara Cannistraci, and Matty Chymbor . No cost to RSVP for admission, but seating is first-come, first-served and not guarantee entry. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and show starts an hour later. More info here.
Sketch Party – FA > Sketch Party’s twice-monthly drawing/drinking meet-up comes to Benny Boy Brewing this Tuesday. They’ll hook you up with sketch paper, pens, pencils, and markers, then it’s up to you to create, mingle, hang out, and enjoy BB’s solid lineup of craft beers and ciders. Jay’s Tacos will be serving food as well. All artistic levels welcome. Free to attend. Runs 7 to 11 p.m. 21+ only. More info here.
The Getty Center Presents: Poetry in the Garden – FA TP > Live readings are back at The Getty Center’s Central Garden starting this Wednesday, as the annual Poetry in the Garden series returns with a new lineup of poets, spread over three dates in April. Artists will share original works inspired by the upcoming exhibition, What They Saw: Historical Photobooks by Women, 1843–1999. Poetry in the Garden will also be hosted on April 23 and 30. Performances start at 2 p.m. More info here.
Locals’ Night at Santa Monica Pier – M FA > This Thursday, Locals’ Night at the Santa Monica Pier is back with special programming for locals, by locals. This month, expect Salsa dancing, 30+ local vendors, a fundraiser for Salsa dancing, and two stage of live performances, including sets by Tom Nolan Band and House of Vibe. Free to attend. Programming runs from 3:30 to 10 p.m. More info here.
All Space Considered – FA > On Thursday, join the curatorial staff at the Griffith Observatory for their monthly discussion on the latest phenomena and news in the world of astronomy during this evening presentation at the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater. The program is free to attend, but you’ll want to arrive early to ensure you get a seat. Event starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
Autry After Hours -> This Thursday’s edition of Autry After Hours features an evening of staged readings featuring performances by old-time country artist Rosy Nolan, after-hours gallery access, and an exclusive cocktail featured in the book Cowboy Cocktails by Andre Darlington. Tickets are $18. Event runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.
PINK CLOUD at Beyond the Streets – FA TP > Starting Friday, BEYOND THE STREETS is hosting the new group exhibition PINK CLOUD, a mix of installations, paintings and sculptures which will also be the Los Angeles debut of San Francisco-based graffiti artist GREY (Jonas Melvin). Other artists contributing work include Alexis Ross, Alicia McCarthy, Angel Castro, Barry McGee, Cheryl Dunn, Dan Murphy, Dave Schubert, Elberto Muller, GKAE, Mark Cross, MERCH, Stephen ESPO Powers, Timothy Curtis, and Todd James. Friday’s opening reception runs from 6 to 9 p.m. PINK CLOUD remains on view through June 7. More info here.
Let Me Fix You a Plate Opening Reception – FA > On Friday, the Manhattan Beach Art Center hosts an opening reception for Let Me Fix You a Plate—an immersive art experience created by artist Keith Magruder that centers the dining table as a metaphor for culture, heritage, and the resilience of Black communities. Friday’s opening includes an artist talk and light refreshments, in addition to exhibition viewing. Runs 5 to 7 p.m. and free to attend. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)

Maple Block Meat Co New CaliMexi Menu -> Maple Block Meat Co. has just dropped an all-new CaliMex menu at its Culver City outpost, blending their signature wood-smoked BBQ with bold, Mexican-inspired flavors. Crafted by Pit Master Rudy Suazo and the Maple Block team, the new offerings include brisket birria with consommé, mole colorado chicken, tri-tip carne en su jugo, slow-smoked brisket tacos, and fully loaded brisket fries topped with pico de gallo and chipotle aioli. To complement the eats, sip on CaliMex-inspired cocktails like the smoky Elote Margarita with corn leche and jalapeño, the fiery Pepino Picante with mezcal and cucumber, or the pineapple-tequila-infused Lowrider Cadillac.
Pizza & Vino Pop-Up at Enoteca del Re -> This Thursday, indulge in the perfect pairing of wine and wood-fired pizza at Enoteca del Re, a new women-owned Italian wine bar in Chinatown. For one night only, Chef and Pizzaiolo Michele Galifi presents a menu rooted in his Sicilian heritage, offering a thoughtfully curated three-course dinner and wine pairing ($75) featuring a roasted beet salad, your choice of three signature pizzas—including standout options like the Gambero Rosso with red prawns and pistachio crema—and a decadent Cannolo Siciliano for dessert. Each course is paired with a top-tier Italian wine, with non-alcoholic options available. Prefer to keep it casual? Signature pizzas can be ordered à la carte for $25 each. Reservations required via OpenTable.
Looking Ahead: Easter Edition
Easter at The Maybourne Beverly Hills -> The Maybourne Beverly Hills rolls out a special Easter celebration filled with family-friendly fun and indulgent bites. Kick off the day with an al fresco brunch at The Terrace, where Executive Chef Damon Gordon serves up à la carte Easter specials like warm cinnamon rolls, duck confit hash, beef Wellington, and Baked Alaska—paired with live music and perfectly chilled Champagne. At 11 a.m., brunch guests head to the garden for a whimsical Easter Egg Hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. Pastry Chef Brooke Martin sweetens the day with stunning handcrafted chocolate eggs, filled with raspberry praline and available for pre-order or purchase at The Café. Every 10th egg hides a Golden Ticket—score prizes like spa treatments, brunch, or afternoon tea experiences at The Maybourne.
Want to get the best things to do in L.A. sent straight to your inbox? Join over 60,000 Angelenos who subscribe to our twice weekly email newsletter!