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Fresh week, fresh to-dos. Let’s jump in.
This April 20-24 in Los Angeles, you’ll find CSUDH 19th Annual Earth Day Festival, Salsa Tuesdays at 2nd & PCH, Earth Day at Descanso Gardens, an Upcycling Workshop at offe market, a Hereditary night at Angel City Brewery, Arts Party: Forever at The Hammer, Art Heists in History at the Pasadena Museum of Art, and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Coming to America: The Cultural Politics of Eddie Murphy – FA > On Monday, the UCLA Film & Television Archive presents a critical look at one of the most influential comedies in cinematic history at the Billy Wilder Theater. Part of the screening series The Black Pack: Rewriting American Comedy, the evening examines how Eddie Murphy used his massive 1980s box office clout to embed Black cultural specificity and critiques of class into the Hollywood studio system. The program begins with a trailer for Robert Townsend’s soulful 1991 drama, The Five Heartbeats, followed by the featured presentation of Coming to America. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Free to attend, with seating assigned at the box office upon arrival. More info here.
CSUDH 19th Annual Earth Day Festival – FA > Join the Cal State Dominguez Hills Office of Sustainability for a vibrant celebration of environmental action and community resilience at the 19th Annual Earth Day Festival, taking place on Tuesday. This large-scale campus event brings together over 30 organizations dedicated to sustainability, offering a day of networking, interactive learning, and eco-friendly fun. Whether you are looking for career opportunities in the green sector or just want to enjoy the outdoor festivities, this festival highlights the best of local environmental efforts. Fest runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info here.
Third Tuesdays Salsa at 2nd & PCH – FA > On Tuesday, join instructors Peter Araiza and Jenny Mee for an energetic evening of rhythm and community at 2nd and PCH in Long Beach. This monthly event is designed for all skill levels, offering a structured environment for beginners to learn the fundamentals and a social space for seasoned dancers to practice their footwork. Dance session runs from 6 to 9 p.m. More info and RSVP here.
Bear City: Stand-Up Comedy in Long Beach – FA > Catch one of the best comedy recurring comedy showcases this Wednesday, as Bear City returns to Que Sera with a lineup of talent from Netflix, HBO, and the Comedy Store, all hosted in an intimate neighborhood setting. The April 22 bill includes Elle Orlando, Audrey Stewart, Andy Benedetti, CJ Price, Matt Longino, Jeremy Scippio, and one special surprise guest. Free admission. No drink minimum. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
Earth Day at Descanso Gardens -> Commemorate Earth Day this Wednesday with a day of ecological action and creative workshops set within the sprawling Descanso Gardens. This event focuses on practical sustainability and community healing, offering everything from hands-on mending circles to technical repair services and a DIY soil bioremediation workshop . The afternoon is designed to connect visitors with the environment through both scientific and artistic lenses. Programming runs from 1 to 6:15 p.m. Activities included with paid admission to the gardens. More info here.
365 Buttons Upcycling Workshop – FA > Celebrate Earth Day with a creative twist as offe market (located in Echo Park) teams up with sewing expert Caitlin Snyder for an evening of sustainable fashion this Wednesday. This low-pressure, community-focused workshop encourages you to breathe new life into old garments using unique button upcycling techniques. Just bring a piece from your own closet that needs a refresh, or browse the curated selection at offe market to find a new base for your project. Whether you want to master a new sewing skill or just hang out in a creative environment, this “pop-in” style event is designed to spark inspiration and reduce textile waste. Runs 5 to 8:30 p.m. More info and RSVP here.
“It’s Gone!” | Art Heists in History -> This Thursday, explore the captivating world of high-stakes theft at the Pasadena Museum of History during this specialized lecture. Guest speaker Helane Rheingold leads a deep dive into the historical timeline of art heists, from the 15th-century theft of The Last Judgement to the infamous 1990 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum robbery. The session examines the cultural value of these masterpieces and the enduring mysteries surrounding those that remain missing. Talk runs 7 to 8 p.m. More info here.
FAMILY IS FOREVER: Hereditary | Night Frights LA -> This Thursday, expect a scary good time as Night Frights LA takes over Angel City Brewery with a tribute to the modern horror classic Hereditary. This isn’t a traditional theater experience; the film will play across multiple screens throughout the industrial space, allowing you to roam, shop, and socialize amidst a curated “eerie haven.” The film screening is free and open to all brewery guests, while a paid ticket provides full access to the Hereditary experience, vendor market, and themed extras. 21+ only. Kicks off at 5 p.m. More info here.
Arts Party: Forever at The Hammer – FA > This Friday, join the Hammer Student Association for Arts Party: Forever, the museum’s massive annual takeover designed exclusively for college students across Southern California. This evening event transforms the Hammer Museum into a dynamic social hub featuring live music, student-led workshops, and late-night gallery access. This year’s theme explores the “continuum of culture,” celebrating the enduring impact of art and community. Starts at 7 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Poets of Color Open Mic: Catch Our Words Like Stars – FA > Celebrate National Poetry Month at OXY ARTS this Friday with an evening honoring Los Angeles-based femme and trans/non-binary poets of color. Presented by Occidental College’s Intercultural Community Center, this event offers a platform for remarkable artists to share stories of resilience and triumph. The night centers on community expression, inviting everyone to “catch words like stars” in a space dedicated to visibility and creative hope. Starts at 7 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
A Paella Experience at Guelaguetza (April 23) -> Guelaguetza teams up with Chef Natalie of The Paella Concept for an interactive Master Paella Experience. The evening opens with sparkling wine and a wine-paired appetizer before guests roll up their sleeves at interactive prep stations, learning the techniques behind the perfect paella alongside a live demonstration and chef Q&A. A full dinner follows, featuring a paella course paired with wine and curated appetizers and desserts by Guelaguetza, all set to a live DJ throughout the night. Tickets cost $85 per person via Open Table.
Roma Festa at Eataly (April 23) -> Eataly Century City celebrates the launch of its new Carbonara program with Roma Festa, a public evening of Roman food, regional wine, and live jazz in a beautiful open-air setting. Wander through stations of classic Roman specialty dishes and sip your way through a curated wine selection. Tickets are $78 per person via Eventbrite. The Roman takeover extends well beyond the party. Now through May 28, Eataly’s limited-time menu features five variations of Carbonara, a Supplì tasting, and an Er Cuppolone tart from the Eternal City, alongside weekly communal dining events and hands-on cooking classes.
Make Food Not Waste Pop-Up Dinner Series (April 23) -> The final night of Mill‘s Earth Month dinner series at Little City Farm brings together Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske Valtierra of Wildair alongside Fátima Juárez of Komal for a one-night-only collaboration rooted in their shared Mexican heritage. All proceeds benefit LA Compost, Southern California’s largest community composting organization. Tickets are $125. More info here.
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