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All things must pass… including this past weekend’s mini heatwave! Now, on to a few cool to-dos for the week to come.
On deck from May 12-16 in Los Angeles, you’ll encounter the José James at the GRAMMY Museum with, a free talk on Dire Wolves at NHM Commons Theater, a Celestial Celebration for Griffith Observatory’s 90th anniversary, Locals’ Night at the Santa Monica Pier, Vibes After Five in Culver City, Victorian Horror Stories in the Dark, a night of community at LA Plaza, and more.
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Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Astronomy on Tap Los Angeles – 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 May event, catch talks by Carnegie Observatories Research Scientist Ana Bonaca with “How to Catch a Dark Matter Clump (Without Ever Seeing It),” and LIGO Laboratories Deputy Head of System Science and Engineering Gabriele Vajente discussing “Gravitational-Wave Astronomy: Listening to the Dark Side of the Universe.” Event starts at 7:30 p.m. More info here.
Reel To Reel at the GRAMMY Museum with José James – M > Vocalist, composer, guitarist, and producer José James comes to the GRAMMY Museum this Monday for a live performance and discussion his new album, 1978: Revenge of The Dragon. There will also be special screening of his kung fu short film, Revenge of The Dragon. Starts at 7 p.m. Ticket are $22.94. More info here.
Netflix is a Joke Radio Presents: Are You Still Listening? – M > Netflix’s free monthly stand-up series returns this Tuesday to Dynasty Typewriter with host Steph Tolev and a lineup featuring Angie Stroud, Antoine Young, Brittany Brave, Noah Findling, Nthenya Nounda, and Sohrab Forouzesh. 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.
Elephant in the Room at NHM Commons Theater – M FA > Elephant in the Room, Natural History Museum’s new community discussion series returns this Tuesday to tackle the topic of Dire Wolves. Experts will delve into the mystery and known facts of dire wolves, including recent advances in biotechnology, and de-extinction. The event also includes free after-hours access to the museum. Starts at 6:30 p.m. More info here.
11th Annual Taste of South Pasadena – M > This Tuesday, sample food along Mission and Fair Oaks and enjoy live music in a family-friendly atmosphere during Taste of Pasadena. Presented by the Rotary Club of South Pasadena the event features over 30 food and drink stops including an additional VIP section with 15 wine, beer and spirits participants. Tickets start at $20 for youth, $40 for adults, and $80 for the VIP food and alcohol package. Starts at 5 p.m. More info here.
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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.
Jack Kirby Exhibition at The Skirball – > The Skirball Cultural Center just opened their new spring exhibitions, and we rate one of them as an absolute must-see. Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity documents the extraordinary six-decade career of a comic creator whose credits include Captain America, Ant-Man, the Black Panther, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and many more. Here you’ll find an expansive collection of comics, illustrations, concept art, posters, costumes, personal photographs, and video clips all woven together to demonstrate Kirby’s lasting impact on pop culture. The Skirball is open Tuesday to Sunday. Admission starts at $18 for adults, but it’s also free for all every Thursday. More info here.
#1 Happy Family USA Free Screening – FA TP > On Wednesday, the Aero Theatre is hosting a screening of the first two episodes of #1 Happy Family USA, a new adult-animated series co-created and starring Ramy Youssef (Hulu’s Ramy). Lorraine Ali will moderate a live discussion with Youssef after the screenings. It’s all free to attend, but seating will be first-come, first-served. Starts at 7:30 p.m. More info here.
Vibes After Five – FA > This Wednesday, hop over to Culver City for a free post-workday wind down featuring live DJ sets from KCRW’s Novena Carmel, booze-free cocktails from Curious Elixirs served by Burden of Proof, local food truck, and fun lawn games. It all takes place at the Stealth Building located at 3528 Hayden Avenue. Runs 5 to 8 p.m. More info here.
Fowler Out Loud – FA > The Fowler’s evening concert series is back this Wednesday with a performance from Mariachi de Uclatlán—the first mariachi ensemble to be established at an academic university. The two-hour event begins at 6 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Celestial Celebration at Griffith Observatory – FA TP > Griffith Observatory’s celebrates their 90th anniversary this Wednesday with a free screening of an original short film by Rex Saint’ Onge, Sr., Chumash Cultural Advisor on the Observatory. Saint’ Onge’s film, Pacific Standard Universe (2024), explores the ways people have represented the cosmos across time and cultures, drawing from thousands of years of indigenous California astronomy. The film will screen in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater beginning at 6:15 p.m., with sunset ceremony to follow. If registrations are full, a limited number of people may be admitted to the theater from the standby line. More info here.
Just The Tip -> Jon Schnitzer’s Just the Tip is a highly personal standup session that explores the comedian’s evolution of Jewish identity, from school-age zealot to a perpetual questioner. The show was featured in SoHo Playhouse NYC’s International Fringe Comedy Encore Series in 2024, their annual roundup of the best comedy acts from around the world. This Thursday evening, Schnitzer brings his show to the intimate space of The Vault at The Elysian Theater. Tickets are $10. Starts at 8:30 p.m. More info here.
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Locals’ Night at the Santa Monica Pier – FA > This Thursday, Locals’ Night at the Santa Monica Pier is back with special programming for locals, by locals. Expect Musical Story Time for kids, a classic car show, and live music. The programming runs from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. More info here.
L.A. County Fair -> Continuing this Thursday to Sunday, the L.A. County Fair returns to Pomona for its annual assortment of activities, musical performances, food and beverage offerings, rides, and more. After the Friday opener, the fair continues Thursday to Sunday through the rest of the month plus Monday, May 26. Single day, advance tickets start at $18.50-$27.50 for adults. More info here.
Victorian Horror Stories in the Dark – M > This Friday to Sunday, a three-night immersive escapade pops up on the grounds of Heritage Square Museum. Victorian Horror Stories in the Dark macabre tales to life, from a cursed mummy to a vampire’s forbidden love. The stories will be brought to life as guests tour four victorian Mansions on the historic site. Timed entry starts at 6 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $49.34. More info here.
National Museum of the American Latino Community Night at LA Plaza – M FA > The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino is hosting a evening of free family-friendly entertainment at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes this Friday. Expect ands-on activities and interactive tabling with local community-based organizations, and light bites and refreshments will be also available. It all starts at 6 p.m. More info here.
Jazz at LACMA – FA > The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s annual Friday Night Jazz series is back starting in May, offering free weekly concerts at Smidt Welcome Plaza. The fun continues this Friday with a performance by the Eric Reed Trio. PLUS: Remember that LACMA is free to visit for L.A. County Residents (with I.D.) on weekdays after 3 p.m. Concert starts at 6 p.m. More info here.
18th Annual Day of Black Docs -> This Friday and Saturday, the Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers (BADWest) presents “Day of Black Docs” a screening event showcasing documentaries about the Black experience made by Black creatives. The screenings will also include moderated Q&As with the filmmakers. Tickets start at $21.05. More info here.
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Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
50% off Mondays at Danny Boy’s -> Kick off your week with a deal: every Monday, Danny Boy’s in Westwood slices 50% off mozzarella sticks, Coors Light, and hot wings. That leaves room in the budget to splurge on a full pie—like their crisp-edged Sicilian Pepperoni. Feeling adventurous? Try the new collab pie from Chef David Kuo of Little Fatty, dropping this week. More info here.
Happy Hour at Butterfly -> Soak up rooftop vibes and sunset views at Butterfly, José Andrés’ bar atop The Shay in Culver City. During Sunset Sips—their weekday happy hour from 4–6 p.m.—you can snag bites like $3 chips & salsa, $5 tacos, and an $8 chicharron quesadilla. Classic margaritas (mezcal or tequila) go for $12, but the real move is the $16 Magic Meal: a taco of your choice, chips & salsa, and a margarita. More info here.
S/WOON Pop Up -> On Thursday, May 15, home style Chinese eatery Woon in Pasadena invites S/WOON for a Korean Californian Anju takeover. The a la carte menu blends classic Korean flavors with fresh SoCal produce. Look out for unique dishes like Beef Jiajang Lasagna with black bean sauce and a Bok Choy Salad with Asian pear slaw, dried apples, and gochugaru vinaigrette. More info here.
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