
Need to fill up your social calendar for the week ahead? We’ve got a few ideas for you.
In view for this May 5-9 in Los Angeles, you’ll find a Malcolm X film series at The Hammer, the Benson Movie Interruption at Dynasty Typewriter, a Jack Kirby Exhibition at The Skirball, a night of David Lynch short film screenings, Summer of Salsa at LA Plaza, a Mother’s Day Night Market at Ivy Station, and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Cinco de Mayo at Mariachi Plaza – M FA > Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights celebrates Cinco de Mayo with an afternoon and evening of live mariachi performances, dance and traditional showcases, food vendors, and all-ages activities. The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. and is free to attend. More info here.
“You Had Better Make Some Noise”: Malcolm X at 100 – FA > UCLA Film & Televisions Archives’ four-night film screening series exploring the legacy and impact of Malcolm X continues this week with a pair of showings at The Hammer’s Billy Wilder Theater. On Monday, they’ll screen Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, then on Thursday catch One Night in Miami, directed by Regina King. Both events start at 7:30 p.m. and are free to attend. Get more info here.
Synth Club at Common Space -> Every first Monday of the month, the LA Synth Club hosts a monthly meet-up and jam session at Common Space Brewery in Hawthorne. Musicians are invited to bring their favorite synthesizers, drum machines, or any other electronic instruments to experiment / jam with. Runs 6 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Benson Movie Interruption -> What’s better than seeing a terrible/awesome movie with your friends and making fun of it while you watch it? How about live commentary from some of entertainment’s funniest movie lovers. This Tuesday at Dynasty Typewriter, Doug Benson hosts a “your choice” version of his Movie Interrupted series with special guests including Dana Gould, Jonah Ray, and Amy Miller. Attendees are invited to bring in a Blue Ray / DVD of their choice, and the audience will vote on what to watch before the show begins. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 the day-of. More info here.
Jack Kirby Exhibition at The Skirball – TP > 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.
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.
Summer of Salsa – M FA TP > LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes’ Summer of Salsa returns for the first installment of 2025 this Friday, offering monthly dance parties one Friday per month through September. Progressive dance orchestra Rumbankete kicks off the series on Friday, May 9. Free to attend. 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 Tatiana Tate Band. 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.
LA Metro’s 9th Annual Older Adult Transportation Expo – M FA > On Friday, LA Metro is hosting their 9th Annual Older Adult Transportation Expo at the Pasadena Convention Center. The day-long program aims to educated older adults on the ins and outs of utilizing public transit through a series tailored travel training workshops, motivational speakers and a transportation exhibits. More info here.
David Lynch Mixtape + Café Tesseract -> This Friday at the Eastwood Performing Arts Center, Tesseract Cinema hosts an evening of David Lynch shorts, TV and other odds & ends, along with donuts, pie and coffee from the Café Tesseract pop-up. Al profits from the evening will be donated to the Transgender Defense Fund LA. Tickets go for $15. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., first screening begins at 7 p.m. More info here.
Ivy Station Night Market: Mother’s Day Edition – M FA > Ivy Station’s monthly Friday night market returns this week with a special edition dedicated to Mother’s Day. Expect 30+ local makers and artisan vendors, food trucks, adoptable dogs from A Purposeful Rescue, kids crafting with Fit4Mom Los Angeles. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)

Daisy Margarita Bar → The crew behind Mírate just opened a stunning new bar in Sherman Oaks, and it’s all about margaritas. Inspired by Mexico’s classic Norteño cantinas—where the margarita was born— Daisy brings bold drinks, bright vibes, and bites from Michelin-trained Chef Alan Sanz. On Monday, May 5, they’re teaming up with Guadalajara’s El Gallo Altanero (one of North America’s 50 Best Bars) for a two-part Cinco de Mayo takeover. Kick things off at Daisy from 5 to 7 p.m. with El Gallo margaritas, mini martinis, and oyster shooters, then keep the party going at Mírate in Los Feliz from 8 to 11 p.m. where the El Gallo team will shake and stir cocktails straight their Guadalajara menu. More info here.
Broken Shaker Rooftop Season Opener -> Rooftop season kicks off in style at Broken Shaker atop Freehand LA on Thursday, May 8 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The beloved DTLA bar, now run by Authentic Hospitality (Pebble Bar, Jac’s on Bond), is throwing a public party with cocktails by El Gallo (one of North America’s 50 Best Bars), a culinary pop-up by James Beard nominee Alfonso “Poncho” Martinez of Poncho’s Tlayudas, and DJ sets from Johnny Abrahams. Drink partners Lalo Tequila, Yola Mezcal, and Four Walls Whiskey are fueling the fun. It’s Always Sunny stars Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day (Owners of Four Walls) will also guest bartend. RSVP here.
Bar Next Door -> Fresh off a nod from North America’s 50 Best Bars extended list, this Sunset Strip spot is keeping things celebratory for Cinco de Mayo. On Monday, they’re running happy hour all day with $10 tequila shots, $13 margaritas and espresso martinis, and $7 Sol cervezas. More info here.
Pitfire Pizza Sonoratown Chivichanga Pizza -> For Cinco de Mayo, Pitfire Pizza teams up with Sonoratown to bring back their fan-favorite Chivichanga Pizza—a mashup of Sonoratown’s signature burrito and Pitfire’s sourdough crust. Topped with shredded chicken, Monterey Jack and mild cheddar, taco radish, onions, and lime, it’s served with avocado crema and spicy chiltepin salsa for dipping. Available for $20 at all Pitfire locations on Monday, May 5, for dine-in, takeout, or delivery. Bonus: $5 from every pizza goes to No Us Without You, and house margaritas are just $6 all day.
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!