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So it looks like another due diligence weekend in Los Angeles. What diligence will you be doing? Checking the weather, of course, as the rain forecasted has already postponed L.A. Taco Madness (boo!), and may yet affect other Saturday/Sunday events. Keep an eye out.
As it stands, from April 12-14 in L.A., you can check out the Ivy Station Night Market Spring Fling, an escape room at the Petersen, a Krazy Krafts Day at the Printing Museum, a spring edition of LA Succulents Cactus & Succulent Show, In Sheeps Clothing Spring Market Record Fair in Chinatown, PaleyFest in Hollywood, a Cherry Blossom Festival in West Covina, a Spring Concert & Festival at Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park, and more. Let’s take a look at the full list below.
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Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
HAPPY FALL: A Queer Stunt Spectacular at The Skirball -> This Friday, experience a sneak peek into the development of Rogue Artists Ensemble’s latest theatrical endeavor HAPPY FALL: A Queer Stunt Spectacular. This in-process workshop delves into the journey of a queer closeted stuntman navigating the complexities of false masculinity, shedding light on the importance and dangers of authenticity. Based on real-life narratives, HAPPY FALL explores themes of racial and cultural identity within the Hollywood landscape. Tickets for the viewing cost $10. More info here.
Escape the Petersen -> The Petersen Automotive Museum has an Escape Room Experience. On Friday, for one night only, participants will mysteriously be locked in and the only way out is to unravel the puzzles and uncover the museum’s secrets. Tickets to the escape room adventure cost $50 and includes light refreshments, two drink tickets, and raffle prizes. More info here.
Kimpton La Peer Disco Court – FA > The Kimpton La Peer invites the public to the rooftop of their West Hollywood hotel every weekend for a 70’s inspired “Disco Court” featuring a DJ spinning tunes under a sparkling disco ball and free plays on the Pickle Ball court. Disco Court runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on Fridays and, 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. More info here.
Ivy Station Night Market Spring Fling – M FA TP > Ivy Station’s monthly Friday night market turns into a “spring fling” for April featuring over 25 local vendors mixed with food trucks, craft beer, games, and music. Runs 5 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Movie Fridays at Downtown Santa Monica – FA > Downtown Santa Monica’s free outdoor film series, Movie Fridays, is back on the Promenade every second Friday of the month from April through June. Kicking off the series is a screening of High School Musical: Singalong (2006). Events start at 6:30 p.m. with movies beginning at 7:30 p.m., and all ages are welcome. Each event features photo opportunities, complimentary popcorn, and a DJ spinning music before each film. More info here.
ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN at LACMA -> ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN is the artist’s first cross-media retrospective in over 20 years, tracing Ruscha’s methods and familiar subjects while showcasing his remarkable contributions beyond the art world. The exhibition features his early European works, installations like the Chocolate Room and the Course of Empire, and his ongoing photographic documentation of Los Angeles streets since 1965. On view April 7, 2024 through Oct 6, 2024. More info here.
PaleyFest – M > Back live at The Dolby Theater, PaleyFest is nine-days of special panels and discussions featuring the cast and crew of some of T.V.’s top shows, including Loki, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Morning Show and more. The festival runs Friday April 12 through Saturday April 20. Tickets available for individual sessions or as multi-event passes. More info here.
A Morning at The Theater: Bob Baker Marionettes at Sierra Madre Playhouse -> Experience the timeless magic of puppetry when the Bob Baker Marionettes come to the Sierra Madre Playhouse every Saturday, from April 13 to May 11, 2024. See beloved Bob Baker puppets take the stage for captivating performances and enchanting storytelling suitable for audiences of all ages. Tickets cost $10 a person. More info here.
BLOOM! at South Coast Botanic Garden -> Discover the vibrant beauty of spring at the South Coast Botanic Garden’s “Bloom” event. Stroll through breathtaking displays of blooming flowers, enchanting landscapes, and serene gardens. Engage in family-friendly activities, including scavenger hunts and educational workshops, perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Free with garden admission. More info here.
Sympathizer x 626 Night Market Mini in Santa Monica – M > 626 Night Market Mini collaborates with the new HBO Original series The Sympathizer to bring the vibrant world of Vietnamese cuisine, art, and entertainment to life drawing inspiration from the show’s themes and narrative. The event runs Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 10 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Birding at LACMA -> On Saturday, discover the birds that call LACMA home. Join artist Yassi Mazandi and birders Carlton DeWoody and Benny Jacob-Schwartzus for a guided birding walk through the museum’s grounds. Spot diverse species amidst iconic art and architecture. Suitable for birdwatching enthusiasts of all levels. Free to attend. More info here.
Cherry Blossom Festival – FA > Celebrate the arrival of the cherry blossom season this Saturday at Plaza West Covina with an afternoon of unique Japanese culture, vendors, performances, and food. Free to attend. Runs 3 to 8 p.m. More info here.
Spring Krazy Krafts Day – TP > This Saturday, the International Printing Museum in Torrance hosts a creative day of printing and crafts for the whole family, offering themed activities where guests can create letterpress printing cards, bookmarks, keepsakes, and colorful paper marbling, plus you can check special tours and check out an array of vintage typewriters. Runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10. More info here.
Black Short Film Showcase – M FA > The USC Fisher Museum of Art along with Black Women for Wellness and CinnaMoms Crenshaw are co-hosting showcase of art and shorts by black filmmakers this Saturday, specifically highlighting issues of Black maternal health and disparities in outcomes based on race. In addition to the film screenings, the event also features an art installation, community resources, and refreshments. Runs 1:30 to 4 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
The 3rd Annual Chatsworth Blockfest – FA > On Saturday, the 3rd Annual Chatsworth Blockfest offers an outdoor street festival that includes two city blocks of 150+ vendors, kids zone, live music, a cocktail lounge, famous movie cars, a comic con and live professional wrestling. Runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will take place rain or shine. More info here.
LA Succulents Cactus & Succulent Show – FA > LA Succulents’ Cactus & Succulent Show is back this Saturday and Sunday with a cactus extravaganza featuring hundreds of incredible specimen plants as well as many weird and wonderful mutant plants grown by LA Succulents at their San Fernando Valley location. Free to attend. More info here.
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Renaissance Pleasure Faire -> Ren-Faire enthusiasts can expect over 200+ artisans, merchants, and vendors, plus costume contests, games, rides, a food court and more, all taking place at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area on Saturdays and Sundays through May 19. Adult single-day admission starts at $42. More info here.
Japonesia x In Sheeps Clothing Spring Market Record Fair – M FA TP > On Sunday, In Sheeps Clothing Record Fair teams up with Japonesia Market for a day of fun at Homage Brewing in Chinatown. Expect plenty of vinyl to peruse, along withJapanese goods, saison, beer, natural wine, and vegan ramen by Ramen Tatsunoya. Runs noon to 6 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
18th & Grand: The Olympic Auditorium Boxing Expo at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes – FA > Hosted by the Los Angeles Professional Boxing Club (LAPBC), this Sunday’s event at LA Plaza invites attendees to delve into the storied world of boxing at the historic Olympic Auditorium. Guests can expect exhibitions, interactive displays, a vendor fair and panels by boxing luminaries. Runs noon to 5 p.m. More info here.
Second Sunday at UPAM – M FA> USC Pacific Asia Museum’s free second Sunday is doing a teen takeover this month, offering a range of activities designed for teens (artmaking, henna tattoos, live music), all managed by USC PAM Teen Ambassadors. The program runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info here.
Pysanka Festival – FA > Learn to decorate Ukrainian Easter eggs (pysanky) this Sunday at a free festival hosted by the Ukrainian Culture Center in East Hollywood. Enjoy traditional food, live entertainment, and an Easter market. Donations support humanitarian efforts through the Ukrainian Art Center and Post Angeles. More info here.
Spring Concert & Festival at Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park – FA > On Sunday, The Valley Cultural Center is co-producing a special night at Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park featuring a “Beatles vs. Stones” cover band battle plus food trucks and special activities for kids. Runs 4 to 8 p.m. More info here.
Salt March Open House – FA > Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s ongoing Salt Marsh Open House program invites guests to learn about the Salinas de San Pedro wetlands habitat as guided by CMA educators. Takes place this Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
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Pricks & Pinot at Rosenthal Estate Wines -> On Sunday, sip on wine while crafting your own succulent arrangements at Rosenthal Estate Wines in Malibu. Tickets cost $45 per person and participants receive 20% off all wine orders. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Lost Cove Tiki & Ugly Drum Pop-Up at Le Fe Bar -> On Saturday, April 13, Lost Cove will be at Le Fe in Echo Park, offering its tropical tiki cocktails from 3pm to 2am. The pastrami experts from Ugly Drum will also be there, selling pit-smoked pastrami sandwiches, luau wings, and more from 3pm to 10pm or until they run out. More info here.
Songkran (Thai New Year) at Chao Krung -> Chao Krung on Fairfax will celebrate Songkran on Saturday, April 13, with a traditional Kantaok dinner. Kantaok refers to Northern-style Thai food served on family-style platters. Chef Amanda Maneesilasan has crafted a special platter priced at $78, featuring Nam Phrik Num (roasted chili dip), Laab Kua, Hunley Curry (pork belly curry), Kang Liang Shrimp soup, and Sai Uoah (Thai curry sausage). The evening will also feature live entertainment, including classical Thai dance and music. Tickets, reservations and more info here.
Brunch Day at Smorgasburg -> On Sunday, April 14, visitors to Smorgasburg can enjoy brunch specials from select vendors at the outdoor food market. Some vendors have already announced their offerings for the day, such as a collaboration between Quarantine Pizza and Evil Cooks called Chillakillers Pizza, mimosa gelato from MOOMMAAM, and a vegan cheesy egg sandwich by Champignon Eats. There’s also a kids adventure to keep the little ones entertained, alongside the regular lineup of food and goods vendors. More info here.
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