37 Awesome Things to do This Weekend in L.A. [1-29-16 to 1-31-16]

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome. Since time is precious in this fast paced city, we decided to curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles every week end that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend (January 29 to January 31) includes a museum free-for-all day, a night of free events on Broadway in DTLA, the RIOT LA comedy fest, a wine festival at Santa Anita Park, the LA Art Show, and loads more to choose from.

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So grab some friends or go at it alone, but most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself!

[RELATED: The Best Way to Find Discount Events in Los Angeles]

Wilshire Blvd outside LACMA
Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

[REMINDER: In some cases We Like L.A. does receive revenue when visitors click on ticket links and make purchases, however we maintain complete editorial control over the events we suggest. Basically, it only makes it on to the website if we think it is cool!]


Friday January 29th, 2016

1. LA Art Show

What was once a small regional event has grown to become the largest and longest running platform for fine art, with more than 120 galleries from around the world in participation. Now in its 21st year the LA Art Show will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center from January 27 through January 31 starting with a the four-day public exhibition Thursday-Sunday.

2. Riot LA

RIOT LA, presented by KCRW, is a Los Angeles Alternative Comedy Festival set to take over an entire block of venues in Downtown L.A. from Friday January, 29 through Sunday, January 31. The who’s who of performers includes T.J. Miller, Patton Oswalt, Natasha Leggero, Janeane Garofalo, and many, MANY more.

3. The Unauthorized Musical Parody of The Devil Wears Prada

A favorite tale of a basic-to-fierce transformation of a fashion magazine assistant is retold in this hilarious musical. There will be plenty of cattiness, back-stabbing and of course makeover magic. All happening at The Rockwell where you can grab a bite and have a cocktail during the show (girls night anyone?) There are only a few discount tickets on Goldstar left, better grab yours soon for Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s show.

4. Uncle Eddy’s Big Time Burlesque

A comedian was so obsessed with burlesque that he went out and got a Ph.D in it, who knew there was such a thing? Andy “Doc” Davis tried to put on is first show in Burbank a few years ago, but the vice squad shut him down deeming the girls’ costumes too scandalous. Now, the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood is willing to give Davis another chance to bring his vision of old-school burlesque featuring vaudeville-style comedy, chorus line numbers and stripteases to life. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

5. dineL.A. 

Los Angeles restaurant week, aka dineL.A. , is a 14-day dining event showcasing over 300 of the city’s finest eateries. The diverse selection of restaurants participating this year will each offer specially priced prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus now through January 31. Check out our favorite picks for lunch and dinner deals here.

6. Shatner’s World: We Just Live in It

William Shatner doing Shatner in a unique storytelling retrospective to take place at Club Nokia at LA Live on January 29. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

7. Salt & Straw’s Collaborative February Flavors Celebrate LA Chocolatiers

Salt & Straw, the small-batch ice cream purveyor known for its artisanal, chef-driven approach to the American classic, will be offering an “LA Chocolatiers” series all month in honor of Valentine’s Day. Head Ice Cream Maker Tyler Malek collaborated with five of his favorite local chocolate makers to craft the decadent lineup, which highlights each of their unique styles, ingredients, and techniques via ice cream. Ice cream is available by the scoop or by the pint. For more information, visit saltandstraw.com/flavors/#la.

8. 2016 Golden State Tattoo Expo

Meet skilled tattoo artists from around the world during the Golden State Tattoo Expo taking place all weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center. There will be burlesque show, live music and paid seminars and workshops for those who want to learn from some of the best artist in the world.

9. HALSTON HERITAGE Sample Sale

HALSTON HERITAGE is having a sample sale this Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm at the Cooper Building. They’re offering up to 70% off women’s ready-to-wear, dresses and handbags.

Location: Cooper Building 860 S. Los Angeles Street 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014

10. Art Los Angeles Contemporary

Art Los Angeles Contemporary is a three day event showcasing works from artists currently making news in the art world, plus artist talks, curator-led panel discussions, film screenings and performances. It all takes place at the Barker Hanger at the Santa Monica Airport January 28 through 31. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

11. The Farriers Package at Santa Anita

Wh y not spend a day at the races with a package that includes admission to the races, box seating and a racing program, along with a pint of local craft beer from the Farriers bar. Get more info and discounted tickets via Goldstar.

12. Free Museum Day at The Long Beach Museum Of Art

The Long Beach Museum of Art is free every Friday!

13. Escape Reality at Magicopolis

Husband-and-wife duo Steve Spill and Bozena Wrobel perform a vaudeville-style magic show that’s fun for the whole family. Expect optical illusions, levitation, mind reading, disappearances and a nail-biting Houdini-type escape called the Table of Terror! Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

14. stARTup Art Fair

stARTup Art Fair’s Los Angeles debut will commence on Friday and will run through Sunday. The mission of stARTup Art Fair is to give a space for under represented artist to showcase their work. Fair visitors are invited to come and tour the transformed rooms and discover the work of contemporary artists from across the United States. Taking place at boutique hotel Highland Gardens, rooms will be occupied by exhibiting artists, several small collectives and the fair’s exhibiting partners, offering viewers an intimate experience with the artwork and direct access to the artists. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

15. Lunchtime Yoga Retreat

Get your sun salutations on in the middle of Downtown in Grand Park! The free yoga class starts at 12:15pm and runs to 1:00pm.

16. GIRLSCHOOL Presents Field Day 

The first-ever GIRLSCHOOL weekend-long festival, called Field Day, will celebrate female artists, leaders, and voices. Taking over the entire Bootleg Theater for three nights 1/29-1/31 the festival was founded by musician Anna Bulbrook (the Bulls | the Airborne Toxic Event | Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros) and will include performances by Jade (ex-Edward Sharpe), Dead Sara, Nina + Louise from Veruca Salt, White Sea,Conway, a DJ set by Kate Nash, a secret show by Kitten and more. In addition to the musical performances guests can check out an original art show by Hannah Hooper from Grouplove, a few “female-fronted” businesses vending fun things, female leaders in music panel discussions and a benefit raffle. GIRLSCHOOL is an inclusive festival for anyone and everyone who loves making or experiencing music together so everyone is invited! Proceeds from GIRLSCHOOL’s Field Day Weekend will benefit Rock’n’Roll Camp for Girls LA who’s mission is to empower young girls through music education.

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Saturday January 30th, 2016

17. Museum Free-For-All Day

More than two dozen museums in the L.A. area will offer free admission, allowing local residents an amazing opportunity to explore the culture of their city free of charge for Museum Free-For-All Day.

18. Santa Anita Park’s Sunshine Millions California Cup (Wine Festival)

Spend a day at the races watching Cali-bred horses race, while taking part in a wine festival featuring the best varietals and food pairings our state has to offer. General Admission will give you access to the club house, a daily racing program, a commemorative acrylic wine glass and 12 2-ounce tastings, while the VIP ticket adds on food samples, a T-shirt, fast-track pass, a $10 food truck voucher and more. Get additional information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

19. Night on Broadway 

On a very special evening this January the streets of downtown Los Angeles will come alive as artists, acrobats, musicians, comedians, and other special performers will be on hand to fill the historic Broadway corridor with art, entertainment, and music for Night on Broadway. This is completely free to the public!

20. CoffeeCon LA

Imagine tasting every conceivable type of coffee brew imaginable in one single three hour session, sounds like your cup of joe? Come down to CoffeeCon LA and taste your way through global beans, spend the day meeting top roasters, learn how to pair food with certain beans and hear about whats on the horizon for the coffee industry.

21. 1984 at The Broad Stage

This smash hit straight from London’s West End, makes’s it’s U.S. debut at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. See George Orwell’s novel come to life through radical staging that blurs the line between the past and present and what’s fiction and reality. Keep in mind our friends at Goldstar have some discount ticketing options for this performance throughout the month of January (while supplies last).

22. The Artsy Flea

The Artsy Flea is an arts and flea market that takes place every Saturday from 10:00am –  3:00pm. The Artsy Flea features 145 booths, food trucks, music, kids attractions and more. Located at 2930 Fletcher Ave at the Van de Kamp Bakery Building in the Glassell Park area of Los Angeles. Parking is free and general admission is 1$. For more info, visit theoddmarket.com/artsyflea

23. The Camellia & Tea Festival at Descanso Gardens

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A Descanso Gardens winter tradition — the Camellia & Tea Festival — returns on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30 and 31. Camellias are beloved by California gardeners because of their colorful blossoms that brighten winter gardens. The plant is also the source of tea, one of the world’s most popular beverages. The Camellia & Tea Festival will include lectures, tea tasting, dance performances by Invertigo Dance Theatre, and walks through the Camellia Garden, which was designated an International Camellia Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society. Activities free with admission to Descanso Gardens. On Saturday Descanso Gardens will grant free entrance to the public as part of Museum Free-For-All Day.

24. KURIOS — Cabinet of Curiosities at Dodgers Stadium

Step into the world of Cirque du Soleil’s KURIOS a place of wonders where your imagination can alter reality. Interested? Get more information and discount tickets on select days this week via Goldstar!

25. The Groundlings Celebrates New School with “Open House” featuring Free Daylong Workshops and Improv Shows

The famed institution is opening a brand new school facility known as The Groundlings School and to celebrate The Groundlings will host a daylong celebration that will include a series of one-hour specialty workshops for past and present Groundlings students from 11:00am – 2:00pm, as well as new sketch and improv shows that will be free and open to the public, featuring students, Sunday Company, Teachers, Main Company and alumni from 3:00pm – 11:30pm.

Schedule Below:

3:00 pm – 4:00pm | Student Teams
4:00pm – 5:00pm | Student Teams
5:00pm – 6:00pm | Sunday Company Jam
8:30pm – 9:30pm | Cookin’ with Gas
9:30 pm – 10:30pm | The Crazy Uncle Joe Show
10:30pm – 11:30pm | Bad Company

26. The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey

The critically acclaimed off-Broadway hit The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, written by and starring James Lecesne, the writer of the Academy Award-winning film Trevor, will have a limited 23 performance engagement at the Kirk Douglas Theatre from January 13 to January 31, 2016. Watch veteran New York actor and writer James Lecesne as he portrays every character in a small Jersey shore town as they unravel the story a 14 year-old boy who goes missing. Recently awarded the United Solo Special Award as well as being a New York Times Critic’s Pick, this is a show not to be missed. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

27. Zugo’s Cafe Celebrates Their Grand Reopening This Weekend With New Look and Menu

Zugo’s Cafe & Restaurant has been serving the city of Sierra Madre and the greater Pasadena area for almost 10 years. After a small hiatus, the owners have brought in Chef Anthony Bar to create a fresh new menu with a seasonal approach. Expect items such as Steak Frites, Risotto and a signature Pork Chopto appear on the menu. Zugo’s will also be adding a delicious portfolio of local craft beer as well as a wine list comprised of premier California, French and Italian wines.

28. Grab A Partner And Compete In The Amazing Santa Monica Race

Part sightseeing, part scavenger hunt and 100% team work! This race will have you and your partner exploring Santa Monica Beach and the Venice Boardwalk searching for clues to solve the ultimate puzzle. For more information and discounted tickets check out our friends at Goldstar.

29. Festival of Human Abilities

Join the Aquarium of the Pacific for the 13th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. This event will feature a wheelchair dance, live music, signing choirs, art demonstrations, accessible SCUBA diving demonstrations, interactive workshops, and other creative performances by people who have disabilities. Sign language interpreters will be present at all major shows, and an audio tour is available for those who are blind.

30. Taschen’s Winter Warehouse Sale

Happening at Taschen’s North Beverly Drive shop and online, the Winter sale is the perfect time to re stock your book shelves. The sale will take place over a four-day period concluding on Sunday and promises to discount 50 to 75% off display and slightly damaged titles in subjects like fashion, art, architecture, photography, music, interior design, pop culture, and more.

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Sunday January 31st, 2016

31. L.A. Taco Takedown

The L.A. Taco Takedown pits home cooks against one another in a taco showdown where one local cook will be crowned the winner. Actor and filmmaker Matt Timms will M.C., while contestants can bring their best taco filling to compete for free. Looking to eat and not cook? For just $20 you can buy a ticket for all-you-can-eat tacos with a ballot to vote. Winers will receive cookware as prizes. Email [email protected] to compete.

32. Yoga With A View

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Join yoga instructor Jake Ferree for a revitalizing rooftop yoga session in the Panorama Lounge at Andaz West Hollywood. After working up an appetite, yoga attendees can now enjoy 20% off a bottomless brunch at Riot House Restaurant on the first floor. Choose from a delicious spread of farm fresh eggs, farmer’s market fruit, house-made pastries, and freshly squeezed juices, or toast to a workout well done by indulging in bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys for an additional $15. Collect your Brunch Voucher at “Yoga with a View” to redeem your discount. Yoga starts at 9:30am, validated parking is available for guests for $7 and complimentary Zico Coconut Water beverages will be provided. Tickets are available at www.jakeferree.com for $15.

33. 118 Degrees Now Open in Tarzana!

118 Degrees is a gourmet plant-based living foods restaurant in Tarzana serving local organic produce when possible in raw form or prepared at 118° or lower to preserve valuable nutrients. Dairy free, soy free and wheat free, as well as high in enzymes, vitamins and minerals 118 Degrees is not only delicious but nutritious with dish highlight that include: 118 Empanadas made with dehydrated buckwheat and flax seed crust, stuffed with mangos and Tahini cheese; Fried Avocado Rolled Tacos folded in a house-made flax wraps and filled with tahini cheese, fried avocado, cucumber, baby mixed greens and tomatillo salsa; and a creamy Chocolate Cheesecake made with raw cacao, avocado and yacon syrup. 118 Degrees is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

34. The Hateful Eight Costumes & The Autry

Quentin Tarantino is a master in elaborate costumes and his latest film, The Hateful Eight, is no exception. Costumes from the film will be on view in the Imagination Gallery of The Autry. Designed by Courtney Hoffman and on loan from Cine-Manic Productions, Inc., the display features costumes worn by Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

35. SuperHero — Princess Academy: A Mini-Musical for Little Ones

Need to entertain the little guys and gals this weekend? Check out this one-hour mini-musical performed by the folks at the Creating Arts Company. The show includes singing, dancing, and plenty of audience interaction to keep the little ones engaged throughout. Get more information and discount tickets for Saturday and Sunday (while supplies last) via Goldstar.

36. Pay What You Can Day At Craft And Folk Art Museum

Every Sunday it’s pay what you can day at the Craft and Folk Art Museum.

37. Free Day At Museum of Latin American Art

The Museum of Latin American Art has free admission every Sunday!


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Have an upcoming event you’d like suggest for listing? Drop us a line at [email protected].

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