41 Awesome Things to do This Weekend in L.A. [3-11-16 to 3-13-16]

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 (March 11 to March 13) includes a Cherry Blossom Festival, the Redondo Beach Kite Festival, PaleyFest 2016, a spooky movie screening in Griffith Park, FREE Coffee Bean, a beer + cider fest, and plenty more options 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]

Descanso Gardens Cherry Blossoms
Credit: Descanso Gardens on Facebook

[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 March 11th, 2016

1. Poltergeist Screening at Abandoned Zoo in Griffith Park 

The team behind the Great Horror Movie Nights (same folks who do Great Horror Campouts and the Haunted Hayrides) are hosting a spooky screening series beginning this March, and then continuing on once a month into May, all hosted at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park. The first screening, held on Friday, March 11th will feature the classic horror film Poltergeist

2. PaleyFest Los Angeles

The PaleyFest is a unique opportunity to see the stars and creators of your favorite television shows live, in person, at panel discussions and Q&A’s at the Dolby Theater over the course of this ten-day event. March 11-20.

Discounts tickets are available for this week/weekend including:

3/12 Better Call Saul (discounts tickets*)

3/12 Scream Queens (discounts tickets*)

3/13 Black-ish (discounts tickets*)

3/13 Supergirl (discount tickets*)

*via our affiliate partners at Goldstar

3. FREE Dog Haus at NoHo Grand Opening

To commemorate it’s arrival in North Hollywood’s Arts District, franchisee Diana Ramos is inviting locals to swing by for a free Haus Dog on opening day from 11:00am-10:00pm.

4. The Illusionists at the Pantages Theatre

Prepare to be delightfully mystified when seven incredible magic-wielders ban together for The Illusionists: Live From Broadway. Guest will be treated to a night of tricks, death-defying stunts and wonder. Dazzling audiences of all ages this critically acclaimed show has shattered box office records across the globe with some of the most outrageous and miraculous acts ever to be seen. Catch the show at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

5. Halftoberfest

Alpine Village in Torrance is throwing a Oktoberfest celebration for those of you who can’t wait till October. Come dressed in Oktoberfest attire and get in for free or else it’s $8.

6. Art Exhibit Opening: Duchamp to Pop

Marcel Duchamp is being exhibited at The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. Titled Duchamp to Pop the museum will show works from the archives of New Painting of Common Objects from 1962 and Marcel Duchamp Retrospective from 1963. In addition roughly 40 works will be on view from Warhol to Ruscha all of which who have been strongly influenced by Duchamps works.

7. Laurent Quenioux Pop-Up at Sangers and Joe

Award winning Chef Laurent Quenioux is hosting a weekly pop-up at Sangers and Joe, in Pasadena. Stop by every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until the end of April and treat yourself to an incredible raw bar, Quenioux’s acclaimed cheese cart, and much more. We took a peek at the raw bar menu with 20 plus top notch selections that included cherry stone clams, abalone and geoduck -this is a real treat for seafood lovers in Los Angeles. Walk-in are welcome but make a reservation if you want to be seated at a desired time.

8. Bunker Hill Odd Market

The Odd Market is setting up shop at Bunker Hill’s Wells Fargo Center Plaza cruise with over 35 local vendors in jewelry, fashion, art, home goods, unique vintage items, gourmet foods and much more.

9. Disney’s Zootopia at El Capitan Theatre

Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a special engagement of Disney’s Zootopia March 4 – April 10, 2016. Before the movie, guests will be treated to an all-new, interactive Wild Animal Encounter show on the El Capitan stage, featuring Lola the Sloth and her animal friends from the Wildlife Learning Center. Plus, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, Disney’s new characters from “Zootopia,” will make their live stage debut at the El Capitan. Get more information and discount tickets this weekend via Goldstar.

10. ‘Yarn Bomb’ Hits Pacific Palisades to Spotlight Women’s History Month

Local blogger, mom, DIY-er and YouTuber Michelle Villemarie is putting a spotlight on women’s history with a special ‘yarn bomb’ project installed on March 8 for International Women’s Day in Pacific Palisades. With the help of friends, family and volunteers, Villemaire has decorated some 33 trees along Monument Street just north of Sunset Blvd.

11. All-Star Chef Classic at L.A. Live

The only food event of its kind, All-Star Chef Classic returns for its third year to L.A. LIVE, March 9-12, for a four-day culinary experience showcasing some of the most well-respected and award-winning chefs from around the globe.

12. 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.

13. “Get Happy” Old Pasadena Happy Hour Week

Enjoy extended Happy Hour food and drink promotions for two weeks during Old Pasadena’s “Get Happy” Happy Hour Week running Tuesday, March 1, through Monday, March 14.

14. 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?) Get more information and discount tickets on Goldstar for this week’s performances.

15. ArtNight Pasadena

Join Pasadena for an evening of art, performance and entertainment during ArtNight Pasadena. Visit site-specific installations and art museums like the Norton Simon Museum, Pacific Asia Museum and Pasadena Museum of California Art FREE! Food trucks and restaurants will also be in participation and shuttles (also free) will help folks get around easily.

16. Music For Train Stations 

Every Friday this March(until March 25) L.A.’s most majestic transit hub, Union Station, will be teaming up with musical curators at dublab to create a month-long sound series called Music For Train Stations.

17. 2016 Los Angeles Scripted Comedy Festival 

iO West will once again hosts the Los Angeles Scripted Comedy Festival (March 9-12.) Held on three stages, the four day fest features comedy shows, celebrity performers, competitions and writing workshops.

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

The Long Beach Museum of Art is free every Friday!

19. SKYLINE: Free Art Installation Pop-Ups All Over DTLA

Interactive, public art installations meant to embrace the evolving nature of L.A.’s ever-changing cultural landscape will be on view nightly from 6:00pm to 10:00pm from March 10-19 during a project called SKYLINE 2016.

Saturday March 12th, 2016

20. Museum Day Live! 

Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country offer free admission to any and all guests presenting a Museum Day Live! voucher. In the Los Angeles area the event will include free admission to seven area museums.

21. Santa Anita Big ‘Cap Beer & Cider Fest

Sample craft beers and cider, grab a bite from some of the best local food trucks and watch the race from the sidelines during Santa Anita Park’s Big ‘Cap Beer & Cider Festival.

22. The Virus an Immersive Escape Room Experience

A deadly virus has swept the earth and a team of scientists (played by you and other folks!) are in an underground laboratory trying to find a cure. Each move becomes crucial to finding an antidote OR if you’re unlucky accidentally setting off the computerized decontamination system, where you might find yourself smashed flat by the slowly constricting laboratory walls. Sounds like your kind of mission? Come down to the Six01 Studio in Burbank and check out one of Los Angeles’ most exciting and immersive escape room utilizing digital technology and virtual reality to create a totally realistic experience. Get more information and discount tickets for this weekend via Goldstar.

23. 3rd Annual Los Angeles IPA Festival

This Saturday Mohawk Bend will be pouring over 60 different California-brewed IPA’s during their 3rd annual LA IPA Fest. Folks have to make a reservation for the 90 minute tasting, and requires a minimum order of $30 per person. Beers served cost $4 for an 8oz. Happening 9:30am–9:30pm. reservations can be made by emailing [email protected]

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24. Descanso Gardens Cherry Blossom Festival

Head over to La Canada Flintridge March 12-13 for a two-day festival at Descanso Gardens celebrating Japanese culture and the spring bloom of the cherry blossoms.

25. Rock & Reilly’s 5th Annual St. Paddy’s Block Party

For the fifth consecutive year Rock & Reilly’s Irish Pub in West Hollywood will spearhead a St. Paddy’s block party set to take place the Saturday before the official national holiday of St. Patrick’s Day. Festivities will include live DJ’s, food trucks, over 100 kegs of green beer, 8 full bars, and an anticipated 5000 guests in attendance.

26. International Tiki Market Place

Come down to Sunset Beach this Saturday from 10:00am-3:00pm and score some tiki goods. Admission is $10 and comes with a voucher for food & drink. Happening down at Don The Beachcomber.

27. The Wallis Honors Filmmaker Mike Nichols with Special Tribute Panel and Screenings of The Graduate and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills will be honoring legendary filmmaker Mike Nichols this Saturday with special screenings of the great cinematic classic films Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) at 2:00pm and The Graduate (1967) at 7:30pm (tickets $15/each). In addition to the screenings a free special tribute panel featuring friends, colleagues and actress Katharine Ross (The Graduate) will take place at 4:30pm.

28. THE BRADBURY ROOM

Grand Park’s SPRINGTIME READS in partnership with the City of LA’s Department of Cultural Affairs, and the nation-wide The Big Read will celebrate L.A.’s very own Ray Bradbury and his seminal work Fahrenheit 451. Come down to Olive Court and see it transformed by an installation of DIY typewriting inspired by Bradbury’s own experience writing Fahrenheit 451 in the basement typing room of UCLA’s Lawrence Clark Powell Library in 1952. All are invited to type away at this free event.

29. 3rd Annual Los Angeles Barleywine Festival

Alhambra’s 38 Degrees will offer over 30 different barleywines on tap in honor of Sam Samaniego, a barley enthusiast who traveled to Toronado Barleywine Festival annually. No admission fee come and enjoy!

30. L.A. Kings Home Game

See the L.A. Kings battle the New Jersey Devils this Saturday at DTLA’s Staple Center. Check out Goldstar for more information and discount tickets to Kings games this weekend and for the remainder of the year.

31. Knuckle & Claw Turns 1!

Silver Lake’s Knuckle & Claw, is turning 1 this Saturday, to celebrate all oysters are just $1 and half bottles of champagne are $9.

32. 10th Annual Santa Monica Airport ArtWalk

Santa Monica Airport celebrates its 10th Annual Airport ArtWalk this month. On Saturday, from 12:00-5:00pm, the public is invited to explore more than 60 artist studios and multiple creative venues that occupy the airport’s converted airplane hangars. Featuring art and ceramic demonstrations, theater and art workshops, live music and food trucks.

33. Electric Asian Night Market

Alhambra is throwing a free night market (not associate with 626 Night Market) this Saturday from 5:00pm–9:00pm. Choose from a number of cultural food and drinks and enjoy live entertainment. All ages are welcomed.

Sunday March 13th, 2016

34. Redondo Beach Kite Festival

One of the longest running kite festivals in SoCal returns to Redondo Beach on Sunday March 13 for a day free family fun.

35. Baby & Kidz Expo

The 8th annual Baby & Kidz Expo will be a fun filled day of non-stop entertainment and a variety of family focused activities and resources. Suitable for babies, toddlers, children, parents and grandparents the expo will feature vendors that cater to new moms, and young families with children between the age of 0-10.

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36. FREE Coffee Bean This Sunday Thanks to Wescom Kindness

This Sunday the folks at Wescom are teaming up with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to help deliver a complimentary morning of caffeinated beverages (at select locations) to folks all over the southland as part of the Wescom Kindness campaign.

37. Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival

Head over to Sierra Madre to view the world’s largest (1 acre in size, around 250 tons) known wistaria vine as part of the annual Wistaria Festival. During the 5-week blossoming period the vine is said to contain more than 1,500,000 individual blossoms. Guests of the Wistaria Festival will enjoy crafters, artists, food for purchase, live music and even a car show and more. Events for the day are free!

38. All You Can Eat Chicken at A-Frame

Every Sunday, A-Frame in Culver City will host an all-you-can-eat chicken night. $23 gets you your fill of Cracklin Beer Can Chicken, Mochiko Chicken and Korean chicken wings all served with a handful of sides. View the menu here!

39. ARTBOOK Opening at Hauser & Wirth

ARTBOOK will open a new arts and culture bookstore in the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District. Known for its distinctive pop­ up stores at art fairs, and its museum bookstores at MoMA PS1 and the Walker Art Center, ARTBOOK was invited by Hauser & Wirth to create a destination bookstore within the gallery’s new Los Angeles location​ ​in a converted historic flour mill complex. ARTBOOK will open with it’s first thematic spotlight devoted to books about women artists, with titles chosen to contextualize the inaugural Hauser Wirth & Schimmel exhibition Revolution in the Making: Abstract Sculpture by Women, 1947-2016.

40. Learn the Olympic Sport of Curling: Beginners Welcome!

Who hasn’t watched a curling match during the Winter Olympics and wondered to themselves… “How do you play that, anyway?” Well, now you no longer have to wonder. For around $25 you can get a beginners lesson featuring an excellent introduction to the basics, including sliding stones, sweeping, and game strategy. All equipment provided!

41. Josiah Citrin’s ment’or BKB Foundation Seven Course Dining Event

Chef Josiah Citrin of the two-Michelin Star restaurant, Mélisse, presents a seasonally-inspired seven-course prix-fixe dining event ($195) honoring the world-renowned ment’or BKB Foundation. Each course will feature contemporary Parisian fare designed by six internationally recognized guest chefs, including Chef Shaun Hergatt (Juni), Chef Justin Cogley (Aubergine), Chef Trey Foshee (George’s at the Cove), Chef William Bradley (Addison), and Chef Justin Wangler (Kendall-Jackson) with the assistance of Chef Matthew Peters and Harrison Turone of the 2017 Bocus d’Or Team USA. In addition to the event’s prix-fixe offerings, Chef Josiah will host a culinary-themed auction, the proceeds of which will provide educational and mentorship opportunities to aspiring culinary professionals nationwide. See the full menu here.


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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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