Things To Do

40 Awesome Things to do This Weekend in L.A. You Need to Know About [3-18-16 to 3-20-16]

March 17, 2016 by Christina Champlin

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 18 to March 20) includes a Vegan Street Fair, a Cherry Blossom Festival in West Covina, the Shaolin Festival in Chinatown, a Treat Yo’ Self Dessert Tasting, a HUMP! Film Festival, Shamrock ‘n’ Roll on the Queen Mary, and lots 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]

[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 18th, 2016

1. Shamrock ‘n’ Roll Aboard the Queen Mary

The Queen Mary in Long Beach presents its annual Shamrock ‘n’ Roll! Rock out to two stages of Irish Celtic rock, party tunes and more. Down green beer, nosh on Irish food and compete to win prizes in Irish themed games on board the legendary cruise liner. Get more information and discount tickets (saving $6) via Goldstar.

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. The festivities continue on Tuesday with the cast and crew of Scandal, with more events scheduled throughout the week.

Keep in mind some discounts tickets are available for this week/weekend including:

3/18 Difficult People (discount tickets*)

3/19 Fear The Walking Dead (discount tickets*)

3/20 American Horror Story (discount tickets*)

*via our affiliate partners at Goldstar

3. Grrrls On Film Festival

Grrrls on Film is a free festival featuring films and music from groundbreaking female artists. Taking place at Loyola Marymount from March 18-20 the festival will include screenings and discussions with filmmakers, a bike clinic, pop-up vintage shopping and more. The festival will commence with a Girl Power: Behind the Lens panel on March 18 followed by screenings of The Runaways and Dirty Girls.

4. Dan Savage’s HUMP! Film Festival

The concept of HUMP! is simple: Ordinary folks make five-minute sex-positive ‘dirty movies’ that get screened for live audiences, with the best films potentially winning cash prizes. The nationwide tour hits Los Angeles starting March 18 at the Downtown Independent. Get more information and discount tickets to screenings via Goldstar.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. The Groundlings: The Completely Different Late Show

The Completely Different Late Show is a hilarious improv show by the cast of the Groundlings’ Main Company. Audience shout suggestions throughout the night for improvisational scenes performed by some of the best in the business. It’s also a testing ground for brand new material for the Groundlings’ main show. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 19th, 2016

11. Michelada Rumble

Ready for the biggest Michelada competition in Southern California? Come to Santa Anita Park this Saturday for Michelada Rumble: ROUND II. Afternoon of activities includes live music, DJs, live horse racing, a car exhibition and, of course, a bevy of Michelada flavors to sip on and enjoy.

12. Esoteric Bus Adventures

Esotouric Bus Adventures hosts a four-hour luxury coach tour celebrating the life, work, myths and passions of hard-boiled American novelist James M. Cain (The Postman Always Rings Twice, Double Indemnity). The tour explores Cain’s life and work with a focus on the author’s time in Southern California, where his observations on Malibu, Hollywood, Pasadena and the low-rent ‘burbs of Glendale are as provocative today as they were some 70 years ago. Get more information and discount tickets (while supplies last) via Goldstar.

13. 2016 Los Angeles Celtic Faire

Continue to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this weekend at the Los Angeles Celtic Faire. Taking place March 19-20 at the Fairplex in Pomona the faire features authentic food, beer gardens, live music, dancing, arts & crafts, storytelling, merchandise vendors, athletic competitions, piping, and more. Admission costs $10, children $5 and parking costs $10.

14. Once at The Hollywood Pantages

See eight time Tony award winning musical Once on stage during their one-week engagement at the Pantages in Hollywood. The musical follows a struggling Dublin street musician who finds new purpose after befriending a young woman. This Grammy winner for Best Musical Theater Album also won an Oscar for Best Original Song after being adapted for film in 2007. Get more information and discount tickets for this week via Goldstar.

15. St. Patty’s Beer Fest at the Legendary Pig ‘n Whistle

Raise a pint and pinch the nearest person who’s not wearing green down at the Pig ‘n Whistle on Hollywood Boulevard. Live DJ and plenty of drink specials on Jamison and Guinness all day. Get more information and discount tickets to The Irish themed party via Goldstar.

16. Outlandish Time Travel Craft Faire
Doctor Who or Outlander fan? Come to this free all-ages craft faire taking place March 19-20 at Whimsic Alley. Shop plenty of goods from local vendors, partake in a raffle and meet fellow time traveling enthusiasts.

17. Kids Krazy Kraft Day

This unique, family-friendly event at the International Printing Museum is perfect for kids who love to draw. Demos and pop-up activities will cover topics including cartooning, calligraphy, card printing, silk screening, and papermaking. $12 for adults. $10 for students and seniors.

18. 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.

19. Shamrock & Shenanigans St. Patrick’s Day Party

If you didn’t party hard enough for St. Patty’s day give yourself a do over this Saturday when Outpost throws Shamrock & Shenanigans a 12 hour St. Patrick’s bash. Enjoy live DJ entertainment, lots of drink specials on emerald-colored beer and much more.  Get more information, discount tickets and even complimentary (with a $3.74 service charge) via Goldstar.

2o. Children’s Workshop: Landscape Embroidery at The Pasadena Museum of California Art

Learn basic stitches and techniques to represent the texture of nature, and create an embroidered landscape. All ages welcome! This event is free with admission to the museum, no rsvp is required.

21. The Shaolin Festival Returns to Chinatown

Head to Chinatown in Downtown Los Angeles to experience 1500 years of Shaolin Temple’s cultural heritage at an annual festival celebrating Shaolin Temple Day LA.

22. 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.

23. Los Angeles Persian Parade

Celebrate Nowrouz, the Persian New Year this Saturday in DTLA. The annual parade now in it’s second year is part of a multi-cultural event welcoming people of every background.

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24. 2016 Cherry Blossom Festival West Covina

Celebrate the beginning of spring in West Covina on March 19 as the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center presents their 2016 Cherry Blossom Festival. Fun events/activities for the day will include food for purchase plus traditional dancing, martial arts, games taiko drumming, craft vendors, and more.

25. 2016 ¡Latin Food Fest! Los Angeles

Sample Latin foods and drinks at this all inclusive tasting event at Grand Park in DTLA. General admission costs $65 and starts at 12:00pm. VIP admission costs $150 and starts at 11:00am, and provides access to a VIP area.

26. Revolution in the Making: Abstract Sculpture by Women at Hauser Wirth & Schimmel

International art gallery Hauser Wirth & Schimmel just opened it’s doors in the Art’s District. The inaugural exhibition Revolution in the Making: Abstract Sculpture by Women, 1947-2016 showcases close to 100 works from 34 women artists from the past 70 years will be on view including Louise Bourgeois, Claire Falkenstein, Ruth Asawa, Yayoi Kusama and Mira Schendel.

27. 7th Annual Native American Festival

This free and all-ages festival, will celebrate various forms of Native American culture with storytelling, drumming, dancing, singing, exhibits, and much more. Taking place at Shoreline Village in Long Beach.

28. San Pedro Craft Beer Festival 2016

Sample local craft beers and check out historic battle ships of yesteryear this Saturday at the San Pedro Craft Beer Festival. General admission costs $42 and includes unlimited beer tastings and access to the museum. VIP admission costs $65, gives you an extra hour and includes a pretzel necklace, beer float, mimosa/sangria bar, and a souvenir glass. Parking costs $6 per vehicle. This event is 21 +.

Sunday March 20th, 2016

29. Treat Yo’ Self Dessert Tasting Event

Time Out Los Angeles is hosting a full day of sweet delights called Treat Yo’ Self this Sunday. Some of the best bakeries, restaurants, and ice cream shops in L.A. will be handing out samples of their most popular desserts while Tsingtao beer and coffee from Caffe Luxxe will help you wash all that sugar down. Tickets are still availble but you might want to snag them asap!

30. Laughs By Volume 2: A Craft Beer & Comedy Show

Comedy and beer make an unbeatable combo and this Sunday afternoon over 20 different beers and six comedians will host Laughs By Volume 2: A Craft Beer & Comedy Show. Ticket costs $25 (pre-sale) and $35 at the door. Admission gets you a souvenir glass and unlimited beer tastings. This event is 21+.

31. Vegan Street Fair

The Vegan Street Fair hits the streets of North Hollywood on March 20 is an annual featuring tons vegan-friendly restaurants and vendors joined together serving customers bite size portions of their best offerings.  Entry is free and all food items portions are $3 max. VIP tasting package also available for $40.

32. Helpful Honda Pet Adoptions in Studio City & Long Beach!

The Helpful Honda Guys are helping Angelenos find their perfect four legged friend. Come down to Rosie’s Dog Beach (1 Granada Ave., Long Beach,located on the concrete launch ramp) from 10:00am-2:00pm. Complimentary dog washing service and photo booth will be available that day as well.

For those in the Valley come down to LAAS at Moorpark Park in Studio City (corner of Moorpark St. and Laurel Canyon Blvd., Studio City 91604) from 11:00am-3:00pm and help rescue a friendly pup! A photo booth for pets and their owners will also be availble at this location.

33. Yoga with a View

Kick off this Spring with warmer weather and a great workout with “Yoga with a View,” located at Andaz West Hollywood’s rooftop Panorama Lounge. Experience a fun, flowing workout and center your mind, body and soul, all while taking in breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline. Hosted by renowned instructor Jake Ferree the class will start at 9:30am and complimentary Zico Coconut Water beverages will be provided. In addition all yoga attendees can enjoy 20% off a bottomless brunch at Riot House Restaurant at The Andaz after their work out. Book your spot for $15 at JakeFerree.com.

34. Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Medium

LACMA and The Getty Museum will both run exhibitions on the late Robert Mapplethorpe. This is a major retrospective of Mapplethorpe’s work and career as an artist and photographer The Getty’s exhibition will run from March 15 to July 31 and LACMA will open their exhibit on March 20 to July 31.

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35. DIY Hanging Kokedama Plant Class at Rolling Greens Nursery

Create your own Kokedamas (Japanese gardening technique of hanging plants) at Rolling Greens Nursery’s newly launched Arrangement Bar this Sunday from 3:00pm–4:00pm. Arrangement Baristas will guide attendees on making two different hanging arrangements one 6in succulent and one 4in fern. The workshop includes tools, special soil mix, moss, twine, one small orchid, one fern + one 6” succulent. The class cost $80 to attend, register here.

36. Ranger Ernie Hikes

Ranger Ernie leads a 3-mile beginner hike to Fern Canyon Nature Trail with a nature talk in Griffith Park on Sunday morning. Hike begins at 7:30 and will end at 10:00am.

37. Art Exhibit: 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.

38. The Amazing Los Angeles Race II

This hybrid scavenger hunt / sightseeing tour is a brilliant way to spend your Sunday afternoon getting to know the city of angels. Starting at the Dave & Busters in Hollywood, participants form teams of two to eight people and make their way to different L.A. sites trying to solve puzzles and unlock the clues that will lead them to the next location. At the finish line you can enjoy drinks and snacks, and hang out with your fellow competitors. For more information and discount tickets to enter the race, check out Goldstar.

39. Pay What You Can Day at Craft and Folk Art Museum 

The Craft and Folk Art Museum allows guest to pay what they can on Sundays.

40. ‘Silent Sundays’ San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

San Gabriel Mission Playhouse will host ‘Silent Sundays’ at 2:30pm screening, 1927’s Wings a World War I period film that won two Academy Awards including the first ever Best Picture Award in 1929. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.


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