33 Awesome Things To Do in L.A. This Weekend [5-1-15 to 5-3-15]

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 weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend includes a Star Wars dance party, a Pancakes and Booze Art Show, Free Comic Book Day, an outdoor screening of The Breakfast Club and the Vintage Fashion Expo (just to name a few!).

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

LA Skyline with Dodger Stadium
Credit: Corona via flickr

[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 May 1st, 2015

1. Das Bunker’s Star Wars Dance Party

Attention Star Wars fans its time to whip out your trusty light sabers and put on your best Jedi garb for Das Bunker’s epic late-night dance party. Get down with Darth Vaders, Han Solos and Princess Leias while throwing back Star Wars inspired cocktails.

2. Buy a Discount Movie Voucher and Go See The Avengers: Age of Ultron

Let’s face it, everyone and their mother is going to check out the new Avengers movie hitting theaters this weekend (a Sunday matinee may be your best bet to avoid the lines). More to the point, if you want to save some dollars on your tickets, check out this deal Goldstar has for a discount movie voucher valid for one admission and redeemable at any AMC, AMC Loews, AMC Showplace, Cineplex Odeon, Magic Johnson and Star Theatres.

And even if you don’t use the voucher this weekend, you can always pocket it and use it later in the summer! Offer to purchase is expiring on May 1 at 5:00am so snatch them up while you can (supplies are limited).

3. The Pancake and Booze Art Show

The Pancake and Booze Art Show showcases 125 emerging artists in a Warhol-style, anything-goes, massive warehouse environment. There will be all-you-can-eat pancakes, live music, body painting and multimedia displays throughout the warehouse. The show originated in 2009 in Los Angeles and since has popped up more than 100 times in over twenty five cities around North America. Tickets are just $5 and held on Friday and Saturday in the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles.

4. For the Record: Dear John Hughes

Feeling a little 80’s this weekend? How about an interactive, 360-degree theatrical concert featuring the best of the music from the iconic films of the late John Hughes. Recall moments from some of your favorite Hughes’ films including The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink,, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and more. Get more information and discounted tickets for Friday’s showing via Goldstar.

5. First Fridays At The Natural History Museum

Listen to bands play, join in on tours and discussions and nerd out after hours at the Natural History Museum! First Fridays at NHM is always a fun night!

6. Scotch & Soda Sample Sale

Amsterdam clothing brand Scotch & Soda is having a sample sale at their Cooper Building show room. Expect to shop men’s and women’s tops, knits, denim, outerwear, leathers, accessories and more. Prices range from $10 to $150.

Location​ Cooper Building 860. S Los Angeles St, 820 Los Angeles, time 9:30am – 5:00pm.

7. Paris Photo Los Angeles

Paris Photo Los Angeles 2015 will take place at Paramount Pictures Studios from May 1-3rd and will host 80 leading galleries and art book dealers from 17 countries world-wide. LA is the US edition of Paris Photo, the world’s most celebrated photo art fair. The three day event will take place at Paramount Pictures Studios.

8. Cruel Intentions: The Completely Unauthorized Musical Parody 

This musical takes all the sexy, funny and memorable moments from the original movie, mashes them up with a soundtrack of top-40 hits from the 90s and then performs it all live onstage with a powerhouse cast and live band. With three sold-out preview performances last month this show is sure to be a hot ticket item. This Friday’s performance starts at 8pm. Find discount tickets via our friends at Goldstar.

9. Free Shark Lagoon Nights At The Aquarium of the Pacific 

The Aquarium of the Pacific invites you to get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators for FREE during Shark Lagoon Nights. There are opportunities to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks as well as rays in the lagoon.

10. Ruinart Champagne Tasting, Plus Truffle Popcorn & French Cinema

Mel & Rose will be hosting a night of truffle popcorn, French cinema and the oldest champagne house in history, Ruinart. Two types of Ruinart Champagne will be flowing for two hours as guests enjoy the good life. Tickets are usually $18 but we found $9 tickets over at Goldstar!

11. First Fridays at Venice Beach

On the first Friday of the month head down to Abbott Kiney Blvd. in Venice Beach for tons of food trucks, open galleries and late-night shop hours. Get more information via the official event blog.

12. First Fridays at Bixby Knolls

An art walk, dining and shopping experience where participating businesses in the Long Beach neighborhood of Bixby Knolls businesses unite to promote local artists and musicians through extended operating hours. Fun for all-ages… and free! Regularly scheduled at 6:30pm-9:30pm on Fridays.

13. Tea Lovers Festival

The Tea Lovers Festival kicks off its 10th Anniversary with a weekend full of events that celebrate the Love of Tea in Los Angeles. The festival has three levels of educational programming: Tea Tastings (introductory), Tea Studies (mid-level, includes tastings + lecture) and Tea Labs, which are either interactive or hands-on longer workshops.

14. ComedySportz: Fast & Funny Improv

ComedySportz is a fast-paced comedy show designed for the whole family. Watch as two teams battle for points and LOL’s at the National Comedy Theatre in Hollywood.  Tickets are priced between $15-$18 normally, but you can find half-price tickets (plus fees) via Goldstar for performances this Friday (8pm), Saturday (10pm) and Sunday (7pm)

Saturday May 2nd 2015

15. Vintage Fashion Expo

Vintage Fashion Expo promises plenty of throwback finds for your retro shopping pleasure. Happening at DTLA’s The Reef this two-day bazaar  will hold vintage to contemporary, designer brand apparel, accessories, footwear, costume jewelry, and more. Snag some discount tickets over at Goldstar!

16. Street Food Cinema Presents The Breakfast Club at Exposition Park

Good movies, amazing venues, live musical performances and tasty local area food trucks. What more could you ask for? Street Food Cinema provides exactly those ingredients listed above, and this year they’re laying claim to being the largest outdoor movies series in Los Angeles. Street Food Cinema will officially kick things off with a screening of The Breakfast Club at Exposition Park. For 2015 there will be over 50 events scheduled at 11 spots throughout the city of angels, with classics ranging from Goonies to Raiders of the Lost Ark to Office Space playing at locations from Pasadena to the Westside to the South Bay.

17. Free Comic Book Day

As the name implies, Free Comic Book Day is special day held annually on the first Saturday in May when participating comic book specialty shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. Tons of options to participate around Los Angeles, most notably the Blastoff Comic Fest at the Federal Bar in North Hollywood.

18. The Big Parade LA

The ultimate calf muscle workout! The Big Parade has you exploring over 80 public stairways and 35-miles of neighborhood stroll from downtown to Griffith Park. For those who can’t do all 80 stairways in a span of two days not to worry check out the itinerary and join in whenever you like!

19. ZooShoo Warehouse Sale

ZooShoo is having their 3rd Annual Warehouse sale and boy its a doozy. Everything will be priced under $20!!! Find shoes by Steve Madden, Bamboo, Dolce Vita, Soda, Chinese Laundry and more. Shop 500 plus styles of shoes, clothing and accessories, even meet and shop the “Bloggers Lounge” with a few familiar faces from Instagram! Food trucks, Aussie Bean Coffee, a DJ spining tuns,  giveaways aswell as gifts and complimentary drinks by Wtrmln Water will make this shopping excursion one big party. Happening from 9am to 3pm.

Location: 13881 Redwood Ave Chino, California

20. Wanderlust 108 Los Angeles 2015

Wanderlust 108 is a triathlon with a twist. This “mindful triathlon” brings a 5k run, an outdoor yoga experience, and a guided meditation into the mix. Unlike most triathlons this one places community above competition, inner peace above power, and self-awareness above strength. There will be live bands and DJs, lawn activities like hooping, slacklining and acroyoga, local food and craft vendors, theres lots to do at this festival like event.

21. INCOGNITO

Sophisticated art patrons to first-time collectors will all have to trust their instinct as they browse through art works by over 500 artists. Only when you make a purchase will the artist identity be revealed. INCOGNITO features work by world famous artists like John Baldessari, Mark Bradford, and Judy Chicago, as well as a host of emerging talent.

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22. Rodarte Sample Sale

L.A. based fashion powerhouse Rodarte is having another one of their sample sales. Prepare to buy cult favorite t-shirts and sweatshirts from the label for a fraction of retail prices AND of course 70% off coveted ready to wear, foot wear and more. As always the secret location and time will only be revealed to guests who email [email protected] with their RSVP. We’re guessing the location will be at 409 West Olympic Boulevard in Downtown where it’s been for years now.

23. Sip Cocktails, See The Sights With The Historic Hollywood: Stars & Bars Gang!

Get a taste of Old Hollywood sip on classic cocktails as an awesome guide share history tidbits, celebrity stories and more on Urban Adventures tour of Historic Hollywood. Usually tickets are $79 but Goldstar is hooking people up with $47.40 tickets this week!

24. South Pasadena Eclectic Music Festival and Art Walk

With more than 30 diverse musical acts across 5 stages, open houses at art galleries and studios all within short walking distance The South Pasadena Eclectic Music Festival and Art Walk is fun for everyone even children! Make sure to check out the headliner Gardens & Villa, a personal favorite of mine!

25. Derrick C. Brown And Amber Tamblyn Poetry Tour

Poet Derrick C. Brown is heading out to perform several dates on a motorcycle tour with fellow poet and actor Amber Tamblyn. Brown blends humor, music, stories and moving poetry to every performance. Most shows have been selling out BUT we found out both poets will partake in a FREE event at The Getty. The Write Now Poetry Society will present an evening of poetry, music, and art, with new work inspired by the art of J.M.W. Turner, whose visually stunning, heart-pounding exploration of the struggle with darkness came out of mastering light.

26. Bird LA Day

Angelenos will come together to celebrate birds and LA’s biodiversity. Crossing socio economic demographics, from the underserved to the affluent and geographic boundaries from Pasadena to Venice and as far North as the Valley, Bird LA Day events will be held to engage all levels of bird and nature enthusiasts.

27. Best Coast California Daze Album Release Party

Leave it to the LA band Best Coast to host the cutest music lovers party at Hollywoods Oinkster. The band will sign albums at 1pm and host a garage sale and a out of print merchandise booth while the SPCALA runs an onsite pet adoption! While at Oinkster try the California Nights Burger and Bethany’s Bellini Shake—from which proceeds benefit the SPCALA.

28. Surface: Portraits of Street Artists

Danish photographer Søren Solkær photographed more than 135 street artists all over the world, capturing not just the artists but creating a unique lens through which to understand their creations. Solkær’s work is on display now at the Subliminal Projects.

Exhibition Dates: April 25 – May 23, 2015. The gallery is open 12pm-6pm on Saturday.

Sunday May 3rd, 2015

29. Marvel Universe LIVE! at the Forum

Looking for family fun entertainment options? Looking to get pumped to see the new Avengers movie? If you are a Marvel fan this show is pretty spectacular! Pyrotechnics, aerial artist and stunt performer make up the cast of Iron Man, Captian America, Thor, Loki and more at The Forum, in Inglewood. Goldstar has discounted tickets (as low as $36) so splurge on popcorn and nachos at the show!

30. A Trip to The Hollywood Farmer’s Market & Intro to Meal Prep with Kitchen Karate

We are hosting a meet up at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market at 9am with meal prep expert, Casey Moulton of Kitchen Karate. He will give folks a brief overview of meal prep and give us tips on how to buy healthy ingredients for the week ahead. We will be having a raffle giveaway during this event and the lucky winners will win free online courses at Kitchen Karate! RSVP is required for this event.

31. Angel City 3rd Annual Heritage Music & Arts Festival

Featuring an incredible mix of ethnically diverse entertainment, artists, vendors, food trucks, and of course, beer, the Heritage Music & Arts Festival celebrates some of the cultural pillars that make LA unique. The event aims to bring the community together and celebrates the spirit of the city every year.

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32. Barnsdall Art Park’s Champagne & Croquet Spring Fundraiser

Swing into the summer season and get competitive (or just relax) on the lush west lawn of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Hollyhock House, which recently reopened to the public following an extensive restoration. Grammy-nominated band The California Feetwarmers and DJ Ed Mattiuzzi will provide live entertainment. Guest can enjoy a 3-flight sparkling wine tasting by famed Silverlake Wine and croquet games by the Pasadena Croquet Association. Local gourmet cheese purveyor Say Cheese will be offering guest an array of picnic baskets, available for pre-order. Oyster lovers are also in luck with the renowned Oyster Gourmet bringing its refreshing and flavorful selection of the delicious mollusk to the Park. Brunch will be available from food trucks, Postcards Caribbean and Coolhaus, and guests are welcome to bring their own picnic and blanket. Tickets are $40 for adults and $5 for kids (3+), with a members discount at $25.

33. The Giving Tree

This play inspired by Shel Silverstein’s classic story is the perfect evening spent with your kids. Playing at the Los Angeles Children’s Theater the story follows a boy from young age to old. Get more information and discounted tickets to The Giving Tree via Goldstar.


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