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 curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).
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This weekend in L.A. (February 16-18) includes the Chocolate & Art Show, NBA All-Star events, the Golden Dragon Parade, a Boozy Bake Off, and MUCH more.
Also remember you can always go to our L.A. events calendar page to get an updated rundown of what’s happening around the city.
Enjoy!
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Friday February 16th, 2018
1. Palm Springs Modernism Week returns February 15-25 to celebrate all things midcentury modern including architecture, art, interior landscape design and vintage culture.
2. The Chocolate & Art Show Los Angeles returns to The Vortex in DTLA on February 16-17, with chocolate fondue, the work of up-and-coming artists & more.
3. The NBA All-star extravaganza is back for another year of fan celebrations, celebrity games and all things basketball. Beginning on February 16, then continuing till February 18, Los Angeles venues including Staples Center and Verizon Up Arena at Los Angeles Convention Center will host a variety of All-Star events, including showcases, games and trainings.
4. Jack Daniel’s has been selling its whiskey since 1866 and this weekend they will bring a pop-up shop to Los Angeles for just three days. From February 16-18, the Jack Daniel’s Lynchburg General Store will offer Angelenos a unique assortment of goods, services and events featuring live music and Southern food from Miss Mary Bobo’s, a Lynchburg institution for over a century.
5. See percussionist Antonio Sanchez performs his critically acclaimed score for Birdman at Royce Hall while the movie is projected behind him. (DISCOUNTED) via Goldstar
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6. Celebrate the Year of The Dog during a Lunar New Year Celebration at Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights. The temple will host Chinese traditional cultural performances and the grounds will be decorated with dog decorations. Happening all weekend.
7. Bootie LA presents a 90’s vs 80’s mashup night at the Echoplex this Friday.
8. The Groundlings Theatre presents their latest main stage show, Sweet Valley Groundlings performing this Friday. (DISCOUNTED) via Goldstar
9. The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) continues through February 8-19. Now in its 26th year, the 12-day festival will showcase over 100 new films and the talented artists who created them.
10. Free admission at: Long Beach Museum of Art
Saturday February 17th, 2018
11. Celebrate the Year of the Dog during Lunar New Year at Santa Monica Place. Enjoy Asian-themed stilt walkers, traditional Korean fan dancers, Chinese music, The Voice’s Katherine Ho as emcee and more.
12. The 119th Golden Dragon Parade and Chinese New Year Festival returns to Los Angeles’ Chinatown with floats, marching bands, entertainers, a culinary stage, artisans & much more. FREE
13. Long Beach Comic Expo, a celebration of comic books and pop culture, returns to Long Beach Convention Center on February 17-18. Check for discount tickets for making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
14. Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXV returns February 17-18 to celebrate 25 years of the annual event with an array of authentic Scottish activities, athletics, dancing, entertainment, drinks and cuisine. Check for discount tickets for making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
15. The 40z & Waffles Brunch Series is back for NBA All-Star Weekend. Not your ordinary Sunday Funday, attendees will enjoy brunch, cocktails, a surprise live performance and more at Viva Hollywood. Early-bird tickets are currently $40.
16. The American Youth Symphony celebrates composer Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday with a free concert at Royce Hall this Saturday. FREE
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17. The J. Paul Getty Museum will host a handful of free events to celebrate the Getty Center’s 20th anniversary, this Saturday and Sunday will host Afro-Cuban percussionist Francisco Aguabella (1925-2010) with two performances featuring Latin jazz standards and Aguabella’s original compositions. The series will run through May 20. FREE
18. The St. Valentine’s Day Speakeasy Party & Pie Fight hosted by Roaring 20’s Street Jams is a throw back extravaganza with music, dance, cocktails, a staged reenactment of the historic St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and one epic pie fight to close out the night. Check for discount tickets for making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
19. Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles will host an opening reception for Geta Brătescu. The Leaps of Aesop, the first Los Angeles solo show focusing on the work of the 92-year-old pioneer of Romanian Conceptualism. FREE
20. There’s a midnight showing of indie flick Once Upon A Superhero at the Hollywood Playhouse theatre. The screening will also have various live entertainment, music, comedy, a 420 market and food vendors.
21. Comedy show that’s BYOB and dog friendley? Yup On Deck Comedy is just that and they’ll be performing at the Nerdist Showroom this Saturday.
22. Long Beach Mardi Gras takes over Shoreline Village with a full day of music, dance, parades, and more. The party is free to attend and guests are encouraged to dress up. FREE
23. See My Neighbor Totoro in 35mm at the Aero Theatre this Saturday.
Sunday February 18th, 2018
24. The Great Boozy Bake Off will take place at Angel City Brewery in DTLA this Sunday. The bake off will feature bakers testing their skill at incorporating booze into cupcakes, candies, breads and more. A $2o ticket gets you a sampling of all the contestants creations and all proceeds will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There will also be games, a cookie-decorating station and more to be announced. Beer is not included in the ticket price.
25. FLAX Project presents “The Dialectic of the Stars,” a free art festival taking place at five iconic venues in Los Angeles in the month of February. The festival will feature stimulating arts events incorporating cinema, music, mobile artworks, a concert of motorcycles, dance and more. This Sunday the event continues at Ford Theatres with installations and performance throughout venue. FREE
26. The New Bad Boys of Magic have got some dirty tricks up their sleeves at Hollywood’s Three Clubs Cocktail Lounge this Sunday. These boys are fresh off of their sold-out run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival so expect some magic you’ve never seen before.
27. The Minor Threat art exhibit pays homage to the 80’s straight edge band of the same name with more than a dozen artists and vendors showcasing mixed media work, plus live music. Taking place this Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. at 5 Star Bar in Downtown. Tickets are $20 at the door. You can read more background here via LA Taco.
28. L.A. Stories combines writers and musicians to create a story inspired by living in Los Angeles. This music and storytelling show will have performances about the L.A. droughts, celebrities, dating in L.A. moving to L.A. and more.
NOTE: If you’re looking for ideas for what to do on President’s Day, Monday, February 19, go here.
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