43 Totally Fun Things To Do in L.A. This Week You Need to Know About [3-28-16 to 4-1-16]

Every week in Los Angeles there are tons of great things to do (even before the weekend gets started) that we think you ought to have on your radar. With that in mind, we put together a list every Monday morning to keep you in the know about what’s happening in the city you love (or maybe just like).

This week, from Monday, March 28 to Friday, April 1, features a preview of the Museum of Broken Relationships, James Cameron at the Ace Hotel, a Sleepless after-hours party at the Music Center, First Fridays at NHM, The Shining at the Old Zoo, and much more to choose from.

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Hope you find the rundown useful and, as always, enjoy your week!

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Music Center Sleepless
Image via The Music Center

[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!]


Monday March 28th, 2016

1. Museum of Broken Relationships Preview at Ace Hotel Upstairs Bar

Before the Museum of Broken Relationships official opens in Hollywood this May you can attend a special preview night of what’s to come at the Upstairs Bar at the Ace Hotel on the evening of March 28. Free admission!

2. Monday Night Tease at Three Clubs

Catch L.A.’s longest running weekly burlesque show at Three Clubs in Hollywood on Mondays. More information on discount tickets available via our friends at Goldstar.

3. Free Kibitz Room Comedy Show

Presented by the Steinberg Sisters (Ester and Jacklyn), the free monthly comedy show at the Kibitz Room on Fairfax aims to please those nostalgic for a bit of the flavor you might get at a comedy club in Manhattan’s lower east side. Mixing a slew of up and comers with more established drop-in guests, the Kibitiz offers stiff drinks, lots of laughs, and the perfect no-frills dive bar atmosphere.

4. Monday Mayhem Game Night a Angel City Brewery

Come on out to Angel City Brewery in DTLA’s Arts District as they host their weekly epic game night that includes 15+ Board Games, 8+ beers on tap, a 3-round cornhole Tournament and one geeky host (Scott Bartenhagen).

5. Chips, Crisps & Wafers – The Potato Chip Pop-Up

Back by popular demand Iam8bit will host a chip pop-up with 50 unique flavors from around the globe. You can snack your way through Japan, England, Ireland, Korea, France and more till April 3, 2016 when the pop-up closes.

6. 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.

Tuesday March 29th, 2016

7. Hot Dog on a Stick Offering $0.70 Dogs 

Hot Dog On A Stick is celebrating its 70th anniversary all during the month of March with “Take Me Back Tuesdays” where the original turkey dog on a stick will be offered at a nostalgic price of just 70 cents.

8. Los Angeles as a Sustainable City a Conversation at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery

The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs’ Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery (LAMAG) presents Los Angeles as a Sustainable City, an engaging conversation exploring the role that art and cultural workers can take or serve in developing Los Angeles as a “sustainable city.” Moderated by Anuradha Vikram, Director of Residency Programs at 18th Street Arts Center along with a panel of artists the talk will run from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Space is limited so plan to arrive early.

9. Gourmet Food Truck Night

Every Tuesday night the California Heritage Museum holds a Gourmet Truck Night at the museum showcasing a select of gourmet truck eateries.  All happening from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.

10. LACMA Tuesday Matinee Film Series Screens Lady From Shanghai 

Every week LACMA screens a classic film, the ongoing Tuesday Matinee film series cost $2 for members and $4 for non members.

11. 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  via Goldstar.

12. Anthony James: Morphic Fields at Varola Gallery

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Varola gallery presents Morphic Fields by Los Angeles-based artist Anthony Jamesa. The installation consist of eight bronze sculptures inspired by Robert Rauschenberg’s cardboard box series (1971-72). Gallery hours are 12:00pm-5:00pm Monday through Friday, the exhibit will run till July 29, 2016.

Wednesday March 30th, 2016

13. James Cameron Host the Los Angeles premiere of The Dark Horse

The Theatre at Ace Hotel and Broad Green Pictures present the critically-acclaimed new film from New Zealand writer/director James Napier Robertson The Dark Horse, starring Cliff Curtis, the movie is based on the true story of Genesis Potini, a chess champion struggling with mental illness, who finds purpose teaching underprivileged kids the game he excels in. Cliff Curtis and director James Napier Robertson will be in attendance. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

14. Hey 19’s Suntory Whisky Dinner

Led by owner and celebrated cocktail connoisseur Demi Stevens, Hey 19’s Suntory Whisky Dinner will feature a five course tasting menu featuring dishes from Executive Chef Vasili Tavernakis. Drawing from her extensive expertise, Demi will also lead the group through the background on how each spirit is made. A seat at this limited tasting cost is $85 and reservations can be made by calling 310-378-8119.

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. GR2 Presents Superunnatural 

Superunnatural, is a group exhibition featuring Kelsey Beckett, Elliot Brown, Peter Chan, Shawn Cheng, and Rebecca Green. Kelsey Beckett has a hand for delicately illustrating women. Elliot Brown paints texturally rich realistic scenes of everyday life. Peter Chan’s scenic works are both soft and organic while his characters are imaginative and unique. Shawn Cheng’s work is versatile and eclectic often depicting Japanese yokai. Rebecca Green’s illustrations are light hearted and whimsical. Together, they form the Superunnatural.  Happening at Giant Robot 2 (22062 Sawtelle Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90025) the show will run through April 13, 2016.

Thursday March 31st, 2016

17. Escape Room LA: The Detective

Picture you’re trapped inside a 1940’s film noir where you have to solve a slew of mysteries to escape. Work with your fellow detectives as you race against the clock. Do you have what it takes? Head over to Escape Room LA and test your sleuthing skills this week! Get more information and discounted tickets for Wednesday and Thursday via Goldstar.

18. MOCA Free Night

Every Thursday evening from 5:00pm – 8:00pm admission is free to both the MOCA on Grand and The Geffen Contemporary.

19. Why There Are Words Visits L.A

The Continental Club will host Why There Are Words Visits L.A, an offsite reading of contemporary authors in conjunction with the AWP Conference (North America’s largest writing conference). Why There Are Words is an award-winning literary reading series based in the Bay area. This special pop-up event will be hosted by Peg Alford Pursell, author of the forthcoming book Show Her a Flower, a Bird, a Shadow, curator of Why There Are Words, and founding editor of WTAW Press. Featured authors include: Carmiel Banasky; Stacy Bierlein; Jan Ellison; Meg Howrey; Gallagher Lawson; Patrick O’Neil; Marisa Silver; and J Ryan Stradal.

20. Bite of the Beast at Locanda del Lago in Santa Monica

The last Thursday of every month, LAGO host a communal meal featuring animal roasts and traditional, rustic dishes. The “Bite of the Beast” dinner series will include a five-course dinner featuring the choice animal. This month’s animal is the all-natural, Durazo Farm Suckling Pig. The special meal cost $56 see the full menu here. Reservations are required. Dinner will begin at 7:00pm.

21. Throwback Thursdays Screening of The Godfather II

The Throwback Thursdays film series is back at NOHO cinema, the screening features a gourmet food truck onsite, and guest may bring their food inside the theater!  Get more information and discount tickets via our friends at Goldstar.

22. Free Day At The Skirball Cultural Center 

The Skirball Cultural Center is free to all every Thursday.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. Pop-Up Body Art Show at Soho Design House

On Thursday, March 31 you can head over to Soho Design House in Hancock Park for a free pop-up exhibition featuring live body art paintings, photography, and video from artists Paul Roustan and David Gilmore.

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26. Free Drink at Pattern Bar Curtesy of Roo

Roo an app that tells users which bars are happening and which bars are totally dead (lol) through crowd sourcing is partnering up with Pattern Bar in DTLA to give away a free drink to all Roo users every Thursday from 5:00pm-10:00pm for the whole month of March. Cheers to that!

27. 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.

Friday April 1st, 2016

28. The Shining at the Old Griffith Park Zoo

The team behind the Great Horror Movie Nights (same folks who do Great Horror Campouts and the Haunted Hayrides) hosts a spooky screening series from March to May, at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park. The second screening, held on Friday, April 1 will feature The Shining.

29. Downtown Los Angeles Food Walking Tour

Sidewalk Food Tours of Los Angeles will lead you on a fun three-hour walking tour through Downtown Los Angeles. Your guide will share stories of the city’s early settlers, gossip about Hollywood’s heyday, architectural highlights, cultural changes of L.A. and the food scene. You’ll get plenty of chances to grab a bite from unique eateries, that include the best bakeries, ethnic restaurants and the most buzzed about establishments currently in spotlight, there are seven stops in all so come hungry. More information and discount tickets (very limited) for Friday and Sunday’s tour this weekend via Goldstar.

30. Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage

Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage will invite guests for a night of symphonic music while iconic scenes from the film and television series are projected in high definition on to a 40-foot wide screen at The Wiltern April 1-2. Keep in mind some discount tickets for orchestra seating (saving over $30) are available via Goldstar while supplies last.

31. Sleepless:The Music Center After Hours

Come to the Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for Sleepless, an after-hours night of fun featuring multiple DJs and music performances, video installations, fun activities, and sonic sculptures.

32. Free Day at The Pasadena Museum of California Art

Pasadena Museum of California Art has free admission from 12:00pm- 5:00pm on the first Friday of every month.

33. Literary Death Match

Literary Death Match is an epic one night reading series battle pinning four writers against each other reading from their best material. Featuring New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean (The Orchid Thief), award-winning poet Chris Albani (The Secret History of Las Vegas and Kristin Valdez Quade (Night of the Fiestas) just to name a few, this is not your regular reading…With celebrity guest judges like Adam Scott (Parks & Rec) and Michaela Watkins (Causal) there will be plenty of laughs and obscure literary games…Pin the Mustache on Hemingway anyone? The evening also features musical performances from Silicon Valley’s Martin Starr and harpist Lucinda Belle. Get more information on discount tickets via Goldstar.

34. Natural History Museum First First Fridays

Party at The Natural History Museum after-hours, go on guided tours, enjoy scientist led discussions, mingle at the DJ Lounge and rock out to your favorite bands at NHM’s First Fridays. The April 1 installment includes a “In Space No One Can Hear You Emote” discussion, “Stranger Than Foction!”museum tour along with musical performances by Car Seat Headrest and Night Beats.

35. Roaring Twenties Street Jam

Heading over to Los Feliz for a weekend-long celebration of the 1920’s lifestyle with historically themed events including architecture walking tours, Mack Sennett Studios dance party, a fancy gala at the Sowden house, speakeasy nights, dance lessons, and much more. Happening April 1-3.

36. All Space Considered

The Griffith Observatory hosts a monthly forum where some of the most amazing phenomena in the known universe are explained and discussed. It’s called All Space Considered and it takes place on the first Friday of every month. Oh, and it’s free!

37. 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.

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38. Free Day at the Norton Simon Museum 

The Norton Simon Museum is free the first Friday of every month from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Check out the Marcel Duchamp exhibit 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.

39. First Fridays at Venice Beach

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

40. Free Orchestra Concert by the American Youth Symphony at UCLA

The American Youth Symphony has been presenting extraordinary free concerts at UCLA’s Royce Hall for over 50 years. The next installment will take place this Friday at 7:30pm as part of their 2016 Gala Concert. Reserve your free spot here.

41. 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.

42. Broadway in Leimert Park

From Ella and Dizzy to Holiday and Sinatra and beyond, celebrate National Jazz Appreciation Month in April with a lineup of fantastic tributes to all the greats. Broadway in Leimert Park will run April 1-24. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

43. The JASHFESHT Comedy & Music Festival in Palm Desert 

The weekend destination comedy festival will take place from April 1-3, 2016 with Sarah Silverman, Michael Cera, Reggie Watts, Tim & Eric and more headlining, also a special 4 hour and 20 minute Getting Doug With High marathon, with performances from bands like YACHT and Blonde Redhead. See the full schedule here: http://www.jashfesht.com/schedule/


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