Posted by 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, May 2 to Friday, May 6, features FREE Tasti D-Lite for moms, Star Wars Day (May the fourth), Cinco De Mayo in Los Angeles, a Pancakes & Booze Art Show, a Neil Young listening party for First Fridays at NHM, DragCon LA, a public tribute to Prince at LA City Hall, and much more.
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Hope you find the rundown useful and, as always, enjoy your week!
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Monday May 2nd, 2016
1. FREE Tasti D-Lite for Moms All Day Every Monday in May
Tasti D-Lite in Santa Monica is offering free soft serve for all moms on Mondays for the month of May. The SM location is holding a launch party on Monday, May 2 from 3-6 p.m. featuring free 16 oz. soft serves for all moms as well as $2 Tasti cups for kids 12 and under,
2. Highland Park Bowl Now Open
The 1933 Group revitalized L.A.’s oldest bowling alley the Highland Park Bowl and it’s kick ass! Originally established in 1927 during the prohibition era the bowling alley’s historic roots make this one of the most unique spots to bowl in the city. Also their Neapolitan-style pizzas and throw back meets modern drink programs are solid. The Highland Park Bowl is one of the most anticipated openings of the year.
3. Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen at The Virgil
Kurt Braunohler and Kristen Schaal’s Hot Tub With Kurt And Kristen at The Virgil.is one of the most popular weekly variety shows happening on Mondays in Los Angeles.
4. Plan Check’s Six Dollar Signature Deals
Plan Check Fairfax, introduces a new menu called Six Dollar Signatures, aimed to offer exclusive dishes at an approachable price during work hours Monday through Friday. From 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Plan Check will serve one signature menu item for $6 that include some of our favorite like the Plan Check Burger (Mondays), Southern Fried Chicken (Thursdays) and the Pastrami Nosh (Fridays).
5. BritWeek
BritWeek celebrates of all things British from Shakespeare to David Bowie to Brit Artists and Designers. The festival will hosts a number of lectures, parties, performances, and more from April 23 – May 8.
6.Monday Mayhem Game Night at Angel City Brewery
Come on out to Angel City Brewery in DTLA’s Arts District as they host one epic game night that includes 15+ Board Games, 8+ beers on tap, a 3-round cornhole Tournament and one geeky host.
7. BBQ, Blues & Brews Night at Baltaire
Brentwood’s ultra chic steakhouse Baltaire is showcasing their Southern flare with the debut of “BBQ, Blues & Brews,” featuring a new Southern-inspired menu by Executive Chef Travis Strickland. Consider combating the Monday Blues with craft brews, whiskey flights, BBQ and live blues every Monday night.
Tuesday May 3rd, 2016
8. Free Museums This Tuesday
- Kidspace Children’s Museum is free every first Tuesday of the month from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- On every first Tuesday of the month The Natural History Museum is free.
- On the first Tuesday of every month the Page Museum at La Brea Tarpits is free!
9. David Sedaris At Royce Hall
America’s best-selling literary funnyman, David Sedaris will take the stage of UCLA’s Royce Hall for an evening of his captivating and hilarious storytelling this Tuesday.
10. 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 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
11. LACMA Tuesday Matinee Film Series Screens Red River
Every week LACMA screens a classic film, the ongoing Tuesday Matinee film series cost $2 for members and $4 for non members.
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Wednesday May 4th, 2016
12. The May Mix-Off Bartending Competition
Hosted by the Mixing Room at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE, this three-week competition includes bartenders and mixologists from Los Angeles’ most notable bars, restaurants and lounges. The event for Wednesday, May 4 features a bartender meet-and-greet prefaced with a complimentary Liquid Intelligence Mixology Class (6-8 p.m.).
13. Celebrate Star Wars Day with Sci-Fi Authors Panel at The Last Bookstore on May 4
In order to commemorate this important national holiday, The Last Bookstore is hosting a Q&A panel with three science fiction writers. The discussion will focus on all things sci-fi including time travel, teleportation, Star Wars and any other subjects that materialize.
If you want more Star Wars Day related events check out the official website dedicated to this day here.
14. NHRA Motorsports Museum Twilight Cruise
On the first Wednesday of each month the NHRA Motorsports Museum has its Twilight Cruise from 3 p.m. till 8 p.m. Now in it’s 12th year the cruise shows off hundreds of hot rods, customs, and street machines.
15. Shakespearean Burlesque Show
Come out and see the unexpected, a Shakespearean Burlesque show! Happening at The Silver lake Lounge all performers are local men and women from the Los Angeles burlesque scene who also happen to love Shakespeare.
16. Lunchtime Yoga Retreat
Get your sun salutations on in the middle of Downtown in Grand Park! The free yoga class starts at 12:15 p.m. and runs to 1 p.m.
17. Del Frisco’s Grille Santa Monica Hosts “American Wino” Wine Tasting Event
Del Frisco’s Grille welcomes talented author and wine and spirits writer, Dan Dunn, for a unique spin on a classic wine tasting event this Wednesday. The event is in conjunction with the launch of Dunn’s new book, “AMERICAN WINO: A Tale of Reds, Whites, and One Man’s Blues.” For $50 per person, guests will taste a selection of Dunn’s favorite American wines and receive an inside perspective on American winemaking along with food pairings from the Grille’s Chef Tiger and a signed copy of the book.
18. Dinosaurs: Unextinct at the L.A. Zoo
The L.A. Zoo will play host to some prehistoric residents. Come get up close and personal with 17 life-size animatronic dinosaurs some reaching almost 22 feet high and weighing close to 7,000 pounds. Additions to the new exhibit are a Fossil Dig, controllable Stegosaurus, climbable Pachyrhinosaurus, and a free 3-D augmented reality app. Tickets cost $5 the exhibit will run till October 31st.
Thursday May 5th, 2016
19. Lucha Vavoom
Ever heard of the lucha libre? You know, masked wrestlers going to town on each other, riling up the crowd as one gets whackier than the next in order to entertain the fans? Imagine that, plus the world’s best stripteases, comedy, mariachis, music, tamales, and 5 de mayo?! Sounds like the next installment of Lucha VaVOOM!
Want more Cinco de Mayo fun? Check out our full list of Cinco de Mayo things to do.
20. Sci-Fi Fest
The third annual Sci-Fest will take over the ACME Theatre for 15 days ( May 5-19) of one-act science fiction plays featuring faces from fantasy and sci-fi franchises. This year the fest will also feature a Green Screen program showcasing sci-fi themed pilots and screenplays currently in development.
21. 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 for Thursday and Friday’s tour via Goldstar.
22. Throwback Thursdays Screening of Selena
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.
23. Free Museums This Thursday
- The Japanese American National Museum offers free admission from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. every Thursday.
- Every Thursday evening from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. admission is free to both the MOCA on Grand and The Geffen Contemporary.
- The Skirball Cultural Center is free to all every Thursday.
24. Zoë Chicco Fine Jewelry Sample Sale
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Zoë Chicco’s fine jewelry brand is hosting a sample sale (May 5 – 6) in Los Angeles, with 50% off all in stock styles. RSVP for location details at [email protected].
Friday May 6th, 2016
25. Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War in 3D at El Capitan
Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a special engagement of Marvel’s highly anticipated Captain America as the superhero goes head to head with Iron Man in the latest installment of the Avengers franchise. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
26. Pancakes & Booze Art Show
The Pancakes & Booze Art Show returns to Los Angeles for a two-day event May 6-7 featuring 150 artists, live painting, live music, body painting, a FREE photo booth, and a whole lot of free pancakes!
27. Depressed Cake Shop Bake Sale in Santa Monica
Eat some cake and do some good, it’s a win win. Stop by the Depressed Cake Shop Bake Sale (May 6-7) at Streetcraft LA in Santa Monica for an extravagant bake sale with live musical entertainment, art and fashion vendors all coming together to help raise awareness for mental illness and funds to benefit the St. Joseph Center’s Mental Health programs in Venice.
28. RuPaul’s DragCon Opening Night
DragCon LA kicks off with an extravaganza opening night at the Belasco Hotel. Top drag queens including Alyssa Edwards, Jujubee, Kennedy Davenport, Lady Bunny, Raven, Trixie Mattel are are scheduled to perform.
29. The BBQ + Beer Festival in Santa Clarita
Over 45 craft beers will be on tap during Santa Clarita’s two day (May 6-7) BBQ + Beer Festival. Add in some live music, lots of family friendly fun and PLENTY of delicious barbecue to sample. Keep in mind discount tickets may be available for this event while supplies last (via Goldstar).
30. Public Tribute to Prince at L.A. City Hall
Since the passing of Prince the city of Los Angeles has seen many unique tributes to the late artist if you’re looking for one more check out a public memorial hosted by the offices of Mayor Eric Garcetti. The tribute is scheduled to take place this Friday, on the Spring Street steps of the Los Angeles City Hall.
31. Tease, If You Please Burlesque Show
This super sexy and seductive burlesque show aims to transport you back to the golden age of striptease and Gypsy Rose Lee. Staged at Globe Theatre Tease, If You Please spotlights acts from some of the most creative dancers in the business. Get more information and discounted tickets via Goldstar.
32. Free Museums This Friday
- The Norton Simon Museum is free the first Friday of every month from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Pasadena Museum of California Art has free admission from noon – 5 p.m. on the first Friday of every month.
- The Long Beach Museum of Art is free every Friday!
33. 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!
34. 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.
35. 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. This Friday also includes a special listening party with Neil Young which will feature the first public playback of his new album, EARTH.
36. The Hammer Presents AIX Scent Fair
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This three-day experimental scent fair (May 6-8) will include speaking panels, workshops and parties. This is thee place to discovery your favorite scent.
37. Dads in Drag since 1948 and a Sing Along with Darth Vader!
This might be the longest running drag show in L.A. and it comes courtesy of the Verdugo Woodland Elementary Dads Club. The annual “Father’s Follies” is a full on drag show put on during Mother’s day weekend. Expect singing, dancing, wacky fun, and lots of laughs. Every year hundreds of people come out and this year’s theme is Star Wars!
38. 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.
39. Club Tubthump 90s Party
Club TUBTHUMP is bringing the best of the ’90s to Santa Monica with the top rock, grunge and pop hits, along with costume contests, games, themed drink specials and more. Hosted at V Lounge, dancers will be “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” until “Closing Time.” No cover until 11:00pm.
40. Uptown Village Market
Shop local handcrafted gifts at this free two day (May 6-7) crafts market.
41. The Secret Affair 60’s Night at Alex’s Bar
Fan of the 60’s? Get your Motown, soul or 60’s pop on at Alex’s bar in Long Beach where every first Friday is 60’s night. Dressing for the occasion is encouraged but not mandatory.
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