38 Awesome Things To Do This Weekend in L.A. [1-4-2019 to 1-6-2019]

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!).

This weekend, from Friday, January 4 to Sunday, January 6, features All Space Considered, Fun Box Pop Up Museum, Retro City Festival, Yoga Expo, Second City Hollywood Open House, Oshogatsu Family Festival and MUCH more.

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Remember you can always go to our L.A. events calendar page to get an updated rundown of what’s happening around the city.

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

Hello Kitty Cafe
Image via Hello Kitty Cafe Truck on Facebook

Keep in mind that while we retain complete editorial control of our content, for some of the ticketing options provided we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links.

Friday January 4th, 2019

1. The Groundlings Mix Tape is a “best of” show with a limited run of only-seen-once-before sketches. Brought back to life by director Deanna Oliver and her cast of Groundlings and Alumni. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

2. The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s 100th anniversary concerts continue with former Music Director and Maestro Zubin Mehta conducting Brahms’ Third Symphony at Walt Disney Hall in DTLA on Thursday and Friday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

3. Hangout at the Aquarium of the Pacific at night and see sharks, jellyfish and more in a different light. Happening all week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

4. 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. FREE

5. Fun Box Pop Up Museum is an immersive celebration of toys happening January 1 through 6. This interactive museum is open to all ages and offers 24 large-scale installations and exhibits designed by engineers and artists. Check for discounted tickets while supplies last via Goldstar.  DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

6. Art Share will launch a new monthly series inviting guests to discover an eclectic mix of music, poetry, video, performance art, and projection art.

7. Never been to LACMA? First-time Fridays is a new monthly event for new visitors to the museum. Simply let the ticket office know you’re a newbie and you’ll receive a free poster, discounts and a welcome gift. Stop by after 3 pm with a L.A. County residents ID and get free admission.

8. One of L.A.’s most magical holiday traditions, L.A. Zoo Lights returns November 16, 2018 through January 6, 2019 with thousands upon thousands of LED lights illuminating the zoo. This seasonal event runs daily. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

9. Ya Filthy Animals is a pop-up bar inspired by holiday movies including Bad Santa, A Christmas Story, and, of course, Home Alone. Expect themed drinks, photo booths, movie-themed installations, an outdoor ice rink, falling “snow,” a Christmas tree farm, food trucks and a fire pit. Open now till January 6, 2019 on Wednesdays through Sundays. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

10. Celebrate the holiday season during a Queen Mary Christmas (daily Nov. 23 – Jan. 6) The special occasion will see Christmas spirit lining the famous Long Beach vessel including an 80-foot Christmas tree, a variety of holiday activities, an outdoor staking rink, musical performances, a 4D showing of The Polar Express, and dinner shows on select dates. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

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11. It’s First Fridays at The Village in Redondo Beach. Merchants and art galleries will stay open till 8 p.m. and a live performance by Mr. Loop next to the Aloha Bungalow.

12. Since its the first Friday of the month check out all the cool events happening around town including block parties and art walks for First Fridays.

Saturday January 5th, 2019

13. The Retro City Festival comes to the Fairplex on January 5 – 6 for California’s largest display of retro games. Over 70 exhibitors will be on hand to help you add to your gaming collection.

14. The Yoga Expo heads to the Pasadena Convention Center for a full day of workshops, yoga experiences and namastes. Check for discounted tickets while supplies last via Goldstar.  DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

15. Bricks LA at Pasadena Convention Center (Jan. 5-6) will include over 19,000 square feet of custom made models, a play area for kids of all ages (adults included) and vendors selling new, used and vintage LEGO sets.

16. Second City Hollywood will once again host an Open House with free workshops in stand up, improv, acting, writing and singing. There will also be free admission to select shows. Reservations are highly recommend for both workshops and shows. FREE 

17. The Montebello Historical Society will host a Battle of Rio San Gabriel Reenactment this Saturday. Witness American and Californio reenactors battle it out leading up to California’s statehood. Highlights include musket firing demos, living history exhibits, children arts & crafts, live authentic period music and 19th century fandango dancing. FREE

18. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck stops by the Promenade at Downey from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. near the Cinemark Theater. They’ll be serving lots of super cute treats while supplies last.

19. Trek the Palos Verdes Shoreline at Lunada Bay during In the Field with NHM. Led by a team of experts including Dr. Regina Wetzer, Director of Marine Diversity at NHM. Guests will get an inside look at the geological history of the area, identify fossils, check out marine wildlife and more.

20. There’s a Beyonce-themed yoga session happening this Saturday. Your ticket gets you complimentary juice, a cookie  and major chill vibes.

21. Old Pasadena Historical District offers a walking tour every first Saturday of the month.

22. The folks behind the Museum of Failure presents The Disgusting Food Museum (Dec. 9, 2018 through Feb. 17, 2019.) Some of the ‘delicacies’ include maggot infested cheese, bull testicles, and sheep eyeballs. If you’re brave enough, visitors will also get to smell and taste some of the creations at the end of the exhibit over at a tasting bar. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

23. What could be more magical than Christmas in Hogsmeade? Guests to Universal Studios Hollywood will experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in full “winter” splendor, complete with nightly snowfall and a spectacular light show projected against Hogwarts Castle. Note this is the last week for this annual experience. Wizarding World will magically turn back to normal after January 6, 2019.

24. Party With is Los Angeles’ new Instagram-ready experience located at Westfield Santa Anita Mall. Folks can expect 15 premium photogenic installations like an infinity rainbow and a room filled with sparkling disco balls. Party With runs through January 27 and is open Thursdays through Sundays. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

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25. Get fully immersed in the holiday spirit during Winter Fest happening at the OC Fairgrounds from December 20, 2018 through January 6, 2019. A festival of lights, outdoor ice skating, ice tubing, snowfall, a candy wonderland and Santa Claus are just a few of the magical things happening. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

26. The Rink in Downtown Burbank returns for another year of outdoor ice skating for a good cause. Open now through January 6, 2019 the skate rink is just steps away from a plethora of shops and restaurants.

27. There’s a Gilmore Girls experience coming to Warner Brothers Studios. From December 22 through January 6 fans can dine at Lorelai’s and then walk through sets like Lorelai and Rory’s home, the gazebo and town square all from the show.

28 The Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden presents Moonlight Forest, where crafted lanterns line the garden grounds, some depicting animals, shimmering exotic flowers, and figures from Chinese legends. Happening Wednesdays through Sunday. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

29. The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice happening at L.A. LIVE’s Microsoft Square is a daily outdoors holiday skating rink. Open November 10, 2018 through January 6, 2019.

30. The Paley Center for Media celebrates the holidays with family-friendly experience PaleyLand. Guests can enjoy daily screenings of classic holiday TV programs, a Candy Cane Forest , arts and crafts, dreidel games, and free hot cocoa. No reservations are required. Open Wednesdays through Sundays till January 6, 2019. FREE

Sunday January 6th, 2019

31. Celebrate the Year of the Boar at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles during the Oshogatsu Family Festival a day of art, food, dance and more.

32. There’s a Punk Rock Walk at the Rosebowl 3 Mile Loop this Sunday. It’s free to attend and dressing up goth, punk or whatever you feel like is encouraged. FREE

33. 8th Annual Pasadena Cheeseburger Week returns with over 40 restaurants and bars offering special cheeseburger items from January 6-11.

34. Spend the first Sunday of 2019 challenging your fitness during the New Year’s Race. Starting in Grand Park, the race features a 5K and a 10K race with a pre- and post-race festival. Highlights include vendor and sponsor booths, music, live art, food trucks and a beer & wine garden.

35. LA’s adorable cat cafe Crumbs & Whiskers will host yoga this Sunday. Please bring your own mat and water for this one hour session.

36. Friendship Buddies a free stand-up comedy show taking place at the Verdugo Bar back patio features some of the best comics in Los Angeles and beyond. Show starts at 8p.m. FREE

37. Get into the winter spirit when ICE at Santa Monica returns with a 8,000 square foot ice skating rink. Running November 3, 2018 through January 21, 2019.

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38. Free museum day:  Museum of Latin American Art and Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can).

Food Pick for the Week

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsBX1YFhy-I/

This week’s pick by Christina Champlin, Co-Founder of We Like L.A.

Big Softee in Monterey Park is offering soft serve ice cream unlike anywhere else in Los Angeles. HK Milk Tea, Pandan Soy Milk, Black Sesame and Tofu Flower are just a few of the flavors you’ll find at Big Softee. Catering to the large Asian community in San Gabriel Valley, the menu is in both English and Chinese. Keep in mind flavors are seasonal and change every two weeks (giving you a nice excuse to come back for more!). For more details get the skinny on Big Softee here via friend of the blog Kristie Hang.

Big Softee is located at 128 S. Atlantic Blvd. Monterey Park, California.


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