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For the first time in a minute, no wet weather ahead for the coming SoCal weekend. And the cherry on top? A bountiful list of to-dos over the next three days.
From April 19-21 in L.A., choose from the L.A. Times Festival of Books, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Bunka Sai Festival in Torrance, Grand Park Easy Mornings, FOLAR’s Earth Day Extravaganza, Bob Baker Day, CicLAvia on Venice Blvd, and more. Jump into our full weekend guide below, and enjoy!
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Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak at The Skirball – TP > Starting Thursday, The Skirball’s latest exhibition celebrates the artistic legacy of illustrator/author Maurice Sendak, a Jewish-American artist renowned for his beloved children’s books including Where the Wild Things Are. Organized by The Columbus Museum of Art, the exhibition premiered in 2022, marking the first major retrospective of Sendak’s work since his passing in 2012. Comprising over 150 sketches, storyboards, and paintings sourced from The Maurice Sendak Foundation’s collection, Wild Things Are Happening offers a glimpse into Sendak’s creative process and is the largest and most comprehensive showcase of his art to date. Adult admission at Skirball starts at $18, and Thursdays are free. More info here.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: TCM Classic Films Tour -> The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood returns this week with a new TCM Classic Films Tour in partnership with Turner Classic Movies. This tour will take guests through the Golden Age of Hollywood, highlighting iconic movies such as Casablanca, My Fair Lady, and more. Explore parts of the Warner Bros. lot never before seen by guests, including James Dean’s apartment exterior, the Eastwood Scoring Stage, and the Property House filled with over half a million television and movie props. Tour tickets start at $70. More info here.
The Poetry Brothel: Poetic Pleasure Potions -> If the term “word orgy” gets your blood pumping, head to El Cid this Friday for an all out poetry blitz featuring three hours of staged spoken word performances along with out one-on-one private poetry readings, Tarot readings, poetic souvenirs, and a sprinkling of dance and musical performances. GA tickets are $50. Starts at 6:30 p.m. More info here.
TCM Classic Film Festival – M > A four-day slate of classic films shown on the big screen at a range of historic Los Angels theaters, all built around theme of Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film. This year’s lineup includes screenings of The Shawshank Redemption, Chinatown, The Searchers, Silence of the Lambs, Dirty Harry, and many more. Runs Thursday April 18 through Sunday 21. More info here.
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach – M > The annual Acura Grand Prix returns to Long Beach this Friday with three days of racing action, buoyed by lifestyle expo and a variety of activations, including a post-race musical performance on Saturday evening. Single day admission is $40 on Friday, $82 on Saturday, or $87 on Sunday, with three-day packages available for $120. Check the full schedule and get more info here.
Friday Movie Nights – M FA > Ovation Hollywood hosts a monthly Friday Movie Nights screening movies on the big screen in the Center Courtyard. This month they’ll screen Bee Movie. Free to attend, the movie starts at 7pm. More info here.
Magic Market at Heritage Square – M > Do you love fairies, identify as a green witch or just appreciate the magic of spring time? This event is for you! On Saturday head to Heritage Square for a whimsical day at the Magic Market. Attendees can enjoy picnicking on vegan food, shopping for vintage clothes and wares, and engaging in tarot and palm readings, a pet psychic, sound baths, yoga, breath work, and tours of the museum’s historic homes. Tickets cost $11. More info here.
Flowers for Aline at Hollyhock -> Over the next two consecutive weekends (April 18-21, and 25-28), the historic Hollyhock House at Barnsdall Park transforms into a “garden house” featuring 45 fresh-flower works and arrangements by the Sogetsu Ikebana Los Angeles Branch. As a highlight of the temporary exhibition, this Saturday four high-ranking Sogetsu masters and their students will present ikebana demonstrations free to the public in the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre from 2 to 4 p.m. Tours of the house interior start at $7 for adults, and reservations are recommended. More info here.
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LA Times Festival of Books – M FA TP > The 29th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books returns this Saturday and Sunday to the campus of USC this April featuring over book and merchandise exhibitors, a number of outdoor stages and activity areas, expert panels, performances, demos, and more. General admission to the fest is free, with tickets/packages available to attend special panels and events. Starts at 10 a.m. both days. More info here.
Grand Park Easy Mornings – M FA > Grand Park’s Easy Mornings programming returns this April with a pair of Saturday events (April 20 & 27) featuring relaxing, family-friendly activities focused on deepening relationships with self, community, and the park. Both days run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
49th Annual Bunka Sai Festival – FA > The 49th Annual Bunka Sai Festival comes to Torrance this Saturday and Sunday with cultural activities that include performances, demos, tea ceremony and calligraphy lessons. Runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Free to attend. More info here.
Earth Day LA River Cleanup – FA > Join LA Waterkeeper for a family-friendly community cleanup of the L.A. River this Saturday. Help revitalize the riverbanks by clearing away debris. Volunteers will learn about the river’s rich history, participate in water quality tests with LA Waterkeeper, and receive native seed bombs to support local pollinators. Happening near North Atwater Park from 9 to 11 a.m. More info here.
Earth Day Celebration at Roundhouse Aquarium – FA > The Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach is hosting its annual Keep It Green, Keep It Clean Earth Day Celebration this Saturday. The event features hands-on activities promoting sustainable living and marine conservation. Inside and outside the aquarium, activity booths will offer crafts, games, and learning activities. Free to attend but registration is encouraged. More info here.
420 Celebration at The Studio Lounge – FA > Are you about all that smoke? The Studio Lounge (second floor of The Artist Tree in WeHo) is hosting a 420 celebration this Saturday featuring DJ sets, a bong bar, a reefer bar, live music, beverage upgrades, and more. Runs 3 to 10 p.m. Entry is free. More info here.
Birdman at BroadStage -> Four-time GRAMMY® Award winner Antonio Sánchez performs a live soundtrack during a 10th anniversary screening of Birdman at BroadStage, this Saturday. The event also includes a pre-party on the plaza featuring six curated artists from The East LA Comicbook, Art & Pop-culture Expo, a set by DJ Chad Kenney, special photo ops, and bites for purchase from Chicas Tacos. The pre-party starts at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45. More info here.
A Morning at The Theater: Bob Baker Marionettes at Sierra Madre Playhouse -> Experience the timeless magic of puppetry when the Bob Baker Marionettes come to the Sierra Madre Playhouse every Saturday from April 13 to May 11, 2024. See beloved Bob Baker puppets take the stage for captivating performances and enchanting storytelling suitable for audiences of all ages. Tickets cost $10 a person. More info here.
The Autry’s 8th annual Student Visual Arts Exhibition -> On Saturday, The Autry Museum of the American West is hosting its eighth annual Student Visual Arts Exhibition. This event showcases artwork from students and provides an opportunity to celebrate their creativity and talent. There will be an opening reception and awards ceremony for the artists and the public is welcome to view the works from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Renaissance Pleasure Faire -> Ren-Faire enthusiasts can expect over 200+ artisans, merchants, and vendors, plus costume contests, games, rides, a food court and more, all taking place at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area on Saturdays and Sundays through May 19. Adult single-day admission starts at $42. More info here.
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Filled Market – FA > Filipino American pop-up market Filled Market returns on Saturday to the Manila District in Downtown Los Angeles for a big line up of food vendors, indie brands, and artisans. Happening from 11 am to 4 pm the market is free to attend. More info here.
Pickwick Vintage -> This Saturday, the Pickwick Vintage Show is back at ROW DTLA with 50+ vendors/exhibitors showcasing an incredible assortment of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Tickets range from $10-$20 depending on time of entry. More info here.
Bob Baker Day – M FA TP > On Sunday, the 10th annual Bob Baker Day brings a festive carnival atmosphere to Los Angeles State Historic Park, including music, games, and puppets from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. The event is free to attend, but suggested donations of $20 are happily accepted to support the theater’s mission. Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. RSVP is required. More info here.
FOLAR Earth Day Extravangza – FA > Experience an Earth Day Extravaganza on Sunday hosted by Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR). This event offers a day packed with environmental themed festivities and community engagement along the Los Angeles River. Whether exploring the riverbanks, participating in cleanup efforts, or indulging in local food and music, there’s something for everyone at this lively Earth Day celebration. More info here.
CicLAvia Venice Blvd – M FA TP > L.A.’s biggest and longest running open streets initiative heads to Venice Boulevard this Sunday with a car-free course that covers a 5.75 mile stretch connecting Palms, Mar Vista, and Venice. Runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Earth Day at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County – M > NHM invites the public to spend this Sunday enjoying interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and insightful presentations highlighting the marvels of our planet and the significance of conservation efforts. From wildlife encounters to tips on sustainable living, there’s something for all to enjoy. Free with paid admission to the museum. More info here.
Wiggle Waggle Walk -> The 26th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk returns Sunday to help raise funds for the Pasadena Humane Society’s mission to care for animals. This years goal is to raise $250,000 and registration starts at $50 per person. The three-mile route or one-mile morning loop around the Rose Bowl welcomes everyone including dogs and children. Before the walk dogs can take a run through the agility course and humans can explore the vendor fair. More info here.
Healthy Kids Day – FA > The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles hosts their annual Healthy Kids Day: A Day of Play for LA at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum this Sunday. There will be a rock climbing wall, live bands, and representatives from local sports teams. Free to attend. Runs noon to 4 p.m. More info here.
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Smorgasburg Record Fair – FA > On the third Sunday of the month Smorgasburg holds a Record Fair curated by dublab. Dig through vinyl and music merch vendors while eating your way through the any food vendors at this popular weekly affair.
The Plant Sale at MOCA Geffen – M FA > This Sunday, MOCA Geffen welcomes back The Plant Sale for its second year. Organized by artist Alika Cooper, this collaborative event gathers artists and growers from across Los Angeles to showcase and sell plants and related items. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a pop-up from MOCA’s new Sustainable Skillbuilding workshop series. The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
A Korean Gastropub Pop-Up -> Yi Cha, the forthcoming Korean gastropub by Chef Debbie Lee, is hosting pop-up events on Friday nights in the former Bar Moruno space in Silver Lake. Guests can anticipate a sneak peek of the restaurant’s offerings set to debut later this summer, featuring Chef Lee’s signature double fried “KFC” Korean fried chicken accompanied by halmuni garlic sauce and pickled daikon. The menu also boasts Korean Nachos featuring crispy rice cakes, gochu queso, crispy pork belly, and kimchi salsa. Complementing the selection are Kimchee, Coleslaw of the Day, and French Fries. Yi Cha opens its doors at 5pm every Friday on a walk-ins only basis.
Ayara Thai THC Boat Noodles -> Ayara Thai’s Kancha Boat Noodles make a special appearance on the eve of 420. On Friday, April 19, from 5 p.m. until closing, you can order Chef Vanda Asapahu’s meticulously crafted Boat Noodles, featuring a broth enriched with 30 different ingredients, including a subtle infusion of THC. Ayara’s elevated rendition of boat noodles includes lean beef, braised beef, tendon, meatball, and crispy pork rinds, accompanied by a side of house-made CBD-infused chili vinegar, all for $24. Available to enjoy on site or pickup for takeout. Patio seating is first-come, first-served. More info here.
Bottomless Brunch Cocktails at Della Terra LA -> In celebration of National Brunch Month, Della Terra in the Fairfax district is offering an array of bottomless beverage selections available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. The menu includes classic options like the mimosa ($18) or bellinis ($18), the sparkling Cava ($28), or a refreshing Aperol spritz ($20). Alongside the cocktail offerings, Della Terra’s brunch menu features both sweet and savory bites, including Belgian Waffles topped with sweet mascarpone and fresh fruit, Short Rib Benedict, and a Poached Eggs Bruschetta breakfast pizza.
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