43 Awesome Things to do This Weekend in L.A. [2-5-16 to 2-7-16]

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 decided to curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles every week end that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend (February 5 to February 7) includes the return of first Fridays at NHM, an after-hours party at The Music Center, The LA Cookie Con, a Taste of Nigh Market, The San Gabriel Lunar Festival, Ska Wars, and plenty more activities to choose from.

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So grab some friends or go at it alone, but most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself!

[RELATED: The Best Way to Find Discount Events in Los Angeles]

LA Cookie Con
Image via lacookiecon.com

[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!]


Friday February 5th, 2016

1. Sleepless: The Music Center After Hours

On Friday, the Music Center’s after-hours party series returns for 2016 better than ever. It’s called Sleepless and it will feature a huge list of fun activities happening in multiple spaces filled with live DJs, music performances, video installations, sonic sculptures and more. Guest will party until the wee hours of the morning (well, 3:00am at least). Oh yeah, and did I mention it was free and open to the public? Yup, pretty cool.

2. A Sidewalk Food Tour of Downtown Los Angeles

This three-hour walking tour of downtown will guide you through some of the history of the neighborhood while stopping for samples at a selection of culinary hot spots. Bring your appetite! Food tours are scheduled for this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Find discount tickets and more information  via our friends at Goldstar.

3. First Fridays are Back at the Natural History Museum

Party at The Natural History Museum after-hours during First Fridays! The first series will kick off with guided tours, scientist led discussions, a DJ Lounge and musical performances by up and coming bands. Each series has a specific theme and this week it’s “BIG SCREEN, BIGGER SCIENCE.”

4. 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 via Goldstar.

5. 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?) There are only a few discount tickets on Goldstar left, better grab yours soon for this weekend’s performances.

6. 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!

7. Taste of Night Market

From the same team who brought us the 626 Night Market, the Taste of Night Market is a ticketed tasting event that will feature food and drink samples from Southern California Chefs, visual artists, live musicians and cultural performers. The Chinese New Year themed event will take place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on February 5 and 6.

8. KURIOS — Cabinet of Curiosities at Dodgers Stadium

Step into the world of Cirque du Soleil’s KURIOS a place of wonders where your imagination can alter reality. Interested? Get more information and discount tickets on select days this week via Goldstar!

9. Free Day At The Pasadena Museum Of Art

The Pasadena Museum of California Art has free admission for 12:00pm – 5:00pm this Friday.

10. 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.’

11. High Times 2016 SoCal Medical Cannabis Cup

High Times, the world’s leading cannabis media and information business, announces the return of the SoCal Medical Cannabis Cup on February 5-7, more than 30,000 people are expected to attend the cannabis event. The Cannabis Cup will feature live musical performances from top artists including Wiz Khalifa, Method man and Redman, De La Soul and more, in addition there will be expert seminars and exhibits of cannabis products and services for medical and adult-use.

12. Pan African Film and Arts Festival

Established in 1992, The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) is a non-profit dedicated to racial tolerance through the exhibition of film, art and creative expression. This year’s L.A. festival will happen over a span of 11 days and will feature hundreds of new films plus numerous special events and panels.

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13. 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.

14. Screening of Sicario followed by Q&A with Cinematographer Roger Deakins

Vidiots Foundation is proud to present an evening with Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins, along with a screening of Sicario, on Friday at 7:00pm. Grab your tickets on the Vidiots site.

15. Free Museum Day at The Long Beach Museum Of Art

The Long Beach Museum of Art is free every Friday!

16. Tour and Taste at Hollywood’s Hot Restaurants & Famous Sights

This four hour tour of the sites and taste of what Hollywood has to offer will take you to The Roosevelt Hollywood to the iconic Capital Records and even Melrose avenue. You will make several stops at some of Los Angeles’ most talked-about restaurants for a variety of savory and sweet tastings. Get more information and discounted tickets via Goldstar. Bon appetit!

17. 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.

18. The Peanuts Gallery: A Charlie Brown Themed Art Show

Come check out over 100 artists from around the global interpret the classic characters of the Peanuts Gang in a way you’ve never seen before. Burning Buns food truck will be there and complimentary refreshments will be served. The opening reception starts at 8:00pm.

Location: Nerdist Showroom at Meltdown Comics 7522 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046

19. Free Night At The Norton Simon

The Norton Simon Museum has free admission the first Friday of every month from 5:00pm to close.

20. From Berlin to LA

From Berlin to LA is a two-day event taking place across several LA venues and will showcase the growing bond between electronic musicians in Berlin and LA. All events are free to the public. RSVP to events, workshops, shows and after parties here.

21. The Farriers Package at Santa Anita

Wh y not spend a day at the races with a package that includes admission to the races, box seating and a racing program, along with a pint of local craft beer from the Farriers bar. Get more info and discounted tickets via Goldstar.

22. 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.

Saturday February 6th, 2016

23. LA Cookie Con

The LA Cookie Con will take over the L.A. Convention Center for two days (February 6-7, 2016) and promises to be bigger and better than last years sold out event. This year LA Cookie Con will have three times the space with access to hundreds of samples with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options too. Guest will also have the opportunity to learn from TV and blog personalities through special talks, demos, panels and more. Grab your tickets soon before they sell out. We Like L.A. will be there on Saturday so say hi!

24. Museum of Neon Art Grand Opening 

Head to Glendale on February 6 to celebrate the grand opening of the new digs for the Museum of Neon Art. The ticketed event will include desserts, an open bar and performances by Neon Hunter Collective, Lightening String Quartet and Lou Mannick.

25. Unlimited Pizza and a Beer at Prova Pizza

Prova Pizza in West Hollywood celebrates its first birthday this Satruday, and they’re inviting you to enjoy as many slices of their pizza possible. In collaboration with the LA Pizza Society (yes we have a society just for pizza), the ticketed event costs $23 and includes a beer happening between the hours of 3:00pm – 5:00pm.

26. Geeks In Love Craft Faire

FREE and open to all-ages this arts & craft fair put on by Whimsic Alley in Burbank, will be all themed out in love and Valentine’s Day stuff. So if you’re in the mood for the fuzzy feelings and supporting small businesses come on down this weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am – 6:00pm and do some shopping.

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27. Grip The Mat LA Launch: Soul & Spirits

DC-based pop-up yoga events company, Grip The Mat is coming to L.A. for the first time (more to come in the year) this Saturday. Join GTM from 1:00pm – 3:00pm as they host their signature Soul & Spirits event at Couture in Hollywood which will include an hour of blacklight mixed-level yoga paired with paired with a social hour featuring Health-Ade Kombucha inspired cocktails and KIND bars.  GTM events are held in different locations, one in which yoga has never been practiced before like mansions, warehouses, rooftops, art galleries, and other exotic locations. The mission is to create an authentic experience that promotes wellness and balance by taking attendees out of their minds and into their breath. Doors open at 12:30pm, yoga is at 1:00pm and social hour starts at 2:00pm.

28. 2nd Annual San Gabriel Lunar New Year Festival

Celebrate the Year of the Monkey at this free all-ages festival taking place in the historic Mission District of San Gabriel. Stop by 11:00 am – 11:00 pm and enjoy shopping, food booths and food trucks, games and crafts, a kids’ zone and live entertainment throughout the day on the outdoor stage and inside the beautiful Mission Playhouse. The event will kick off with a traditional lion and dragon dance and opening remarks by elected officials.

29. 12th Annual Belmont Shore Chocolate Festival

The Belmont Shore Chocolate Festival features a bounty of chocolate sampling, a chocolate dessert contest, cake walk, and pie-eating contests. Plenty of restaurants will line up 2nd street in Long Beach for your sampling pleasure. The block party is completely free to attend and guests can purchase booklets of 12 tickets for $10 on the day of the festival to exchange for various food and drink samples from participating businesses. Event runs from 12:00pm – 4:00pm.

The U.S. Premiere of WordTheatre’s “And All That Jazz…” In Honor of Black History Month

To honor Black History Month, Forest Lawn Memorial Parks presents the U.S. debut of WordTheatre’s highly acclaimed original production of “And All That Jazz…,” featuring stories from the rich history of jazz brought to life in an inspiring evening of music, song, fiction, poetry, and memoir. This one-night-only performance is free and open to the public this Saturday with a 6:00pm reception and a  7:00pm — 9:00pm show, at the Hall of Liberty at Forest.

30. Long Beach Mardi Gras

Shoreline Village in Long Beach will host a weekend long Mardi Gras party with music, art, activities, entertainment, dance, parades, and more. Free to attend for all ages. Happening from 12:00pm – 6:00pm, February 6 and 7.

31. Swagger Like Us, Queer Hip-Hop Dance Party

Swagger Like Us, is a global queer hip-hop dance party that brings together over a thousand people at each event. The L.A. edition will take place at Los Globos. Tickets are $10 at the door.

32. 8th Annual Los Angeles Ska Wars

Ska fan? This Saturday in East Los Angeles is your day! Come down to Lincoln Park for an all-ages ska festival featuring over 25 bands across two stages. Headlining this year is the legendary ska band The Toasters. Tickets to this festival cost $24 presale and $30 at the door. Happening 1:00pm – 10:00pm at Plaza de la Raza in Los Angeles.

33. GD Bro Burger’s Grand Opening

GD Bro Burger’s second location lands in Signal Hills! Their Grand Opening takes place Saturday at noon where the first 50 customers that day will get some “cool free swag”.

Location: 1798 E. Willow St, Suite B in Signal Hill

34. 2016 Bock Fest

Bock is a beer that originates from Germany, it’s brewed in a way that’s full of flavor and high in alcohol (a win win!) so a festival dedicated to this wonderful brew is well deserved! In addition other German beers and microbrews will serving some amazing craft beers as well. Local restaurants, like Pink’s Hot Dogs, will also serve food to those looking to soak up the brews. Admission is $55 and attendees receive three hours of unlimited beer pours, plus a souvenir glass as a keepsake. If you upgrade to VIP for $95 and gain any extra hour of entertainment and drinks.

35. Dane Cook, Marc Maron, Adam Hunter & More Play the Comedy Store

Dane Cook and friends will be doing stand-up in the main room at L.A.’s legendary Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip. Comedy by WTF podcast star Marc Maron, Season 6 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing finalist Adam Hunter, local funnyman Brian Monarch and YouTube personality Mark Ellis of Schmoes Know will also be on the bill. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

Sunday February 7th, 2016

36. Ranger Ernie Hikes

Ranger Ernie leads a 6-mile moderate hike to Rattlesnake Trail in Griffith Park on Sunday morning.

37. Competitive Drinking Film League presents 10 Drinks I Drank About You

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After the big game (Superbowl) is done partake in The Competitive Drinking Film League’s (CDFL) 10 Drinks I Drank About You! Are you Team Cat? Team Padua? or Team Patrick? Win free beer by competing in the Inebriated Challenge. The organizers promise a very special surprise “That will blow your f*cking mind!” and claim “This may be the biggest show in CDFL history!” Intrigued? Come out and there’s no cover so you really don’t have an excuse. $5 craft beer and free popcorn sweeten the deal. Doors open at 8:00pm, movie starts at 9:00pm.

38. Esotouric The South L.A. Road Trip: Hot Rods, Adobes, Googie & Early Modernism

Join Esotouric for a day of exploring the architecture and history of some of South L.A.’s rarely seen historic neighborhoods. The four-hour bus tour begins downtown and works its way south through Vernon, Bell Gardens, Santa Fe Springs and Downey, and through the past two centuries, exploring some of L.A.’s seldom-seen gems. There are only a few discounted tickets left on Goldstar so snag them before they sell out, you can always check the official Esotouric for additional tickets.

39. Pay What You Can Day At Craft And Folk Art Museum

Every Sunday it’s pay what you can day at the Craft and Folk Art Museum.

40. Le Salon de Musiques

Known for it’s warm and interactive stage-free musical experience, Le Salon de Musiques features chamber music in an intimate environment on the fifth floor of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The concert pays homage to Franz Schubert with a program of exquisite works for strings, voice and piano. Hear them performed by David Castillo (baritone), Johnny Lee (violin), John Walz (cello) and Francois Chouchan (piano). Kristi Brown-Montesano (Le Salon de Musiques’s musicologist), will be on hand to introduce and give context to each work, after the performances there will be a Q&A with musicians, as well as a Champagne and a gourmet high-tea buffet catered by Patina. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.

41. SKIN at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery

The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery presents a powerful and provocative exhibition called SKIN focused on addressing issues in race relations in current time. SKIN’s mission is to use art as a vehicle to bring an important conversation to light. Works by notable artists such as Kara Walker, Nery Gabriel Lemus and Ken Gonzalez Day, the show promises to be a visual feast with its size and scale, mixed media artworks and powerful content. The exhibition runs from February 7 to April 17, 2016 at LAMAG (4800 Hollywood Blvd.)

42. Free Day At Museum of Latin American Art

The Museum of Latin American Art has free admission every Sunday!

43. Superbowl Sunday in L.A.

A bunch of Super Bowl parties are happening in Los Angeles. Check out our picks on where to watch the game in and around the city.


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Have an upcoming event you’d like suggest for listing? Drop us a line at [email protected].

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