Posted by 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 (April 29 to May 1) includes the Malibu Guitar Festival, a street fair in WeHo, the LA Bacon Festival, Dapper Day at Disneyland, a VegFest LA 2016, and much more.
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So grab some friends or go at it alone, but most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself!
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[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 April 29th, 2016
1. Highland Park Bowl Grand Opening
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. There is sure to be a line to get in this weekend as Highland Park Bowl is one of the most anticipated openings of the year.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers Friday Night Fireworks
Nothing beats catching a game beneath the stars especially with our beloved Dodgers . After the final out is called, the lights will go down and guests can actually go on to the field for a spectacular fireworks show. This weekend the Dodgers are up against the San Diego Padres, and our friends at Goldstar have discount tickets while supplies last!
3. Malibu Guitar Festival
The Malibu Guitar Festival is a four-day concert series taking over multiple locations in the city starting Thursday April 28. Expect performances by Grammy-nominated artists Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Robert Randolph, deemed by Rolling Stone magazine’s as one of greatest guitar players of all time. The series opens with a fundraiser followed by performances and concludes with a guitar brunch and art exhibit.
4. Upland Lemon Festival
The annual Lemon Festival has been an Upland tradition since 1997. For 2016 the three-day event will offer a bevy of fun activities including a”Lemon Idol” singing contest, food competitions, carnival rides, games, and more.
5. Ghost Hunt With an Expert on the Queen Mary’s Haunted Ship
The Queen Mary is a famously haunted ship and have been the site of numerous paranormal investigations. Now you can embark on your own thanks to ParaXplorer Project founder Matthew Schulz, who’ll lead you into the ship’s most haunted locations, including areas not open to the public. Seek out restless spirits in the infamous First Class Swimming Pool, Engine Room, R Deck-Forward, Isolation Ward and Wheelhouse. Guest will get to use a handheld monitoring equipment to record evidence of the supernatural. Keep your eyes and ears you might just spot former crew and passengers lingering aboard the Queen Mary. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
6. Chicago at The Pantages
Staring Grammy award winner Brandy Norwood and former professional football player Eddie George the Hollywood production of the smash hit Chicago will set the stage on fire with its dazzling cast of performers and unforgettable songs and dance numbers that includ “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango” and many more. Get more information and discount tickets for this week via Goldstar.
7. Sip Cocktails, See The Sights With The Historic Hollywood: Stars & Bars Gang!
Get a taste of Old Hollywood and sip on classic cocktails as an awesome guide share history tidbits, celebrity stories and more on Urban Adventures tour of Historic Hollywood. For more information and discount tickets check out our friends at Goldstar.
8. Fashion Industries Guild Charity Sale: Cooper Building
Stop by mezzanine 3 at the Cooper Building this Friday (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) for an epic sale, enjoy major markdowns on clothing, footwear, bags, and accessories from brands like DVF, Velvet by Graham & Spencer, Current/Elliott,Chan Luu, Joie and more during the two-day charity sample sale hosted by the Fashion Industries Guild.
Location: 201 S. Anderson St. Los Angeles, CA 90033
9. Fernando Darin Appointed Executive Chef at Ray’s and Stark Bar at LACMA Ushers in a New Menu
Executive Chef Fernando Darin takes a art-centric approach to the menu at Ray’s located on the grounds of LACMA. Darin was the former Executive Chef at the Hollywood Bowl’s Wine Bar which featured a tapas style menu. For Ray’s he will take advantage of the seasonal bounty of California sourcing fresh herbs and vegetables from the restaurant’s on-site garden. Expect delightful dishes like Caponata Eggplant, Black Kale Grapefruit Salad, Spanish Octopus Romesco and Black Sea Bass as well as a new drink program.
10. First Annual International Film Festival North Hollywood
Celebrate the art of filmmaking at the first annual International Film Festival North Hollywood. This year they will shine a spotlight on topics about food, music, and dance. Expect films from some of the best emerging filmmakers around the globe. The four day and four nights event will run April 28-May 1.
11. Pasadena Restaurant Week
The 5th Annual Pasadena Restaurant Week will take place April 24-29 and will feature over 40 restaurants in the city’s burgeoning food scene. All participating restaurants will offer prix-fixe lunches and/or dinners at a specially discounted price.
12. Bailey Blue Sample Sale
Happening from 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. score dresses, skirts, and tops for $9 at the Bailey Blue one day sale.
Location: 1850 E 15th St Unit B Los Angeles, CA 90021
13. 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.
14. Escape Reality at Magicopolis
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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.
15. TCM Classic Film Festival
The TCM Classic Film Festival brings iconic films back onto the big screen from April 28 – May 1. A 40th-anniversary screening of All the President’s Men will kick off of festivities and black-and-white dramas, Sci-Fi films, shorts and even some surprising 90’s films like Boyz n the Hood will follow through out the festival.
16. Edie Parker Sample Sale
Shop the luxury label Edie Parker’s colorful clutches this Friday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., score coveted items for $300 to $500.
Location: 860 S Los Angeles St Los Angeles, CA 90014
17. Clifton’s at Night
Clifton’s at Night hosts a regular programmed events series every month, this week come see Marquis and The Rhythm Howlers, deejays Dave Hernandez and Little Red, burlesque performers Auberon Shull, Amber Marie, and Charlotte Chau-Pech.
18. Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week
Long Beach Restaurant Week is a 9-day annual event (April 23-May1) featuring restaurants from twelve neighborhoods throughout the city hosting a variety of food and drink specials. This is a good time to explore the diverse cuisines that Long Beach has to offers while taking advantage of the discounts being offered.
19. The Jungle Book at The El Capitan
Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre presents a very special engagement of the all new live-action film The Jungle Book playing April 15 – May 1, 2016, in Dolby Vision 3D and Dolby Atmos. Guests will be treated to a performance by The Side Street Strutters Jazz Band,playing classic Sherman Brothers music live on stage before the movie. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
20. Rachel Pally Warehouse Sale
Rachel Pally is hosting a warehouse sale this weekend. The brand is offering 60 – 75% off retail prices of Holiday & Resort collections from contemporary and white label. Shop a plethora of maxi dresses, skirts and separates in vibrant prints and colors just in time for spring and summer. Sale runs Friday (April 29) and Saturday (April 30) from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday (May 1) from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
21. Free Museum Day at The Long Beach Museum Of Art
The Long Beach Museum of Art is free every Friday!
22. Red Hot Benefit + Quinceanera with Will Ferrell and Chad Smith
Will Ferrell and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers are hosting a mind boggling one night only event this Friday at the Shrine Auditorium. It’s a comedy show, music show and Quinceanera all jammed into one evening. Expect music from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Devo, comedians Jim Gaffigan, Nick Offerman and more. The proceeds will go to benefit Cancer for College and Flea’s nonprofit Silverlake Conservatory of Music.
Saturday April 30th, 2016
23. A Street Af(fair)
West Hollywood’s Design District will host it’s first street festival, A Street Af(Fair). This over-the-top outdoor design marketplace will be presented in partnership with Parachute Market and will display the Design District’s most fashionable vendors in a California glam setting that is unique only to West Hollywood. Following the theme of ‘East Meets West’, the festival will feature live music and gourmet food everything will take place on North Almont Drive between Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. This event is free and open to the public.
24. Photo Independent Art Fair
Photo Independent returns to Hollywood’s Raleigh Studios. The annual independent photography showcase provides a forum for ideas and networking among photographers, collectors and art professionals. Discover and invest in established and emerging photographers alike. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
25. 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 play two shows this weekend. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
26. Charles Bukowski’s Los Angeles Bus Tour
Named, Haunts of a Dirty Old Man is a fascinating four-hour guided bus tour by the folks at Esoteric Bus Adventures taking you to Charles Bukowski’s favorite L.A. haunts. See where the literary giant lived, worked and drank, visit the DTLA postal sorting facility he writes about in Post Office, the De Longpre apartment he once lived in, The Pink Elephant liquor store and much more. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
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?. Head down this Escape Room experience in Burbank with a couple of your smartest friends to see if you have what it takes! Get more information and discount tickets for this weekend via Goldstar.
28. Spring 2016 Dapper Day
This FREE all-ages expo happening April 30-May 1 takes place at the Disneyland Resort. Guests will find a number of activities throughout the hotel and amusement park that include a men’s hair cuts and shaves station and dance presentations accompanied by dance classes. There’s also a Spring Outing inside of Disneyland on Sunday.
29. La Bulla: A Lucha Libre Experience
An art exhibit, live Lucha Libre matches and a concert will be thrown into one night to benefit the Plaza de la Raza in East L.A. General admission costs $25, while VIP admission costs $50 and get’s you two drink tickets, a designated bar and no lines. This is a 21+ event.
30. 2016 Vintage Fashion Expo
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Browse through dozens of vintage fashion vendors at the Vintage Fashion Expo happening at The Reef in DTLA this weekend.
31. Spring 2016 Jackalope Art & Craft Fair
Come hang at Old Pasadena’s Central Park for the Jackalope Arts & Craft Fair, a huge two day public art fair featuring local, curated and hand-selected artisans, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts offering a massive array of indie goods, jewelry, ceramics, housewares, art, photography, and other home-decor items.
32. 7th Annual Unique LA Spring Show
Deemed the largest independent design show in the country, Unique LA is a place where guests get to meet and shop directly from hundreds of designers and artists during a span of two-days. Admission cost $10 and allows unlimited reentry for both days. If you are 21+ you”ll score free cocktails, the show will also feature a number of L.A. restaurants and food trucks with food for purchase.
33. Apt2B Warehouse Sample Sale
Mid century modern online retailer Apt2B is having its annual furniture sample sale event this weekend, Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at their warehouse in North Hollywood. Expect steep discounts up to 70%, gifts, and prizes at the massive sale this weekend.
Location: 7300 Fulton Ave, North Hollywood 91605
34. Great L.A. River Clean Up
Volunteer for the Los Angeles River’s 27th annual clean up event this Saturday. Choose from 15 sites along the river to do your part.
35. International Tiki Market Place
Come down to Sunset Beach this Saturday from 10:00am-3:00pm and score some tiki goods. Admission is $10 and comes with a voucher for food & drink. Happening down at Don The Beachcomber.
36. SOL Cocina Playa Vista Launches Weekend Brunch
SOL Cocina Playa Vista launches weekend brunch beginning this Saturday. Expect Baja street flavors in their Chilaquiles Verde, Huevos Rancheros, Chorizo & Potato Scramble and much more. There’s even a kids menu for brunch and a weekend drink program serving frozen mimosas and Greyhounds with fresh-squeezed grapefruit.
37. SURPRISE! With Rob & Sofiya
Its the comedy duo’s first out door show of the year. Come hangout at a sweet yard, with some amazing comics, enjoy cocktails, a fire pit, and a jacuzzi! Past performers include Demetri Martin, Ron Funches, Cameron Esposito and Guy Branum.
38. Earth Day 2016 in Uptown Whittier
Learn how to have a healthier life style and greener city during Uptown Whittier’s Earth Day event. This family friendly event will host a number of activities, arts & crafts, and more for free this Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
39. Solo Show by Market Price [MP] Bird Flew
Artist Market Price [MP] opens Bird Flew, a two-story exhibition space that will be open 24 hours a day for the duration of the show (May 8) the public is encouraged to drop in at will. All works are done in Oil or Oil and Acrylic on Canvas or Linen, and is built around one of the artist’s best known works “Bird in the Hand.”
40. One Colorado Spring Swing Social, with Swing lessons
Get Social at One Colorado in Pasadena during their Spring Swing Social, there will be swing lessons, live music from The Leftover Cuties and plenty of wholesome good fun.
41. Splash Arts Event in DTLA
Splash is a bi-annual art event that invites you to indulge in your senses. The event weaves together a mix of visual, audio, dance worthy sound waves, and gastro-centric artists based in Los Angeles. Created to exhibit and nurture the arts movement in Los Angeles this event will host 15+ artists, including some interactive art experience and DJs. Free entry with RSVP.
42. Tacos ‘N Beer 5K
A 5K run with tacos and beer sound like a fun time, throw in folks with funky costumes on, and you have yourself one entertaining run. This event starts with a run and ends with tacos, beer and a festival. Silly costumes are encouraged.
43. Green Prize Festival
Long Beach will celebrate Earth Day this Saturday by hosting a free all-ages festival down by the beach at Cesar E Chavez Park. Expect demos by local farms/chefs, live entertainment, local artists, green/eco-friendly services, green speakers, food vendors and much more.
Sunday May 1st, 2016
44. Taste of Eastside Food Festival
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Top restaurants from Los Feliz, Atwater, Echo Park, Downtown and Silver Lake will all be on hand serving tasty treats to food loving guests at the 6th annual Taste of the Eastside food and drink festival this Sunday.
45. VegFest 2016
This totally FREE all-vegan festival features live music, cooking demonstrations, beer & wine garden, over 100 exhibitors and 40 food booths.
46. The LA Bacon Fest
Now in its fourth year, the Los Angeles Bacon Festival is back this May for a pork filled affair at Los Angeles Center Studios in DTLA.
47. VINO-Palooza
The wine and music festival will take place on the waterfront lawn at the Marina del Rey Hotel. Over 60 wines, spirits, craft beers and small bites will be enjoyed by guests. In addition there will be live acoustic performances by artists that include Yellowcard, Komox (featuring Bryce Soderberg from Lifehouse) and Runaway Saints. The event benefits LA Childerns Hospital.
48. Osawa Debuts a New Spring Specials Menu
Japanese shabu shabu and sushi spot Osawa celebrates it’s third year anniversary with legendary Chef Shigefumi Tachibe by debuting a new spring specials menu that includes: grilled anago (saltwater eel), iwashi sushi (sardine) and whole grilled branzino with a layer of freshly sautéed spinach, bathed in soy lemon butter sauce. Osawa located in Pasadena is open for lunch and dinner.
49. 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.
50. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo for Three Weeks at The Morrison
I guess you can put this under Tax Day celebrations as well. The Morrison Pub in Atwater Village will start their Cinco de Mayo celebrations early, serving special food and drink menus all day now through May 5th.
51. San Gabriel Pop-Up Art Fest
Art, food and culture will fill the historic Mission District on Sunday, at the city’s free Pop-Up Art Fest. Hosted by the City of San Gabriel,the festival will take place in front of the iconic Mission Playhouse from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. and will feature food vendors, pop-up artists, designers and live music. In addition, the event will include a “Sunday Stroll,” where attendees can walk around the corner to the Hayes House and Museum, 546 W Broadway, for a tour of one of the city’s historic landmarks. The event is free and open to the public.
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