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 Mother’s Day weekend (May 6 to May 8) includes a Prince tribute at City Hall, the Grand Park Bookfest, the 2017 premiers of Eat|See|Hear and Street Food Cinema, the Los Angeles Bicycle Festival, Bird Day LA, Free Comic Book Day, and LOTS 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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Friday May 6th, 2016
1. Captain America: Civil War in 3D at the El Capitan
Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a special engagement of Marvel’s Captain America all weekend long with special pre-show entertainment. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
2. 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 music, body painting and a whole lot of free pancakes.
3. Lucha Vavoom (Mexican Wrestling!)
Watch masked wrestlers going to town on each other, if that isn’t enough entertainment for you, enjoy stripteases, comedy, mariachis, tamales, and more during Lucha VaVOOM!
4. 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.
5. Depressed Cake Shop Bake Sale in Santa Monica
The Depressed Cake Shop Bake Sale (May 6-7) is an extravagant bake sale with live musical entertainment, art and fashion vendors all coming together to help raise awareness for mental illness.
6. RuPaul’s DragCon Opening Night
DragCon LA kicks off with an extravaganza opening night this Friday at the Belasco Hotel. The weekend convention (May 7-8) will feature 100+ vendors and exhibitors, panel discussions, screenings, autographs and more.
7. The Virus: An Immersive Escape Room Experience
Head to Escape Room in Burbank with a couple of your smartest friends to help crack the codes for a cure to a deadly virus. Get more information and discount tickets for this weekend via Goldstar.
8. BBQ + Beer Festival in Santa Clarita
Over 45 craft beers will be on tap during the BBQ + Beer Festival (May 6-7). Act fast discount tickets may still be available for this event while supplies last (via Goldstar).
9. Free Shark Lagoon Nights At The Aquarium of the Pacific
Get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators for FREE during Shark Lagoon Nights.
10 Public Tribute to Prince at L.A. City Hall
A public memorial for Prince will be hosted by the offices of Mayor Eric Garcetti this Friday, on the Spring Street steps of the Los Angeles City Hall.
11. Matisse Shoe Blowout Sale
Thursday through Saturday snag up sandals, heels, boots, and more starting at just $10! The sale organizers recommend that you bring your own shopping bags to carry your goods.
12. Demitasse Roastery & Kitchen Five Course Dinner Series
Every month, Demitasse Roastery & Kitchen in Hollywood hosts a special tasting menu that is seasonal and adventurous. This month items highlighted are escargot, squid, porchetta and plantains artfully paired together with Springs seasonal flavors such as rhubarb, jackfruit and rainbow beets. Reservations can be made through email [email protected] or phone 323.498.5155.
13. Zoë Chicco Fine Jewelry Sample Sale
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].
14. Friday Night Jazz at LACMA
LACMA’s award winning Department of Music Program provides hundreds of free concerts and musical events every year for Angelenos to enjoy. This Friday their jazz series continues at the BP Grand Entrance with Eric Reed Quartet.
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15. 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. Get more information and discounted tickets via Goldstar.
16. 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!
17. All Space Considered
The Griffith Observatory hosts a widely entertaining free forum where some of the most amazing phenomena known to the universe are explained and discussed on the first Friday of each month.
18. The Groundlings: The Completely Different Late Show
This hilarious improv show by the cast of the Groundlings’ Main Company runs on audience suggestions which can get interesting. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
19. 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!
20. The Hammer Presents AIX Scent Fair
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.
21. Dads in Drag since 1948 and a Sing Along with Darth Vader!
“Father’s Follies” might be the longest running drag show in L.A. and it comes courtesy of the Verdugo Woodland Elementary Dads Club this Mother’s Day weekend.
22. James Perse Sample Sale
Score up to 75% off the luxury label’s basics, home goods, accessories, and footwear during the three-day sale.
23. First Fridays at Venice Beach
On the first Friday of the month head down to Abbott Kinney Blvd. in Venice Beach for food trucks, art galleries and shop after hours .
24. 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 drink specials and more. No cover till 11 p.m.
25. Uptown Village Market
Shop local handcrafted gifts at this free two day (May 6-7) crafts market.
Saturday May 7th, 2016
26. Free Comic Book Day
Free Comic Book Day is a annual tradition in which participating comic book and specialty shops across North America and around the world give away free comic books to anyone who comes into their shops. Of course with that comes plenty of events and happenings around our city too.
27. Grand Park Downtown Bookfest
Celebrate independent Los Angeles-based authors and publishers at this year’s annual FREE Downtown Bookfest at Grand Park. Check out a variety of readings and panels on this year’s theme: “Literary LA: Places, Spaces and Faces.”
28. Eat|See|Hear
Eat|See|Hear is back with a screening of Dirty Dancing at Santa Monica High School. Be sure to check for discount tickets for this event via Goldstar.
29. Pasadena’s First-Ever Home Brewers Festival
Sample beers created by local Pasadena home brewers, swap stories and brewing tips while eating some delicious food prepared straight from the grill during Pasadena’s very first Home Brewers Fest.
30. Echo Park Craft Fair
Now in its 8th year The Echo Park Craft Fair is a two-day event featuring over 100 artists selling everything from jewelry to clothing, ceramics to weavings, fresh flowers to cold-pressed organic juices.
31. Street Food Cinema
Street Food Cinema premieres for 2016 with a screening of Romeo + Juliet at Exposition Park.
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32. Bird Day LA
To highlight and promote the aspects of natural beauty around L.A., various nonprofits are organizing bird and nature-themed events throughout the city.
33. 3rd Annual Beer, Brats & Books
Spend a day at The Central Library in Pasadena eating, drinking and reading. Craft Beer Kings of El Monte will be on hand with their microbrews, Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ will serve up brats with all the fixings and Nothing Bunt Cakes will provide dessert while “Misplaced Priorities” performs hits from the 70s and 80s.
34. Free Hitchcock Double Feature at Peace Yoga Gallery
Peace Yoga Gallery is hosting a free double feature screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca and The Birds. There will be food and beverages during the screenings.
35. Take an Insider’s Tour Through East Hollywood’s Ethnic Neighborhoods
Thai Town, Little Armenia and Korea Town are filled with great food, shops and culture. For those interested in getting to know these neighborhoods this tour is the perfect introduction. Tour includes food, transportation and more. Get more information on discount tickets via Goldstar.
36. Esotouric Bus Adventures: Eastside Babylon
Esotouric Bus Adventures hosts four-hour luxury coach tours all over Los Angeles. This weekend they are taking on the Eastside. From crime tales of the east side river to catching the Night Stalker in Boyle Heights this tour explores L.A. almost forgotten crimes. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
37. Giant Robot Presents: Through The Woods
Giant Robot 2 presents Through The Woods, a group exhibition with a focus on nature both literal and abstract. Opening reception with the artists takes place this Saturday, at 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
38. Remember My Name
Roger K. Weiss latest comedic play about a woman obsessed with the movie “Fame,” who will stop at nothing to make her Broadway dreams come true despite her lack of talent, training, experience, and support from her football-loving husband premieres at NOHO’s widely entertaining spot Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group.
39. Artillery Magazine May/June Issue Party
Artillery magazine celebrates their 10th year in print with a free party and panel discussion on contemporary feminist art at LACE gallery in Hollywood.
40. Artists & Fleas Venice
Brooklyn-born craft market Artists & Fleas is heading to Venice this month and will feature locally made art, fashion, vintage edibles and beyond. Admission is free
41. DerbyDayLA at Malibu Wines
Grab a hat and head over to a fancy Kentucky Derby Party in Malibu where guest will be treated to a premium open bar, food trucks, live music, horses and much more.
42. Line & Dot Sample Sale
Score some of the L.A. label’s clothing starting from just $10. Cash-only folks!
43. Cartwheel Art Tours + BritWeek
This Urban Adventure Bus Tour is a five hour immersive event providing guests the opportunity to discover, explore and experience British culture in Los Angeles through art and food.
44. Vidiots Annex Screens Woman on the Run
1950’s cult classic Woman on the Run, presented by Flicker Alley and The Film Noir Foundation will be screened at the Vidiots Annex with a Q&A by Film Historian Alan K. Rode to follow.
45. BUST Magazine’s Craftacular
The indie craft fair features 100+ makers selling handmade and vintage goods, beauty products and handmade treats.
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46. Disco Dining Club
Consume everything at Disco Dining Club a night of pure food debauchery featuring a ceremonial lamb roast, open bar and an all you can eat oyster bar.
Sunday May 8th, 2016
47. Mother’s Day in Los Angeles!
This Sunday is Mother’s Day! Be sure to find unique meal ideas and activities for your mom in our handy rundown of 13 Fun Things To Do for Mother’s Day in L.A.
48. Los Angeles Bicycle Festival
Bicycles, beer, art, music and food join forces for the 2016 Los Angeles Bicycle Festival in Grand Park.
49. The Crest Screens PSYCHO
The folks over at The Crest Theatre is showing Hitchcock’s classic, PSYCHO, on the big screen (in digital projection) for Mother’s Day, it’s all in good fun.
50. Go Bowling at Highland Park Bowl
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.
51. 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.
52. Mothers & Masterpieces: Celebrate Mother’s Day at NHMLA (Exposition Park)
Spend the morning with a calming walking through the Nature Garden at The Natural History Museum with mom. After, enjoy complimentary mimosas and pastries before working side by side on painting your own masterpiece! All ages and levels of painters are welcome. Cost: $55 for Adult, $27 Child- 12 and under.
53. Free Museums This Sunday
- It’s pay what you can at the Craft and Folk Art Museum.
- The Museum of Latin American Art is free this Sunday.
- The Pacific Asia Museum is free this Sunday
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