Weekend

First Fridays at The Natural History Museum
The theme for First Fridays 2016 is “BIG SCREEN, BIGGER SCIENCE.”  We may not remember high school science, but what we know for sure is the Death Star is not a planet, DeLoreans were perfect for time travel, and bringing back dinosaurs is not such a great idea. Movies have become more dependent upon science to tell their stories. So, how much science is there in science fiction? This season of First Fridays is a combo of science and fiction. Scientists and filmmakers will discuss the good, the bad and the ridiculous in film — and how Hollywood continues to inspire the next frontier of science exploration. For the discussion format, they welcome longtime Los Angeles Times journalist, author and Emmy-winning public television and radio host, Patt Morrison. The new discussion format will include multiple speakers, film clips, and lively discussion between speakers and host. The resident KCRW DJ, all season, is Aaron Byrd. Guest KCRW DJs will appear throughout the season as well. Event capacity is limited. Purchase tickets online, only a limited number of tickets will be available at the door. $18, Free/members; Friday, 5-10 pm; 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90007; 213.763.DINO

The Museum of Neon Grand Opening Party
What’s better than a party? A grand-opening party of a museum! There’ll be an open bar, desserts and a bunch of live bands. Plus, it’s all about the neon here, so check out th glowing signs shaped like objects and spelling out words. $50; Saturday, 7-10 pm; 216 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA; 213.489.9918

Sleepless: The Music Center After Hours
This party is so up my alley. Being an insomniac has its benefits. Join in an after-hours event full of art that will appeal to all the senses. The Music Center will take walk-ins at midnight, when you can listen to DJs, try pillow screen printing, check out a shadow puppet cityscape, light and sound installations, and “furniture music.” Free; Friday, 11:30 pm-3 am; Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA; 213.972.0711

Midnight Chinese New Year Celebration
Ring in the Chinese New Year to bring some luck into your life. Chinese The year of the monkey will be celebrated at the Thien Hau Temple in Chinatown for a Midnight Temple Ceremony. Spread some good karma as you awaken Chinese spirits with Lion Dancers, Firecrackers, and Monks. Free; Sunday, 7-10 pm; Thien Hau Temple, 756 N. Yale St, Los Angeles, CA

Chindian Sunday Supper Series
Acclaimed Chef and Owner Akasha Richmond of AKASHA and Sāmbār in Culver City, CA, announces the launch of a “Chindian”Sunday Supper Series kicking off with a Chinese New Year special menu. The Indian-Chinese fare, known as “Chindian,” was developed by the Hakka Chinese community that has lived in Kolkata, India for more than a century. The evolution of this popular hybrid cuisine has found its way into the culinary subculture of India, and been described as “Chinese Soul Food,” for the comforting way the style of cooking blends the flavors and techniques of Chinese and Indian food. The Chinese New Year menu specials that will be offered will feature Vindaloo Roasted Pork Buns, Tibetan Pork and Cabbage Dumplings, and Turmeric Roasted Whole Trout. The ongoing menu for Chindian Sundays at Sambar will change weekly, but may include: Masala Roasted Chicken Buns with mango chutney, cucumber, scallions; Manchurian Cauliflower Fritters with a ginger-chile-chutney sauce; Vegetable Spring Rolls with bean mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, cabbage & ginger malabar hot sauce & tamarind-soy dipping sauce; Steak & Broccoli; and Shrimp or Tofu Hakka Noodles with bean sprouts, carrots, boy choy, snow peas. (Prices range $7 – $20). Sunday through February 11 (weekdays only); 9531 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA. 90232

Bock Fest
Bock Fest features the best beers from all over the world. Some of the worlds unique brewers come together for a beer festival featuring the best winter brews. Your ticket benefits the Chill Foundation and the LA Police Foundation. $55+; Saturday, 1-4 pm; Olympic Collection, 11301 Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

From Berlin to LA
From Berlin to LA is a two-day event taking place in several LA venues that was initiated by Your Mom’s Agency in Berlin in partnership with the Goethe-Institut LA, Raumfeld and Bold LA. It showcases the growing bond between electronic musicians in Berlin and LA – a bond that goes beyond touring on both sides as musicians exchange scene and tech intel, and absorb each other’s culture. From Berlin to LA brings together electronic music enthusiasts of different horizons and ages and includes panels and workshops about DJing or digital production, projections, live shows and DJ sets with a new tech twist and an old-school flair. All events showcase Berlin or Berlin-influenced electronic music ranging from electronica new beats, to house, techno and experimental. Free; Various venues; RSVP here

Los Angeles Club Crawl
This recurring event gets you past the velvet rope with no cover at four LA clubs over the course of a night. It’s the largest and longest running Club Crawl in Los Angeles and they will guide you to four of the newest and best bars and clubs DTLA has to offer. No cover charges and no waiting in lines as Club Crawl hosts escort groups straight in at each venue. It’s an amazing, stress free night all about making new friends and discovering why DTLA is the place to be. $30; Saturday, 9:30 pm; Mr. Fish, 448 S Hill, Los Angeles, CA

626 Night Market
The now-ticketed event brings in new vendors and entertainment to the mix. 626 Night Market is changing up how they do things because of intensely packed crowds at their events in Los Angeles and the OC. The new format called Taste of Night Market, is meant to bring out the Westside out of their bubble with the promise of guaranteed food via a ticketing system, rather than the cheaper pay-per-vendor model from before. Unlike previous 626 Night Markets you aren’t paying just to get in and pay for the food. Instead this is a ticketed event with sample-sized bites from past vendors, as well as newer options like Brazilian street food from Marina Chung. There’s also more live music and entertainment. $65/Friday, $75/Saturday, (VIP options available); Friday & Saturday; Barker hanger, 3021 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310.390.9071

Little Dom’s Celebrates Mardi Gras
A New Orleans native, Chef Brandon Boudet is bringing the flavors of Mardi Gras to his Los Feliz restaurant Little Dom’s. Little Dom’s will celebrate with a dinner menu including: Boudin Balls-1 oz. fried balls made of ground pork, ground liver, garlic, onions, celery, green pepper & green onions, mixed with long grain rice & Cajun seasoning; Catfish alla Middendorf’s-4oz of catfish dredged in buttermilk & corn flour, served with homemade hot sauce; Jambalaya with chicken, andouille sausage, bacon, shrimp, celery, garlic, onion, green peppers, tomatoes & green onions; Red Beans & Rice with andouille sausage, smoked ham hocks & creole seasoning and topped with more grilled andouille & green onions; Gumbo with Chicken, andouille sausage & shrimp, served over rice; Roast Beef Po’boy with lettuce, tomato & spicy mayo; Soft Shell Crab Po’boy; Bread Pudding with apples, sautéed in butter & cinnamon, sprinkled with golden raisin; Beignets with powdered sugar & raspberry sauce; and King Cake decorated with the colors of Mardi Gras. A “Baby” (small doll or bean) is hidden inside the cake. Saturday through Tuesday; 2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323.661.0055

Officine BRERA Opens
From Matteo Ferdinandi, Francine Diamond-Ferdinandi and Chef Angelo Auriana, Officine BRERA is a historically inspired, contemporary workshop crafting authentic Italian cuisine. Under the direction of Executive Chef Angelo Auriana, Officine BRERA offers dinner, serving customary Northern Italian dishes in a 1920’s warehouse. Drawing inspiration from the Brera district of Milan, Italy, the restaurant features contemporary and industrial elements with brick walls, hot rolled steel dining tables, reclaimed wood flooring, exposed steel beams, and concrete. The main focal point of the restaurant is the exhibition kitchen. Set behind 35 feet of spine glass that features a “line of fire,” you can watch the wood burning grill, wood burning oven and wood burning rotisserie while dining. Officine BRERA’s menu includes tartare, rotisserie fowl and poultry, slow braised hunter style meats, grilled meats, risotto, dry and baked pastas, grilled and oven roasted fish, market-driven vegetables and a separate bar menu. Officine BRERA serves a large selection of wines from Italy, with wine pairings by Sommelier Francine Diamond-Ferdinandi. The restaurant offers a craft beer list as well along with handcrafted cocktails from Bartender/Mixologist Luigi Capasso. In addition to the by the bottle or glass offerings, Officine BRERA allows you to bring in bottles of wine for a $20 corkage fee for the first two bottles and $35 for every bottle thereafter. 1331 E. 6th St, Los Angeles, CA; 213.553.8006

LA Cookie Con and Sweets Show
This Sunday, skip the big game and go for big sweets. Join in hands on cookie decorating classes, baking demos, meet celebrity chefs, and sample hundreds of delicious sweet creations from local and national brands. Plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, too! $50; Saturday & Sunday; LA Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Three Day Rule‘s Apres Ski LA
LA’s hottest matchmaking and events company has teamed up with Flutter, a new, real-time dating app to host…Apres Ski LA! What’s the best part about skiing? Après Ski! And you don’t need a mountain for that. It’s time to dig out your best ski lodge attire, don your mittens and earmuffs, and join Three Day Rule for the biggest party of 2016! Palihouse will be a winter wonderland cool enough outside to wear your fur hoods, but warm enough inside where you can enjoy traditional Après Ski cocktails, with discounted beer, wine, and Ski Bunny Mules until 7P pm, (including a shot-ski!!). Flutter will be giving away prizes and drink tickets. Find attire inspo here. $10-$20; Saturday, 4-8 pm; Palihouse, 8465 Holloway Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Unlimited Pizza… and a Beer
Prova Pizza in West Hollywood is celebrating its first birthday this weekend, and they’re inviting you to enjoy as many slices as humanly possible. The event is put on in collaboration with the LA Pizza Society, the city’s most exclusive pizza society. They eat and learn about pizza at the city’s most acclaimed joints. $23 (includes a beer); Saturday, 3-5 pm; 8729 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Chef Series at Santa Anita Park
The Guest Chef Series returns to the iconic Chandelier Room. Their special guest chef will create their innovative signature dishes to be sampled throughout the afternoon, plus live music from Ryan Cross Trio with special featured artist CJ Emmons! Experience Los Angeles’ innovative dining culture combined with the timeless tradition of Thoroughbred racing at Santa Anita Park. Dress code: To maintain a standard of elegance and sophistication, they request no shorts, t-shirts, sandals or baseball caps. Jeans may not be torn, faded or oversized and should be worn with a collared shirt or blazer. $75 (includes entrance into The Chandelier Room at Santa Anita Park, catered menu from one of LA’s hottest restaurant, one glass of Champagne (offered from noon-1:30 pm), daily Racing Program, wagering Tip Sheet, and classic Thoroughbred Racing); Saturday, 12-5 pm; 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007; 626.574.7223

Tiny Bandit’s Pop-Up Shop
The week-long shopping has tons of cool options to gift your sweetheart (and great stuff for you). Shop Mid-century furniture and accessories by Tornay LA, eclectic mix of home goods from Live Design Studio, greenery from Rolling Greens and flowers from Floral Crush Studio. There’s also clothing and accessories from Apolis and Sol Angeles. Through next Saturday (Monday-Friday, 9 am-6 pm and Saturday, 10 am-6 pm); Wells Fargo Center Plaza, 330 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Super Bowl Events:

Tanzy
Tanzy is offering its “All Day Social Hour” menu consisting of bar bites, assorted cheeses and salumi, along with signature cocktails, affordable beers and wines by the glass served throughout the restaurant and bar area all day. The menu includes: Braised Veal “Riblets”; “Black & Blue” – 5 oz. angus hamburger, caramelized onion, blue cheese, bibb lettuce, brioche roll; Chicken Caesar; Tuscan Kale Salad with blood orange, pine nuts, pickled red onions, black currants, citrus vinaigrette; Crispy Weiser Farms Potatoes with chimichurri; Warm Marinated Olives; and Panna Cotta with Harry’s Berries strawberries, amaretti crumble. Mixologist Adam Seger has also created three signature cocktails for the All Day Social Hour menu, including: The Norma Jean made with Marilyn Monroe strawberry vodka, from scratch strawberry lemonade; The Look Better Naked Margarita made with 100% de agave, Camarena tequila, organic agave, stevia, lime; and Pisco Sangria made with Porton Peruvian brandy, crisp white wine, peaches, plums, ginger, citrus. Signature cocktails are $7, select wines by the glass are $5, and select beers are $4. 10840 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024; 310.307.7004

Bruxie Santa Monica
Celebrate Super Bowl 50 with The Bruxie Bowl. They are serving up two delicious game day specials: Carolina Pulled Pork Bruxie vs. Denver Pulled Pork Poutine. The succulent Carolina Pulled Pork Bruxie is made with slow-roasted pork, Carolina BBQ sauce, melted cheddar and cider slaw for $8.95 or opt for the Denver Pulled Pork Poutine, which is crispy waffle fries topped with slow-roasted pulled pork, cheddar cheese curds, and old fashioned brown gravy for $7.95. End your meal with a real Wisconsin frozen custard sundae like the Liege Waffle Sundae made with caramelized pearl sugar, topped with Belgian chocolate, caramel and peanuts. Sunday, 10 am-9 pm; 1412 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 424.268.9955

Plan Check Kitchen + Bar
Football fanatics can make their way over to LA’s modern American eatery,  Plan Check Kitchen + Bar (Sawtelle, Fairfax, Downtown), where Chef/Partner Ernesto Uchimura will offer bar specials, including: $3 select draft pours, $5 select cocktails, and Pork Belly (Two Ways) Nacho Plate ($12) loaded with tortilla chips, pork belly carnitas, pork belly chorizo, black beans, habanero cheese, jalapenos, guacamole, sour cream, and whole sprigs of cilantro. Sunday

solita Tacos & Margaritas Valencia
This neighborhood Baja-Mexican restaurant will be featuring an extended happy hour with beer and wine for $4-$6 each. Enjoy snacks from Partner and Executive Chef Deborah Schneider, which include creamy Naked Guacamole, crispy trio of Chicken Taquitos topped with guacamole, salsa fresca, cotixa and crema, and taco pairs like the Wood Grilled Chicken,Crispy Fish, Tofu, Oak-Roasted Chicken, Pork Carnitas and Chorizo, Sweet Potato & Black Bean. The Bar will be pouring solita house, frozen and skinny margaritas. Each crafted with 100% blue agave Agavales blanco tequila, the solita House and Frozen Margaritas are shaken up (or blended) with house-made sweet and sour, a splash of fresh orange juice and Triple Sec, while the Skinny Margarita comes with Agavales blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, a touch of agave nectar and a splash of soda. Well Drinks as well as two wines by the glass, Castle Rock Chardonnay andJade Mountain Merlot, are also available during happy hour! Sunday, 11 am-Midnight, Happy Hour from 3:30 pm-Midnight; 24201 Valencia Blvd, Suite 3470, Valencia, CA 91355; 661.291.1399

Spare Tire Kitchen & Tavern
Executive Chef Isaias Peña is serving Super Bowl Beer Pitcher Specials, along with $1 Wings. Choose from draft options of Santa Monica XPA or Angel City Pilsner for $20, Firestone 805 or Ballast Point Longfin Lager for $25 or Lagunitas IPA for $30. Pair that with as many $1 Wings as you can eat! Sunday, 11:30 am-Midnight; 5370 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.525.2618

Venice Whaler
This Super Bowl Sunday, head to where Washington Boulevard meets the sand for a Super Bowl 50 Party. Executive Chef Nick Liberato is serving up a Super Bowl platter, which includes blackberry BBQ ribs, jalapeño poppers and crispy touchdown slaw for just $16. Raise a complimentary drink (must be 21 or older) at 3:30 pm, called the Whiskey Country vs. Moonshine Country Kick-Off Punch, mixed up with Colorado whiskey (in honor of the Denver Broncos), Carolina moonshine (in honor of the Carolina Panthers), spiced pear liqueur, Crème de Mur and lemon juice. New Bar Director Brittini Rae will keep you hydrated during the game with a special Super Bowl Sour crafted with Kappa Pisco, egg whites, lime juice, Peychaud and blood orange bitters for just $8. Sunday, 11 am-2 am; 10 W Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292; 310.821.8737

Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village
The Bar and Lookout Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village offers a special Denver v.s. Carolina game day menu in celebration of football’s biggest game. Executive Chef Jesse Hansen has created Denver Bison Jalapeño Poppers with goat cheese, bacon, and smoked tomato sour cream, that you can pair with a Denver Donkey cocktail made with vodka, ginger liquor, fresh lime, agave, bitters, and soda. Carolina fans can indulge with Carolina Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Carolina-style BBQ sauce and Carolina Sweet Tea cocktail with lemon vodka, peach liquor, honey syrup, lemon bitters, and iced tea. The Big Game will be aired on flat screen TVs throughout The Bar and Lookout Lounge. Sunday, 11 am-11 pm; The Bar and Lookout Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, 2 Dole Dr, Westlake Village, CA 91362

Now Boarding!
Chow down on the Lobos food truck, enjoy the Lombardi cocktail, $4 domestic beers, $6 well drinks, $8 classic cocktails, a photo booth, giveaways, live DJ, and an afterparty! Sunday, 12 pm; 7746 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046; 323.848.8447

Del Frisco’s
They’ve got 60″ big screens on the patios to watch the Panthers take on the Broncos on game day! Watch the kick-off on Superbowl Sunday with fun prizes, food and drink features and more! Get your grub on with game day $10 sandwiches and appetizers, $5 Santa Monica Brew Works drafts and $7 VIP cocktails during the game. Sunday, 3:30 pm;1551 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401; RSVP here; Reserved patio seating: 310.395.7333

The Bungalow
Watch the Super Bowl oceanside in Santa Monica! The Bungalow’s doing a full-on cookout, which means bacon burgers, chili-cheese dogs, and grilled wings so it’s like you’re in your backyard but better and without any clean-up. Sunday; 101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.899.8530

barcito
Enjoy specialty game day bites for $12 each and $5 craft beers. Game day bites include: Chili Cheese Ñoquis, Papas Braised short rib, grilled onions, fried egg, Wings Smoked chili-garlic, remoulade. Sunday, 2-11 pm; 403 W 12th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.415.1821

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern
Watch the big game with a burger and beer special for only $12. It’s America’s best combo with America’s biggest game. Sunday; 6250 Topanga Canyon Blvd #1550, Woodland Hills, CA 91367; 818.369.0005

The Rockefeller
If you want to have your own party, then get to the Rockefeller! The buyout fee is waived for parties of 50+ on a first come, first served basis. They have large flat screen TV’s surrounding the bar! Check out food & drink menus! 1209 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, 310.545.5810; 418-422 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254; 310.372.8467; To reserve: Email events@eatrockefeller.com

Sales:

A Fine Line
Snag samples from the LA label for just $5, $10, or $20. Plus shop discounted jewelry from Love Loud. Friday, 11 am-6 pm, Saturday, 11 am-3 pm; 7578 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Creatures of Comfort
While inventory lasts, save up to 70% on clothing and accessories from the store’s own brand as well as pieces from by labels like Yamamoto, Lemaire, and Y’s by Yohji. 7971 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Kevan Hall Designs
Save between 50-70% off samples and overstock pieces by the designer in sizes 2-12. The sale continues through the end of the month. Friday, 10 am-4 pm; 8313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Melinda Maria
Shop samples from the jewelry designer at up to 40% off. All sales are final. Friday, 10 am-4 pm; 740 N LA Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Mohawk General Store
Through as long as the past season inventory lasts, save up to 70% off styles by chic contemporary designers like Dries Van Noten, Acne Studio, and Rachel Comey during the chic shop’s winter sale. 4011 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Riller & Fount
Shop Fall season samples for $20 or less. Friday, 10 am-3 pm; 308 E 9th St, Suite 407, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Robin K
Shop $5 samples for and $2 irregular items from the trend-savvy brand. Saturday & Sunday, 8 am-4 pm; 4731 Fruitland Ave, Vernon, CA 90058; 323.277.5888

San Lorenzo Bikinis
All three of the sexy bikini brand’s locations will hold an end-of-season sale with half-off 2014/2015 designer swimwear and bikinis, 60% off clothing, and 35% off accessories. Plus Bahia and La Boehme pieces will be just $35. Through Monday; 850 S Sepulveda Blvd, El Segundo, CA 90245

Planet Blue
It’s a big weekend. Big game and even bigger sale! Get 50-75% off site wide sale! Online only. Saturday & Sunday