Los Angeles Times‘ 22nd Annual Festival of Books
The nation’s largest literary festival is headed to the University of Southern California. The event will feature more than 500 authors, celebrities, musicians, artists and chefs. On Friday, April 21, the 37th annual Book Prizes will honor reading and educational activist Ruebén Martinez with the Innovator’s Award, novelist Thomas McGuane with the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, and 11 outstanding literary works published during the last year. Authors and celebrities scheduled to appear at the festival include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Margaret Atwood, Andrew Aydin, T.C. Boyle, Michael Connelly, Bryan Cranston, Ayesha Curry, Roxane Gay, Dave Grohl, Virginia Grohl, Hannah Hart, Chris Hayes, Tippi Hedren, Marlon James, Clinton Kelly, Rep. John Lewis, Cheech Marin, Danica McKellar, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Joyce Carol Oates, Kelly Oxford, Chuck Palahniuk, Nate Powell, Mary Roach, Luis J. Rodríguez, George Saunders, John Scalzi, Scott Simon, Nancy Silverton, Angie Thomas, Stephen Tobolowsky and Ngugi Wa Thiong’o. There will also be 10 outdoor stages for including the Acura Cooking Stage, Poetry Stage, Reading by 9 Children’s Stage, and Travel & Wellness Stage; street-art-style mural installations curated by Branded Arts; Center Theatre Group performance of songs from the musical “Into the Woods”; hundreds of exhibitors with books and merchandise for sale, giveaways and activities; musical performances, food trucks and more. Friday-Sunday; USC, University Park Campus, Los Angeles, CA 90089; info here.
Malibu Country Mart‘s Dog Adoption Event with Camp Cocker & the League of Extraordinary Mutts
Camp Cocker is a non-profit saving high medical cocker spaniels from the high kill shelters across Southern California since 2007. On April 29 and May 27 from 11 am-2 pm, League of Extraordinary Mutts will have events. Meet adoptable dogs who are in need of home. There will also be a kissing booth to take pictures kissing the adorable dogs. Saturday, 11 am-3 pm; Malibu Country Mart, 3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
Cafe Au Lait, The Blending Lab Wine Dog, Turns 4!
They’ve partnered with a local pet store, Hound Dog & Cat, for a Pet+Owner celebration at the tasting room. There will be dog treats and Birthday cake for the dogs & plenty of wine for owners. They will donate 20% of sales to a local rescue, A Purposeful Rescue. So bring “B-day Gifts” in shape of donation items for the rescue: leashes, dog food, blankets, treats, dog beds, collars, etc. New as well as used/in good condition items are appreciated! They will also have a silent auction including some of their new, not yet released, wines along with additional amazing products from local West 3rd businesses (Carlton Drew, Natural Feeling Spa, AirFit LA, and more!). Plus, there will have a few amazing dogs up for adoption at the tasting room. Sunday, 1-4 pm; The Blending Lab Winery, 7948 w. 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Celebrity Cruises “Leading Edge” Mobile Cinema Tour
This one-of-a-kind experience provides a look at Celebrity Edge, the newest class of ships to be introduced by Celebrity Cruises in more than a decade. The Leading Edge Mobile Cinema experience will feature a state-of-the-art, custom-built 91-seat high-definition mobile cinema showing a 15-minute cinematic experience, including a 3-D animatic reveal of Celebrity Edge. You will enjoy beverages, including Jackson Family wines, and gourmet truffle popcorn, and have the opportunity to win one of more than 50 modern luxury giveaways with Celebrity Cruises, including on the new Edge ship. Free; Saturday, 1-5 pm;Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern Rd, Dana Point, CA; RSVP: here
The Odd Market at the Autry is on two and a half acres in heart of Griffith Park where you can shop from hundreds of vendors. Located directly across from the L.A. Zoo, they’ll be offering special promos for those of you who have never been in the Autry Museum. Enjoy a full bar, food trucks, live music and guest DJ’s. $5; Saturday; The Autry Museum, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Unlimited Allagash at Nick & Stef’s
The brewery will be doing unlimited pours at Nick & Stef’s Downtown with all you can drink Allagash White, Belgian Pale Ale, Hoppy Table Beer, and Black as well as food. $55; Sunday; 330 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90071; 213.680.0330
Esters Wine Shop & Bar’s Sunday Tastings
This Sunday Tasting is all about Chenin, one of Esters’ favorite varietals in the shop. Sparkling, still, dry, or sweet, you will taste five different styles alongside a plate of cheese and crackers. $25; Sunday, 3-6 pm; 1314 7th St, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310.899.6900
Woodley Proper Rolls out Happy Hour
The new Encino hideaway has begun offering a new daily happy hour! Barman, Devon Espinosa, will offer a $5 glass (barman’s choice) of whichever Yorkshire he prepares for the day. For anyone working in the industry, show a pay stub or other proof of employment from an employer in the hospitality business, and receive 20% off any full price drink whenever Woodley Proper is open. Woodley Proper Yorkshires Include: 818 House Party made with Vodka and St. Germain with Lemon, Lime, Strawberries, Blackberries and Raspberries; Compadre made with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal with Pineapple, Lime, Oj, Cardamom and Pisner; and Encino Man amde with Gin and Aperol with Grapefruit, Lemon and Mint. Monday-Friday, 3-6 pm, All day Saturday & Sunday; 16101 Ventura Blvd, Suite 242, Encino, CA 91436
O+O Sicilian Kitchen & Bar Debuts Bottomless Brunch
Santa Monica is getting SPRITZ’D with O+O Sicilian Kitchen & Bar’s new interactive weekend brunch experience. Enjoy endless sparkling and spritz cocktails with a choice of Aperol Spritz (Aperol and Prosecco), Blood Orange Mimosa or Rossini (Strawberry and Prosecco) accompanied with Chef’s selection of antipasto. In addition to the bubbly bottomless brunch, Chef de Cuisine, Gianluca Maita, has created a menu of dishes that fuse flavors from his Sicilian roots and fresh ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. Signature brunch dishes include Baked Anduja Eggs with spicy salami, tomato sauce, two soft baked eggs with fresh ricotta; Smoked Salmon Bruschetta with whipped ricotta, capers, red onions and arugula; Choice of Vegetariana, Parma or Patate Frittata, Breakfast Arancini with wild mushrooms, spinach and ricotta; a Poached Egg, Quinoa and Kale Salad with peas, asparagus, brocollini and pomegranate; Baked Carbonara with guanciale, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese; Siciliana fried pizza dough stuffed with ham, mozzarella and a cracked farm egg; Burrata Salad Pizza with basil pesto, heirloom tomatoes, seasonal greens and balsamic reduction and for sweet tooth’s, the Gelato and Brioche which features with three scoops of house-made gelato on a toasted, buttery brioche bun. $20; Saturday & Sunday, 11 am-3 pm; 1705 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 424.272.8700
Craft Hill Launches Weekend Brunch
Available in all three locations (South Pasadena, Monrovia and West Covina). Highlights include: Cheeky Tot Omelet with braised beef cheek, dark egg yolk omelet, onions, panela and tater tots; Hangover Pizza with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, onions, peppers, and cheddar cheese; Stack o’ Cakes with buttermilk pancakes, sliced bananas, candied walnuts, maple syrup; and The “Works” Bagel with house made gravlax, cream cheese, upland cress, pickled beets, radish, capers and an everything bagel. To wash these dishes down, the restaurant offers Bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Farmers’ Sangria and a Paloma. Saturday & Sunday, 9:30 am-2:30 pm
Pizzana Opens
From Candace and Charles Nelson, the couple behind Sprinkles cupcakes, joined with with actor Chris O’Donnell to bring you this new spot in Brentwood to dine on neo-Neapolitan pizza. The Nelsons leaned on Naples-born master pizzaiolo Daniele Uditi for their first savory venture and use his “slow dough”. It’s meticulously prepared with a blend of imported Italian flours and creates a crust that is light. Pies include the Amatriciana with house made amatriciana sauce, fior di latte, crispy prosciutto crudo, red onion, shaved parmigiano; the Corbarina with cherry tomato, zucchini blossom, burrata, gremolata; and spicy Messicana, an ode to Uditi’s Mexican wife with chorizo, cilantro lime sauce, sweet chili, jalapeño, queso fresco. They also offer vegetarian, gluten- and dairy-free selections. Opens Friday; 11712 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Museum of Ice Cream
This pop-up museum of ice cream is an extension of the one in NYC. Expect to see a swimmable pool of sprinkles, a mint grow-house, a banana split room comprised of 10 thousand bananas, a melted popsicle jungle and more. The museum has also curated ice cream for your to enjoy, which includes a “scoop of the week” from popular shops like McConnell’s, Salt & Straw and Cream. $29; Wednesday-Monday, 11 am-10 pm through May 29th; 2018 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Record Store Day
Independent record stores around LA and the world celebrate local music culture and vinyl with in-store specials, live music and more. Check out Amoeba Music, High Fidelity and The Record Parlour to celebrate. Saturday
Angel City Brewery Celebrates Earth Day
Angel City Brewery and St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles (SVdPLA) make donating your used duds a party at the third annual Renew Earth Day celebration. During this one-stop-shop event, you are encouraged to bring your no-longer-loved items to the brewery to donate, and then shop fashions and home décor pieces to be newly adored, all while sipping Angel City beer, enjoying food truck bites and swaying along to live music. Donations of gently-loved clothing, accessories and furniture will be accepted at SVdPLA tents in the brewery parking lot. You can then browse the SVdPLA vintage racks for replacements, as well as 20 different local artisan stalls at the brewery’s weekly Beer Bazaar. Downtown Taco and Woody’s Grill will be in the brewery’s parking lot serving up their best dishes and The Howling Faith, Vignes Rooftop Revival and Silverlake Trio will be playing in the Beer Hall. Saturday, 12-6 pm; 216 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Sunrise Yoga at Skyspace
Celebrate Earth Day above DTLA with a special yoga session at Skyspace. Practice your poses on the terrace during a session lead by Teeki’s Paula Pavlova, and at the end of the session enjoy a final stretch on the skyslide. This is the first event in a six-month series. $25, includes admission to Skyspace, one skyslide ride, snacks and a Teeki pop-up shop; Saturday, 6-7 am (every fourth Saturday through Septmeber 23); 633 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 213.894.9000
Earth Day $1 Sale at Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange stores nationwide will feature a selection of men’s and women’s clothing for just $1 apiece, with all proceeds going to The Humane Society of the United States. This means a chance to score unbeatable deals on designer, vintage and everyday staples while supporting The Humane Society’s efforts to encourage pet adoption. Saturday
IKEA Burbank & Covina Partner with Goodwill SoCal on Earth Day for ‘Furniture Take Back’
This first ‘furniture take back’ means you can donate your old furniture in exchange for an IKEA discount coupon. Goodwill will be set up in the parking lot at local IKEA stores to assist with unloading donated items and provide tax receipts. Those who donate used furniture will receive a coupon for $20 off a $150 IKEA purchase. Limit one coupon per household, valid 4/22/2017 – 5/21/2017. Saturday: Burbank 9 am-2 pm, 600 IKEA Way, Burbank, CA 91502; Covina: 9:30 am-6 pm, 848 S. Barranca Ave, Covina, CA 91723
Shore Hotel Participates in Heal The Bay Special
In honor of Earth Day, Santa Monica’s only LEED Gold Certified Hotel, Shore Hotel, will be participating in a special Heal The Bay Beach Clean Up. Shore Hotel will incentivize guests to participate in the Beach Clean Up on Friday by offering to waive their $15 standard amenity fee for their stay and donating it back to Heal The Bay. Those not staying at the hotel are also welcome to join. Friday, 10.30 am-12.30 pm (Meet at the hotel at 10.30 am)
