Spring @ Descanso
Throughout spring, Descanso blooms with special programming focused especially on the season. Starting in March, check the Bloom Boom page on our website for info on activities, including: Guided Spring Bloom Walks from Thursdays – Sundays; Drop-in Art Making on the second Saturday of each month; Scavenger Hunt: March 1- May 12; Origami Workshop: Sunday, March 10; Music in the Gardens: March 2 & 3 with Grammy-award winning Daniel Ho Trio. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011; 818.949.4200
Angelic Auxiliary Carnival at the Pier
Play while giving back at the 17th annual Angelic Auxiliary Carnival at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Admission includes private use of the park, lunch and carnival snacks, game tickets, unlimited rides and more. It all supports Children’s Bureau’s work to prevent child abuse. $50-$90; Sunday, 10 am – 1 pm; 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
CicLAvia
Culver City, Mar Vista and Palms host the latest installment of the L.A. open streets event CicLAvia. Streets close to car traffic, but are open to cyclists, pedestrians, runners and skaters. There’s no starting point or finish line; begin anywhere and go as far as you like. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free; Sunday, 9 am – 4 pm; Washington Blvd. from La Cienega Blvd. to Centinela Ave., Motor Ave. from Washington Blvd. to National Blvd., Centinela from Washington Blvd. to Venice Blvd., and Venice Blvd. from Centinela to Walgrove.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s First Fridays: Forces of Nature
This season’s First Fridays has the theme Forces of Nature. Join in for enlightening and entertaining discussions about fires, floods, droughts, and earthquakes, moderated by award-winning Los Angeles Times writer Patt Morrison. After pondering how to prevent and manage calamity and what to pack in an emergency kit, you can sip cocktails in our DJ Lounge, explore the Museum at night, and hear bands perform in our diorama halls. Conversations and discussions include Secrets from the Vault (5:30 pm|7:30 pm) and The Flames in Our Future (6:30 pm), along with performances by Pinky Pinky (8 pm), Shannon Shaw (9:15 pm) and a DJ Lounge with Novena Carmel (5 – 6 pm|8:30 – 10 pm) and KCRW Guest DJ: Aaron Byrd (6-8:30 pm). $20 (March through May), $25, free/members; Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exhibition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Friday Night Flights
Order up a flight of drinks or light bites from Grand Central Market vendors DTLA Cheese and Kitchen, Golden Road Brewery, Horse Thief BBQ, or The Oyster Gourmet. The special weekly promotion starts today. Friday, Noon-10 pm; Grand Central Market, 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
Sour Beer Showcase
The new second-floor sports bar and gaming destination Free Play at The Fields LA food hall hosts the rare treat of enjoying close to a dozen sour beers from around the U.S. Craft-brewed examples of classic sour styles have become popular brews light in body (and alcohol) with a refreshing tartness. 5 p.m.-midnight. $7-$12 for a 10 ounce pour; Saturday, 5 pm – midnight; 3939 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA; 213.419.9481
The New OG Brew Pub Club
The four brewpubs comprising New Original Breweries – including The Stalking Horse Brewery & Freehouse, 6th & La Brea Brewery and Restaurant, Bluebird Brasserie and Broxton Brewery and Public House – are officially launching a brewery membership program, The O.G. Brew Pub Club. The OG Brew Pub Club membership gives beer-loving members a chance to enjoy endless brewery & restaurant perks and discounts, brewery swag, delicious beer and more, at all the four LA breweries. Memberships are available at each brewery or available as an all inclusive New Original Breweries membership for benefits at all brewery locations. On the day of payment, members receive a key chain (proof of membership) and one free crowler (32 oz. beer cans filled with freshly-brewed beer on tap). Being a member means you get 15% off merchandise; $4 house-brewed drafts; special ‘new OG membership’ glassware for drinking in house; and quarterly invites to ‘OG’s Only’ parties that include free food, beer, and more!$50/Lifetime membership per location; $150/Lifetime membership for all locations; Register here.
Stouts N Staches
Stouts N Staches is back for it’s 6th year bringing together the Venice community and local bands for a beer fest fundraiser to raise awareness for the Movember Foundation. Enjoy beer from area breweries and whiskey tastings as well as a Pig Roast from Oscar Hermosillo, owner of Clutch and Venice Beach Wines. This year’s event will take place in the parking lot of Clutch Venice who will be kicking off their own Sunday Pig Roast series and supplying ticket holders with a full plate of their famous BBQ (vegetarian and vegan options will be present). Other options include wine and non-alcoholic beverages, giveaways, free mustache and beard trims, leather treatments, live music from Bob Dylan Tribute band, Jack of Hearts, cigar lounge, mustache contests and more. A portion of proceeds from Stouts n Staches will benefit men’s health issues through The Movember Men’s Health Foundation. $15 in advance/GA, $40 in advance/VIP (includes 2 drink tickets, pig roast, whiskey tastings, live music, beard trims and more); Sunday, 3-8 pm; Clutch Venice, 427 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
The Los Angeles IPA Festival Returns to Mohawk Bend
60 California breweries will compete in the 6th Annual Los Angeles IPA Festival presented by Mohawk Bend, the California-focused craft beer bar and Echo Park restaurant. The festival is a celebration of the productivity and ingenuity of the thriving craft beer community and features an extensive collection of West Coast India Pale Ales from across the Golden State, plus an all-star judging panel comprised of the best minds (and palates) in California beer. On Saturday starting at 9:30 am, the main event, will offer a sampling of a mind-blowing array of IPAs, many of which are brewed exclusively for the festival. Then vote for your favorites for the People’s Choice award, while the panel of judges work through the selection for the main awards. Once all the votes are tallied, the awards ceremony will take place at 4 pm, at which point the judge’s winners and People’s Choice award will be announced. A limited food menu will be available including vegan and non-vegan pizza slices, as well as $5 8oz pours and $5 keepsake glasses. On Sunday starting at 9:30 am, the Taste of the LA IPA Fest, will offer 8 pre-set flights and half pints of the remaining beers while supplies last, along with Mohawk Bend’s full brunch menu. For those looking for a California craft experience at their own pace, the Taste of the LA IPA Fest is the perfect chance to catch all the exclusive beer before it’s gone. Walk-ins welcome. Saturday: $40/Saturday VIP Packages (includes a self-serve, all-you-can-eat brunch buffet and unlimited tastes of the competing beers); $30/Final Judgement (3 – 4 pm; includes the opportunity to judge 5 California West Coast-style IPAs that make it to the Finals; taste the very best chosen out of the 60 IPAs); $45/Sunday VIP (11 am – 2 pm, join Mohawk Bend for a No Leftovers recap brunch featuring your choice of 1 brunch appetizer and 1 brunch entrée, as well as unlimited tastes of any of the remaining Los Angeles IPA Fest beers. Saturday through March 30th; 2141 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Food Truck Extravaganza
After a successful launch last month, the sister property to Malibu Wines Tasting Room makes a monthly go of its Food Truck Extravaganza. This month, participating trucks include Two Doughs, Cousins Maine Lobster, Black Sugar Rib Co., Maravilla Latin Cuisine, Kream Kong Ice Cream and Babys Bad Ass Burgers. There’ll be live music too. Saturday, Noon-9 pm; Malibu Wines & Beer Gardens, 23130 Sherman Way, West Hills, CA; 818.578.4146
The Original Farmers Market’s Annual Mardi Gras Celebration
In its 30th year, The Original Farmer’s Market brings a true taste of NOLA to LA with celebrations. The three-day event will feature New Orleans’ classic favorites – King Cake, beignets, delicious Cajun gumbo and jambalaya from The Gumbo Pot – along with a musical line-up of Cajun and Zydeco band favorites. The Dog Bakery’s Annual Mutti Gras Pet Parade is taking place in the Plaza on Saturday, with prizes to be awarded to the best dressed furry four-legged friends who will be crowned King and Queen of Mutti Gras. Saturday – Tuesday; The Original Farmers Market, 6333 W Third St, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.933.9211
Little Dom’s Flavors of Mardi Gras
Chef and New Orleans native Brandon Boudet is bringing the flavors of Mardi Gras to Los Feliz. During dinner service, Little Dom’s will celebrate in true Bourbon Street style with gumbo, po’boys, beignets, boudin balls and cocktail specials. Those looking to celebrate at home can order king cakes to-go from Little Dom’s Deli. Check out the full menu here. Saturday – Tuesday; 2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323.661.0055
Mardi Gras Crawfish Boil
In honor of Fat Tuesday, Imperial Western Beer Company located inside Union Station will be throwing a Mardi Gras Crawfish Boil featuring live music, beer flights, crawfish, and a spread of cajun sides. Tickets include crawfish with corn on the cob, red potatoes, andouille sausage, fried green tomato salad with remoulade, long cooked collard greens and one hand-picked beer flight. $40; Sunday, Noon – 6 pm; 800 N. Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA
Bootleg Mardi Gras Carnivale
John C. Reilly hosts a night of food and drinks, performances, prizes and surprises. Festivities begin with music and special eats from Mick’s BBQ Rescue and Coffee + Food followed by spectacular performances by comedians, magicians, aerialists, beatboxers, The Silver Lake Chorus and more. $75, includes food and one drink ticket; Saturday, doors: 6 pm, festivities: 7 – 11 pm; Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
