Earth Day Ocean Cleanup
Paddle with The SeaChange Agency and do your part on Earth Day! Armed with trash buckets and nets, the group will paddle to an area where trash is known to collect in the marina. No experience needed. Kayak and stand up paddle boards can be reserved or bring your own! $10+; Saturday, 10 am – 12 pm; Santa Monica Windjammer Yacht Club, 13589 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey CA 90292
24th Annual Festival of Books
The Los Angeles Times’ Festival of Books, the nation’s largest literary festival, has more than 500 writers, musicians, artists and chefs, hundreds of exhibitors and will transform the 226-acre campus into a vibrant cultural festival in the heart of the Downtown Arts and Education Corridor. The festival will also feature an installment of the Ideas Exchange speaker series. On Saturday, author and former senior advisor to President Obama Valerie Jarrett will be in conversation with Times White House editor Jackie Calmes ($10 with VIP packages available that include a copy of Jarrett’s recent memoir and an opportunity for a photo with the author). Additional festival highlights include nine outdoor stages and activity areas; dozens of expert panels on a variety of subjects, including politics and pop culture; programs highlighting emerging forms of storytelling, including virtual reality experiences, podcasting, film screenings, conversations and more; over 200 exhibitors with books and merchandise for sale, activities and giveaways; musical performances, food trucks and more. Free, Friend of the Festival memberships (advance ticket packages), includes reservations for indoor conversations, weekend parking and festival merchandise, among other exclusives; Saturday & Sunday; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007
The Wonder World
This successful, pop-up art installation has set up shop in Hollywood. You can explore a mushroom garden, steep in a giant teacup, splash in a bubble swimming pool and soar to the moon plus more. $19-$30; 7080 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Backstreet Boys: The Experience
Relive the ’90s at the Grammy Museum’s interactive exhibition that celebrates the legendary boy band’s nearly three-decade career. Check out band memorabilia, wardrobe, photos, artwork and more. $15, $13/students, children and seniors; 800 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA; 213.765.6800
Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) presents a diverse and prestigious lineup of narrative and documentary features and shorts. Celebrations include Indian food, music and dance performances. Through Sunday; Regal Cinemas L.A. Live 14, 1000 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
TCM Classic Film Festival
Now in its 10th year, the event brings movies and the people who made them to the heart of Hollywood, including the Egyptian Theatre, TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Roosevelt. This year’s theme is “Follow Your Heart: Love at the Movies,” celebrating love in all of its forms. See romantic classics including From Here to Eternity, Gone With the Wind and a special 30th-anniversary screening of When Harry Met Sally with Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal and director Rob Reiner in attendance. Through Sunday.
Artists & Fleas Spring Fest
The weekly marketplace featuring 50+ art, design, clothing merchants and food trucks celebrates creativity with special added workshops, demos and more. Make your own necklaces and Easter baskets, get your aura photographed or enjoy a sensory herbal tea experience. The mobile Moon Cat Cafe will be there with adoptable cats, cat-themed artisan goods and coffee. Free; Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm; 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA
Hop Into Trancas
Take a scenic road trip up the coast to western Malibu as the Trancas Country Market shopping center welcomes you to celebrate spring with family-friendly activities, an epic Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, sweet spring treats, and in-store giveaways. In addition, Vintage Grocers and Chabad of Malibu will be hosting a matzoh-making and springtime arts and crafts table for kids. Free; Sunday, 11 am – 2 pm; 30745 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, 818.817.0550
Cattle & Claw’s Revamped Menu + One Year Anniversary
Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is commemorating the one year anniversary of Cattle & Claw with the launch of a new menu just in time for
the spring and summer months. The laidback, SoCal eatery will be offerings seasonal fare that celebrates the core ingredients which inspired the restaurant’s creation – lobster and beef. Begin your meal with a Summer Kebab featuring locally-sourced, freshly grilled veggies and beef, or a Lobster; Minestrone made with cannellini beans, tomato and squash; a choice of meatball or lobster pizza; and ravioli stuffed with lobster and mascarpone potato served in a light cream sauce with asparagus and cherry tomatoes. The restaurant will also be offering a special buy 1 item and get 1 for only $1 through Sunday. Begins Friday; 8555 Beverly Blvd suite b, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Le Creuset Brings Factory to Table Sale to Santa Monica
The premium cookware brand, Le Creuset, has partnered with a line-up of Los Angeles chefs to kick off its first southern California Factory-to-Table sale. The event has exclusive discounts along with food, music, drinks and live cooking demos from top local chefs. Chef Sarah Hendrix of Lady & Larder, chef & author Nguyen Tran of Starry Kitchen and Button Mash and chef Dave Woodall of Red Herring, will each provide instruction for cooking with Le Creuset products and recipe samples for the audience to taste. Schedule available online here. Water sponsor Mountain Valley Spring Water will provide free sparkling and still water Friday through Sunday. A portion of ticket proceeds will go towards local non-profit After School All Stars, an organization that serves low-income middle school youth, as well as Le Creuset’s national charity partner for its Factory-to-Table series Meals on Wheels. $15; The VIP sessions: Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm, Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm; Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405
