POPSK8 Opens in Los Angeles
California’s first themed pop-up outdoor roller-skating rink is created and produced by Ann Potenza. POPSK8 is an immersive experience, featuring a mix of classic songs from a themed time frame while also sprinkling in current tunes and movie scores that take place in the same period. Swing-Time Mondays (1940’s and 50’s), Groovy Tuesdays (60’s), Disco Wednesdays (70’s), I Want my MTV Thursdays (80’s), DJ Mega Mix Fridays & Saturdays (90’s-Y2K) and Show-Tune Sundays (musicals) make up the diverse program. Each day, you will be encouraged to participate in contests, games, group popsk8-a-longs and surprise pop-up performances, all the while sharing experiences to the community through #popsk8live. You are allowed to bring your own quad or inline skates. Not skating? You can participate in certain activities. Private cabanas will be available to rent for special occasions including birthday parties, family reunions, friends night out, school function and corporate events. $15 (all day wristbands and includes quad skates); Saturday – May 27, Westfield Valencia, 24201 W. Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355; July 6 – August 4, Westfield Culver City, 6000 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230
The BeachLife Festival
Performers include Brian Wilson, Bob Weir, Willie Nelson, Ziggy Marley, Violent Femmes, Steel Pulse, Grace Potter (pictured), Bruce Hornsby, Everclear, Chevy Metal, Sugar Ray, Donavon Frankenreiter and more. While music takes center stage,you be eating well too. Top chefs will have a 50-seat, sit-down, pop-up restaurant that will give you access to an upscale dining experience. $97+; Friday & Saturday, 11 am – 10 pm, Sunday 11 am – 9 pm; Redondo Beach Marina, 137 N. Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA
Nothin’ but the Blues Cruise
Jazz up your weekend with tunes from hot regional blues musicians. Hornblower Cruises & Events offers this summer series of live music cruises in the scenic Marina del Rey harbor. Dance under the stars, sip craft cocktails, and enjoy a gourmet seated dinner with your date or group. Friday, 8 – 10:30 pm; 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Eat|See|Hear’s Summer Line Up
The series, presented by SHOWTIME and now in its eighth year, will screen a movie accompanied by music performances and plenty of food trucks every Saturday for 20 consecutive weeks starting this weekend. From timeless classics to current blockbusters, the diverse range of 2019’s movie selection has a go-to pick for everyone, including “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Get Out,” “The Greatest Showman,” the 60th anniversary screening of “North by Northwest,” a special Christmas-in-July screening of “Home Alone” and many more. Each film is projected onto the largest inflatable movie screen on the West Coast with the highest quality HD-projection, a 52-foot wide image and professional sound. Screenings take place at iconic venues all across the city, including The Autry Museum in Griffith Park, La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills, Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall, North Hollywood Recreation Center, the Santa Monica High School Memorial Greek Amphitheater, and Los Angeles State Historic Park. Eat|See|Hear is also dog-friendly and partners annually with non-profit Best Friends Animal Society, Los Angeles to host adoption events before screenings which has resulted in $50,000 donated and more than 75 animals finding their forever homes. Furry friends attending the series are treated to water bowls and biscuits as well. $14/advance purchase, $16/door, $8/ages 12 and under, free/under age 5, $21/Fashionably Late section (advance purchase only, access to premium seating up front); Saturday, 5:30 pm; North Hollywood Recreation Center, 11430 Chandler Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
30th Anniversary of Los Angeles’ Taste of the Nation
Chef Dakota Weiss of Sweetfin Poké,ChefNick Shipp of Upper West, and Chef Bruce Kalman of Knead & Co. Pasta Bar + Market will host the 30th Anniversary of Los Angeles’ Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry. The family-friendly afternoon brings together dozens of the area’s best chefs and mixologists – all to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger in California and across theUS. Los Angeles’ Taste of the Nation is one in a national series featuring culinary creations crafted by the country’s most celebrated and generous chefs, sommeliers and mixologists, united to ensure all children in America have access to the nutritious meals they need, every day. One-hundred-percent of proceeds support the No Kid Hungry campaign’s work to end childhood hunger in America. Mingle with Los Angeles’ tastemakers while enjoying bite-size fare, craft cocktails and delectable desserts. Programming highlights include a silent auction, wine grab, photo booth to commemorate the day, live music, a kid’s corner with activities and games, and more. $95, $25/ages 6 – 13, free/kids 5 and under; 9091 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Melody’s Virgil Village First Fridays
Join in this community fest on the first Friday of every month. They will be running happy hour (15% off wine and beer) all night long and donating 15% of food sales to Lockwood Avenue Elementary School. Then, come back on Saturday from 11 am – 4 pm for an afternoon of local artisan goods for sale on our patio with 15% off wine and beer. Friday, 5 – 11 pm; 751 N. Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029; 323.922.6037
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Presents
May’s First Fridays: Forces of Nature
This season’s First Fridays has the theme of Forces of Nature, so they can explore with you — and several experts on the topic — California’s natural disasters. Join in 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. This year, they’ve also added a new First Fridays experience — Secrets from the Vaults. Science correspondent and host of VOA-Tek, Dr. Crystal Dilworth, will take your questions to our curators, who will divulge what mysterious oddities can be found behind the scenes at NHM. Performances: Broncho and Lauren Ruth Ward. DJs: DJ Michelle Pesce and Resident DJ: Novena Carmel. $20 (March – May), $25 (June)/nonmembers, free/members: Free (limited tickets available); Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exhibition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Vintage x Artisan Market
The One Colorado Vintage x Artisan Market will feature over 30 women exhibitors from across Los Angeles offering unique collections of vintage clothing, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, home decor and accessories. This inaugural show will bring together vintage sellers for the first time in the heart of Old Pasadena and introduce artisans from the artist collectives LOST ART L.A. and Textile Arts Los Angeles. All proceeds go directly to the exhibitors. The day will include workshops, art activations and music from the lovely DJ ShanLynn. Sage Vegan Bistro and Brewery will host a no-host Green Bar featuring organic wine, beer and kombucha on tap! Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm; 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103
Bunker Hill Mother’s Day Market
Grab a friend and join in for lunch, music and shopping from 20+ of our favorite indie makers of everything from food to jewelry to candles and more. Validated parking available at the information table. Vendors Include: Kettlebells and Cupcakes, Panache Jewelry, Rx Candles, Revive Jewelry, LONDON MANORI, The Sage Lifestyle, Anet’s Collection, Bijoux Macarons, and more. Friday, 10 am – 5 pm; Bank of America Plaza – Lobby 333 South Hope St, Los Angeles, CA, 90071
The Milky Way Launches Brunch
The Spielberg family’s recently-reopened neighborhood dairy kosher restaurant at Pico-Robertson is officially launching Sunday brunch! The newly-reimagined restaurant brings a refreshed New American menu by Talented Executive Chef and Restaurant Consultant Phil Kastel, while still paying homage to the legacy and unique tastes beloved owner Leah Spielberg Adler. Chef Kastel’s thoughtful redesign of the New American kosher menu with brunch items including The Impossible™ Green Chile Breakfast Burger with lettuce, tomato, roasted green chilies, American Cheese, garlic aioli and a fried egg on a sesame bun, served with fries; Potato Latkes & Eggs featuring three pancakes, two eggs any style, served with house-made apple compote and sour cream; the Eggs Benedict Florentine on a toasted English muffin with sautéed spinach, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce, served with breakfast potatoes; and the delectable Brioche French Toast topped with berry compote and powdered sugar. Brunch cocktails will also star on the menu, with libations such as the Rose Spritz, Beermosa, and Michelada to round out the full brunch dining experience. Sunday, 10 am-2 pm (closed on Saturdays in observe for Shabbat); 9108 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Effervescence LA
Leading epicurean event that focuses on Champagne and sparkling wines returns to L.A. at this Food Bowl event with grand tastings from around the world and master classes taught by leading experts. An exclusive gala dinner at Jar and a sparkling wine brunch for collectors, winemakers, and enthusiasts will be hosted by celebrity chef Nancy Silverton. Friday – Sunday
Zinque DTLA
Inspired by the zinc-topped bars found all over France, Zinqué has become a destination in Venice, West Hollywood, Newport Beach and, now, DTLA. Swing by Zinqué for their famous breakfast sandwich made with egg, tomato, basil, aged Gruyère. For lunch and dinner, choose from gourmet sandwiches, salads, and larger plates such as the grilled branzino and steak frites. Opens Friday; 939 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
Hyperion Public Studio City Celebrates National Barbeque Month
Studio City’s Hyperion Public Studio City is bringing finger-lickin’ barbeque goodness to Ventura Blvd with a HP Smoke-out to kick off National Barbeque Month this May. Popping up every Wednesday and Saturday all summer long, the restaurant will bring its giant smoker, burning apple hardwood charcoal and hickory chips out into the open communal patio facing Ventura Blvd to cook up delicious brisket and smoked meats for the ultimate outdoor summer barbeque experience. Hyperion Public’s new menu of cuts of meat, cooked to perfection includes 10-hour Smoked Brisket Sandwich with sweet bbq sauce, crispy onions on a brioche bun ($16); Pulled Pork Sandwich, smoked pulled pork shoulder, spicy bbq sauce, coleslaw and sliced pickles on a brioche bun($16); Ribs Plate, smoked and grilled baby back rips with hot and sweet bbq sauce ($18); Smoke-stravaganza Plate, 10-hour smoked brisket, smoked and grilled baby back ribs and pulled pork shoulder ($26); Tomahawk Ribeye for Two, a hearty 36oz steak with the choice of any 2 vegetable sides; option to sub for cheese mac or truffle mac and cheese as an add on ($75); Smoked Beer-can Chicken, a half chicken rubbed and smoked in house, served over roasted fennel and corn slaw ($25; and The New York, a pan seared 14oz USDA Prime NY strip steak with roasted potatoes and green beans ($42). Saturday, 5 – 10 pm; 12969 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604; 818.464.3750
Pets In the Park
Celebrate spring at this event for pups and people. See pet tricks and a dog parade, and meet lots of local pet shops with products and food, and rescues with pets for adoption. There will also be professional pet photos. Free; Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm; Valley Park, 2521 Valley Dr, Hermosa Beach, CA
W Hotel’s Kentucky Derby Watch Party
Station Hollywood and the Living Room are throwing a Kentucky Derby Watch Party featuring a Southern-inspired food and drink menu, extra TV’s, and a “Best Hat or Bowtie Contest” (the winner receives a $150 Delphine Gift Certificate!). Featuring bites and curated cocktails, the menu includes: Grilled fig with blue cheese mousse and toasted walnut salad; Grilled meatball, cucumber and mint skewers; Kentucky pulled pork nachos; Bourbon creme brulee with fresh berries and mint; Woodford Bourbon mint julep; Manhattan; and Old Fashioned. Saturday, 5 – 10 pm; 6250 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Kentucky Derby at Baltaire
Baltaire celebrates Derby Day with its annual viewing party complete with a DJ and livestream of the race on multiple screens. Classic Derby cocktails will be served alongside Executive Chef Travis Strickland’s favorite Southern dishes including Kentucky Hot Browns. Let your Southern fashion style shine with wide-brimmed hats, blazers, and bowties. Baltaire will award prizes for Best Hat and Best Outfit, and a portion of proceeds from raffle tickets will be donated to No Kid Hungry. Saturday, 1-5 pm; 11647 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood, CA; 424.273.1660
El Torito Cinco de Mayo
El Torito’s Cinco extravaganza will begin with a special “Bottomless Champagne Brunch” including $5 Margaritas, Bloody Marys and Micheladas. The special brunch features a tri-tip and ham carving station, made-to-order omelettes, waffle station, taco bar, ton specialty items, traditional soups, salads, fresh fruit and desserts. Margarita, beer and shot specials along with $2.50 steak, chicken and carnitas tacos will be available. Sunday, 8 am; 13715 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA; 310.823.8941
Hornblower Cruise Cinco de Mayo Champagne Brunch Cruise
Hornblower Cruises invites you to a two-hour harbor brunch cruise to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy free flowing champagne, fantastic views and a Mexican-inspired brunch buffet. $75, $45/children, free/3 and under; Saturday, 12-2 pm; 13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Taste the World Party Cruise: Cinco de Mayo
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on this lively party cruise with unlimited tacos and desserts included in your ticket price. Margaritas and other beverages available for purchase. Mariachi band and DJ entertainment. $69.95; Saturday, 6 pm and 9 pm; Fisherman’s Village, Dock 52, 13552 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Toca Madera’s Cinco de Mayo
If you are looking to start off the holiday right, head to Toca’s brunch for unique breakfast classics from Chef Felix Garcia like Huevos Rancheros made with organic fried eggs, black beans, ground beef, queso, ranchero sauce over blue corn tortillas (can be made vegan) and lunch staples like Chipotle Tofu, Carne Molida or Ensenada Style Tacos.Did we mention cocktails? Beverage Director Charity Johnston is serving up all the classics along with interesting takes on everything from tequila to mezcal. Sip on one of the margaritas like the Prickly Pear, Thai Basil, Hibiscus, or Guavaor go for the A La Vida with espolon reposado, carrot juice, fresh ginger, lemon, and wildflower honey for a refreshing take on the classic drink. Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm; 8450 West 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048; 323.852.9400
Cinco De Mayo at the Tam O’Shanter
Join the Tam O’Shanter for their first annual Cinco De Mayo celebration. Your ticket include unlimited specialty tequila cocktails such as a signature margarita and traditional Paloma in addition to Don Julio tequila tastings to be enjoyed on the Tam’s outdoor patio. Throughout the day, enjoy live entertainment and an all-you-can-eat taco station with beef, pork, chicken and veggie options accompanied by all the classic fixings. $89; Sunday, 12 – 6 pm; 2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039; 323.664.0228
Cinco de Mayo at Hotel Shangri-La
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, treat yourself to a Build-Your-Own Taco Bar, which includes three tacos for $20, in The Courtyard overlooking the luxurious pool. You can choose from steak, chicken and fish and create any number of combinations with toppings that include red and green salsas, pico de gallo, Spanish rice, pinto beans, and more. You can also purchase guac and chips ($10) and nachos ($12). No reservation is necessary, although non-hotel guests must purchase a pool day pass for $25 and a minimum spend of $25 on food and beverage. Sunday, 12 – 5 pm; 1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Lucha VaVOOM’s Cinco De Mayan Spectacular
Los Angeles’ longest running, most celebrated action-packed variety show where electrifying Mexican masked wrestling, burlesque and comedy collide in one package ─ is set to celebrate 10 years of Cinco de Mayo craziness with even more world-class talent over three nights. Lucha VaVOOM will feature lucha libre-style wrestling, high-octane performances from world-renowned talent, and plenty of tamales and tequila, minis, Aztec dancers, aerialists, hula hoops, lowriders, comedy, live music, folkloricos from Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet, mariachis music from Mariachi Alma y Corazon, cumbia, free photo booth, and more.
$50+; Friday – Sunday; The Mayan Theater, 1038 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA
Cinco de Mayo At The Morrison
The Morrison’s celebrating all weekend long with offers like the $12 Mi Chimichanga and $7 Tres Leches Cake and drinks like $5 Corona and Modelo. Friday – Sunday; 3179 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039; 323.667.1839
Tallula’s Cinco De Mayo Celebration
This year, Tallula is opening four hours early, so you can really get the party started. Spend a day at the beach, then walk across the street to celebrate with friends over pitchers of Margaritas and Palomas, alongside a special Cinco De Mayo Taco Platter featuring four signature tacos (chicken, beef, veggie & a taco del día). Adding to the fiesta, there will be a Mariachi Band performing throughout the day and a photo booth (which is now permanently in our lobby). Reservations can be made online, but walk-ins are always welcome! Sunday, 12 pm; 118 Entrada Dr, Santa Monica CA 90402
Petty Cash’s Cinco de Mayo Brunch
As part of the LA Times Food Bowl series of events, Petty Cash is having a one-day-only brunch. Dishes include mushroom sopes with jack cheese, black beans, avocado, and a fried egg, and steak and eggs with poblano rice; walk-ins are welcome. Also, Mid-city’s Petty Cash Taqueria is taking over the counter at Sari Sari Store in Grand Central Market, serving up guac, chips, tacos, and flan at the normally Filipino stand. Sunday, 9 am – 3 pm; 7360 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Pikoh’s Cinco de Mayo
Ricardo Zarate’s newest Peruvian-meets-Angeleno restaurant is going big for Cinco and serving a $28 massive carafe of margarita that can serve up to six people. They’re also doing the Peru-inspired Chica Morada Margarita made with purple corn, apple, pineapple, lemon, tequila, and spices for only $7. Sunday; 11940 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
The Independence Cinco de Mayo
Get specials both Saturday and Sunday, when you can get Margaritas and Palomas for $5. Sunday; 205 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Cinco de Mayo at The Coliseum
The Coliseum’s hosting a Cinco de Mayo party that includes festivities that kick off at noon, including live traditional music, a beer garden, food trucks, and games with prizes. There’ll even be a pepper-eating contest! Sunday, noon; 3911 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Cinco de Mayo at Birds & Bees
Get your ‘fiesta’ on with the Flor de Nopal (cactus flower in Spanish) made with tortilla chip washed tequila, lime juice, orange, and nopal syrup, and finished with a frito crusted rim. Bar Manager Jake Larowe has put a California cactus flair on your classic margarita. Birds & Bees is closed on Sunday. Friday & Saturday; 207 S Broadway, B, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Cinco de Mayo at Las Brisas
The restaurant will offer a Lobster for Two special. In addition, a five-piece mariachi will play on both Saturday and Sunday from noon – 3 pm. The Lobster for Two special includes ($115): 2-2.5 pound grilled lobster, Rice and beans, Fresh corn tortillas, Chips and homemade salsa and guacamole, and Pitcher of Las Brisas’ signature margarita. Saturday & Sunday; 361 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651; 949.497.5434
Cinco De Mayo at Te’Kila
The upbeat cantina and bar on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks has a collection of 300+ bottles of tequila and serving everything from Mexican food indulgences to a plethora of handcrafted and giant-sized cocktails, Te’Kila is the place to be this Cinco de Mayo. With Te’Kila’s Sunday all-day happy hour landing on the holiday, Patron Silver, Avion Blanco and Cazadores Blanco shots are only $6. Te’Kila offers a plethora of hand-crafted cocktails ranging from light to indulgent options such as the smooth and creamy Avocado Margarita, the sweet and tangy Mango Tango, the refreshing Cucumber Melon, and the Hennchata with house made horchata and a Hennessy VS topper. Feeling extra thirsty? Te’Kila offers shareable margarita pitchers and Gigante Margaritas, which are essentially a tall, fish-bowl shaped glass with your choice of topper. For Cinco de Mayo, happy hour, house margaritas are $6, Mimosas $5, and Bloody Mary’s $7. Te’Kila offers a range of Mexican cuisine, from street food favorites to Baja style options and indulgent foodie delights. Featured on the happy hour menu are Bacon-Wrapped Street Dogs ($6), Elote on a stick ($6), and Nachos Bomba ($7). Sunday; 13817 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91367; 818.986.4623
