Things to Do in Los Angeles This Weekend (May 19, 2023 – May 21, 2023)
Friday
Holistic by Nona Celebrates Birthday with A FREE Facial or Massage
Nona, the owner of wellness center Holistic by Nona is celebrating her birthday with a FREE facial or massage with the purchase of a clinical or personalized package. Nona’s facials are EPIC, and she is the magic behind my glowing skin. Hurry, this birthday special only lasts till 5/31. Please contact Nona for prices, hours, and the location at 323.481.8827
Espelette Opens at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is excited to announce the opening of the new fine-dining restaurant Espelette. The restaurant occupies the five-star hotel’s lobby level and boasts a menu of coastal Mediterranean flavors accented by European influences. Created by acclaimed Chef Steve Benjamin, who also serves as the five-star hotel’s Culinary Director, Espelette is an exquisite ode to the European coast, and draws inspiration from neighboring regions to the South of France including Italy, Spain, and Greece. Made to share, the seasonally driven menu features locally sourced ingredients, highlighting contemporary California flavors and classic techniques for a tableside experience meant to inspire conviviality. Signature menu highlights include Caviar Scrambled Eggs with Bordier butter, chives, Espelette, and Crème Fraiche, Salmon Tartar, the Brussels Sprouts & Kale Salad with an avocado yuzu-kosho vinaigrette, and a specialty wood grilled section with options ranging from John Dory Fish (imported from the Mediterranean), Branzino, Chicken, Wagyu options and much more. The craft cocktail program playfully invokes the spirit of the Mediterranean, drawing on flavors, aromas, and nodes meant to transport one’s senses to the European Coast while highlighting local ingredients offering a refreshing taste. The extensive Wine list highlights Spanish and French selections from the Biscay Bay coastal regions. Various prices; Mondays – Sundays, 7 – 11:00 am and Tuesdays – Saturdays, 5:30 – 10:00 pm; Waldorf Astoria (lobby level); 9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Ali Wong Live in Thousand Oaks
Funny lady Ali Wong is bringing her hilarious comedy tour to Thousand Oaks. The star of the hit Netflix series Beef is back on tour and ready to make you bust a gut. $157+; Friday, 10:00 pm; Bank Of America Performing Arts Center – 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; 805.449.2787
Saturday
Fitstop, the Fastest-Growing Australian Fitness Brand, Opens First U.S. Location in Santa Monica
Fitstop, the fastest-growing Australian fitness brand with more than 200 worldwide locations open or coming soon, celebrates the grand opening of its first ever U.S. location in Santa Monica today. According to owner Pete Hull, “The program takes an athlete-inspired approach to group training with a holistic training program that blends strength, metabolic conditioning, and endurance.” Join Fitstop at its new state-of-the-art location for grand opening weekend celebrations, kicking off with three Saturday Sweat Sessions. Classes will be followed by an after-party featuring a DJ, merchandise, and brand partners such as Nocco, Barebells, LSKD, a recovery zone with Hyperice, and so much more. Free; Saturday Sweat Sessions – 8:00 am, 9:00 am and 10:00 am, and after-party to follow; 3032 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Saje and CorePower Yoga Host Free Weekend Yoga Event
Saje Natural Wellness and CorePower Yoga welcome you to a weekend of revitalizing yoga sessions. After the session hang around for complimentary drinks and aromatherapy application, as well as a free gift with purchases over $75. Free with RSVP; Saturday – Sunday, 10 – 11:00 am (please arrive by 9:45 am to set up your space); Saje Natural Wellness – 1421 Abbot Kinney Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90291; 310.314.3423
Los Angeles Family School Hosts Spring Fair
Los Angeles Family School will host its annual Spring Fair on the school grounds in Silverlake. For many years this family-friendly event was a highlight of the local calendar, and the school is excited to be bringing it back after a 3 year hiatus. The fair includes games and activities for all ages, live musical performances throughout the day, food options from local restaurants Kismet Rotisserie and Botanica as well as a Mediterranean-inspired BBQ cooked onsite by Chef Andrew Traub with drinks from Kamp, Silverlake Wine, La Cita, Skyduster, Ghia and more. $10+; Saturday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm; 2646 Griffith Park Blvd., 90039
The Culver Hotel Introduces Afternoon Tea Service
The Culver Hotel’s onsite restaurant Lillie’s is launching a weekly Afternoon Tea service starting today. The indulgent menu, spearheaded by Executive Chef Diana Khngikyan, features house-made pastries and sweets alongside a range of savory Tea Sandwiches, Seasonal Fruits, Artisanal Teas, Fresh Cocktails, and Natural Sparkling Wines. $55; Saturdays, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm; Culver Hotel – 9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232; 310.558.9400
The Best Bottomless Brunches in Los Angeles
Here in LA, booze and brunch go together like peas and carrots. Whether you want Waffles, Eggs, or Avocado Toast, nothing complements your meal like an ice-cold cocktail, especially if that glass is endless. But where can you find these brunches with bottomless cocktails and tasty bites? Don’t stress; I got you. I’m here to give you a list of the best bottomless brunches in Los Angeles. So all you have to do is grab a cute brunch outfit and your date, and get ready to indulge in fun, good food, and drinks. Cheers!
EEEEEATSCON Food Fest
Restaurant platform The Infatuation welcomes you to EEEEEATSCON, a different kind of food festival. Constructed in the same vein as Coachella, EEEEEATSCON features delicious food from local restaurants and imports from all over the U.S., all set to the soundtrack of live music. Food panels from industry leaders will also take place. $30; Saturday – Sunday, 12 – 6:00 pm; The Barker Hangar – 3021 Airport Avenue #Suite 203 Santa Monica, CA 90405
Santa Monica Proper x Alimentari Flaneur Market & Cocktail Reception
This month, the breezy, beachside Santa Monica Proper will partner with New York-based purveyors in quality, simplicity, and intimacy, Alimentari Flâneur, to host a seasonally inspired provisions market at the property’s Landmark event space Siete. Throughout the day, hotel guests and visitors alike can visit Siete to pick up an abundance of specialty produce, locally grown harvest, and artisanal goods curated by Alimentari Flaneur founder Daniel Emilio Soares. Guests can also gather insights from the Alimentari Flaneur team on how to spot quality produce. A celebratory cocktail reception will follow with inventive libations, a curated selection of wines, and a lavish grazing table inspired by the combination of the simple, yet elegant Mediterranean disposition and laid-back Los Angeles lifestyle which also inspired the space’s design. $65 (produce baskets), $125 (Proper-branded picnic baskets), and $100 (cocktail reception); Saturday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (pop-up market) and 6 – 9:00 pm (cocktail reception); Santa Monica Proper – 700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.620.9990
Sunday
WisdoManiaFest Immersive Mental Health and Arts Festival
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the WisdoMania Foundation invites you to WisdoMania Fest, an immersive mental health & arts festival in Highland Park. The day includes two sessions from the Liber8Xperience: Rap Yoga & Ecstatic Dance, and a Sound Bath, songwriting for wellness, comedy, live music, tracks played by DJ Nate, and a mental health panel. Your ticket also includes three months of FREE therapy with BetterHelp! $0 – $25; Sunday, 3 – 10:00 pm; Lodge Room – 104 North Avenue 56 #2nd floor Los Angeles, CA 90042
Last Weekend for Prime Video’s Prime Experience
Today is the last day for Emmy voters to check out Prime Video’s Prime Experience. Taking place at the historic Citizen News in the heart of Hollywood, Prime Video’s 2023 Emmy FYC destination will give Emmy voters an intimate, behind the scenes look at its award-worthy programming. The activation, which closes today, celebrates the storytelling magic, impressive craftmanship, and pure passion that goes into bringing a television series to life. Attendees will take a journey through the creative processes behind acclaimed series including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Daisy Jones & The Six, The Boys, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power & more. Free with Invitation for select Television Academy members; Citizen News 1545 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Coming Soon
(5/26 – 5/28): Food as Art Series Debuts at The Aster Members’ Club and Hotel
Following their incredibly successful, three-day multi-course dinner series with Chef Mads Refslund, the Aster Member’s Club and Hotel is pleased to announce the next two participants in their invigorating culinary pop-up series: Food as Art. From 5/26 – 5/28, esteemed Chef Alvaro Clavijo will bring his avant-garde twist on classic Latin American flavors to Los Angeles in the form of a five-course dinner at The Aster. Following Clavijo will be culinary pioneer Chef Najat Kaanache, who will serve her exquisite Moroccan-inspired cuisine from 6/24 – 6/26. $150+; 5/26 – 5/28, and 6/24 – 6/26; 6:00 pm; Lemon Grove (The Aster) – 1717 Vine St., Los Angeles, CA 90028; 323.962.1717
(5/27): MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street Returns to Santa Monica
Throw on those top hats and monocles, the 8th Annual MAINopoly: Taste of Main Street returns Memorial Day Weekend! This all-ages event is an interactive twist on the classic board game that offers a culinary tasting tour of Santa Monica’s popular Main Street, allowing attendees to exchange “MAINopoly dollars” for tastings at restaurants, bars, and eateries. Stop by the “Go to Jail” VIP Beer Garden and complete your official game board for the chance to win a Taste of Main Street Prize Pack with $1,000+ in prizes. Each ticket includes tastings at 20 locations including Ashland Hill, Holey Grail Donuts, Alfalfa, JuneShine, Library Alehouse, Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Jameson’s Pub, Tavern on Main, The Victorian, Papille Gustative, Pasjoli, Ubatuba Acai, and more! $15 – $450; 5/27, 1 – 5:00 pm; Check In at The Victorian – 2640 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405
(6/11): No Kid Hungry’s Taste of the Nation Event Returns to LA
No Kid Hungry’s Taste of The Nation is making its highly anticipated return to Los Angeles this June and celebrating 10 years of hosting the event at Media Park in Culver City. Attendees will enjoy exceptional eats and curated drinks from Los Angeles’ top chefs and mixologists – including Jackson Kalb, Shirley Chung, Stephanie Izzard, and Jazz Singsanong – all united to support No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in California and across the U.S. In addition to the incredible line-up of culinary talents, the afternoon will include live entertainment, games, as well as an interactive scavenger hunt for kids. Taste of the Nation promises a fun-filled day highlighting the vibrancy and generosity of Los Angeles’ culinary community. Los Angeles has no shortage of food events. However, given that 1 in 8 kids in the U.S., and 1 in 7 in California face hunger each day, we’re proud to support No Kid Hungry’s Taste of the Nation which helps raise critical funds and awareness to end childhood hunger. $115+; 6/11, 1 – 4:00 pm; Media Park – 9070 W. Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
(6/24): Hollywood Under the Stars Returns to Paramount Pictures Studio Lot
Paramount Pictures invites you to spend an evening under the stars with LA’s top celebrity chefs and restaurants. Hollywood Under the Stars is a preliminary culinary event hosted by Paramount Studios to raise money for St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. The evening features live entertainment and mouthwatering food from such popular LA restaurants as Hank’s, Qué Padre, Alexander’s Steakhouse, and Georgia’s Restaurant. $250 – $5,000; 6/24, 6:30 pm; Paramount Pictures – 5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038; 323.956.1777
