The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles MLK Weekend
(January 12 – January 15, 2024)
Friday
RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar Eureka O’Hara Welcomes You to EUREKA’S CASTLE at Catalina Jazz Club
RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Eureka O’Hara welcomes you to EUREKA’S CASTLE, a show with special guests Big Mama Tama and Salina esTitties. Guests can expect a fun-filled evening of sass, laughs, music, and more! $25+; Friday, 8:30 pm; Catalina Jazz Club – 6725 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028; 323.466.2210
Ivy Station Night Market Returns
Culver City’s coolest night market is back with culinary finds, craft brews, and good vibes under the stars! Join Ivy Station every second Friday for local eats, live music, games, and family fun. Free entry; Friday, 5- 10:00 pm; Ivy Station – 8840 National Boulevard Culver City, CA 90232
Saturday
Rise & Flow Yoga Saturdays at Skybar
Stretch, sip, shop, and swim with Rise & Flow Yoga at Skybar. In partnership with Fit Girl Club, attendees can start their day right every Saturday morning with an invigorating flowing yoga practice that will awaken the senses and energize the spirit. Namaslay as you take in the breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline moving through each pose. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, this event welcomes all levels. $25 (one) or $29.50 (Bring a friend with you for free. Get two tickets for the price of one) and Free for hotel guests; Saturdays, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; Skybar at Mondrian Los Angeles – 8440 Sunset Blvd – West Hollywood, CA 90069
2024 FitspoLA Series at The Bloc
Get ready to torch calories & sculpt your body in just one class! Join The Bloc & @FitspoLA for Cardio Flow Mat Pilates with Ashlee Carignan. High-intensity cardio meets Pilates strength for a calorie-blasting, fun-filled workout! Please bring water and your yoga mat. Free with RSVP and $12 parking with validation; Saturday, 10:00 am; 700 West 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90017; 213.454.4926
Canoga Park Block Party and Food Truck Festival
Canoga Park comes to life this weekend with their monthly Block Party. Expect a feast for the senses: mouthwatering food trucks, catchy tunes, classic cars gleaming in the sun, and endless entertainment possibilities. Free entry; Saturday, 5:30 – 9:30 pm; 7248 Owensmouth Avenue, Canoga Park, CA 91303
The Best Spots to Watch the NFL Wild Card Games in Los Angeles
The NFL Wild Card games are here, and we’ve got a list of the best LA sports bars and restaurants where you can cheer on your favorite teams. Saturday – Monday, various hours and locations
Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Tim Burton’s Batman Live In Concert at the Dolby Theatre
Holy live score, Batman! The 1989 classic returns with orchestral glory. Danny Elfman’s iconic score rises for a powerful concert performance accompanying Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman at the Dolby Theatre. Immerse yourself in dark Gotham while the orchestra brings every haunting note and thrilling crescendo to life. Costumes are encouraged. $54+; Saturday, 8:00 pm; 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90028; 323.308.6300
Kenan Thompson Presents: VIP Access Comedy at New Santa Monica Comedy Club The Crow
SNL cast member Kenan Thompson invites you to LOL at his comedy showcase at Santa Monica’s newest comedy club, the Crow. The night features comedy from some of LA’s funniest emerging comedians, including my girl Maxi Witrak. $30; Saturday, 7:00 pm (1st show) and 9:00 pm (2nd show); The Crow at the Bergamot Station Arts Center – 2525 Michigan Ave., F4, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Peacock’s The Traitors Live Immersive Experience in LA
To celebrate the premiere of Season 2 of The Traitors, the hit adventure competition hosted by Alan Cumming and featuring some of your favorite reality stars like Larsa Pippen, Phaedra Parks, Shereé Whitfield, Tamra Judge, and Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio, Peacock will transform a private mansion in Los Angeles into a Scottish castle, complete with The Traitors-style games and puzzles that groups must complete in order to pass through each room. The live experience will be open to the public for two consecutive weekends across 5 days total. $25; Saturday (through 1/21), Various hours; 1130 Westchester Place, Los Angeles, CA 90019
Corey Helford Gallery Presents Lucid Dreaming by Li Shanmei With an Opening Reception
Tonight, the Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) proudly unveils their first solo exhibition from Chinese artist Li Shanmei, titled Lucid Dreaming, in Gallery 3, alongside the gallery’s 10th annual Art Collector Starter Kit group exhibition in the Main Gallery. Shanmei is known for her realistic yet illustrative oil paintings depicting otherworldly children whose spirits and physical form are one with nature and life. To celebrate the opening, CHG will host a reception this evening from 7– 11:00 pm. Free; Tuesdays – Saturdays, 12 – 6:00 pm (through 2/17); 571 S. Anderson St. Los Angeles, CA 90033; 310.287.2340
Sunday
A.O.C’s Sunday Supper Winter Celebration of the French Country Classic, Cassoulet is BACK
Chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne are thrilled to announce the eagerly anticipated return of Cassoulet Night at A.O.C. This winter celebration of the Southern French country classic features the traditional slow-cooked dish of Duck Confit, Sausage, and White Beans. The event marks its 20th anniversary and pays homage to the annual tradition at Lucques since its inception. The three-course menu features a Salad of Young Greens and Saint Agur with Local Walnuts, Banyuls and Wildflower Honey; Cassoulet de Maison with Duck Confit, Pork Confit, Garlic Sausage and White Beans; and an Apple Croustade with Vanilla Ice Cream and Armagnac Prunes. Expect exceptional wines by the glass or bottle to pair with the menu selected by Caroline Styne. $95 (tickets must be purchased in advance); Sunday, 5 – 10:00 pm; 8700 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, California 90049; 323.655.6277
Smorgasburg LA
Ever have BBQ with a Cambodian twist? Or maybe crispy, crave-worthy tacos are your thing? Whatever your taste buds desire, you will find it at Smorgasburg LA. The largest open air food market welcomes you to sink your teeth into nearly 100 of LA’s best food and beverage vendors. Free entry; Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; ROW DTLA – 777 Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90021; 213.988.8890
Soul Food Sundays at WeHo Plant-Based Restaurant Ubuntu
Dive into Chef Shenarri Freeman’s Soul Food Sundays at Ubuntu! Her Cadence classics like Biscuits & Gravy and Fried Lasagna get a vegan glow-up, alongside soulful delights like Collard Green Wraps and Palm Cake. Seasonal desserts like Cobblers and Lemonberry Cake promise the perfect sweet ending. Various prices; Sundays, 2 – 8:00 pm; 7469 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046; 323.433.4141
MLK Events in Los Angeles
Embrace the spirit of unity and celebrate diversity this MLK weekend in Los Angeles with vibrant parades marching through the city streets, paying homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. This MLK Weekend, let’s honor the past and march towards a brighter future, together.
(Saturday) Lift Every Voice The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles Celebrates MLK
The Skirball Cultural Center’s stage resonates with powerful voices as Los Angeles’ own Inner City Youth Orchestra returns, celebrating Dr. King’s legacy with over 100 young musicians and singers. Founded to elevate the lives of LA’s inner-city youth through music, ICYOLA’s melodies weave tales of hope and transformation, promising a night that honors the past and inspires the future. Free; Saturday, 7:00 pm; Skirball Cultural Center – 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049; 310.440.4500
(Saturday) Westside Coalition and the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra Host Annual MLK Concert
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Westside Coalition and the Santa Monica Symphony are coming together to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. King. Join them for a free afternoon concert featuring symphonies from Coleridge-Taylor to Gershwin, celebrating the richness of cultural diversity. Free; Saturday, 3:00 pm; SGI-USA World Peace Auditorium – 525 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90401, 310.773.9729
(Saturday) Long Beach MLK Parade
Long Beach’s iconic Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration returns in all its glory this weekend. Join the vibrant community as the parade explodes with color and music, marching down Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue from Anaheim Street. Celebrate Dr. King’s dream with vibrant floats, energetic bands, and community groups showcasing their spirit. After the festivities continue at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.) with live music on the main stage, fun activities for the whole family, a chance to explore health and wellness resources, food vendors, unique merchandise, and informative booths! Free entry; Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street, Long Beach, CA 90806
(Monday) 39th Annual Kingdom Day Parade
The world’s largest and longest-running celebration of Dr. King is back! The 39th annual Kingdom Day Parade returns to Leimert Park, marching under the powerful theme “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop, Going To The Promised Land.” Prepare for a day of vibrant floats, electrifying music, community spirit, love, and peace. Free entry; Monday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm; Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles CA, 90032; 323-350-2667/818-605-7405
(Monday) MLK Day at the Skirball Cultural Center
Honor Dr. King’s legacy at the Skirball! Celebrate MLK Day with free admission to This Light of Ours, a powerful exhibit showcasing Civil Rights Movement photography. Free; Monday, 12 – 3:00 pm; Skirball Cultural Center – 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049; 310.440.4500
