The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles 5/5/25 – 5/8/25
Monday
Happy Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo 2025 is here, and once again Los Angeles will transform into a Mexican cultural paradise filled with special menus, vibrant taco festivals, and fiestas featuring live music, tequila tastings and authentic cuisine. For everyone seeking Cinco de Mayo events near me, we’ve got you covered with the best events happening in and around the city. Happy Cinco de Mayo!
20% Off at BOA, Sushi Roku + Katana Now Through Memorial Day
Now through Memorial Day, Los Angeles Innovative Dining Group restaurants BOA, Sushi Roku, and Katana are offering 20% off to diners who arrive before 6:30 pm.
- BOA Steakhouse has locations in West Hollywood (BOA Sunset), Santa Monica, and Manhattan Beach. Guided by culinary expert Chef Brendan Collins, BOA’s menu featuresfavorites like a 40-day dry-aged New York strip and A5 Japanese Wagyu, plus its legendary table-side Caesar salad and sophisticated cocktail program. NEW Cocktails at BOA include The Elit – Stoli elit vodka and caviar-stuffed olives; Golden Hour – Pendleton original bourbon, orange blossom honey, egg white, and a honey ice pop; and an Espresso Martini “Bandero Style” – Bandero Cafe & Blanco tequila and French pressed espresso
- Sushi Roku has locations in Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and Pasadena, serving sushi in a sleek, sophisticated environment, with options from rare and exotic specialties for sushi aficionados to classic timeless favorites.
- Katana is located on the iconic Sunset Strip and offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional robatayaki cooking with exquisite sushi creations, craft cocktails, and breathtaking views.
NEW Boxes Hit Farmer Boys Farmstand Fresh & Affordable Menu
Farmer Boys, the beloved fast-casual restaurant known for farm-fresh, award-winning burgers and exceptional value, just rotated the high-quality meals in its popular Farmstand Fresh & Affordable Menu, available for a limited time! Utilizing ingredients from local family-run farms, and showcasing many different protein options, Farmer Boys’ Farmstand menu offers high-quality food starting at just $9.99! Available now through June 30th, the new spring lineup includes Bacon Big Cheese® Box, Double Bacon Boy Box, 3pc Chicken Strips Box, 4pc Chicken Strips Box, and a Classic or Fiery Fried Chicken Sandwich Box (a Farmer Boys favorite), which all include a small Always Crispy Fries® and a small drink. New to the menu (and a Farmer Boys first) is the ½ Club Sandwich & Garden Salad Box, a fresh and healthy spin featuring locally baked La Brea ciabatta, piled high with sliced ham and turkey, hand-sliced tomato, crisp lettuce, American Swiss, Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and topped with thick hickory-smoked bacon with a Garden Salad and a small drink. Also new to the menu is the Butterscotch Coffee made with 100% sustainably sourced Arabica coffee beans. This flavorful beverage will delight guests with its smooth, rich taste and hint of nostalgic sweetness. $9.99+; Various hours and locations
North Italia Debuts New Spring/Summer Menu
North Italia just debuted its new Spring/Summer menus at all locations! Available now through October, the new menu includes three new cocktails and 12 new dishes that span lunch, happy hour, brunch, dinner, and dessert.
Standout items include:
- Garlic Knot Sliders (Happy Hour + Lunch) – Chef-driven spin on a classic Italian American pizzeria offering utilizing house-made pizza dough to create slider buns and available in two flavorful styles:
- Sicilian Meatball with pepperonata, smoked mozzarella and Calabrian aioli.
- Vodka Chicken Pesto with spicy vodka sauce, provolone and pesto.
- Chicken Scarpariello (Dinner) – A nostalgic plate of dark meat chicken and sweet Italian sausage with grilled piquillo pepper, fingerling potato, grilled ciabatta and roasted chicken jus.
- Cacio E Pepe Dirty Martini (Cocktail) – Savory cocktail made with nikka vodka, grana padano italian cheese, and house brine, and finished with fresh cracked pepper
- Alta Rossa (Cocktail) – Made with raspberry & rose infused lalo tequila, italicus rosolio di bergamotto and fresh lemon, and garnished with dehydrated raspberry powder in the shape of North’s logo.
- Strawberries & Cream French Toast (Brunch) – Featuring cinnamon custard brioche, cannoli cream, fresh strawberries, and buttered maple syrup.
- Poached Eggs & Polenta (Brunch) – With roasted mushroom, fava bean, sugar snap pea, piquillo pepper, romesco sauce, and grilled ciabatta.
- Hazelnut Torta (Fan-Favorite Dessert Returns!) – Featuring house-made nutella, candied hazelnut, and salted caramel gelato.
In addition to the new items, the spring/summer menu introduces seasonal spins to signature dishes like the Heirloom Tomato & Burrata, Seasonal Vegetable Salad, and Seared Sea Scallops, now accented with prime spring and summer ingredients like roasted mushroom, asparagus, cherry tomato, fava bean, sugar snap pea, blueberry, and pistachio. Various prices, hours and locations
Live Talks: Christie Brinkley Discusses Her Memoir Uptown Girl with Cindy Crawford
Witness a legendary fashion summit as iconic supermodel Christie Brinkley sits down with Cindy Crawford to discuss her revealing new memoir Uptown Girl. Learn firsthand about her groundbreaking modeling career, high-profile marriage to Billy Joel, and the personal challenges that shaped her extraordinary life. This exclusive author event brings together two of the modeling world’s most influential figures as Crawford moderates an intimate conversation exploring Brinkley’s candid reflections on childhood trauma, her passionate artistic pursuits, four tumultuous marriages, and the harrowing experiences that almost ended her life – stories that both inspire and illuminate the woman behind the famous face. $61.56; Monday, 8 – 9:00 pm; Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center at Vista Del Mar – 3200 Motor Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90034
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
The prestigious 41st Annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival returns with an expanded lineup showcasing 27 groundbreaking features and 110 exceptional shorts from emerging and established Asian and Asian American filmmakers across multiple iconic venues including West Hollywood, Little Tokyo, and Monterey Park. Film enthusiasts won’t want to miss the world premiere of Surrender starring Gilmore Girls favorite Keiko Agena, which kicks off this influential festival at the Directors Guild of America before continuing to celebrated locations like the Democracy Center at the Japanese American National Museum, Gardena Cinema, and Landmark Theatres Sunset. As Southern California’s premier platform for Asian cinema, this essential cultural event has spent four decades discovering new talent and celebrating established voices in Asian and Asian American filmmaking, creating invaluable opportunities for diverse storytellers while offering Los Angeles audiences exclusive access to cutting-edge international and domestic Asian cinema rarely screened elsewhere. Free entry; Monday – Wednesday, Various hours and locations
2025 Met Gala Superfine: Tailoring Black Style
Stay tuned tonite to experience the pinnacle of fashion history at the 2025 Met Gala, where Anna Wintour’s star-studded fundraiser for the Met’s Costume Institute transforms the red carpet into a dazzling showcase of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” This year’s theme celebrates the rich heritage of Black dandyism and its profound influence on global fashion trends. Los Angeles style enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating how Hollywood A-listers will interpret this year’s theme, which explores the vital role of clothing and style in shaping Black identities throughout the Atlantic diaspora, promising a more historically grounded yet visually spectacular exhibition than 2024’s conceptual “Sleeping Beauties” display. Fashion connoisseurs across Southern California are already predicting which celebrities will best embody the evening’s emphasis on impeccable tailoring, precision craftsmanship, and the cultural significance of Black style traditions – a masterclass in sartorial excellence that honors both historical relevance and contemporary artistry on fashion’s most prestigious night. Monday
Tuesday
Ètra x Camilla Marcus Collab Dinner
Tonite, Ètra’s Chef/Co-Owner Evan Algorri (a 2025 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: California) and GM/Co-Owner Andrew Lawson will host a special collaboration dinner with their dear friend, Camilla Marcus — chef, entrepreneur, founder of NYC’s celebrated zero-waste restaurant west~bourne, and author of the cookbook My Regenerative Kitchen. It’s a fun opportunity for these three native Angelenos (who have all cut their teeth in acclaimed NYC restaurants) to come together for this unforgettable springtime meal, showcasing the bounty of LA’s farmers’ markets. Will there be ramps? Probably! The à la carte menu features Camilla’s sustainable, plant-based recipes from her book, alongside Evan’s seasonal Italian fare and some Ètra classics. Various prices; Tuesday; 5:30 pm; 737 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA
It’s Taco Tuesday!
It’s Taco Tuesday Los Angeles, and that means one thing: epic deals on everyone’s favorite LA taco. But with countless taquerias and restaurants offering specials across the city, navigating the options can be like finding the perfect avocado – daunting and potentially messy. Worry not, fellow LA taco enthusiasts, for your taste bud compass is here! Let’s embark on a culinary adventure across Los Angeles, exploring who has the best Taco Tuesday near me.
Wednesday
Last Chance to See Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter Tour at SoFi Stadium
Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Cowboy Carter Tour concludes its Los Angeles run this week. The GRAMMY-winning vocal powerhouse has transformed SoFi Stadium into country-renaissance heaven showcasing her groundbreaking album that masterfully blends country, R&B, and pop influences. Giddy up partners! $42+; Wednesday and Friday, 7:00 pm; SoFi – 1001 Stadium Dr, Inglewood, CA 90301; 424.541.9100
Rooftop Pilates and Breathwork for JOY! Sponsored by Brands you LOVE!
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, join mental health advocate and wellness expert Britt Turpack (https://www.bewellwithbritt.com/), and Breathwork expert, Pixie Acia for Rooftop Pilates and Breathwork for JOY. Britt’s journey is deeply rooted in her personal experience overcoming severe anxiety and depression. From a challenging period in her early twenties, which included battling homelessness, Britt discovered the transformative power of movement, mindfulness, and meaningful conversation. Bring your yoga mat and a smile! $42.39; Wednesday, 6:15 – 8:00 pm; The Park Santa Monica Apartments – 500 Broadway Santa Monica, CA 90401
Thursday
LA County Fair
Calling all Cali thrill-seekers and foodies! The LA County Fair blasts off this week, promising almost three weeks of non-stop fun for all ages. Get ready to scream your lungs out on heart-pounding rides, indulge in deep-fried (and not-so-deep-fried) treats, and soak up the spring vibes with live music and dazzling exhibits. Advance tickets are required, so grab yours and get ready for an epic adventure! $18.50+; Thursdays – Sundays (through 5/26), Various hours; Fairplex – 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768; 909.623.3111
Netflix Is A Joke: Introducing…!
Experience a star-studded night of fresh comedy talent at the live comedy show, Netflix Is A Joke: Introducing… The iconic Avalon Hollywood, will be the setting where celebrated host Tom Papa presents two unmissable shows featuring rising comedians Eva Evans, Zoe Zakson, Kam Patterson, Ari Matti, Alex Song-Xia, Ray Lau, Nick Murphy, Milan Patel, Ruby Setnik, and Amber Autry – all being filmed for Netflix’s popular comedy YouTube channel. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the live audience for this exclusive Los Angeles comedy showcase that spotlights tomorrow’s breakout stars today, with performances at both 7 and 9:30 pm that promise to deliver the cutting-edge humor and memorable moments that have made Netflix Is A Joke festivals a must-attend event for comedy enthusiasts. $23; Thursday, 7 and 9:30 pm; AVALON Hollywood & Bardot – 1735 Vine Street Los Angeles, CA 90028
Coming Soon
Coming Soon (5/10): Fortnite Event Coming to USC Galen Center
BLAST has revealed the 20 duos for the upcoming Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS) Pro-Am, bringing together top professional Fortnite players and some of the biggest content creators for a live event on Saturday, 5/10. A total of 40 players, paired into 20 duos, will compete in Fortnite Reload for a share of the $500,000 prize pool, the FNCS Pro-Am trophy, and of course, bragging rights. For the first time ever, the best Fortnite pros will team up with creators—who’ll be putting their skills to the test as the ‘amateurs.’ It’s a game-changing twist that mixes insane competitive gameplay with the unique flair of the creator scene like never before! From gaming giants Bugha and TypicalGamer, all-star Japanese duo Captain Shota and Koyota, topreviousLAN champsDaya andSetty, English pairMongraal andAliA, and the best of the men and women teaming up with SypherPK and Moxie, these pros and creators will come together in this Reload Duos competition to prove they can work as a team to nab the $500,000 prize pool and entertain along the way. $44+; 5/10; 11:00 am; USC’s Galen Center – 3400 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90089
Coming Soon (5/16 – 5/18): Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival Featuring Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Foster the People, Jason Mraz, Janelle Monae, & More!
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival is thrilled to unveil its best lineup yet, as the highly anticipated fourth edition returns to the breathtaking San Diego waterfront from 5/16 – 5/18. Featuring top-tier headliners like Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Foster the People, Jason Mraz, Janelle Monae, and the best emerging talent, along with a diverse array of world-class performances across seven stages, Wonderfront 2025 promises to be an unforgettable weekend for music lovers, art enthusiasts, and culture curators alike. Set against the serene backdrop of iconic venues like Embarcadero Marina Park North, Seaport Village, and Ruocco Park, Wonderfront will offer breathtaking views of the harbor and skyline. Whether you’re soaking in the sun, dancing to your favorite artists, jumping on one of the festival’s yacht parties, or exploring interactive art installations, the festival promises a blissful start to your summer escape. $375+; 5/16 – 5/18, Various hours; San Diego, CA
Coming Soon (5/22): 9-Course Wine Dinner with Pasta|Bar and i Clivi Wines
On Thursday, 5/22, Pasta|Bar Los Angeles will host an exclusive, one-night-only dinner in collaboration with i Clivi wines—featuring a special appearance by Mario Zanusso, owner and winemaker of the celebrated Friulian Italian winery. The evening includes a 9-course tasting menu paired with i Clivi’s elegant, terroir-driven wines from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. Known for their purity, balance, and mineral-driven complexity, these wines will be thoughtfully matched with dishes from the Pasta|Bar team. Throughout the evening, Mario will share insights into his winemaking philosophy and the traditions that shape i Clivi, offering guests a rare opportunity to engage directly with the producer. A curated selection of wines will be available for purchase following the dinner. $345; 5/22; 16101 Ventura Blvd. Ste 250, Encino, CA 91436; 818.208.1805
Coming Soon (5/31): Chrysalis Poker & Party: Charity Poker Tournament and Cocktail Party
Get ready for high-stakes fun and philanthropy at Chrysalis’ All In For Changing Lives Poker & Party on Saturday, 5/31 at the historic Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club. This event, hosted by Chrysalis’ Young Professionals Advisory Council (YPAC), will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, and poker enthusiasts for an afternoon and evening of competition, entertainment, and giving back. Proceeds from this event will directly support Chrysalis’ workforce development programs, helping individuals experiencing homelessness or any barrier to the workforce. By participating, attendees and sponsors will contribute to life-changing programs that empower individuals and strengthen the community. $200+; 5/31, 2 – 8:00 pm; Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club – 1210 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.395.1308
Event Highlights:
- Poker Tournament: Bet on a better future by playing in a deepstack, no-limit hold ‘em tournament run by The Poker People.
- Cocktail Party: Play games, enjoy poker-themed activations, sip on cocktails from sponsors like Mario’s Hard Espresso and network with fellow supporters. Hearty tray passed appetizers and snacks and delicious buffet by Alligator Pear Catering.
- Silent Auction: Bid on exclusive items and experiences while supporting a great cause.
