Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles
This Weekend (October 6 – 8, 2023)
Friday
GOODEE, Sustainable Marketplace Opens First LA Pop-Up
Montreal-based GOODEE, the B Corp, and sustainable home curated marketplace where good design meets good purpose is hosting its FIRST West Coast pop-up at Platform. The space blurs lines between architecture, design, and art, meshing graphic and spatial design and presents a curated selection of gifts that matter from inspiring makers from around the world, just in time for the Holiday gifting season. Featured brands include HAWS, Niwaki , Tensira, EcoBirdy, Iris Hantverk, and Ferm Living. Various prices; Mondays – Sundays (through January), 11:00 am – 6:00 pm; Platform – 8850 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Pop-Up: Polite Society at La La Land Kind Cafe
Polite Society will be taking over LaLaLand in Santa Monica this weekend, featuring offerings such as travel size products with every drink purchase along with the full collection and merchandise available onsite for customers to purchase. Immerse yourself in the world of Polite Society at LaLaLand and enjoy a B.I.G. Mouth Lip Plumping Oil Gloss with your custom Polite Society Latte! Various prices; Friday – Sunday, 6:30 am – 7:00 pm; 1426 Montana Ave #1, Santa Monica, CA, 90403
Keegan-Michael Key and Elle Key Discuss & Sign THE HISTORY OF SKETCH COMEDY
Barnes & Noble invites you to an exciting event featuring renowned authors Keegan-Michael Key and Elle Key. They’ll be hosting a live podcast recording with Go Fact Yourself to celebrate the release of their latest book, THE HISTORY OF SKETCH COMEDY: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE ART AND CRAFT OF HUMOR. This book, accompanied by new essays from comedy legends, expands on the success of their 2022 Webby Award–winning podcast, offering a deeper dive into the fascinating world of sketch comedy. Don’t miss this captivating evening of humor and insights! $32.80; Friday, 6 – 7:00 pm; Barnes & Noble (The Grove) – 189 The Grove Drive Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tony-Award Winning Musical HADESTOWN at the Ahmanson Theatre
HADESTOWN, one of my favorites and the winner of Best Musical for the 2019 Tony Awards is here in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theatre. With a love story that surpasses death and time and songs that you won’t be able to get out of your head, HADESTOWN is a must-see musical experience. Hurry, this innovative show is only here through 10/15. $40+; Friday – Thursday (except Monday), various hours; 135 N. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213.628.2772
Pasadena Magazine Presents the Inaugural Taste of Pasadena 2023: A Culinary Extravaganza
Pasadena Magazine is thrilled to announce the debut of its highly anticipated culinary event, the Taste of Pasadena 2023! “The Taste of Pasadena is not merely another event; it is an immersive celebration of culinary excellence, culture, and community,” says Malina Saval, Editor-In-Chief for Pasadena Magazine.“ This event promises an unforgettable evening of delectable experiences, featuring unlimited tastings from top chefs and renowned restaurants spanning the San Gabriel Valley and beyond.” Guests can look forward to a wide array of culinary offerings, handcrafted cocktails, live music, and captivating experiences that will engage and delight every guest. $60 – $100; Friday 7 – 9:30 pm; Pasadena Convention Center – 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101
Dine LA
Experience the culinary delights of Los Angeles at Dine LA Restaurant Week, a biannual event that spotlights our city as a top dining destination while celebrating its diverse culinary landscape. From enticing lunch to delectable dinner menus, you can savor the flavors of hundreds of local restaurants during the Fall 2023 edition, with a focus on dine-in experiences. No tickets or passes are needed; just visit a participating restaurant, request the Dine LA Restaurant Week menu, and indulge in new discoveries or beloved classics. Monday – Sunday (through 10/20), Various hours and locations
- Beachside Restaurant & Bar: For Dine LA, Jamaica Bay Inn’s signature restaurant Beachside Restaurant & Bar is serving a delicious menu of Brussels Sprouts with Red Wine Reduction and Lemon Mascarpone, Branzino with Creamed Farro and Wild Mushrooms, or Sweet Corn Ravioli with Meyer Lemon Beurre Blanc and Balsamic Glaze! $55; Monday – Sunday, 4 – 10:00 pm; 4175 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292; 310.823.5333
- Crossroads Kitchen: For this fall’s Dine LA, plant-based favorite Crossroads Calabasas will offer a 2-course lunch special Monday – Friday. Highlights include Crossroads signatures such as Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms, Calamari Fritti, Impossible Cigars, Spaghetti Carbonara and Truffle Mushroom Bianca Pizza. $25; Monday – Fridagt4776 Commons Way Suite A, Calabasas, CA 91302; 747.230.4210
- Hotel Figueroa: DTLA’s award-winning urban oasis Hotel Figueroa’s flagship restaurant Sparrow Italia and all-day eatery Café Fig invite you to dine with them for Dine LA Restaurant week. Hotel Figueroa is one of the country’s hottest new culinary-driven hotels and an ideal gathering place for Angelenos and hotel guests alike. Monday – Sunday, various hours; 939 S Figueroa St UNIT 300, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.660.3006
- Sparrow Italia: Coastal Italian Meets Mediterranean at Sparrow Italia! One of the city’s best-kept Italian dining experiences unlike any other, Sparrow Italia offers a resort-like respite with a modern touch. For Dine LA this fall, Angelenos and visitors alike can enjoy an elevated Dine LA tasting menu of Italian and Mediterranean classics from Executive Chef Joana Cruz. $75; Dine LA menu highlights include:
- Braised Meatballs (American wagyu, veal, pomodoro, whipped ricotta, basil, and grilled bread)
- Chicken Paillard (black garlic & Caper beurre blanc)
- Lasagna Verde (truffle bechamel, chanterelle mushrooms, cashew ricotta, spinach lasagna)
- Torta di Pere (poached pear, caramelized almonds)
- All Day Eatery & DTLA Hotspot Café Fig: Hotel Figueroa’s sunny & cheerful all-day Café Fig will offer a three-course Dine LA menu featuring a selection of appetizers, fan favorite entrées, and a wide array of desserts. $55
- Beef Cheek & Potato Croquettes (braised beef cheeks, salsa verde, red wine reduction)
- Portobello Bahn Mi (sweet chili aioli, pickled daikon, pickled herbs)
- The Classic Burger (double chef’s blend patty, bib lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, white American cheese & “café fig” secret sauce on brioche bun)
- Seasonal Fruit Tart (shortbread, vanilla ice cream, seasonal fruits)
- Sparrow Italia: Coastal Italian Meets Mediterranean at Sparrow Italia! One of the city’s best-kept Italian dining experiences unlike any other, Sparrow Italia offers a resort-like respite with a modern touch. For Dine LA this fall, Angelenos and visitors alike can enjoy an elevated Dine LA tasting menu of Italian and Mediterranean classics from Executive Chef Joana Cruz. $75; Dine LA menu highlights include:
- The Surfing Fox Restaurant & Bar: Santa Monica’s newest restaurant and bar located at The Pierside Hotel in Santa Monica, is participating in Dine LA. Reservations are encouraged and can be made through OpenTable. $55; Monday – Sunday, 11:00 am – 9:30 pm; Pierside Hotel -120 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401; 424.214.1830
- Guacamole with onion, cilantro, serrano, tortilla chips
- Shishito Peppers with charred onion aioli, togarashi, lime
- Roasted half chicken with cilantro rice, coconut sauce, green sambal
- Romanesco with calabrian chile tahini, garlic-miso oil, mint
- Snap peas with agrodolce
- Crispy sweet potatoes with ponzu, charred onion aioli, togarashi
- Thai Tea Tiramisu
Spooky Season Unmasked: Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween 2023 in Los Angeles
Embrace the spooky season in style with our guide to the most thrilling Halloween events in Los Angeles. From haunted mazes and scary thrill rides, to bar crawls, parades, and costume parties, we’ve curated a list of the city’s top attractions that will make Halloween 2023 unforgettable.
Saturday
Kick Off Your Weekend with Brunch Bites at The Strand House
Hold on to the last bit of summer by enjoying brunch by the beach at The Strand House, one of Manhattan Beach’s top culinary destinations. One of the only restaurants with a full ocean view in Manhattan Beach, locals and tourists alike look forward to their weekend mornings spent at The Strand House, where their extensive brunch menu has something to offer for everyone. Guests can choose from an assortment of dishes from the refreshed menu by newly appointed Executive Chef, Chris Park, including the Acai Fruit Bowl or warm and rich Fresh Baked Cinnamon Roll, complete with cream cheese frosting, bacon butterscotch, and salted maple pecan crumble. For those who prefer the savory side, the Crab Cake Benedict, Truffle and Egg Toast with eggs, cured black olives, sourdough, prosciutto, and black truffle slices, or the Wild Mushroom Omelette are a few standout dishes to choose from. For the later crowd, The Strand House also has a full lunch portion of the menu with salads, wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, including the Chicken and Waffles, with crispy Jidori chicken tenders, chili-honey glaze and aji Amarillo butter. Brunch is never complete without a sweet treat, and TSH Glazed Donuts are essential when visiting The Strand House! Current flavors include Tahitian vanilla bean, chocolate crunch, caramel with fleur de sel, passion fruit mojito, pina colada but rotate based on the season! Various prices; Saturdays – Sundays, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm; 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; 310.545.7470
Becky G Live in Concert at The Novo
Becky G is coming to Los Angeles! Don’t miss your chance to see the award-winning singer/songwriter and actress live at The Novo for her “Mi Casa, Tu Casa Tour.” Known for her energetic performances and her catchy songs, Becky G’s show is going to be a night to remember! $100+; Saturday, 8:00 pm; The Novo – 800 W. Olympic Blvd a335, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.765.7000
DJ Pauly D Comes to Exchange LA
DJ Pauly D is bringing his signature energy and beats to Los Angeles. Get ready to party with the Jersey Shore/Jersey Shore: Family Vacation star as he DJs this weekend’s wild party at Exchange LA. $45+; Saturday, 10:00 pm; 618 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
Sunday
Touchdown! Scoring the Best Spots to Watch Football in Los Angeles
Are you ready for some football?! We’ve got a list of the best LA sports bars and restaurants where you can watch football in Los Angeles. Today, watch as the Los Angeles Rams take on my Philadelphia Eagles at home at SoFi. Sunday, 1:05 pm
Coming Soon
(10/11 – 11/18): 44 – THE unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL at Bourbon Room Hollywood
The Bourbon Room welcomes you to witness the hilarious and witty must-see musical satire, 44 – THE unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL (Told Through the Hazy Recollection of Joe Biden). The limited, 20-show engagement is the brainchild of Eli Bauman, a former Obama campaign organizer and TV writer who wrote the music, lyrics, and book and also directs the show. Some of the songs were co-written with his father, Jon “Bowzer” Bauman of the ‘70s group Sha Na Na, as well as band leader, music director, and music co-producer, Anthony “Brew” Brewster who fronts the show’s live band. 44 stars T.J. Wilkins (NBC’s The Voice) as Barack Obama and Shanice (Award-winning R&B artist – I Love Your Smile and OWN’s Flex & Shanice) as Michelle Obama. $44 – $88; 10/11 – 11/18, various hours; The Bourbon Room – 6356 Hollywood Blvd 2nd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90028; 213.667.4233
(10/12): The Palm Los Angeles Hosts JUSTIN Winery Dinner
The Palm Los Angeles presents an evening with JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. On Thursday, 10/12, embark on a journey of wine appreciation with knowledgeable experts as they guide you through a four-course menu with perfect pairings of JUSTIN Winery’s award-winning wines. Start with Spiedini (shrimp skewers with merguez sausage, red pepper feta sauce) before moving on to Carpaccio (filet mignon topped with green peppercorn aioli, horseradish gremolata, capers, parmesan cheese, micro basil), and then Cacciucco (seafood stew with black cod, shrimp, clams, calamari, garlic bread). The third course features Porchetta (Tuscan-style rolled pork roasted for six hours and served with radicchio salad, herb-roasted potatoes, and creamed spinach). Your meal ends with Affogato (vanilla gelato topped with espresso soda, caffè borghetti liqueur, caramelized walnuts, semi-sweet chocolate shavings, and whipped cream). Enjoy! $169; 10/12, 7:00 pm; 1100 Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 213.763.4600
(10/13 – 10/15): MÍRATE to Host LA’s First-Ever Festival de Vino Mexicano
MÍRATE, Los Feliz’s bar-focused and ingredient driven California-Mexican restaurant, will host Los Angeles’ inaugural Festival de Vino Mexicano. Offering a lineup of wine tastings, seminars and food collaborations, the three-day event will bring together chefs and vintners from Mexico and Baja California to celebrate Mexico’s widely diverse culture, wine, and food. Plus, a portion of ticket sale proceeds will be donated to This is About Humanity. $125+; 10/13 – 10/15, Various hours; 1712 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(10/18): Chef Priyanka Naik Teams Up with Café Gratitude (Venice)
As part of their ongoing pop-up dinner series, Café Gratitude invites guests to Venice for an enchanting evening with celebrity chef and author Priyanka Naik on Wednesday, 10/18. Café Gratitude’s Executive Chef Dreux Ellis and Chef Priyanka have curated a four-course, entirely plant-based, Indian-fusion dinner that will be served al fresco on the restaurant’s warm and inviting outdoor patio accompanied by live acoustic music. Celebrate the spirit of India with dishes like an Amuse-Bouche, made with Chaat Masala, spicy tomato chutney, and herbed coconut cream. Followed by a Tamarind Tofu Bánh Mì, with a herby cucumber carrot slaw, sriracha mayo, and tamarind tofu on a toasted baguette. Lastly, a Mango Mousse Parfait for dessert. $130 (with a $20 gift card redeemable at any Café Gratitude location) and $150 (with a copy of Chef Priyanka’s cookbook, The Modern Tiffin, and an intimate book signing by Chef Priyanka and a $20 gift card, redeemable at any Café Gratitude location); 10/18, 7 – 10:00 pm; 512 Rose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90291; 424.231.8000
(10/19): Celebrate Oktoberfest with Beer-Infused Dishes & Exclusive Beer Tastings by Boston Beer Company at SALT Restaurant and Bar
In the spirit of Oktoberfest, Boston Beer Company is taking over SALT Restaurant and Bar at Marina Del Rey Hotel for the October edition of their Meet Your Makers Series. An Oktoberfest-style feast, guests will enjoy beer-infused dishes, an exclusive tasting experience and beer education from the pros at Boston Beer. A renowned name and trailblazer in the world of craft brewing, Boston Beer Company has given birth to iconic brands like Samuel Adams, creating exceptional brews with a rich history. $53.10; 7:00 pm; 10/19, Marina del Rey Hotel – 13534 Bali Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292; 310.301.1000
Your ticket includes:
- Three Beer-Infused Dishes (BBQ Shrimp and Avocado Salad, Cowboy Beef Boston Lager Chili & Samuel Adams Boston Lager Chocolate Cream Puffs)
- Exclusive Samples of Rare Beers & Ciders
- Take-Home Swag
*FOR FUN THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES THIS WEEKEND, CHECK BACK ON FRIDAY!*
