Pier Party!
This fundraising event that benefits all students in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) includes rides, games, a DJ, face and hair painting, touch tanks from the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, mimes, stilt walkers, arts and crafts run by P.S. Arts, food and raffles. VIP Party-goers can enjoy brunch by the area’s finest restaurants (Blue Plate Taco, Caffe Luxxe, Chinois on Main, Del Frisco’s Grille, FIG, Hostaria del Piccolo, Hotel Erwin, JiRaffe, Joe’s/Bar Pintxo, The Lobster, Michael’s, Primitivo and The Wilshire) as well as a live auction. $25-175; Sunday, 10 am-2 pm; 310.260.8744
Open Air Kitchen + Bar
This spot, formerly Fatty’s Public House, is now offering a boozy brunch with a Bloody Mary Bar for only $10 and $15 Bottomless Mimosas with the purchase of an entrée, like the Chicken + Waffles. Saturday & Sunday, 11 am- 3 pm; 829 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood,; 310.854.0756
The Los Angels “Mac & Cheeze” Takedown
This Sunday, get your hungover but to Echo Park. It’s America’s comfort food. Pig out all day with different versions of this cheesy classic dish. Oh, and you can wash it down with beer. $15; Sunday, 2-4 pm; Bootleg Theatre, 2220 Beverly Blvd., Echo Park, Los Angeles
Los Angeles Modernism Show & Sale
Browse and shop from 40 premier national and international exhibitors featuring decorative and fine arts from all design movements of the 20th Century. The event also has an opening night cocktail party, panel discussions and more. 3LABS Studio, 461 Warner Dr., Culver City
Los Angeles Zoo Earth Day Explore Weekend
Stop by the Los Angeles Zoo for a weekend expo showcasing California wildlife and how it affects the health of Planet Earth. Experience interactive stations that give you info and ideas about animal conservation and preservation, sustainable living for humans, recycling, and how to make Earth a better place to live. Saturday & Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; 5333 Zoo Dr.; 323.644.4200
Lebowski Fest
Join in a movie party with music from Kyle Gass Band at the Wiltern, following by bowling. Bowling is one of my most favorite things to do. Now, imagine bowling with “The Dude”. Jeff “The Dude” Dowd, Jim Hoosier (Liam!), and Barry Asher (Bowling Advisor to the film) will be partying and Lebowski lovers can compete to win trivia contests, costume prizes, and bowling matches. White Russian, stat! Movie party, $20, doors 7 pm; Bowling party, $25–30, 8 pm. The Wiltern 3790 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 213.388.1400; Fountain Bowl 17110 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, 714.963.7888.
Photo Independent Art Fair
If you love photography, than this exhibit is right up your alley. Browse displays from over 70 exhibitors and discover the hottest new talent in photography. Saturday & Sunday, various times; Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Blvd., Hollywood
Champagne Brunch
Relax on the Turf Terrace dining area where bottomless mimosas and brunch will be served with a view. It’s a great day when you are sipping on Veuve Clicquot! Sunday, noon-2:30 pm; Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Dr., Arcadia, CA 91007; 626.574.7223
Spinning Nation 2014
Get a great workout and raise money for the Go Red For Women movement. This charity event has themed rides that are costume inspired. You can even get your workout on with the cast and crew of Mike & Molly, who will be joining in on the fun! Saturday, various times; Warner Brothers Fitness Studio, 4000 Warner Blvd., Bldg. 25, Burbank
Littlefork
Littlefork is rolling out $1.50 oysters, that are available daily from 5-7 pm and again on Friday and Saturday from 10 pm until closing, their oyster hour also includes $1.50 Molson bottles, rotating $5 wine selections, and seasonal cocktail specials. 1600 Wilcox Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028; 323.465.3675
The Brewery 2014 Spring Artwalk
This is one of my favorite events in Los Angeles. Join in the open studio weekend with more than 100 resident artists open their studios to display new works. Speak with artists and purchase artwork directly from the studios. The Brewery Arts Complex used to be a Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery, and allows artists to rent live/work space in industrially zoned buildings. Free; Sunday, 11 am-6 pm; Brewery Arts Complex, 2100 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Naturepedic Party
They are celebrating the first certified organic mattress manufacturer store. Enjoy refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, live music and take a photo on the green carpet. Plus, get tips on healthy family sleep from a certified sleep specialist, Jenni June from 2-4 pm. Free; Sunday, 12-4 pm; 456 S Robertson Blvd.
BH100 Centennial Block Party
The ritzy neighborhood is toasting their 100 year milestone all year long, continuing with a massive block party hosted by the Rodeo Drive Committee and the City of Beverly Hills will span the 200, 300 and 400 blocks of Rodeo Drive, offering carnival games and a 10-feet high, 15,000-slice birthday cake. Plus, Motown recording artist Martha Reeves will be performing her ’60s hit “Dancing in the Street“. They are also unveiling two, four-story Ferris Wheels that will literally spell out 1-0-0, as well as a 20-piece dance band and a fireworks grand finale. Sunday, 3:30-8:30 pm
Arts District Flea
DTLA’s Arts District now has its own weekly shopping experience. The Arts District Flea will take place every Friday through Sunday and will offer up to 60 vendors selling clothing, accessories, art, home decor, vintage finds, food and more. Friday-Sunday, 10 am-6 pm; 453 Colyton St Los Angeles, CA 90013
Sommelier Saturdays
Del Frisco’s Grille Santa Monica will continue its monthly wine events on the second Sommelier Saturdays with Adem Sash. Wine lovers of all levels can enjoy select spring wines from the Sonoma coast, as well as food pairings from the oceanside restaurant. Attendees will taste three wines, including a pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and rosé, chosen by one of Los Angeles’ top sommeliers. $35; Saturday, 1-3 pm; Del Frisco’s Grille Santa Monica, 1551 Ocean Ave., #105, Santa Monica, CA 90401; RSVP: 310.395.7333
Aquarium of the Pacific Earth Day Celebration
The Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting a ton of Earth Day activities this weekend. Learn easy tips on protecting the ocean, and participate in fun, hands-on educational demonstrations. Plus, you can bring in old electronic items to get $10 off admission. Saturday & Sunday, 9 am-5 pm; Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way; 562.590.3100
Silver Lake Farms Vegetable Gardening Class
Skip the grocery store trip, and learn how to whip up an organic meal from your own backyard. This hands-on course will teach you everything you need to know about growing vegetables. Sunday, 1-4 pm; Erika J. Glazer Family Edible Garden at the Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd.; 213.763.3499; Click here to reserve a spot.
California Poppy Festival
Celebrate our state flower at the California Poppy Festival. Doubling as an Earth Day bash, the festival has tons of things to do all weekend long. Expect 50 different music and dance performances, a farmers’ market and beer pavilion, art vendors, healthy-living workshops, plenty of food, and much more. Saturday & Sunday, 10 am-6 pm; Lancaster City Park, 43011 10th St.; 661.946.6092
Paris Photo Los Angeles
For the second year in a row, Paris’ most esteemed photography fair returns to the U.S. with a showcase of emerging talent and work from 81 galleries worldwide. You will be inspired and, maybe, buy a brand new print for your home too. Friday-Sunday; Paramount Pictures Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave.; 323.956.8398
Art + Design Open Market
This one-day open art market featuring 100 local artists whose artwork will fill the One Colorado courtyard. Art & Design 2014 will also offer art demos. All participating artists are students or alumni from Pasadena’s leading cultural institutions: Art Center College of Design and Pasadena City College. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to the artists. May 25, 10 am – 5 pm; 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.564.1066
Grand Central Market Market’s Dinner & Movie Series
Enjoy a special screening of Orson Welles’ crime thriller, Touch of Evil at The Million Dollar Theatre. The cast includes Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, Marlene Dietrich, Akim Tamiroff and Welles. Before the show, select vendors (Ana Maria’s, Belcampo Meat Co., Bento Ya, Berlin Currywurst, Jose Chiquito, Jose’s Ice Cream, La Huerta, Lupita’s Seafood, Roast To Go and Sarita’s Pupuseria) will be open late, inviting you to enjoy the flavors and history next door at the iconic Grand Central Market. Tickets here; Saturday, 6-8 pm; 308 S. Hill St.
Short Order‘s Dante Fried Chicken Sunday Brunch
Nosh on items like Sock It To Me Fried Chicken with malted cinnamon waffle, apricot crack maple syrup, brûlée fruit and small salad; Sock It To Me Fried Chicken Club Sandwich with apricot crack sauce; Sock It To Me Fried Chicken Cobb Salad with mixed greens, pickles, onions, tomatoes, bacon, feta, and lemon vinaigrette; OG Minni May Thighs N’ Biscuits-coconut buttermilk biscuit with savory chocolate gravy topped with fried egg served with mixed greens and a bone in Jidori thigh and leg; Sock It To Me Fried Chicken Double ^Up^-crisp lettuce wedge stuffed with fried chicken, onion, tomato, pickles, secret sauce, and apricot crack sauce. 6333 W 3rd St #110, Los Angeles, CA 90036
One Colorado Sunday Funday – BINGO! in the courtyard
Play Bingo in the One Colorado Courtyard with Legendary Bingo’s very own Bingo Boy! With great prizes from One Colorado stores and restaurants and old-school ice cream treats, this Sunday Funday Bingo event will be a winner. Daubers provided. Sunday, 2-4 pm; One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103
5th Anniversary of the Annenberg Community Beach House
Santa Monica is celebrating this 5-acre public beach facility on the Santa Monica coastline that has ocean views, a children’s playground, art gallery, historic pool, and the original Marion Davies Guest House. This weekend-long community open house will feature free family-friendly programs including beach activities and games; fitness and ballroom-style dance classes; music and dance performances; tours of the historic Guest House and grounds; and more. You are encouraged to bike or walk to the Beach House, since parking is extremely limited. Free bike valet will be provided. Back on the Beach Cafe will be open from 8 am-8 pm and will be serving a full menu for dine-in or takeaway, and will offer beach equipment rentals including sand chairs, umbrellas, and more. Free ($15 for paddleboard lessons); Saturday, 9 am-9 pm; Sunday, 9 am-4 pm; 415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, CA 90402, RSVP here.
Manhattan Beach Pub Crawl
After their 27th Annual Pier to Pier Walk, Richstone Family Center is hosting a pub crawl in Manhattan Beach! It’s a day of drinking and give back to a good cause. Each location will be marked with balloons day of. To participate, register for the walk at RichstoneFamily.org. Find more information on the participating below. Participating restaurants include The Rockefeller Manhattan Beach: $1 off beers; Simmzy’s Manhattan Beach: $1 off pints; BrewCo MB: 25% off beer; and Pitfire Pizza: $2 craft beer pours. $25; Saturday, 10 am-2 pm
Artisanal LA
Shop for stylish wares, sustainable bites, handmade home goods from over 200 vendors, while enjoying workshops, chef demos, tunes from DJs and more. Saturday & Sunday; LA Mart 1933 Broadway, downtown
26th Annual Vintage Bouquet Food & Wine Extravaganza
Celebrity Cruises is the Official Barrel Sponsor at this year’s 26th Annual Vintage Bouquet Food & Wine Extravaganza that has food from Chaya, Bagatelle Los Angeles, Goldie’s, Napa Valley Grille and more. This event includes tastings of world-class California wines, gourmet food samples, a live and silent auction, and live music. Proceeds will benefit charitable causes of the Beverly Hills Bar Foundation. Visit the Celebrity Cruises area and enjoy wine samplings from local wineries as well as promotions and Celebrity’s popular swag. Celebrity Cruises Executive Chef, Rufino Rengifo will be serving Celebrity Cruises signature Cajun Shrimp appetizer and also have recipes of this delicious appetizer for attendees to take home! Sunday, 12 – 4 pm; Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Dr., Beverly Hills, CA
Pasadena Restaurant Week
Dine from more than 40 of Pasadena’s best restaurants as they offer specially priced prix fixe lunch and dinner menus for the week. Restaurants joining in the fun include The Royce Wood-Fired Steak House, A/K/A an American Bistro, Trattoria Neapolis, The Terrace at the Langham and more. Through May 2
Sales:
Black Halo
Snap up the LA contemporary label’s dresses, tops, bottoms and more for $100 or less during their two-day warehouse sale in Downtown. Score an additional 10% off when they ‘Like’ the brand’s Facebook page here. Friday & Saturday; 648 Mateo St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
California Market Center
Enjoy deals at hundreds of showrooms offering men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel, home decor, furniture and more at the DTLA market’s one-day public sample sale. Then on Saturday, the deals continue with up to 85% off an array of designer brands during the market’s Saturday Sale. $2 admission; Friday & Saturday, 10 am-3:30 pm; 110 E 9th St., Los Angeles, CA 90079; 213.630.3600
Cleobella, Shakuhachi, More: The Sydney
Score 50% off or more off at his gathering of a bunch of LA and Aussie brands at Sydny showroom’s four-day warehouse sale at their Costa Mesa HQ. Through Sunday; 1796 Monrovia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Famous Stars and Stripes
Enjoy deep discounts on apparel and accessories for men and youth during the lifestyle brand’s sample sale at their Ontario HQ. Saturday; 4050 Greystone Dr., Ontario, CA 91761
Luna Skye Jewelry: Fiore Designs
Score 10% off jewelry brand Luna Skye’s delicate pieces during their spring pop-up shop at Fiore Designs in Venice. Saturday; 1617 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA
Mattison
Now until the end of the month, head to the LA menswear brand’s Melrose flagship for up to 70% off their luxe apparel and suiting during their spring sale. 8458 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Movimento
Score wholesale pricing on stylish streetwear designed by celeb trainer and choreographer Whitney Shannon. In addition, shoppers get a 50% off code good for online purchases at the brand’s website. Friday, 9 a-2 pm; 9346 Civic Center Dr., #145, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Rachel Pally
Save up to 85% off the LA designer’s jersey jumpsuits, maxi dresses, tops, bottoms and more, including merchandise from her plus-size White Label collection. Friday-Sunday; 201 S. Anderson St., Los Angeles, CA
Tarina Tarintino
The LA designer’s cash-only sample sale means deals on her colorful accessories and more at her Downtown Sparkle Factory. Friday & Saturday, 10 am-3 pm; 910 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Trina Turk
Nab the designer’s men’s, women’s and residential merchandise starting at $20 during her three-day sample sale at her West 3rd Street boutique. Friday-Sunday; 8008 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 323.651.1382
