After a long pandemic shutdown, Los Angeles is open—and that means there’s fun stuff to do all across the city. Here’s a list of some of the coolest events happening in L.A. this weekend.
Washed Silk x Reality Check Holiday Pop Up Shop
Sunday, December 12
Reality Check Club, an L.A.-based lifestyle brand that focuses on mental health awareness, is teaming up with Washed Silk—a weekly music party hosted by DJs Naomi and Lala—to host a holiday pop-up shop on Sunday, December 12 at the Blind Barber in Highland Park. The shopping experience, which was thoughtfully curated to showcase local designers and creatives, includes women’s clothing line by Thursday Party, candle company Third Planet, Droppin Jewels which offers tooth gem services, and more. Visitors can shop from 7-11 p.m., but the party will go on until 1 a.m. with live music from L.A.-based DJs including Naomi and Lala, Drea Faux Real, Nameless, and Rabbit. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase. [More info]
Rolling Loud
Friday, December 10 through Sunday, December 12
Tickets for Rolling Loud, which is taking place in San Bernardino this weekend, have officially sold out, but we’re certain that there’s a handful of resell tickets still floating around the web. (Hack: Most festival goers know that resellers or those who can no longer attend the festival typically lower their prices as the event date and time gets closer, so waiting until the day of the event is usually beneficial.) The popular hip-hop music festival is returning to SoCal—for three days instead of two—from Friday, December 10 through Sunday, December 12 at the NOS Event Center. J. Cole, Kid Cudi, and Future will be headlining the event. Other performers include L.A. natives Ty Dolla $ign and Blxst, Wiz Khalifa, Playboi Carti, Don Toliver, BIA, Gucci Mane, and more. [More info]
American Express x NBA Pop-Up
Saturday, December 11 through Sunday, December 12
Calling all basketball fans—and Amex card members! American Express is launching a first-of-its-kind NBA 2K22 experience in DTLA this weekend to celebrate Amex’s partnership with the NBA and the video game franchise NBA 2K. From December 11-12, visitors will get the chance to claim some of the most sought-after digital merchandise for their NBA 2K MyPlayer including gear from Just Don, OVO, Mitchell & Ness, and Under Armour—for free. Fans will also get the opportunity to enhance their MyPlayer by taking high-quality face scans at the Face Scan Studio, which can then be uploaded through the NBA 2K app to get a true-to-life look to be used in the game. Other experiences include the “Infinity Cube” where visitors can immerse themselves into the sights and sounds of NBA 2K22 and access exclusive NBA gear, which will be available for purchase. The pop-up will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 and 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 12 at 901 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90015. Entry is free.
Tierra Whack at the Masonic Lodge
Friday, December 10
Tierra Whack will be performing on Friday, December 10 at The Masonic Lodge (Hollywood Forever). The show comes just a week after the widly creative rhymer from Philly released a new EP titled Rap?, which features three songs. Showtime is at 8 p.m. and tickets are $30. [More info and tickets]
Natural Women Exhibit
Thursday, December 9 through Thursday, December 23
Yiwei Lu, an independent art curator who has become known for showcasing work by Asian and female artists, is unveiling her latest exhibit “Natural Women” on Thursday, December 9 in Venice. Running through December 23, the exhibit features artists Shelley Jordon, Moeko Maeda, Sasinun Kladpetch, and Ruby Yang that aims to bridge the gap between four different generations of female artists from four different countries. Each of the artists specialize in different mediums that focus on natural materials including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and glass. Artwork on display will be available for purchase. The pop-up gallery is open from 12-6 p.m. daily and admission is free. [More info]
Desert Air festival in Palm Springs
Friday, December 10 through Saturday, December 11
Presented by Splash House and Goldenvoice, Desert Air is a festival that features two intimate days of world class underground dance music amongst the historic aircrafts of the Palm Springs Air Museum. The lineup for the inaugural event includes global electronic talent such as Compton’s very own Channel Tres, Peggy Gou, DJ Koze, Dixon, The Martinez Brothers, Moodymann, TSHA, and more. General admission (for both days) starts at $130 plus ticketing fees, and hotel packages start at $750 for two people, $1050 for four. Packages include two night accommodations and Desert Air passes. The event is limited to people ages 21 and up. [More info and tickets]
Photos With Santa at Manhattan Village
Thursday, December 9 through Friday, December 24
Santa Claus has arrived at Manhattan Village for the holiday season with photo opportunities for the entire family including your four-legged loved ones. From now through December 24, visitors can pose for a photo with Santa on a Christmas themed set at the shopping plaza. If you’re looking to switch up traditional holiday photos, attend one of the Manhattan Village’s themed photo events including Ugly Sweater Night and Squad Night. And don’t forget to bring your pet(s) for Pet Photo Nights, which are held every Monday from 4-7 p.m. Photo packages start at $19.95 and reservations are highly recommended via Manhattan Village’s website. Also, make sure that you follow Manhattan Village on Facebook and Instagram for the chance to win a photo package for pictures with Santa. [More info]
The ByBlack Bazaar by American Express
Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12
This weekend, American Express is launching “ByBlack Bazaar by American Express,” a pop-up marketplace curated by Emmy nominated actor, writer, and producer Issa Rae who is a native Angeleno. The marketplace will feature 16 Black-owned national and local brands that specialize in fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle. Participating brands include Union Los Angeles fashion boutique, jewelry by JeBlanc, No Free Coffee, Miletree Candles, and more. While shopping for unique holiday gifts, patrons can also enjoy music from DJs LIV.E, Oh M.O.S. & KISS, NU, DJ Millie, and Brian Henry, and receive complimentary gift wrap by Black Paper Party. Emmy award winning costume designer, Zerina Akers, and acclaimed footwear designer Salehe Berry, will be hosting the marketplace. The event runs from 12-6 p.m. on Saturday, December 11 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, December 12 in Downtown L.A. at 1005 Mateo Street.
The Dodo’s Bark N’ Brew
Saturday, December 11
This Saturday, The Dodo is hosting a bonding day event called Bark N’ Brew for “pawrents” and their four-legged loved ones. The activities kick off at 11 a.m. with a custom dog yoga class to create connection via sweat and a morning mantra. Visitors will also get the opportunity to consult with a Dodo-approved expert one-on-one for tips, insights, and current happenings in dog health; meet and greet with pups looking for their forever home; decorate holiday pet treats; take portraits; and more. The event runs until 2 p.m. at the Golden Road Brewery (5410 W. San Fernando Road) where patrons will receive two free beers. Guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance. [More info]
Parm Boyz’ Pop-Up and Toy Drive
Saturday, December 12
After a two-year pop-up collaboration, the Italian-American eatery Parm Boyz is hosting their final pop-up dinner at Ronan in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 12 from 4:30 to 10 p.m. The Home for The Holidays pop-up event, which is $40 per person, will feature a red sauce Italian fest, which includes an antipasti, Caesar salad, chicken & eggplant parm, and of course, the tiramisu. Patrons can also purchase veal chop parm and veal Tomahawk chop add-ons for an additional cost, or opt for a modified vegetarian menu instead. Reservations can be made via Resy. The finale dinner will also feature a toy drive, where guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to donate to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Those who donate will also receive a single serving of limoncello, on the house. [More info]
Holiday Photos & Activities at Malibu Country Mart
Saturday, December 11 and Saturday, December 18
Malibu Country Mart is transforming their seaside shopping and dining center into a winter wonderland with several family friendly activities on Saturday, December 11 and Saturday, December 18. Visitors will get the chance to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, listen to carolers, write letters to Santa and drop them off at their North Pole-bound mailbox, and enjoy winter-ready treats like s’mores and hot cocoa. The best part is that all of the activities are free and open to the public. [More info]
The Freak Brothers Pop-Up at Fred Segal
Thursday, December 2 through Saturday, January 15
Following its series premiere on Tubi, The Freak Brothers is taking over Fred Segal’s West Hollywood store with an immersive psychedelic experience from Thursday, December 2 through Saturday, January 15. As visitors enter the space, they’ll immediately be transported into the trippy world of The Freak Brothers, where they can sit in a real-life version of the Freaks’ basement and witness the “Everlasting Doobie.” The pop-up will also offer a collection of whimsical apparel and lifestyle products with classic comic book imagery that honors the 50-year history and reintroduces fans to The Freak Brothers. Merchandise includes sweatshirts, hand-blown glass bongs, pet CBD products, and customized Freak Brothers Air Force 1’s by Schlep’s. [More info]
Los Angeles Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 4 through Sunday, December 26
The Nutcracker has become the city’s holiday tradition to welcome in the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Los Angeles Ballet will be bringing the holiday story—with some surprises—to L.A. from Saturday, December 4 through Sunday, December 26. You can catch the performances from Dec. 4-5 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, from Dec. 11-12 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, from Dec. 17-19 at Royce Hall at UCLA, and from Dec. 23-26 at the Dolby Theatre. Tickets start at $36. [More info and tickets]
Snow n Glow Holiday Festival
Friday, November 26 through Sunday, January 2, 2022
It’s extremely unlikely for there to be snowfall in L.A. during the winter, but Angelenos can experience snow-related activities at the CBF Productions’ Snow n Glow Holiday Festival this holiday season. Featuring snow tubing, private igloo reservations, holiday light displays with over one million lights, as well as several family-friendly activities, the festival will take place from November 26 through January 2 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center. The Snow n Glow Holiday Festival will also open at another location in Del Mar beginning December 4 through Jan. 2. For the Ventura-based festival, tickets range from $13 to $38 and children under 2 get in free. [More info and tickets]
Dessert Pop-Up at Fred Segal
Saturdays from November 27 through December 18
The well-known retailer is hosting a dessert pop-up event every Saturday beginning November 27 through December 18 at their West Hollywood location. While shopping for Christmas gifts, patrons can also indulge in treats from local vendors including pies and cookies from Laroolou, authentic tiramisu and cannolis from Giovanni’s Tiramisu, cakes from Domi, and organic petit fours and cakes from Flouring LA. Prices range from $10 to $50 for all treats, which will also be available for pre-order through the vendors. Fred Segal will be giving a portion of the dessert sales to the Priceless Planet Coalition, a non-profit organization that aims to preserve the environment through the restoration of 100 million trees in five years. The pop-up will take place from 11-4 p.m. on Saturdays. [More info]
“Self-Addressed,” Curated by Kehinde Wiley at Jeffrey Deitch
Wednesday, November 24 through Thursday, December 23
Earlier this month, Los Angeles-born artist Kehinde Wiley unveiled an exhibition called “Self-Addressed” at the Jeffrey Deitch gallery in L.A. Featuring self-portraits by contemporary African artists from around the world including Stacey Gillian Abe, Juwon Aderemi, and Salifou Lindou, the benefit exhibition explores themes of identity, perception, and challenges the “‘myth of the monolithic Africa.’” All sales commissions from “Self-Addressed” will be donated to Black Rock Senegal, the multidisciplinary artist-in-residence program founded by Wiley in Dakar, Senegal. [More info]
Dodgers Holiday Festival
Friday, November 26 through Friday, December 31
We already gave you a heads up about this upcoming event a few weeks ago, but it’s finally here. Beginning this Friday through New Year’s Eve, Dodger Stadium will be transforming into a winter wonderland experience. The newly renovated Centerfield Plaza, home to the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, is hosting a holiday festival, which will feature a 80’ x 60’ open-air ice skating area, photos with Santa and his elves, live musical performances, and a Northern Lights immersive experience. Holiday inspired treats, cocktails, and food will also be available for purchase. The celebration will be held at Dodger Stadium nightly from 5-10 p.m. on weekdays and from 3-10 p.m. on weekends. Tickets start at $16 and must be purchased online in advance. Additional, specially-ticketed activities include ice skating and photos with Santa. [More info and tickets]
The Obama Portraits Tour at LACMA
Thursday, November 24 through Sunday, January 2
You may have already seen the beloved portraits of former president Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, created by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, respectively, which debuted in 2018. But now, you have the chance to see the larger-than-life paintings in person at LACMA. Through January 2, 2022, the museum is hosting the west coast edition of “The Obama Portraits Tour,” organized by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. The tour also features another exhibition, “Black American Portraits,” which celebrates the last 200 years of Black portraiture through scenes from the Harlem Renaissance, portraits from the Civil Rights and Black Power eras, and more. Tickets start at $20 for Los Angeles County residents. [More info and tickets]
No Humans Involved at the Hammer Museum
Thursday, November 24 through Sunday, January 9, 2022
The “No Humans Involved” exhibition” at the Hammer Museum was inspired by a seminal text written by Jamaican scholar and theorist Sylvia Wynter. Written in 1992 following the acquittal of the police officers charged with the use of excessive force in the brutal beating of Rodney King, Wynter’s letter was a call to action as she argued that academia was partly to blame for the tragedy that has since shifted the cultural and social landscape of Los Angeles forever. The exhibition expands on Wynter’s ideas in that letter through the work of seven artists and collectives whose practice aims to “disrupt and interrogate Western modes of humanism, highlight the limits of corporeal identity, and prioritize the nonhuman or anti human as a point of departure.” No Humans Involved” features works of sculpture, performance, installation, and multimedia by Eddie Aparicio, Tau Lewis, Las Nietas de Nonó, Sondra Perry, SANGREE, WangShui, and Wilmer Wilson IV. [More info]
Wishlist 9 Art Show
Thursday, November 24 through Saturday, December 18
Gabba Gallery is hosting their 9th annual affordable art show, “Wishlist 9,” through December 18. The show features more than 60 local and international artists. Attendees can purchase artwork on the spot, which ranges from $50 to $1,000. Entrance is free to visit the gallery, which is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 12-3 p.m. or by appointment. [More info]
Since Unveiling: Selected Acquisitions of a Decade at The Broad
Through Saturday, April 3, 2022
The Broad is debuting a new exhibition called “Since Unveiling: Selected Acquisitions of a Decade,” which highlights a selection of nearly 60 works acquired in the 10 years since Eli and Edythe Broad publicly announced their plans to open the Downtown Los Angeles museum. Featured artists include John Baldessari, Glenn Ligon, and Kara Walker, whom The Broad has collected over the years, as well as artists added to the collection within the past decade such as Tauba Auerbach, Kerry James Marshall, and Catherine Opie. Admission is free, but reservations are required for entry. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. [More info and tickets]
L.A. Zoo Lights
Through Sunday, January 9, 2022
After having to temporarily close due to the COVID pandemic, Los Angeles Zoo Lights is returning on Friday, November 19 and will remain open for nearly 50 nights of safe holiday fun. The winter wonderland will feature wildlife-inspired displays, dynamic lights and projections, immersive interactive experiences, and photo ops for the entire family to enjoy. Open nightly through January 9, 2022 from 6-10 p.m., the event also features holiday treats, food, and live entertainment. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Tickets start at $22 for people ages 12 and up, and $16 for people ages 2-12. [More info and tickets]
(In)visible Traces at Helen J Gallery
Through Saturday, January 22, 2022
Korean-born, New York-artist based Sung Won Yun is debuting her first solo exhibition in Los Angeles titled, “(in)visible traces,” at the Helen J Gallery in Hollywood. Inspired by the various stages of plant growth, (in)visible traces” features paintings, drawings, and photographs created by Yun. Its free to view the exhibition, which is open Wednesdays-Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but appointments are recommended. [More info]
Art & Nature Festival at Laguna Art Museum
Through Monday, April 25, 2022
The annual Art & Nature festival is returning to the Laguna Art Museum in Laguna Beach on November 4. The purpose of the event is to showcase Laguna Beach artists, develop connections between art and science, and raise awareness about environmental issues. The 5-month series will kick off on Nov. 4 with a free weekly event called “First Thursdays Art Walk” from 6-9 p.m. The festival, which runs through April 25, will also feature special exhibitions from artists including Rebeca Méndez who will be debuting “Any-Instant-Whatever,” lectures, panel discussions, films and family activities on the theme of art’s engagement with the natural world like the “Art & Nature Family Festival” taking place on Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. [More info]
Faded Comedy Show
Fridays
Each Friday night, you can catch some of the best comedians from Los Angeles and elsewhere at the Lounge on Melrose. Tickets cost $15 for the weekly comedy showcase, but you’ll save money on drinks because the event is BYOB. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Guests will be required to provide a proof of vaccination in order to gain access to the event. [More info and tickets]
The Last Cruze at California African American Museum
Through March 20, 2022
Stopping by a local museum to view artwork by diverse artists is always a good idea—and it’s free! LaToya Ruby Frazier, an acclaimed artist from Chicago, is bringing her traveling exhibition The Last Cruze to the California African American Museum beginning this week through March 20, 2022. The exhibit, which includes 66 photographs, video, and an architectural installation, chronicles the lives of workers at the General Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio, that shut down in 2019 due to the global outsourcing of labor, the growing demand of electric cars, and other circumstances. [More info]
Immersive Van Gogh
Through January 2022
The old Amoeba in Hollywood is looking mighty different these days. After a long build out, the space’s hallowed confines reopen this weekend as the home of Immersive Van Gogh, a walk-through experience that lets you hang out in Van Gogh’s most famous paintings (and even correspond with a AI version of the long-dead Dutchman). Opening weekend is sold out, but the show is open through the beginning of January 2022. [More info and tickets]
Smorgasburg L.A.
Sundays
Like most other things that are good, Smorgasburg L.A. had to pack it in and endure a long hiatus thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday, July 4, the Brooklyn-transplanted outdoor food market returned to ROW DTLA with a bunch of new vendors, including some you’ve probably seen on Instagram and have been dying to try, like fried fish sandwich pop-up Little Fish and Caribbean street food pop-up Bridgetown Roti. According to organizers 75 percent of the markets former vendors will be returning too. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and entry is free. [More info]
Chocolate Sundaes Comedy at The Laugh Factory Hollywood
Ongoing
This one of a kind comedy show, which features a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming comics, takes place every Sunday at the infamous Laugh Factory on the Sunset Strip. Recent performers include the likes of Kevin Hart, Katt Williams and Tracy Morgan. It’s also not uncommon to catch a celebrity in the crowd as folks like Beyonce and husband Jay Z, Justin Bieber and Kendall Jenner have showed up. [More info and tickets]
Rights and Rituals: The Making of African American Debutante Culture
Through February 27, 2022
Debutante balls have existed since the 18th century, but there’s nuance to how they evolved in America. This exhibit at the California African American Museum takes a closer look at the role debutante balls have played in Black life, particularly in L.A., through photographs from the 1950s and ’60s culled from libraries and collections, in addition to gowns, souvenirs, oral interviews, and other objects. [More info]
Ellen Reid SOUNDWALK
Through 2023
Composer and sound artist Ellen Reid has created a soundtrack for your next walk in Griffith Park. Download the SOUNDWALK app to experience a public work of audio art that’s determined by which way you decide to walk (using GPS). “We miss our communities, and we miss the very thing that makes our cities special: the people,” Reid says. “I hope SOUNDWALK will inspire us and make us feel connected to something larger than ourselves.” [More info]
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