Free museums, cheering on the L.A. Marathon runners, a colorful Holi celebration, Here There Are Blueberries at the Wallis, the Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix, Pi Day and more.
In this edition:
Part warehouse party, part art extravaganza, part DJ show and part traditional Holi celebration, PopShift’s annual Festival of Colors invites you to dance the night away, throw powdered colors all over and bask in the joyous tradition.
More than 30 local museums will offer free admission on Sunday, so head out and see some hidden gems, like the Wende in Culver City, or take a ride up to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Big attractions like the Academy Museum, the Getty and LACMA are participating as well. Advance reservations are recommended.
You thought you’d get a St. Patrick’s Day weekend edition of Best Things to Do from me without a U2 cover band? Come now. As tribute bands go, Hollywood U2 is one of the best. Their lead “Bono” even got called up with actual Bono at one of the band’s Forum shows. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for in an Irish-themed weekend, we got you.
This very special play – Here There are Blueberries – is like no other Holocaust story you’ve seen. The immersive show comes to The Wallis straight from off-Broadway and tells the story of a set of mysterious photographs sent to the Holocaust Museum archivist and what happened next.
Plus, it’s Pi Day at Pitfire Pizza and Superba where pies are just $3.14 until 3:14 p.m.
If you’re lucky enough to be heading to the desert for two of Southern California’s most unique events — the Desert X art show and the Indian Wells tennis tournament — I wish you sunny weather and more Timothee + Kylie sightings. (They really need a celebrity portmanteau already!) If you’re staying in town, it’s a great weekend to be here for museums, theater, and of course, the L.A. Marathon.
Plus, a bunch of holidays — both real and one made up — converge for a variety of pre-St. Patrick’s Day, Ramadan, Purim, Holi and Pi Day eats and events.
Sunday, March 16, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. PopShift Holi Festival of Colors 1720 Warehouse 1720 E. 16th St. Downtown L.A. COST: FROM $30; MORE INFO
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Courtesy PopShift
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Part warehouse party, part art extravaganza, part DJ show and part traditional Holi celebration, PopShift’s annual festival of colors invites you to dance the night away, throw powdered colors all over and bask in the joyous tradition. While many Holi parties are held at the beach, this one brings the fun inside at 1720 Warehouse downtown — maybe a good plan if we get some rain! Remember to wear white so you can be turned into a rainbow by the end of the night.
March 8-30 Cosi Fan Tutte L.A. Opera Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 135 N. Grand Ave. Downtown L.A. COST: FROM $49; MORE INFO
The L.A. Opera has been killing it on their Instagram lately. I particularly enjoyed this one, where they liken Mozart’s opera Cosi Fan Tutte to your favorite rom-coms. This production swaps Salzburg for a swanky modern country club set by Erhard Rom but doesn’t leave out the excellent mustaches. The comedy is led by L.A. Opera favorites Ana María Martínez and Rod Gilfry and is playing on select days through the end of the month.
March 15-16 Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix 2025 Port of Los Angeles Berth 46 3011 Miner St. San Pedro COST: FROM $48; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Rolex
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Come sail away at the Rolex L.A. Sail Grand Prix at the port all weekend long, where you can catch 12 national teams racing hydrofoil catamarans as well as take a tour of some of the boats. Put on your best sailor outfit and deck shoes and check out the action. Have no idea what SailGP is? Neither did I – here’s a great explainer.
Sunday, March 16 Free museum day Multiple locations COST: FREE; MORE INFO
The Getty Center in Los Angeles.
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Courtesy The Getty
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More than 30 local museums will offer free admission on Sunday, so head out and see some hidden gems, like the Wende in Culver City, or take a ride up to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Big attractions like the Academy Museum, the Getty and LACMA are participating as well. Advance reservations are recommended.
Saturday, March 15, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Blind Date With a Book 826LA 12515 Venice Blvd.Mar Vista COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Patrick Tomasso
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Unsplash
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Blind dates suck, but blind dates with a book are pretty great. Join the avid readers at 826LA for a live blind date with a book where you’ll get a mystery tome wrapped in paper — no more judging a book by its cover. The writing center will provide free books, a bookmaking station, a photo booth and more. Plus, a mini workshop by Sr. Civic Engagement Coordinator, Ariana Ponce Olivares.
Sunday, March 16, 8 p.m. Let’s Get L.Aid Fire Benefit The United Theater on Broadway 929 South Broadway Downtown L.A. COST: $69-$179; MORE INFO
Musical comedy from the likes of “Weird" Al Yankovic, Al Jardine of The Beach Boys, Reggie Watts, Tim Heidecker, Margaret Cho, Alex Edelman, Bob the Drag Queen and more take the stage at the United Theater on Broadway to support wildfire relief efforts. Get ready for some L.A.-themed songs and surprises.
Friday, March 14, 9 p.m. Irish Fest: Hollywood U2 Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach 7561 Center Ave. #49 Huntington Beach COST: FROM $20; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Hollywood U2
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You thought you’d get a St. Patrick’s Day edition of Best Things to Do from me without a U2 cover band? Come now. As tribute bands go, Hollywood U2 is one of the best — their lead “Bono” even got called up with actual Bono at one of the band’s Forum shows. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for for an Irish-themed weekend, we got you.
March 13-30 (Opening night special event: March 14; Talkback: March 15) Here There Are Blueberries The Wallis 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills COST: $54 - $98; MORE INFO
This very special play is like no other Holocaust story you’ve seen. The immersive show by the authors of The Laramie Project comes to The Wallis after successful runs off-Broadway and a 2022 national tour. It tells the story of a set of mysterious photographs of Nazis at Auschwitz sent to the Holocaust Museum archivist — and what happened next.
Outdoor Pick
Sunday, March 16 2025 L.A. Marathon Starts at Dodger Stadium (MAP) 1000 Vin Scully Ave. Elysian Park COST: FREE TO CHEER; MORE INFO
The 39th L.A. Marathon.
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Sharon McNary
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It’s too late to register to run, but it's never too late to cheer on the city's (and the world’s) best runners at the 40th annual Los Angeles Marathon. This year, the race raises money for wildfire relief and is also participating in Children’s Hospital of L.A.’s Make March Matter fundraiser, supporting critical, life-saving care for CHLA patients. Whether you’re running or cheering, marathon day is great fun. There are even free Salt & Straw scoops for runners at all L.A. locations.
Viewing Pick
March 15, 2:30 p.m. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Old Town Music Hall 140 Richmond St. El Segundo COST: FROM $10; MORE INFO
It’s not every day we get a Marilyn Monroe classic on the big screen and at one of the best old movie houses in town. Join author and historian Elisa Jordan as she hosts a screening of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in El Segundo. It's a great excuse to check out the Old Town Music Hall, too.
Dine & Drink Deals
March 15-16, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Burger Day With George Motz Santa Anita Park 285 W Huntington Dr. Arcadia COST: PACKAGES FROM $25; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Motz Burger
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This St. Patrick’s Weekend, head to Santa Anita Racetrack for burgers from Great American Burger Book author George Motz. On offer are a signature fried onion smash burger, craft brews and world-class thoroughbred racing all weekend.
Sunday, March 16, 11:30 a.m. St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon BPOE 400 W. Colorado Ave. Pasadena COST: $65; MORE INFO
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Courtesy The Irish Center of Southern California
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Toast a Guinness with the U.S. Irish Consul General and visiting ministers from Ireland while enjoying a buffet lunch and Irish dance from Ken O'Malley & Cleary Irish Dance. Slainte!
Friday, March 14 MARU-HI Izakaya 244 S. San Pedro St. Little Tokyo COST: $10, MORE INFO
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Courtesy JACC
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Japanese izakaya culture comes to L.A. at the Isamu Noguchi Plaza in Little Tokyo for a low price where you can expect lots of food, music and Tokyo style.
Through March 29 Ramadan Iftar specials MINT Desi Kitchen 25381 Alicia Pkwy. Laguna Hills COST: VARIES, MORE INFO
Delight in Iftar treats like pistachios, nuts, dates, and rosewater on the house during Ramadan at MINT Desi Kitchen. Sister restaurants SHOR Bazaar in Hawaiian Gardens and Khan Saab Desi Kitchen in Fullerton are also offering specials.
Friday, March 14 Pi Day at Pitfire Pizza Multiple locations COST: $3.14, MORE INFO
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Courtesy Pitfire Pizza
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On Friday, all Pitfire Pizza locations will celebrate Pi Day with $3.14 mini Margherita Pizzas with any purchase until 3:14 p.m. (dine-in only). Then, starting at 3:14 p.m., the first 314 guests at all locations have a chance to win one of 314 Pitfire prizes including gift cards, merch and more.
Friday, March 14 Pie for Pi Day Superba Multiple locations COST: $3.14; MORE INFO
Supreme Court seems inclined to rule against Trump
By Nina Totenberg | NPR
Published April 2, 2026 8:42 AM
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Kent Nishimura
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AFP via Getty Images
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Topline:
A majority of the Supreme Court justices seemed skeptical of the Trump administration's argument on birthright citizenship yesterday and appeared ready to rule in favor of upholding automatic citizenship for babies born on U.S. soil.
Keep reading... for details on the questions posed to lawyers, including conservative justices tough questions for President Donald Trump's solicitor general, D. John Sauer.
A majority of the Supreme Court justices seemed skeptical of the Trump administration's argument on birthright citizenship Wednesday and appeared ready to rule in favor of upholding automatic citizenship for babies born on U.S. soil.
That included multiple conservative justices, who had tough questions for Trump's solicitor general, D. John Sauer. Sauer argued the government's case against birthright citizenship, the practice enshrined in the 14th Amendment in the Constitution, which became law in 1868.
It states: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."
Sauer, however, asserted that contrary to the law as understood for 160 years, the 14th Amendment does not confer automatic citizenship on every baby born in the U.S. He told the court that the true meaning of the amendment was to grant citizenship to former slaves and their children, no more. And, therefore, President Trump was well within his rights when he signed an executive order barring citizenship for children born in this country to parents who are illegally here, or who are here legally, but on long-term visas.
But Chief Justice John Roberts was doubtful about that executive order.
"The examples you give to support that strike me as very quirky," Roberts told Sauer. "And then you expand it to a whole class of illegal aliens," he continued. "I'm not quite sure how you can get to that big group from such tiny and, sort of, idiosyncratic examples."
"We're in a new world now," Sauer contended. "A billion people are one plane ride away from having a child who's a U.S. citizen."
"It's a new world," Roberts replied, but "it's the same Constitution."
Justice Neil Gorsuch noted that the Trump executive order focuses on parents, but the 14th Amendment focuses on birthright for the child. He asked: how would you know who the father is, or the mother? What if they're unmarried? Whose house do they live in?
Justice Amy Coney Barrett questioned the practicality of the Trump proposal.
"How would it work?" she asked. "How would you adjudicate these cases? You're not going to know at the time of birth whether they have the intent to stay or not, including U.S. citizens by the way."
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wondered, "So [are] we bringing pregnant women in for depositions? What are we doing to figure this out?"
The justices also grilled Sauer about the landmark 1898 case of Wong Kim Ark, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Wong had birthright citizenship, because he was born in the United States. Sauer, however, maintained that Wong was only given birthright citizenship because his parents were legally domiciled in the United States.
"I think even your brief concedes that the position you're taking now is a revisionist one with respect to a substantial part of our history," Justice Elena Kagan said. "That's, in part, because of Wong Kim Ark and the way people have read that case ever since then."
Challenging the Trump birthright plan, the American Civil Liberties Union's Cecillia Wang told the Supreme Court that the 14th Amendment was enacted after the Civil War in order to have a universal rule of citizenship, subject to a closed set of exceptions, and that the birthright applies to all children born on U.S. soil.
"We can't take the current administration's policy considerations into account to try to re-engineer and radically re-interpret the original meaning of the 14th Amendment," Wang argued.
However, in reference to current perceived immigration problems versus those that existed at the time the 14th Amendment was enacted, Kagan posited: "What do we do if we think we have a new problem that didn't exist at the time of the 14th Amendment?"
Justice Brett Kavanaugh followed up, asking whether the provisions of the 14th Amendment are frozen in place.
Yes, replied Wang, because the framers of it were intent on putting the citizenship question out of the reach of Congress.
The decision, expected by this summer, will almost certainly result in a historic ruling, and Trump himself made his mark at the court Wednesday morning.
He became the first sitting president known to attend oral arguments, signaling the importance of this issue to him personally.
After leaving the courtroom before the arguments were over, he wrote on Truth Social, "We are the only Country in the World STUPID enough to allow 'Birthright' Citizenship!" In fact, roughly three dozen countries offer it.
Trump arrived about 10 minutes before the arguments began, listened to Sauer field the justices' questions for a little over an hour and then left a few minutes after Wang began to make her case.
Outside the court, dozens of people rallied in support of birthright citizenship
Volunteers with the ACLU, joined by immigrant rights organizations like CASA and the League of United Latin American Citizens, handed out fliers that read "protect birthright citizenship" and "14th Amendment."
"We're all out here to protect the fundamental right of birthright citizenship. It's written in the 14th Amendment," said Anu Joshi, a staff member of the ACLU. "It's what makes us America."
Among the crowd were several people who were citizens by birthright themselves.
"I am a birthright citizen so this hits really, really close to home because without birthright citizenship I wouldn't even have my citizenship in the United States," said Stephanie Sanchez, a first-generation Mexican-American who came to the rally. "Here I am representing my community and fighting back."
After the arguments, ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero told the crowd he felt confident in the way the arguments played out inside.
"We are fighting for the heart and soul of this country. The fight to protect birthright citizenship is about our neighbors, our families, our kids. It's not about the past, it's about the future," he said. "We will only accept what is just and what is right."
Largely absent from the crowd were proponents of the president's position.
Domenico Montanaro, Ximena Bustillo and Anusha Mathur contributed to this story. Copyright 2026 NPR
O.C. Japan Fest, corgi beach day, the grunions are back, a new play festival, a talk with Sen. Cory Booker and more of the best things to do this weekend.
Highlights:
Experience sakura season without leaving the area at the O.C. Japan Fair, featuring 250 vendors, craftspeople, food booths, art activities and more, all celebrating Japanese culture.
Check out readings of five new plays – all for free! – at the Play L.A. New Works Festival, put on by Stage Raw and the Greenway Arts Alliance along with a number of L.A. indie theater powerhouses.
Spend Friday night with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, whose new book, Stand, tells stories from his political life that aim to share “actionable insights” to help preserve democracy in these challenging times.
I hope you had luck in securing the first round of LA28 Olympics tickets — and that you’re not still waiting for page refreshes this morning! We’ve got all the info on how to get your tickets and why you shouldn’t fret if it doesn’t work out on this first try.
LAist’s Mariana Dale went to Hollywood High School this week to see how students and teachers felt about Mitski bringing a concert to the historic space. Seems like no one was missing class since perfect attendance meant a shot at tickets.
No matter your music taste, there’s a show for you this weekend. It may not be the height of summer yet, but things will be heating up at the Hollywood Bowl as Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler reunite for their concert performance of Broadway hit The Last Five Years. Plus, Licorice Pizza recommends Mercury Prize-winning London rapper Dave at the Palladium, St. Paul & the Broken Bones are at the Belasco, Calum Scott plays the Wiltern, and there’s a really cool First Fridays night at the Natural History Museum with dub legend Adrian Sherwood. Saturday has pop trio LANY at the Intuit Dome, Lamb of God slaughtering the YouTube Theater, SoundCloud rapper Rich Amiri at the Fonda, post-hardcore band Hail the Sun at the Wiltern, pop sensation Nessa Barrett at the Masonic Lodge, and another rising pop star, Alexander Stewart, at Chinatown’s cool new venue, Pacific Electric.
Experience sakura season without leaving the area at the O.C. Japan Fair, featuring 250 vendors, craftspeople, food booths, art activities and more, all celebrating Japanese culture. From sake tastings to sushi-making workshops to musical performances and kimono try-ons, the annual event is one of the largest Japanese cultural fairs in California.
Play L.A. New Works Festival
April 3-4 Greenway Court Theatre 544 North Fairfax Ave., Mid-City COST: FREE, MORE INFO
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PLAY LA Festival
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Check out readings of five new plays — all for free! — at the Play L.A. New Works Festival, put on by Stage Raw and the Greenway Arts Alliance, along with a number of L.A. indie theater powerhouses. This year’s plays are Stonewall’s Bouncer by Louisa Hill, produced by The Victory Theatre; At Olduvai Gorge by India Kotis, produced by The Odyssey Theatre Company; Ghost Play by Mathew Scott Montgomery, produced by InHouse Theatre; The Incident by Rachel Borders, produced by The Road Theatre Ensemble; and Three Dates by Erica Wachs, produced by IAMA Theatre Company. Go see one, or go see them all!
SoCal Corgi Beach Day
Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 21351 California 1, Huntington Beach COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Vlad D
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Unsplash
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Head to Huntington Beach for the cutest event of the year, the annual SoCal Corgi Beach Day. This year’s theme is "Tiki Beach Pawty," because of course it is. Honor Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite pets and spend the day at the beach with these short, stout, snuggly friends while they frolic and compete in events like — I am not making this up – Corgi Limbo.
Plaza Mexico Celebrates Easter
Sunday, April 5, 12:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. 3100 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Plaza México
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You have your pick of Easter Bunny photo ops and egg hunts around town, and Plaza Mexico would be a great one with the family. Meet and take a picture with the Easter bunny, enjoy kids' arts & crafts, family activities, vendors and sweet treats.
Writers Bloc: Cory Booker
Friday, April 3, 7:30 p.m. John Adams Middle School (JAMS) Performing Arts Center 2425 16th St., Santa Monica COST: $33; MORE INFO
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 05: Senator Cory Booker attends PBS' "Black & Jewish America: An Interwoven History" Screening With Henry Louis Gates, Jr. And Conversation With Sen. Cory Booker at 92NY on February 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
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Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
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Getty Images North America
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Spend Friday night with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, whose new book, Stand, tells stories from his political life that aim to share "actionable insights" to help preserve democracy in these challenging times. The conversation with Writers Bloc will be hosted by Sean Bailey, the former head of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production for 14 years and the current CEO of the new multi-platform production company B5 Studios. The event is sold out, but there is a waitlist available.
Behind the Canvas — An Exclusive Art Talk with the Jurors of A Woman's Place: Framing the Future
Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m. Ebell of Los Angeles 741 S. Lucerne Blvd., Mid-Wilshire COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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The Ebell
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Have coffee and doughnuts with the curators of the Ebell’s Women’s History Month exhibit, "A Woman’s Place: Framing the Future." You can catch the show before it closes and see work from women artists exploring new interpretations of womanhood, feminism and art.
Grunion Run
Saturday, April 4, starting at 10:30 p.m. Venice Breakwater Ocean Front Walk, Venice COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Thousands of grunions on the shore.
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Courtesy of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
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I have lived in Venice for more than 20 years and never actually seen a grunion, despite efforts, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun to see all your neighbors scouring the beach by moonlight on a Saturday night. The Venice Oceanarium folks always organize an educational tent with lessons on how these unique fish show up on our shores to reproduce, and maybe you’ll luck out and time it right this year.
She’s Auspicious
Saturday, April 4, 7 p.m. Broad Stage 1310 11th St., Santa Monica COST: FROM $40; MORE INFO
L.A. native Mythili Prakash takes the Tamil dance form Bharatanatyam to new heights as a choreographer and performer. Her short dance film Mollika, commissioned by Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage in London, was nominated for a 2025 National Dance Award for Best Short Dance Film. She’s Auspicious, her latest production, "blurs the line between goddess and woman, exploring the dichotomy between celebration of the goddess versus the treatment of women in society." It was nominated for an Olivier Award in the category Best New Dance Performance in the U.K., and lucky for us, is on for one performance only at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica.
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Julia Barajas
explores how college students achieve their goals, whether they’re fresh out of high school, pursuing graduate work or looking to join the labor force through alternative pathways.
Published April 2, 2026 5:00 AM
Cal State Long Beach is one of the 23 CSU campuses where Teamsters-represented workers held a strike last month.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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Topline:
The California Public Employment Relations Board (has issued a formal complaint against California State University trustees over the system’s alleged refusal to give raises to trades workers. The complaint follows a statewide strike earlier this year, in which workers at every campus walked off the job.
Why it matters: Teamsters Local 2010 represents 1,100 plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, locksmiths and other building maintenance staff who work across the CSU system. A formal complaint from the Public Employment Relations Board means the two parties must resolve the dispute in a formal hearing process.
The backstory: According to Teamsters Local 2010, union members won wage increases in 2024 “after nearly three decades of stagnation.” That year, the union was on the verge of striking alongside the system's faculty, but it reached a last-minute deal with the CSU. The union has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the system, arguing that the CSU refused to honor contractually obligated raises and step increases for its members.
What the CSU says: The CSU maintains that conditions described in its collective bargaining agreement with the union — which “tied certain salary increases to the receipt of new, unallocated, ongoing state budget funding” — were not met.
What’s next: In an emailed statement, spokesperson Amy Bentley-Smith said the CSU welcomes “the opportunity to present the facts of this case before an administrative law judge.” After the formal hearing, the state board will propose a resolution to the dispute.
Wind moves palm trees on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Stanton.
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Mel Melcon
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Los Angeles Times
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QUICK FACTS
Today’s weather: Mostly cloudy then sunny
Beaches: mid to upper 60s
Mountains: mid 60s to around 70 degrees
Inland: 64 to 71 degrees
Warnings and advisories: Wind advisory
What to expect: A mostly sunny afternoon with temperatures sticking to the low to mid 70s for most of Southern California. Breezy conditions will pick up in the afternoon for some valleys and mountain communities.
Read on ... for more details.
QUICK FACTS
Today’s weather: Mostly cloudy then sunny
Beaches: mid to upper 60s
Mountains: mid 60s to around 70 degrees
Inland: 64 to 71 degrees
Warnings and advisories: Wind advisory
The cool weather continues for one more day in Southern California. Later this evening, strong winds will kick in for some mountains and highway corridors ahead of a Santa Ana wind event slated for Friday.
Temperatures at the beaches are going to stick around the mid to upper 60s, and around 70 degrees more inland.
Coachella Valley, San Bernardino and Riverside County mountains will continue to see gusty winds until tonight.
At noon, the Antelope Valley will be under a wind advisory, with winds expected to reach 20 to 30 mph, and some gusts up to 50 mph. Wind advisories will also kick in for the 5 Freeway corridor, Ventura County mountains and the Santa Susana mountains, where gusts could reach 45 mph.
