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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Free weekend? Pics with poppies, bowling with Lebowski and cleaning the LA river

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Get ready to Instagram your way through the weekend. The sun is shinning and the poppies are out. Our agenda includes sprucing up the apartment for spring at Artisanal LA before heading to Lancaster for the California Poppy Festival. Oh, and did we mention we'll be bowling with Jeff Bridges Saturday night? 

Here's everything you need to know: 


1. ARTISANAL LA

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Treat yourself — and your apartment — to a spring facelift. Artisanal L.A. is a shopping haven for handmade food and goods. You'll find craft beer from Eagle Rock Brewery, fiery sauces at All Spice Cafe and "Oh Kale Yeah" tanks at Bad Pickles Tees. Learn how to grow edible flowers Saturday and pick up boozy tips from the craft beer panel Sunday. Here's a full agenda and list of vendors.

When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 

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Where: LA Mart | MAP

Price: $12 presale; $15 at the door | Purchase tix here 


2. TEA AND MORPHINE — WOMEN IN PARIS 

Tea and Morphine: Women in Paris 1880 to 1914

This intimate exhibition of approximately 100 works at the Hammer Museum explores the extremes of French culture during the end of the 19th century. It brings us back to a time of social upheaval and artistic innovation through a collection of prints, books, menus, theater programs and music scores. The show features work by 43 artists, all of which are men — except American expatriate Mary Cassatt. 

When: See museum hours here

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Where: Hammer Museum | MAP

Price: Free 


3. POPPY FESTIVAL

(Photo: Josh Gibson | Taken here)

The California drought hasn't stopped the state's iconic flowers from blooming. Head out to Lancaster this weekend to eat, drink and relax at the California Poppy Festival. It's the perfect place to flood your social media streams with photos among vast fields of golden gorgeousness. Pro tip: Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. There are more than 55 acres of activities. 

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When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Lancaster City Park | MAP

Price: $5 to $8 | Purchase tix here


4. LEBOWSKI FEST

(Photo: Mae Ryan/KPCC)

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Angelenos are celebrating the Dude at Lebowski Fest this weekend. "The Big Lebowski" film screening is sold out, but there's still time to get tickets to bowl. Grab a White Russian and your crappiest robe before heading out to Fountain Bowl on Saturday. There will be a costume contest, trivia and even special guests — including Jeff Bridges (seriously, that's what the event invite says!). A ticket includes bowling and shoe rental. 

When: 8 p.m. Saturday 

Where: Fountain Bowl | MAP

Price: $25 presale; $30 at the door | Purchase tix here 

RELATED: New exhibit at the Architecture and Design Museum showcases history of bowling alleys


5. LA RIVER CLEANUP

(Photo: Peter Bennett / lariverpix.com)

It's never too late to celebrate Earth Day. The first of three L.A. River cleanups is happening Saturday. The event will take place upstream in the Valley with three locations: Sepulveda Basin; Bette Davis Picnic Area, Griffith Park; and Haines Canyon Channel at Tujunga Wash.

When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday 

Where: Various locations | Details here

Price: Free | Register here


6. PHOTO INDEPENDENT 

Spend the day in Hollywood perusing contemporary art at this annual photography fair. The event is intended for both independent photographers and collectors. It'll feature over 70 exhibitors and informational programming. Here's a schedule of events. 

When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Where: Raleigh Studios, Hollywood | MAP

Price: $15 | Purchase tix here 

RELATED:  Picture this: Inside the LAPD's rarely seen crime photo archives 


7. LA HERITAGE DAY

(Brandon Shigeta/Flickr Creative Commons)

Enjoy a slice of L.A. history from over 200 heritage organizations inside the historic Pico House. Expect plenty of historical tours, classic car displays, vibrant cuisine and children's activities located in close proximity to Olvera Street. Stick around for presentations on L.A. artist Leo Politi and  a slew of great music and costume displays. 

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: El Pueblo Historical Monument | MAP 

Price: Free 


8. WE RUN THE GROVE

(Adam Fagen/Flickr Creative Commons)

Show your support for the American Heart Association and join the fight against heart disease during a refreshing 10 or 13.1-mile run/walk at the Grove. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and a photo session at the finish line after you're done sweating it out. 

When: 9 a.m. Saturday

Where: The Grove | MAP

Price: Register by April 25 | Suggested $15 donation for the American Heart Association


9. LAGUNA BEACH ARTIST TOUR

(Jed Kim/KPCC)

Make it a beachy Sunday and partake in "Art Along the Coast," featuring handcrafted glass jewelry, watercolors and pastel paintings. Learn what sparked each artist's imagination during this free event located at various homes and studios in Laguna Beach. 

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Where: Various studios | Details here

Price: Free 


What'd we miss? Let us know in the comments. 


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