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This weekend: Astronomy, cat-themed ceramics and the most extravagant grocery store ever
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Photo by Bill Selak via Flickr Creative Commons
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This weekend: Astronomy, cat-themed ceramics and the most extravagant grocery store ever
Hello 70-degree temps. Oh, how we hope you're here to stay. Now is really the time to get out, because you know how precious this seasonal weather is to us. How about a geeky astronomy date night followed by cat-themed ceramics and a visit to the most extravagant grocery store ever? Grab your pumpkin spice latte, because the festivities start now. Here's everything you need to know:
1. Whole Foods + Roy Choi
Imagine a place with Stumptown coffee, a fish market, 36 beers on tap, a vinyl listening space and Roy Choi. That was the scene at downtown L.A.'s new Whole Foods this week. The store opened Wednesday, and it was all the rage. People waited in line at 8th and Grand to see the massive grocery chill pad with art deco decor. By now, we hope the lines have dissipated; stop by for lunch (or happy hour, or dinner or dessert) to see what all the hype is about. Pro tip: Roy Choi's Chego is there to stay. Bring on the rice bowls.
When: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day
Where: 788 S. Grand Avenue | MAP
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Price: Free admission; shop at your own will
2. All Space Considered
Photo: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images
Gear up for another night out, space geeks. Halloween's over, but the Observatory is keeping the spooky vibes alive at its November edition of All Space Considered. Its curatorial staff will gather to chat trending astronomy topics. Friday's event will also feature science writer George Musser, author of "Spooky Action at a Distance." He'll talk black holes and other space oddities.
When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday
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Where: Griffith Park Observatory's Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon | MAP
Price: Free
3. Art and Craft Fair
Ditch the iPad. Get started on your holiday shopping IRL with this two-day arts and crafts fair selling DIY and handcrafted goods. Cat-themed ceramics, specialty salt and bowties for dogs are among the many gems you'll find. Pro tip: Not ready to shop? Bring the kids for one of these crafty workshops.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
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Where: Pasadena Central Park | MAP
Price: Free admission
4. American Indian Arts Marketplace
Photo: Glenda McKay (Ingalik/Athabascan)
More shopping? Yes, please. The Autry’s 25th Annual American Indian Arts Marketplace is this weekend, and it'll feature work from 200 Native American artists representing more than 40 tribes. You can expect sculptures, pottery, beadwork, basketry, photography, paintings, jewelry, textiles, wooden carvings and mixed-media works. Pro tip: The Native Voices Artists Ensemble presents new short plays by Native American playwrights exploring aspects of family from sibling rivalries to loss and reconciliation. This is happening 1:30 p.m. Sunday, and it's free.
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When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: The Autry | MAP
Price: Non-members: $12 | Students with ID and Seniors (60+): $8 |Children (3 to 12): $4
5. Winter Cactus Show and Sale
(Photo: Maya Sugarman/KPCC)
Wannabe adults: This is the time to spruce up your place with low-maintenance plants! The San Gabriel Valley Cactus and Succulent Society will spotlight cacti this weekend at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Pro tip: This event is free with admission to the arboretum. Explore the gardens while you're there.
When: 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden | MAP
Price: Adults: $9.00 | Students with ID and Seniors age 62 and older: $6.00 | Children Ages 5-12: $4.00 | Children under 5: free | Members free
6. Can I Kick It? Reviewing old-school hip hop
Stand-up comedian Al Jackson is taking you back to old-school hip hop with a comedic roast on hip hop trends, cheesy videos and other embarrassing stuff. The Comedy Central personality will lead a panel of comedians, rappers and entertainers to poke fun of '70s, '80s and '90s hip hop. All in good fun, of course.
When: 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: NerdMelt Showroom | MAP
Price: $8 in advance | $10 at the door | Purchase here
7. Abbot Kinney First Fridays
Photo: Chris Goldberg/Flickr/Creative Commons
Where else can you find beer, food trucks and art shops in one place? All while walking Abbot Kinney Boulevard in your fall attire. Shop 3D-printed goodies at the 5 Points pop-up store and grab a pint of Santa Monica Brew at the Otheroom.
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday
Where: Abbot Kinney Boulevard | MAP
Price: Free
8. ¡Dyslexia! Art Show
The ¡Dyslexia! art show is a mix of neon art, painting and sculpture. Join L.A.-based artists and other downtown locals, including JW Pippen, whose work is influenced by Japanese culture and is best known for having a studio space right above Angel City Brewery. Bonus: The event will feature an electronic DJ set from DJ niXon.
When: Opening reception is 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday; the show runs through Nov. 21
Where: Imperial Art Gallery | MAP
Price: Free
9. Only in Hollywood Festival
Bust out your boots and go enjoy that fall weather. (Because who knows how long it will last!) The Only in Hollywood Music + Arts Festival is a four-day music and arts event meant to showcase the walkable neighborhood. There are a ton of events planned around Hollywood. Here are a handful of highlights:
- Egyptian Lover live DJ set at 7 p.m. Friday at Amoeba | Free
- Rooftop Film Club “Casablanca” 6 p.m. Friday at the Montalbán | Purchase $15 tix
- “Beyond a Reasonable Drought” 9 p.m. Saturday at Second City | Purchase $10 tix
- Hollywood Arts Council pop-up gallery by Padrick Bentley at various times Friday through Sunday
What'd we miss? Let me know on Twitter @kristenlepore.
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