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Best things to do this week in Los Angeles and Southern California: January 5 to January 8
L.A. Zoo's holiday light display is open for a few more days.
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Jamie Pham
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L.A. Zoo
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Our Picks
As this week marks the first anniversary of the devastating wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, many community organizations are taking time to commemorate the event. There’s a wide range of ways for folks to participate, from heading to a fundraising concert to volunteering to attending a vigil, so we’ve put together a list of events to help you mark this somber anniversary and celebrate the resilience of Los Angeles.
And our staff continues to share their resolutions for exploring L.A. in the coming year. Reporter Yusra Farzan plans to check out the Valley Relics Museum, try a waffle with maple butter from the new diner Max & Helen’s and explore the Secret Forest gallery in Burbank. LAist’s Director of Programming Jenn Baughman will head to a woodworking class at Allied Woodshop in East L.A., make a return visit to the always delish Mercado La Paloma and spend a Friday afternoon at the Norton Simon art museum in Pasadena, when it’s free to all residents. What’s on your L.A. New Year’s resolution list? Let us know at bestthingstodo@laist.com.
Elsewhere on LAist.com, explore where you can let your city dog learn to hone its natural herding instincts and read about the L.A. food trends we expect to see in 2026.
Events
A Concert for Altadena
Wednesday, January 7, 6:30 p.m.
Pasadena Civic Auditorium
300 E. Green Street, Pasadena
COST: $150; MORE INFO
Sponsored message
Indie band Dawes has been one of the most visible survivors and supporters of the Eaton Fire community since the 2025 wildfires. They are putting their notoriety to good use by planning A Concert for Altadena, happening January 7 and featuring some major musical talent, including Jackson Browne, Mandy Moore, Ozomatli, Jenny Lewis, Lord Huron, Rufus Wainwright and many more. Hosted by John C. Reilly, the show benefits the Altadena Builds Back Foundation, which is spearheading long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
House Museum: One-Year Fire Anniversary
Wednesday, January 7, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
House Museum Chimney Yard
Shuttle leaves from 333 Los Liones Drive, Pacific Palisades
COST: FREE (RSVP info@house.museum); MORE INFO
I wrote about the ambitious House Museum project to preserve the chimneys of architectural houses lost in the Palisades Fire last year for The Art Newspaper. Now, their innovative concept is becoming a reality. Join community leaders and the architects involved in the process at a site in the Palisades for a discussion about the project and the neighborhood’s future.
Sponsored message
Maria Moyer: Water Tapping on Velvet
January 7 through January 31, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Weds. to Sun.)
Stroll Garden
Hollywood Hills (email or DM for exact address)
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Maria Moyer’s mesmerizing hand-built ceramic sculptures take over Stroll Garden in the Hollywood Hills for a peaceful art exhibit. Her work incorporates elements from nature and has been shown around the world. You have to email or DM the gallery for the exact address, preserving the space’s secluded feel, but walk-ins are welcome.
Death Cafe
Tuesday, January 6, 6 p.m.
Heavy Manners Library
1200 North Alvarado Street, Echo Park
COST: FREE, DONATIONS WELCOME; MORE INFO
Sponsored message
Not to start the year on a dark note, but look, death is a part of life, right? A facilitated conversation about the grief process will be led by Emily Yacina. The event aims to break taboos and open the doors to talk about death as a way to take advantage of the time we have in life. It’s a beautiful idea; coffee and doughnuts will be served.
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
Through Sunday, January 11
L.A. Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park
COST: FROM $19; MORE INFO
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Jamie Pham
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L.A. Zoo
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Christmas has come and gone, but the L.A. Zoo lights are still aglow for a little while, so you can continue to soak up the holiday spirit as we head into January. Explore lights and installations celebrating the wildlife of the world, from Africa to Southeast Asia, as well as our local plants and pollinators. There are drinks for the grownups, photo ops for the kids and much more.
Sponsored message
Duran Duran
Thursday, January 8, 7:30 p.m.
Honda Center
2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
COST: FROM $127.20; MORE INFO
Roger Taylor, John Taylor, Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran perform during I-Days Festival at Ippodromo San Siro.
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Francesco Prandoni
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Getty Images
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I would be remiss not to let you know that ‘80s greats Duran Duran are at the Honda Center. I saw them last January at Yaamava' Theater, and they’ve definitely still got it. Can’t recommend starting your year like Rio and dancing on the sand highly enough.
Sheila E. & The E-Train
January 7 and 8
Blue Note Los Angeles
6372 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
COST: FROM $65.87; MORE INFO
Sheila E. performs onstage with Anderson .Paak during the FIREAID Benefit Concert for California Fire Relief at The Kia Forum.
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John Shearer
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Prince may be gone, but Sheila E. is going strong. See the most badass drummer of them all at the new Blue Note with her band, the E-Train. Her music is soulful, speaking to her Latin upbringing and honoring her very musical family. Sheila E.’s latest album, Bailar, came out in 2024, and the single “Bemba Colorá” won a Grammy for best global musical performance.
Lectures on Tap: The Art of Trader Joe’s
Tuesday, January 6, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Arts District (exact location given in confirmation email)
COST: $39.19, WAITLIST MAY BE AVAILABLE; MORE INFO
Trader Joe's branded coffee.
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Scott Olson
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As of this writing, this one is almost sold out, but I can’t kick off the year without mentioning the overwhelming success of the Lectures on Tap series, which brings experts to the bar to talk about a wide range of issues — and I mean wide range. This week’s is on how Trader Joe’s makes the supermarket beautiful with its consistent packaging and hidden art treasures, from bag design to weekly ad flyer. Upcoming topics include everything from theater to ancient Athens to NASA.
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
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