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Best things to do this weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: October 24-26
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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images, Timothy Norris/Getty Images
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Our Picks
The start of the World Series is nearly here. The Dodgers will take on the Blue Jays in Toronto for the first two games on Friday and Saturday nights. If you’re one of the lucky fans who've scored a ticket and booked a flight, safe travels. The rest of us can check out the games at one of the many local spots hosting watch events, like this one at the Regent Theater downtown — or at home on TV.
If baseball isn't your thing, of course, there’s plenty more going on. If you want to get out of town, head up to Santa Barbara’s Center Stage Theater for a special performance of Every Brilliant Thing with its creator, Johnny Donahoe. The one-person show, which is currently on in London, has a unique audience participation element and brings humor to the tough subject of depression.
Licorice Pizza’s music picks for the weekend include Night Moves at the Teragram and Talib Kweli at the Venice West on Friday. Saturday, Boz Scaggs is at Disney Hall, indie favorites Stereolab are at the Bellwether, and there’s a special Warren Zevon tribute at the United Theater with the Wild Honey Orchestra and special guests including Jackson Browne and Steve Wynn. And electronic musician and horror film legend John Carpenter plays the Belasco on both Friday and Saturday.
Explore more from LAist: Read one local activist’s firsthand account of traveling toward Gaza on the humanitarian aid flotilla, learn where to find the elusive but deliciously underrated L.A. crunchy taco, and remember to support us so we can keep the stories and the event recommendations coming with a monthly donation during our fall member drive.
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Also this weekend…
Events
Through Sunday, October 26
Hairspray
Bank of America Performing Arts Center
2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks
COST: FROM $48; MORE INFO
You can’t stop the beat in Thousand Oaks for the last few performances of Hairspray, directed by the original star of the Broadway production, Marissa Jaret Winokur. The stage adaptation of the classic John Waters film takes a brightly colored and unfortunately still-too-relevant look at 1960s Baltimore through the eyes of Tracy Turnblad (newcomer Lexie Martin), love interest Link Larkin (Bobby Hogan), TV host Corny Collins (Garrett Clayton, who played Larkin in the 2016 TV version), and of course, Tracy’s mom Edna (played by Winokur’s longtime friend and collaborator Ryan O’Connor).
Saturday, October 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grand Ave. Arts: All Access
Multiple locations
Temple Street to 6th Street, Downtown L.A.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Grand Ave. Arts
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Stroll downtown L.A.'s cultural hub, from the Music Center to Disney Hall to the Central Library, for a look at the arts institutions that line Grand Avenue at the 14th annual Grand Ave. Arts: All Access. The biggest draw this year is a one-day open house and first look at the new DATALAND museum created by artist Refik Anadol and featuring unique immersive AI art.
October 24-25, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Two Nights with Taylor Mac
Thorne Hall, Occidental College
1600 Campus Road, Eagle Rock
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Occidental College
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This is a truly special opportunity to spend time (for free!) at Occidental College with one of the country’s most unique artists: Genius Grant recipient, Pulitzer Prize in Drama finalist and Tony nominee Taylor Mac. Friday night, Mac is in conversation with composer and collaborator Matt Ray. On Saturday, Mac joins artist Alexandra Grant, host of the 'Oxy Live!' series.
Saturday, October 25, 11 a.m.
Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade
Center Greens
311 E. Broadway, Anaheim
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Floats of all types, a classic car show, live music and a craft beer garden are all on tap for the 102nd Anaheim Fall Festival. There’s also a scavenger hunt, costume contests — one for kids and one for dogs! — and much more.
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Friday, October 24, 7:30 p.m.
Mary Lynn Rajskub
Hollywood Improv
8162 Melrose Ave., Beverly Grove
COST: $19.04; MORE INFO
Comedian Mary Lynn Rajskub performs onstage during Max Events Presents Roosevelt Comedy Show at the Roosevelt Theater in 2021. This week, she's performing at the Hollywood Improv.
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JC Olivera
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Getty Images
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24 star Mary Lynn Rajskub joins “That Couple from AGT and Friends” group show at the Hollywood Improv. The actor has been trying her hand at stand-up for a while. Check out her Dec. 2024 YouTube special, "Road Gig," before you go.
Through Saturday, October 25
Elyse Pignolet: 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised'
Track 16
706 Heliotrope Drive, East Hollywood
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Don’t miss your last chance to check out artist and ceramicist Elyse Pignolet’s show at Track 16. There’s also a closing reception on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. Pignolet uses classical ceramics to address themes of femininity and domesticity — and critique how women are treated as they move through the world in both direct and subtle ways. Her first monograph, "You Should Calm Down," was published earlier this year by MOAH Lancaster.
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Outdoor Pick
Saturday, October 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
10th Annual P-22 Day Festival
Griffith Park
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Courtesy National Parks Service via Flickr
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P-22 may be gone, but the most famous mountain lion in L.A. is far from forgotten. Honor P-22’s legacy at this year’s P-22 Day event in Griffith Park, which features plenty of outdoor education opportunities and chances to connect with fellow wildlife lovers.
Viewing Pick
Saturday, October 25, 8 p.m.
The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert
Hollywood Bowl
2301 Highland Ave., Hollywood
COST: FROM $65; MORE INFO
Danny Elfman performs during Disney's Tim Burton's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' Live To Film Concert Experience in 2021.
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Timothy Norris
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Getty Images
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Get your spooky season fill at the annual screening and concert presentation of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, with special guests Danny Elfman (singing Jack, of course), Janelle Monae (singing Sally), Keith David (singing Oogie Boogie), Riki Lindhome (singing Shock) and John Stamos (singing Lock) at the Hollywood Bowl. The full Bowl Orchestra will provide first-class accompaniment to the cross-holiday favorite.
Dine & Drink Deals
Sunday, October 26, 10 a.m.
Smorgasburg x KCRW Family Day Presents SPOOKYSBURG 2025
Smorgasburg L.A.
The Row
777 S Alameda St., Downtown L.A.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Our friends at Smorgasburg and KCRW are hosting a Halloween-themed day at the food vendor emporium. With costume contests, art activities, trick-or-treating, and plenty of sweet treats from tons of area favorites, Spookysburg is fun for the whole family.
Ongoing
Dodgers donuts
Randy’s Donuts
Multiple locations
COST: $4.20; MORE INFO
Of course, Randy’s is making a Dodger-themed donut. Snag one of the special Bavarian cream-filled donuts topped with Dodger Blue icing and the classic L.A. logo, or grab a dozen for your watch party.
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