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Best things to do during Mother's Day weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: May 9 - 11
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First, Cynthia Erivo was announced as Jesus in this summer’s Hollywood Bowl musical production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Now, Adam Lambert is joining Erivo on stage as Judas. Can August please get here already?
If you’re also anxiously awaiting summer (for all of the reasons, my Jesus Christ Superstar obsession needn’t be yours), this May Gray is lasting forever. Luckily, the sun is supposed to make a reappearance for Mother’s Day weekend, and it couldn’t come at a better time with all the outdoor festivals and start-of-summer events going on. Take a trip to the early aughts at the Just Like Heaven festival at the Rose Bowl, with Vampire Weekend, TV on the Radio and more. Or, check out one of the first Friday night Jazz at LACMA free evenings of the season. You can also pop over to Woodland Hills for Saturday’s 4th Annual Valley Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival.
For more to explore, see more of LAist.com, where you can crawl across town with food editor Gab Chabrán looking for L.A.’s best margarita, meet the music students who are back to playing their instruments following the Eaton Fire, and get the latest on Hollywood’s reaction to Trump’s film tariff plan.
Events
May 8-11
L.A. Dance Project and Benjamin Millepied: Rituel
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A.
COST: FROM $20; MORE INFO
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Millepied means a thousand feet in French, so esteemed choreographer and L.A. Dance Project artistic director Benjamin Millepied really chose the right career. He’s back with a new piece set to Boulez’s Rituel, combining ballet and classical dance. The dance is the final element of a night with Boulez and Debussy, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen and featuring Pierre-Laurent Aimard on piano.
Through Monday, May 26
L.A. County Fair
1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona
COST: FROM $18.50; MORE INFO
The meatball mozzarella corn dog at the L.A. County Fair is just one of the many food offerings available this year, just make sure you REALLY like cheese.
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Gab Chabrán
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LAist
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It’s fair time! The music lineup is rockin’, the jams are jamming, and the rides are ready to roll. Get down to the fair through May 26 to check out the theme “Art Unleashed” or catch some tunes. This week, The O’Jays play on Friday; tickets start at $57, separate from fair entry. Plus, for a look at all the delicious ways to break your healthy eating streak, check out our review of the best fried treats at the fair — and we tried ‘em all.
Sunday, May 11, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dylanfest 35
Torrance Cultural Arts Center
330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance
COST: FROM $35; MORE INFO
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I just re-watched A Complete Unknown, so I have Dylan on the brain, and the timing of the annual Dylanfest is impeccable. Since 1991, Andy & Renee have been hosting the Torrance celebration of Bob Dylan, which this year features 50 musicians throughout one afternoon performing 60 of the Nobel Prize winner’s greatest contributions to the American songbook. Make like a rolling stone and get down to Torrance for the celebration.
Saturday, May 10, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Kiki’ing with the River
Riverfront Park
5000 Slauson Ave., Maywood
COST: $23.18; MORE INFO
Paayme Paxaayt (aka the L.A. River) winds south of East L.A. and at Mile 17 hits Maywood Riverfront Park, where performance and dialogue will ring through the air in this latest edition of “Kiki’ing with the River.” Featuring the work of artists Page Person and Christopher Anthony Velasco, the river will come to life with storytelling and drag, sharing the historic and present-day challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities.
Friday, May 9, 6 p.m.
Summer of Salsa: Rumbankete and Super DJ Robby
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N. Main St., Downtown L.A.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
You know summer is just around the corner when free Summer of Salsa nights at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes are back. This first week, the event — which offers monthly dance parties every Friday through September — features progressive dance orchestra Rumbankete and Super DJ Robby.
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Saturday, May 10, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
O-Launch: Otis College of Art and Design Student Exhibition
Otis College of Art and Design
9045 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Otis College
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The Otis College open house is a great wrap-up to the school year, with student exhibitions, a fashion show, a DJ, and food trucks all bringing the Westchester campus to life to celebrate art. The work here is always top-notch; one of last year’s graduates, Ranze Zhang, designed one of Beyoncé’s outfits for her Cowboy Carter tour this year.
May 9-10
The Miracle Project Live: Out of Our Heads Sketch Comedy Show
The Pico Theater
10508 W. Pico Blvd., Cheviot Hills
COST: $25; MORE INFO
A neurodiverse ensemble of young adults, including those on the autism spectrum, will be performing a night of comedy and celebration of inclusion in the arts, benefitting a great cause — The Miracle Project’s arts programs. Young comedians with autism, Down syndrome and other disabilities bring their unique takes to the stage.
Sunday, May 11, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tiny Porch Concerts: Dustbowl Revival
Peter Strauss Ranch
30000 Mulholland Dr., Agoura Hills
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Tiny Porch Concerts
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OK, I only found out about these this week and this one is currently sold out, but I’m putting it in here anyway to remind you to book your free tickets for the great free concerts they have coming up at Peter Strauss Ranch all summer long, including Hot Buttered Rum and The Watson Twins. We already know you like Tiny Desk Concerts, so definitely be on the lookout for Tiny Porch Concerts in Agoura!
And if you are lucky enough to get into this Sunday's show, Dustbowl Revival is a lot of fun!
Outdoor Pick
Saturday, May 10, 3 p.m.
Mother’s Day golf clinic
Victoria Golf Course
340 Martin Luther King Jr. St., Carson
COST: $119.22; MORE INFO
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Jim Moriarty
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Whether she’s a newbie or an expert, help mom perfect her golf swing at a special clinic at Victoria Golf Course. The day includes breathwork training as well as clinics on putting, chipping, range and pitching. Fore!
Viewing Pick
Sunday, May 11, 6:30 p.m.
Mamma Mia
The Lido Theater
3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach
COST: $12.50; MORE INFO
Mamma Mia, the obviously correct Mother’s Day film pick (thank you, Meryl), is on at Newport’s Lido Theater for a special screening evening honoring Mom and catering to the Abba sing-along needs of all ages. But there are three pretty cute potential dads in there, too, so…
Dine & Drink Deals
Saturday, May 10
Miznon grand opening
Grand Central Market
317 S. Broadway, Downtown L.A.
COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
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Wonho Frank Lee
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Miznon is bringing their famous falafel to L.A.! From Tel Aviv to Vegas to NYC, the first California stop for Miznon is Grand Central Market, with their grand opening this Saturday. The first 100 guests will receive a free signature pita.
Sunday, May 11
Mother’s Day wellness and afternoon tea
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills
COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
Really go all out for mom with a day at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills, which is offering brunch at Espelette with complimentary chair massages and a curated wellness bar. Or, head to The Rooftop for a prix-fixe menu, live DJ and violinist performances. If that's still not your speed, try an afternoon tea featuring a live harpist. There’s also an exclusive "Mother’s Day Pilates & Wellness Series," featuring rooftop Pilates, spa treatments, pool access and lunch.
May 9-11
Panda-oke
Panda Express
2828 S Figueroa St.
Downtown L.A.
COST: FREE
Yes, Panda-oke is exactly what it sounds like. Bring a couple of friends and step inside a seven-foot-tall karaoke takeout box to sing your heart out for orange chicken at the downtown Panda Express location. Each session is recorded and emailed to participants, and if you purchase a Family Meal, you can take home a limited-edition mini karaoke kit.
May 10-11
Give mom a 'Taste of Modena'
North Italia
All area locations
COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
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Courtesy North Italia
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Bring mom to North Italia for a Brunch Board featuring a frittata, burrata, side salad and freshly baked hearth bread. Inspired by Modena, home of balsamic vinegar, the frittata has eggs, cream and Grana Padano cheese, served with balsamic affinato. North Italia’s latest spring/summer seasonal menu also includes strawberry and cream French toast, poached eggs and polenta, and eggs in purgatory.
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