Best Things To Do In Los Angeles and SoCal During Presidents' Day Weekend: Feb. 16 - 19

CicLAvia is kicking off its event schedule with a debut of their West Coast IPA affectionately named seek-la-VEE-ah. The party is presented in conjunction with the Night Market at Ivy Station, where there will be several food trucks, music, games, local vendors, and kid-friendly activities. This is a free event, no RSVP is required and all ages are welcome.

Every third Friday of the month, visit the Academy Museum for a workshop focused on animation. Learn about career paths and the processes and techniques real animators use. Plus, an animation artist will talk about their practice and guide you through making your own artwork. Museum admission is free for youth ages 17 and under. General admission for any accompanying adults is $25.

Enjoy a delicious dinner while learning basic painting techniques with step-by-step instructions. With the guidance of an experienced artist, you’ll create a unique masterpiece that you can take home and proudly display.

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with cultural activities and performances! Watch a traditional lion and dragon dance, meet radio and TV stars and take a historic walk through the Mission District.

By the way, if you want to maximize your Lunar New Year celebrations on Sunday, consider checking out the Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival during the day, and then shifting to the Lunar Lantern Festival during the evening. LAist will be doing a live broadcast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alhambra fest. Come see us!

Celebrate Black History Month, support literacy, and join a community united for change at the annual Umoja 5k! The theme for this year's race is "Race for Reading: The Power of Black Words,” where Black excellence and the transformative power of literature and literacy are commemorated.

Have a child interested in the sciences? Bring them to the Pretend City Children’s Museum to perform a carbon sugar snake experiment. Learn the science behind it and watch a fiery snake rise from the ground. There’ll be two sessions: 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Come join others at the Watts Culture Fest, a vendor marketplace designed to empower Watts and South Central. On top of food and live music, the event features both youth and adult gaming lounges, a skate park, a sneaker painting workshop and more.

Valentine's Day might be over, but you can still come celebrate love at the Valentine's Adoption Event at Earthy Corazon! Whether you're looking for a loyal companion or a cuddle buddy, this in-person event is the perfect opportunity to meet adorable animals in need of a forever home. Not able to adopt? That’s okay! Socialize with furry friends, or learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Let your kids' imaginations run wild as they create several styles of art. The prompt: "If you were the President, how would you design your country?" Kids will spend the day making sculptures, painting, and tie-dying in an environment that encourages empowerment through free self-expression.

Grab a pair of binoculars and join the Feminist Bird Club this Saturday morning. The event is beginner-friendly and all are welcome. RSVP in advance.

The Philosophical Research Society welcomes producer and directors Natalie Hill and Adele Bertei for a very special screening of Made In Trinidad, their barely-seen film. Made in 2001, the movie toured the festival circuit but did not receive distribution due to the industry’s indifference towards ethnographic filmmaking at the time. Twenty-two years later, PRS is excited to share a rare screening!

Go get a bite at the Ave 26 Night Market. Try out some ramen with Flamin' Hot Cheetos crumbs or churros with ice cream or even freshly made tortillas. Grab your free presale ticket early.

Take your taste buds on a guided tour through the Venice food scene. Try out Japanese rice balls, birria tacos and pasta dishes. You even get to meet the chefs and restaurant owners behind the food you’re tasting.

Join Garibaldina for their first La Famiglia event of the year! There will be a DJ, dancing, and a buffet-style Italian dinner. This is a kid-friendly event.

Whether you’re single or taken, this Valentine’s event is for you! Join for an engaging mixology class where you'll master the art of crafting three expertly balanced cocktails. Craft iconic cocktails, indulge in a curated charcuterie board, and enjoy a unique, interactive experience.