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Best things to do this week in Los Angeles and Southern California: April 28 - May 1
Beyoncé accepted the Best Country Album award for "COWBOY CARTER" in February in L.A. and will be back in town for her tour.
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Our Picks
I don’t know about you, but now that the list of Olympics venues is starting to come together, I’m working on my personal ‘Things To Do Before 2028’ list. Maybe that’s another list we should work on — send your ideas to bestthingstodo@laist.com! But first up is Trestles, the Orange County gem that wasn't on my radar before Mayor Karen Bass announced it would host surfing in 2028, beating out "Surf City USA," nearby Huntington Beach. Check it out for the ocean views, water sports and hiking before it gets too crowded as the games get closer.
For more to explore, visit LAist.com, where you can learn about my new favorite racehorse, Journalism, as he gets Derby-ready; plan ahead and make your Mother’s Day brunch reservations with some recommendations from food editor Gab Chabrán; and get your tickets to join AirTalk live from Dodger Stadium on May 7.
Events
April 28 and May 1
Beyoncé: Cowboy Carter Tour
SoFi Stadium
1001 Stadium Drive, Inglewood
COST: FROM $45; MORE INFO
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Beyoncé performs onstage during the opening night of the Renaissance World Tour on May 10, 2023, in Stockholm.
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Kevin Mazur
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Getty Images for Parkwood
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This ain’t Texas, but we get Beyoncé first. Queen Bey kicks off her highly anticipated Cowboy Carter Tour at SoFi, her first major tour since the 2023 Renaissance World Tour. Relatively reasonable tickets are still available for the five-date L.A. stint before the show goes on the road. Grab your ten-gallon hat and boots, rally your Beyhive, and get down to the critically acclaimed album, which earned three Grammy Awards, including her first Album of the Year (finally!), plus Best Country Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Additional dates: May 4, May 7, May 9
Monday, April 28, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tattoo art workshop
Junior High Los Angeles
603 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale
COST: FROM $100; MORE INFO
Tattooing, like all art, takes years and skill to perfect, but you can take advantage of a rare chance to try your hand at it. Junior High gallery and events space hosts tattoo artist JJ for a hands-on workshop covering design, stencil creation and machine setup. The night culminates in participants tattooing on fake skin.
Tuesday, April 29, 7:30 p.m.
Ziwe’s America
The Belasco
1050 S. Hill St., downtown L.A.
COST: FROM $30; MORE INFO
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Comedian and writer Ziwe went viral on social media and brought that zest to TV in her self-titled Showtime show, and she regularly hosts comedians and pop culture figures on her YouTube show, You’d Be an Iconic Guest. She brings her sharp wit and satirical take on politics and pop culture to the stage in her live show, Ziwe's America, at The Belasco.
Through Saturday, May 3
Jon Rafman: Proof of Concept
Spruth Magers
5900 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-City
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Zach Key
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Immersive artist Jon Rafman’s show at Spruth Magers imagines if MTV met AI. The exhibition explores AI, digital culture and media nostalgia through a dynamic installation of music videos and animations. Plus, the gallery is right across from LACMA, so you can make an art day of it.
Wednesday, April 30, 8 p.m.
Nikka Costa
The Roxy
9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood
COST: $31.52; MORE INFO
Nikka Costa performs at In A Perfect World MAP Gala at The Jeremy Hotel on March 3, 2019 in West Hollywood, California.
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Earl Gibson III
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Nikka Costa has consistently put out bluesy, soulful pop albums for the better part of this century, and she's been performing since she was a kid. After a nearly two-year hiatus, she’s back with new music, performing live at The Roxy Theatre.
Wednesday, April 30, 5:15 p.m.
Women’s Wednesday Ride
Irvine Regional Park, Lot C
1 Irvine Park Road, Irvine
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Chepe Nicoli
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Irvine’s biweekly women’s Wednesday ride (say that five times fast) kicks off from Irvine Regional Park. The Path Bike Shop hosts the first ride of the 2025 season, an intermediate, no-drop group ride through Santiago Oaks. The group asks participants to come prepared with a helmet, water, snacks, a flat tire repair kit and any other ride essentials.
Monday, April 28, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dodgers Watch Party: Japanese Heritage Night
Ovation Hollywood
6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Japan House is getting in the Dodger Blue spirit as the boys of summer take on the Marlins across town. Celebrate Japanese Heritage Night without the headache of parking at Dodger Stadium with this free watch party at Ovation Hollywood featuring live taiko drumming, a beer garden and cultural exhibits in the heart of Hollywood.
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Viewing Pick
Wednesday, April 30, 7 p.m.
American Cinematheque: Pillow Talk
Los Feliz Theatre
1822 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz
COST: $15; MORE INFO
The marquee of the Los Feliz 3.
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Jared Cowan
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Rock Hudson and Doris Day star in the classic 1959 rom-com Pillow Talk. You’re going to have to explain to the kids what a “telephone party line” was, as the dated technology is front and center in this romp of mistaken identities. Shown in 35mm, the American Cinematheque screening is preceded by a live recording of the Greg Proops Film Club Podcast.
Dine & Drink Deals
Tuesday, April 29, 7 p.m.
Kristen Kish: Accidentally on Purpose
Now Serving
727 N. Broadway, Unit 133, Chinatown
COST: $35.64; MORE INFO
Top Chef winner-turned-host Kristen Kish delves into her backstory in her new memoir, Accidentally on Purpose. It follows her journey from growing up as an adopted kid in the Midwest through finding her calling as a chef and now as a reality TV star. Join the talented Kish at Now Serving for a conversation with food writer Alyse Whitney.
Throughout April, daily 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Morning chocolate happy hour
The Chocolate Dispensary
1605 Grafton St., Echo Park
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Kick your morning off right. If you’re an eastside musician, the Chocolate Dispensary is offering a free shot of their rich drinking chocolate or cup of coffee every morning this month.
Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m.
Pali Wine Dinner
SOCALO
1920 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica
COST: $99; MORE INFO
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Sara Prince
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Courtesy Pali Wine Co.
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Celebrate Pali Wine Co.'s 20th anniversary with a five-course dinner crafted by Executive Chef Raul Plascencia, paired with select wines and hosted by winemaker Aaron Walker in SOCALO’s private dining room.
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