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Best things to do this weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: March 7 - 9
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Marlyn Woo
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Courtesy Barks & Brews
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Our Picks
While we’re still mourning the closure of the Original Pantry over here (and the irony of it closing just before Pancake Day), at least there was some good news this week with the arrival of our newest SoCal residents, the eagle chicks born to Big Bear's famous couple, Jackie and Shadow.
Plus, I am excited about the opening of a new dessert spot in Koreatown from Catherine Zhang – Tucha L.A. The Australian chef made her name on a Netflix baking show called Zumbo’s Just Desserts (that I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who watched), but there’s sure to be some pastry magic in action when it opens on Sunday.
For more to explore, head to LAist.com where you can learn who is eligible for the new PCH pass and plan your weekend viewing with the full list of Oscar winners. Plus, our friends at KCRW are hosting their annual Family Day on Saturday.
Events
Sunday, March 9, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Nowruz celebration
UCLA
10745 Dickson Court
Westwood
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Sponsored message
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Courtesy Farhang Foundation
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The Farhang Foundation is marking 15 years of celebrating the Iranian New Year, Nowruz, at UCLA with musical performances, children's activities, arts and crafts, dancers, traditional musicians, stilt walkers and more. There are also tickets available for the 6 p.m. concert featuring the Iranshahr Orchestra under the direction of Shahab Paranj, plus vocalist Mahdieh Mohammadkhani and countertenor Cameron Shahbazi.
Saturday, March 8, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Narcissus Quagliata
Forest Lawn Museum
1712 S. Glendale Ave.
Glendale
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Narcissus Quagliata via Forest Lawn Museum
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Glass artist Narcissus Quagliata will be on hand for the closing reception of his show at Forest Lawn, Narcissus Quagliata: Archetypes and Visions in Light and Glass. It’s your last chance to check out the exhibit, which demonstrates how Quagliata’s technical advances in glass fusing and radical stylistic innovations helped move glass art into the contemporary public art world. Narcissus also has the unique moniker of the only living person to work on a Michelangelo building, with his massive "Divinity of Light" dome at Michelangelo's Roman Basilica.
Sponsored message
March 7-9
54th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales
Multiple locations in Dana Point
COST: VARIOUS FREE AND TICKETED EVENTS; MORE INFO
Humpback whale seen during Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari in Dana Point.
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Craig DeWitt
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Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Safari
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See what inspired muralist Andrew Wyland’s paintings of humpbacks, catch a glimpse of the gentle giants from a whale watching cruise, party at the Festival of Whales carnival, or eat your way through the chowder cookoff as Dana Point hosts the 54th annual Festival of Whales.
Sunday, March 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Barks & Brews
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
301 North Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia
COST: $15 PER PERSON, $10 PER DOG; MORE INFO
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Marlyn Woo
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Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
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Say hi to all the cute pups and watch them bound through the agility course, plus wander the gardens and support L.A. wildfire relief efforts with Bark & Brews at the Arboretum. Proceeds benefit Pasadena Humane and the Arboretum Foundation. You can bring your own dog, too!
Sponsored message
March 7-9
Tuna Canyon Detention Station Exhibit
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive
La Cañada Flintridge
COST: INCLUDED IN $15 ADMISSION; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Descanso Gardens
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It’s hard to imagine that five miles from where Descasco Gardens now hosts joyous light and art shows and beautiful gardens, the Tuna Canyon Detention Station held more than 2,000 Japanese, German, Italian and Japanese Peruvian immigrants during World War II. The Tuna Canyon Detention Station Coalition hosts a powerful exhibit at the gardens this weekend, shedding light on this lesser-known chapter of history honoring the people who were unjustly detained in Los Angeles between 1941 and 1943.
March 9-10
L.A. County Science & Engineering Fair Public Viewing
Shrine Auditorium
665 W. Jefferson Blvd.
University Park
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Sponsored message
Budding scientists take center stage at the 75th annual Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair’s public viewing. See the top student exhibits from middle and high school students around the county or sign up to volunteer.
Saturday, March 8, 2 p.m.
God of Carnage
Studio City Branch Library
12311 Moorpark St.
Studio City
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Yasmina Reza’s 2008 play about family politics, God of Carnage, takes over Studio City library for a staged reading with Interact Theater Company. This series is always so fun, great actors, a unique space, and a low-key way to experience a classic play.
Outdoor Pick
Sunday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Volunteer training with Surfrider Foundation
Santa Monica Beach
Exact location given after RSVP
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
A ity of Los Angeles Sanitation worker walks past pulverized fire debris at Topanga State Beach in Malibu on February 21, 2025.
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Christina House
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L.A. Times via Getty Images
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All that fire debris isn’t going to clean itself up. Lead the charge to get our beaches cleaned up for summer and train as a captain with Surfrider Foundation. They are leading weekly trainings. Make sure to wear sunscreen and closed-toe shoes!
Viewing Pick
March 9-30
Oscar winner screenings
Academy Museum
6067 Wilshire Blvd.
Miracle Mile
COST: $5 to $10; MORE INFO
Mark Eydelshteyn as Ivan and Mikey Madison as Ani in 'Anora.'
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NEON
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The Oscars may be over, but movies are forever. If you didn’t catch the winners on the big screen before the ceremony, head to the Academy Museum for their annual series of winning films at the David Geffen Theater. The Documentary Feature Film winner No Other Land screens on March 8, the International Feature Film winner from Brazil, I’m Still Here, screens on March 9, the Animated Feature Film winner, Latvia’s Flow, screens on March 15, and Best Picture winner Anora from director Sean Baker screens on March 16. Plus, a surprise wildcard selection will screen on March 30.
Dine & Drink Deals
Saturday, March 8, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Baja Cantina's 50th Anniversary
Baja Cantina
311 Washington Blvd.
Marina del Rey
COST: VARIES, MORE INFO
Live music, tequila tastings, food and drink specials and more are on tap to celebrate 50 years of Baja Cantina on the Venice-Marina border. Olé!
Saturday, March 8, 6 p.m.
Latte art competition
Menotti’s
12430 Washington Blvd.
Culver City
COST: $15; MORE INFO
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Sutthiwat Srikhrueadam / EyeEm
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Getty Images
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Think you’ve got what it takes to make the perfect tulip out of foam like your local coffee hop? Take your skills to the test at Menotti’s in Culver City for the ultimate latte art competition.
Saturday, March 8, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pouring for a Purpose
Wally’s Santa Monica
214 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica
COST: $500; MORE INFO
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Kelsey Knight
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Unsplash
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It’s a steep ticket, but it’s for a good cause — and good wine! Wally’s in Santa Monica hosts Pouring for a Purpose: California Wineries Silent Auction + Tasting for Fire Relief to bring together top wineries and spirits brands for a curated tasting experience, all in support of the California Fire Foundation.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
