Best things to do this weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: November 22 - 24

Life/politics/state of the world got you down? Sing it out at Alana’s where the Mar Vista community space is hosting a sing-along with local musicians. Hear your favorite protest songs celebrating freedom, unity, and progress. Plus, there will be smash burgers from On Point which will also help you feel better — it’s a fact.

Break out your green PJs for the Princess Fiona pajama party and be cozy and comfy as you and your kids settle in for this special performance of Shrek the Musical.

You’ll be in good company if you sign up to read a chapter from Moby Dick at Venice Oceanarium’s annual reading of the Melville novel. You may catch me there on Saturday, but really I meant that John Lithgow, Nate Corddry, and Eric Lange have all participated in the sunrise-to-sunset two-day event, which celebrates the start of the California gray whale migration.

Mr. Cellophane himself, John C. Reilly, is putting on his one-man show with a band at the Largo. The Chicago and Talladega Nights actor has been sporadically putting on this evening of “love and longing” — sure to be a balm during these challenging times.

Grab a hot cocoa or cider and wind your way through Descanso Gardens’ annual festival of lights. The event takes you through a maze of fantastical lights and sounds, from the Flower Power tulips to interactive musical trees, light-up huts and the red lantern-infused garden of good luck. This year, the gardens’ model railroad takes center stage.

You’ve read Little Women, shared it with your kids, and seen all the movie versions. But have you actually felt like you were Jo, Meg, Amy, or Beth? The Little Women immersive ballet experience at Heritage Square brings audiences into the story through five unique, site-specific performances.

NPR favorite writer, performer, and monologuist Sandra Tsing Loh (The Loh Life on LAist) will present a new work-in-process, I’ll Burn That Bridge When I Come To It, at the Odyssey Theatre as part of the theater's ongoing "Thresholds of Invention" series.

The Flux Festival culminates with an all-day event celebrating emerging filmmakers and artists with films, performances and presentations at the new Audrey Irmas Pavilion space in Koreatown. Be there for talks from filmmaker Rashaad Newsome — who made waves with an AI-themed film at Sundance — and Mexican-American director Carlos López Estrada, who was nominated for an Academy Award (Raya and the Last Dragon). Director Paul Trillo will also debut a new collaboration with musician and artist Poppy.

If you love puzzles, you will love The Crossword Show. Host Zach Sherwin (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) presides over comedians — this week includes Aparna Nancherla (BoJack Horseman) and Emily Heller (Barry) — solving an actual crossword puzzle live on stage, with everything displayed on a big screen so the audience can follow along. Sherwin takes the audience on a journey through rabbit holes of trivia, music, and comedy; he calls it a blend of the New York Times crossword and Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me – sounds like something LAist listeners would be super into!

Ride your bike over to Highland Park and connect with other cycling enthusiasts at the L.A. Bike Fest fundraiser. Your ticket includes free bike valet, one beer or non-alcoholic drink, a commemorative golden BikeLA bandana, and a bike-themed silent auction.

A wide range of Israeli filmmakers are featured among the 40 documentaries, shorts, and features at the ongoing Israel Film Festival. Films including Israel’s Oscar entry Seven Blessings and graduate student entries will screen at theaters around the area through Nov. 26.

The creative sibling to Koreatown’s Here’s Looking at You, Silver Lake favorite All Day Baby is closing its doors for good on Dec. 15, so head over to get your last boozy milkshake. More at Eater.

If you’re nostalgic for your Motorola Razr and Britney Spears’ heyday, check out Zero Lounge, now open in Hollywood. The hotspot features cocktails like the Spice Girl Sour and bathes visitors in that early naughties purple glow. The grand opening event features drink specials, surprise performances, and more.

Chinese food on Christmas is a tradition that’s crossed cultural lines, so it gets really busy and you have to plan! WeHo favorite Genghis Cohen's reservations are live, so book your table early.

Taste a classic matcha tea straight from Kyoto. Try a Tsujiri iced matcha for free, accompanied by sweet snacks, and learn how to make your own matcha drinks at home. Shoppers will also receive a gift with purchase.

Explore downtown Burbank at the annual Winter Wine Walk and Street Fair on San Fernando Blvd. between Magnolia Blvd. and Olive Ave. The festive event will feature local wine tastings, live entertainment, and a variety of artisan vendors.