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Best things to do this weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: January 17 - 19
Smorgasburg in DTLA.
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Courtesy of Smorgasburg
)
It’s been a difficult couple of weeks for us Angelenos, but the resiliency, the love, the creativity, and even the humor in the face of tragedy have been nothing short of astounding. I was worried it would be hard to find things to fill the newsletter as we’re all so consumed by the fire emergency, but I was so, so wrong.
Nearly every restaurant, bar, arts organization, and community space that can is hosting events to raise money for our brave firefighters, other first responders and families in need. Museums are opening their doors for free to give everyone a mental health break, yoga studios and gyms are providing free or low-cost classes and places to gather, and so much more. So if you’re in a safe place and able to get out to support the community during this difficult time, please do.
And of course, there are myriad opportunities to volunteer your time to help the recovery efforts; check out our list here.
For daily updates on the fires in Los Angeles and resources from across LAist and our partners at KCRW, Cal Matters, and PBS So Cal, sign up for the Wildfire Updates newsletter. LAist has also launched a fund to support our reporters on the ground who are out there bringing you up-to-the-minute reports from the fire zones, including colleagues who've lost their own homes during this emergency. Support our efforts.
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Events
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Sun, Jan 19LoveBug & Me classes
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LoveBug & Me - Santa Monica
1201 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica -
LoveBug & Me - Los Feliz
1949 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz -
LoveBug & Me - Pasadena
1127 Mission St., South Pasadena
This week, parents and kids can enjoy free music classes, sensory art classes, and play dates.
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LoveBug & Me - Santa Monica
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Fri, Jan 17Free admission at LACMA
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LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire
Art is proven to help calm anxiety and improve your mood.
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LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
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Sat, Jan 18'Lightscape': Doug Aiken
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Marciano Arts Foundation
4357 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown
Doug Aiken’s 'Lightscape' is the winter’s must-see art event.
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Marciano Arts Foundation
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Sat, Jan 18Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova: 'Punk's Not Dead'
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Honor Fraser Gallery
2622 S La Cienega Blvd., Mid-City
The radical frontwoman and founder of Russian punk band Pussy Riot will be performing at Honor Fraser Gallery with her new band.
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Honor Fraser Gallery
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Sat, Jan 18Pickle Tickle Time: Something New's LA fires fundraiser
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Venice Beach Boardwalk
, Venice
Show up at the Venice Boardwalk to support the fire relief effort and make new friends.
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Venice Beach Boardwalk
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Sat, Jan 18Frank Black: 'Teenager of the Year' Tour
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The Orpheum Theatre
842 S. Broadway, Downtown L.A.
former Pixies frontman Frank Black aka Black Francis plays the Orpheum.
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The Orpheum Theatre
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Fri, Jan 17Essentials distribution event with LA sports teams
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Dodger Stadium
1000 Vin Scully Ave., Elysian Park -
BMO Stadium
3939 S. Figueroa St., Exposition Park -
SoFi Stadium
1001 S. Stadium Dr., Inglewood
Twelve L.A. sports teams come together alongside community partners to distribute essentials to fire victims.
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Dodger Stadium
Viewing Pick
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Mon, Jan 20'The Goonies' 40th anniversary screening
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Multiple Locations
See the 1985 classic adventure again — or for the first time — on the big screen.
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Multiple Locations
Dine & Drink Deals
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Fri, Feb 14Support meals for frontline workers and evacuees in the LA fires
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Virtual/Online
The new L.A. Community Meals hub has banded together some of L.A.’s favorite restaurants.
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Virtual/Online
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Sun, Jan 19Fuil Wine Tasting fundraiser
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Buvette
15005 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks
Taste some great wines and support a great cause.
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Buvette
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Sun, Jan 19Smorgasburg reopening + new 2025 vendors
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Smorgasburg LA at ROW DTLA
777 S. Alameda St., Downtown L.A.
More than a dozen new vendors join the 2025 lineup at Smorgasburg.
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Smorgasburg LA at ROW DTLA
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Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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
