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Best things to do this weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: March 13-15
It’s almost time for the Oscars, my favorite Sunday of the year. Whether you’re prepping for your watch party with Ham-net and cheese sandwiches, a Sinners-ful dessert display, Blue Moon pies or If I Had (Crab) Legs I’d Kick You, settle in for several hours of yelling at the screen and obsessing over dresses. If you’re not of the Oscars persuasion and are heading out to one of the many fun events on this list (or can score me an invite to the Vanity Fair party), be aware of street closures and diversions if you’re anywhere near Hollywood.
That’s doubly true if you’re catching any of the great music on tap this weekend. Our friends at Licorice Pizza suggest Miguel at the Forum, Black Label Society featuring Zakk Wyde at the YouTube Theater, Band of Skulls at the Teragram, the California Honeydrops at the Bellwether, Chicago indie rockers Whitney at the Lodge Room and Jon Brion going back to his roots at Largo — all on Friday. On Saturday, Indonesian rapper and singer Rich Brian is at the Palladium, London techno duo Bassvictim is at the Fonda (they’ll also be there Sunday) and ex-Savage Garden singer Darren Hayes plays the Troubadour (also playing on Sunday). Or, if you’re really in a truly madly deeply romantic mood, you can ride your pony over to the Peacock Theater for “The R&B Lovers Tour” with Ginuwine, Keith Sweat, Joe and Dru Hill.
Elsewhere on LAist, you can get composting tips from science reporter Jacob Margolis, learn about the potential fate of a Newport Beach sculpture park, and follow teens at East L.A.’s Garfield High as they head to the state Academic Decathlon.
Events
Brazilian Oscars Watch Party
Sunday, March 15, 3 p.m.
Dusty Vinyl
11326 W Pico Blvd., West L.A.
COST: $50; MORE INFO
There are many, many places to watch the Oscars with other movie fans this Sunday. But why not celebrate with the Brazilians and their nomination for (the excellent film) The Secret Agent? Dusty Vinyl is being turned into a 1977 secret-agent-themed hideout for the occasion, with a bespoke menu (food is included) and live music before the show starts; '70s costumes encouraged.
Honour
Through Sunday, March 22
Ruskin Group Theatre
2800 Airport Ave., Santa Monica
COST: $45; MORE INFO
Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives) is getting rave reviews for her performance in Honour, Joanna Murray-Smith’s examination of marriage and betrayal. Directed by Max Mayer, it’s the first show in the newly renovated Kaplan Stage at Ruskin Group Theatre, and Broadway World called it “a meaningful return to the material and a powerful way to inaugurate the Kaplan Stage.”
KCRW PieFest & Contest
Saturday, March 14, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Autry Museum
4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
It’s 3.14, so that means it must be Pi Day. With it comes the annual Pie Contest from KCRW. I entered once, and while my apple-pomegranate pie was delish, it sadly did not win. Perhaps I will try again someday, but in the meantime, I can eat and admire everyone else’s creations at the Autry. There’s pie, of course, but there’s also baking demos, food trucks, music and more.
Los Angeles Vintage Paperback Show
Sunday, March 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Glendale Civic Auditorium
1401 Verdugo Road, Glendale
COST: $10; MORE INFO
Pulp fiction is alive and well at the L.A. Vintage Paperback Show in Glendale, where over 100 dealers will show their wares. From sci-fi to mysteries and everything in between, the annual event features free author signings and hours of fun poring over books of the past.
East L.A. Women’s Day Fest
Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
East L.A. Civic Center
4801 E. Third Street, East L.A.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Celebrate Eastside women’s organizations like Mujeres de Maiz and The Goddess Mercado at the longest running women’s day celebration in East L.A. The event features art and advocacy workshops, music, poetry, local vendors and more.
Free pitas at Miznon opening
Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
8370 W 3rd Street, Beverly Grove
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Popular Israeli dining spot Miznon’s new West 3rd St. location is opening this weekend and celebrating with free pitas — Lavan, Broken Chicken or Candy Steak — for the first 100 guests. The new location expands on their Grand Central Market stall, with a full bar and indoor and outdoor seating. Get there early!
Santa Monica Bay Audubon Field Trip
Saturday, March 14, 8 a.m.
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve
6350 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Birdwatchers of all experience levels, get ready for some next-level spotting — there are more than 200 bird species in the Sepulveda Basin — with a free field trip from the Santa Monica Bay Audubon. Join guides for a walk that ensures a peek at many different waterfowl, like pied-billed grebes, great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, American coots, Anna’s hummingbirds, cliff swallows and blue grosbeaks.
ArtNight Pasadena
Friday, March 13, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Various Pasadena locations
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
ArtNight Pasadena is back! Free shuttles take you around to all kinds of art and theater experiences for a special night out along Colorado Boulevard and beyond. Head out and see all that Pasadena has to offer, from dance performances to art and photography workshops to gallery and museum installations to free classical music.
Angel City FC Opener vs. Chicago Stars
Sunday, March 15, 4 p.m.
BMO Stadium
3939 S Figueroa Street, Expo Park
COST: FROM $38; MORE INFO
No need to wait for the World Cup — we already have first-class women’s soccer happening this weekend, with the Angel City FC season kicking off against the Chicago Stars. Star forward Casey Phair is back from a stint in Sweden, and the team is ready for the new season. (Plus, they have the cutest gear.)