25 Of The Coolest Events Happening In Southern California This Weekend

Events on the big screen include the Noir City Festival, the 30th anniversary of Pet Sematery, The Field Guide to Evil anthology and videos of weird amusement park rides. In person, you can attend a tea festival, a Drag Queen Story Hour, a Latin food fest, a leather fest, a cholo goth dance party, a female mariachi concert and a mini-version of Comic-Con. Plus, KPCC In Person kicks off the third season of its community-centered storytelling series, Unheard LA.
FRIDAY, MARCH 29; 4 - 8 p.m.
Final Fridays
Rose Bowl -- 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena
Here's a way to celebrate spring and start the weekend. Bring a blanket to The Greens at the Rose Bowl and have a picnic at the Food Truck Fest. This week's vendors include Tokyo Doggie Style, Deli Doctor, Dreamy Creations, Vchos, Kona Ice and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Activities in the park include foot golf, moon bounces, games and tours of the Stadium.
Tickets: FREE admission; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, MARCH 29; 11:30 p.m.
Pet Sematary 30th Anniversary midnight screening
Los Feliz 3 -- 1822 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz
Before the remake comes out next week, watch the OG horror-thriller based on the Stephen King novel. A grieving father discovers an ancient burial ground behind his home with the power to raise the dead. Then the fun begins. Cosplay encouraged.
COST:$12.50+ fees; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, MARCH 29; 7 - 9 p.m.
Second Chances by Dave Pollot
Gallery 1988 -- 7308 Melrose Ave., Fairfax
New York-based artist Dave Pollot is known for finding abandoned or thrift store artworks and then adding to the paintings. He specializes in pop culture parodies, adding new meaning to the found works. Meet the artist at Friday's opening reception. His works will be on view through April 13.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, MARCH 29; 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Inside the Writers Room with Jane the Virgin
Writers Guild Theater -- 135 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills
Before the CW show's fifth and final season begins, the Writers Guild presents a panel discussion with Jennie Snyder Urman, writers/producers David Rosenthal, Carolina Rivera, Valentina Garza, Rafael Agustin, Madeline Hendricks and Merigan Mulhern. Castmember Jaime Camil serves as the moderator. This is the kickoff event for WGFestival 2019.
COST: $30; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, MARCH 29 - THURSDAY, APRIL 4
The Field Guide to Evil
The Frida Cinema -- 305 E. 4th St #100, Santa Ana
Drafthouse Films presents an anthology of dark, Nordic folktales directed by genre filmmakers from Austria, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Poland, Turkey and the U.S. In limited theatrical release, the films focus on myths and lore that serve as the basis for modern horror.
COST: $7 - $10; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, MARCH 29 - SUNDAY, APRIL 7
Noir City: Hollywood
Egyptian Theatre -- 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
The longest running film noir festival returns for its 21st edition, screening rarities and popular films. Festival curators Eddie Muller and Alan K. Rode have scoured archives and present 10 double features that pair a major studio release with a B movie from the same era. Films include Trapped, A Kiss Before Dying, The Harder They Fall, Touch Of Evil and Elevator To The Gallows.
COST: Individual tickets $15; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, MARCH 29 - SUNDAY, MARCH 31
Wondercon
Anaheim Convention Center -- 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim
The mini-version of Comic-Con offers something for geeks and geeks at heart. Check out comics, movies, TV, animation, pop culture exhibitors, workshops and panel discussions including Spotlight on Phil LaMarr (Samurai Jack, Pulp Fiction), Supernatural Steampunk and a special footage presentation and Q&A with members of the cast and filmmakers of Dark Phoenix. Passes must be purchased in advance; they will not be sold onsite.
COST: $12 - $40; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, MARCH 29 - SATURDAY, MARCH 30
¡Latin Food Fest!
Los Angeles State Historic Park -- 1245 N Spring St., downtown L.A.
Now in its 7th year, the food fest kicks off with a Chefs Night Out -- a wine, spirits and beer party on Friday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. -- where attendees can mingle with chefs. Saturday is reserved for the all-inclusive Gran Tasting from 1 to 4 p.m. VIP tickets are also available. Among the dozens of participating chefs are Liz Macias, Ricardo Zarate, Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken, Marcela Valladolid and Josiah Citrin.
COST: $25 - $149; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, MARCH 29; 9 p.m.
Spiritualized
Troubadour -- 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
The English space rock outfit plays a rare, intimate show. The band' is touring in support of its critically acclaimed album And Nothing Hurt. As you can imagine, tickets are scarce for this show, so contact your favorite broker to get in.
COST: $60; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, MARCH 22 - SATURDAY, MARCH 23; 8:45 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Massive Attack Rooftop Dance Party!
The Montalbán -- 1615 Vine St., Hollywood
Although Massive Attack had to postpone their shows until September, this complementary dance party continues on with Trip Hop on the Rooftop. Listen to DJs spin tunes by Massive Attack, Portishead, Lamb, Hooverphonic, Terranova, UNKLE, Thievery Corporation, Goldfrapp and tons of other bands. Expect fun visuals on the big screen and art curated by Mary Soracco and Jessica Jackson. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
COST: $10 - $20; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, MARCH 29 - SUNDAY, APRIL 21
Los Angeles Spring Fair
La Prada Event Plaza -- 1600 Rosemead Blvd., South El Monte
The largest spring fest in L.A. County boasts 12 acres of amusement rides for kids and adults, live music (on Saturdays and Sundays), magic shows, circus attractions, games of skill and chance, and an international food court. Paid admission allows access to all the rides and live entertainment. The fair is open Wednesdays through Sundays.
COST: $15, free admission for children 36" and shorter; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, MARCH 30 - SUNDAY, MARCH 31; 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Vince Staples with JPEGMAFIA
The Novo DTLA -- 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A.
The Long Beach rapper headlines the Smile, You're on Camera Tour. JPEGMAFIA and Channel Tres open the all-ages show.
COST: Tickets start at $30; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, MARCH 30; 9 p.m.
6th Annual Mariachi Women's Festival
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse -- 320 S. Mission Dr., San Gabriel
The evening features top mariachi acts including the Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas, Grupo Bella and London's Las Guadalupes UK. It's mostly traditional mariachi music with a touch of Irish-Mariachi fusion.
COST: Tickets start at $25; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, MARCH 30; 10 - 11 a.m.
Drag Queen Story Hour
Eagle Rock Branch - Los Angeles Public Library -- 5027 Caspar Ave., Eagle Rock
Kids of all ages are invited to hear progressive children's lit read by a drag queen. You can make glittery crafts and take photos with the queen after the storytelling.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, MARCH 30; 6:30 - 9 p.m.
The World's Weirdest Theme Park Rides
Hotel Figueroa -- 939 S Figueroa St., downtown L.A.
Atlas Obscura Society presents a screening of theme park ride videos featuring B and C-level amusement parks from around the world. See rides created from construction equipment, like at Diggerland in Kent, England; a Moody Blues-themed attraction from Hard Rock Park; and an anatomically correct walkthrough of a pregnant woman's stomach in Mexico. These parks rely on craftiness and creativity (because they certainly don't have the budget). The event is 21+.
COST: $15; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, MARCH 30; 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Cholo Goth Night 1 Year Anniversary
The Lash -- 117 Winston St., downtown L.A.
Get ready to dance in two rooms at the anniversary party with residents Dave Parley y Josexxx and a guest performance from electronic rock duo Prayers (Rafael Reyes and Dave Parley). This event is 21+.
COST: $10; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, MARCH 30; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sip & Thrift
1145 W. Newmark Ave., Monterey Park
The L.A. Derby Dolls hold a pop-up shopping event featuring clothing (for adults and kids), household goods, electronics, tools and plants. Tickets provide access to the shop as well as beer, wine and sangria. (Must be 21+ with ID to enjoy the drinks.) This is a family-friendly event and craft activities are available for kids and adults alike.
COST: $5 - $8, FREE admission for children; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, MARCH 30; 7:30 - 10 p.m.
A Speculative Dinner on Mars
Future Studio -- 810 South Santa Fe Ave., downtown L.A.
This event asks participants to think about living on Mars. What new rituals, food cultures and communities would you create? Explore the future of food and agriculture on Mars as you discuss new processes with the chefs and enjoy a family-style Martian meal. Bring a recipe of your favorite meal to explore how it might evolve on Mars and, if you want, a bottle of wine.
COST: $55; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, MARCH 30; 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Unheard LA
El Portal Theatre -- 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood
KPCC In Person's community-centered storytelling series returns for its third season. Bruce A. Lemon Jr. hosts the live show that features SoCal storytellers Pickle, Pat Alderete, William Wesley Walls, John P. Smith, Jonathan Tipton Meyers, Adele Wilson, Sean Sullivan, Loubna Hassanieh, PhD and Jean-Paul deGuzman. A mixer follows with participants and attendees.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, MARCH 30; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Krazy Krafts Day
The International Printing Museum -- 315 W. Torrance Blvd., Carson
The museum offers print-centric activities like paper making, paper marbling, letterpress printing and foil and rubber stamping. Learn how to type (on a typewriter!), draw cartoons, fold origami and do calligraphy. Bring a blank t-shirt if you want to screenprint your own shirt. While you're at the museum, check out the antique printing presses and Linotype machine.
COST: $10; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, MARCH 31; 6 p.m. mixer, 7 p.m. performance
UNRESTRAINED/REFRAINS
Kosmic Krylon Garage (formerly at the PMCA) -- 490 Union St., Pasadena
Muse/ique, an organization that coordinates musical adventures, presents an evening of "playful exploration" between violinist Charles Yang and Tony award-winning tap artist Savion Glover -- in a parking garage. Dressy casual attire suggested.
COST: $70; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, MARCH 31; 8 p.m.
Let's Go, Atsuko! A (woke) Japanese Game Show
Dynasty Typewriter -- 2511 Wilshire Blvd., Westlake
Atsuko Okatsuka hosts a Japanese game show with interactive games, videos and guests. The format is in her blood since her parents met on a game show and she grew up watching them. This week's "contestants" are Matt Rogers, Francesca Fiorentini, Christina Anthony, Frankie Quinones and Laurie Kilmartin.
COST: $10 - $15; MORE INFO

SUNDAY, MARCH 31; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
2019 Torrance Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival
Columbia Park -- 4045 190th St., Torrance
The festival features a mix of cultural performances, including arugakki, mochi-pounding, taiko, Hau'oli Hula O' Kamakani and the Kim Eung Hwa Korean Dance Company. Local vendors will be onsite with handmade crafts, goods and cuisine. Activities include origami and face painting workshops. Bring your friends and family, pack a blanket and enjoy the blossoming cherry trees.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, MARCH 31; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Pasadena Festival of Tea
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden -- 270 Arlington Dr., Pasadena
One of the garden's most popular events returns with local vendors selling teas and all the accessories you need to enjoy them. Tasting cups are included with admission so visitors can sample darjeeling and assam teas, Korean herbal blends, Chinese oolong and pu'erh teas, Japanese matcha, sencha and other green teas, Taiwan oolong teas and flavored teas. Talks from experts are scheduled throughout the day.
COST: $12 - $15; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, MARCH 31; 12 - 7 p.m.
Off Sunset Festival 2019
North Hoover & Santa Monica Blvd. -- 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Silver Lake
L.A.'s leather street fair closes out a week of events for Los Angeles Leather Pride. Check out the live bands and DJs, gourmet food trucks, adult beverages, jewelry, fine art, furniture vendors and, yes, lots of leather gear. This event is 21+.
COST: $15; MORE INFO
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.
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