This weekend, Los Angeles is heaven for culture vultures with three art fairs -- Frieze Los Angeles, StartUp Art Fair and Superfine! (their exclamation point, not ours) -- two major retrospectives, on Charles White and Annie Leibovitz. For pop culture fans, there's a Robyn dance party, AirTalk's Oscar Preview, Mortified's Annual Doomed Valentine's Show and the Long Beach Comic Expo.
FRIDAY, FEB. 15 - SUNDAY, FEB. 17
StartUp Art Fair
The Kinney Venice Beach -- 737 Washington Blvd., Venice
More than 70 artists, collectives and nonprofits transform hotel rooms into exhibition spaces, bypasssing the traditional gallery system and connecting buyers directly with artists. The weekend also includes special installations, performances and works from Jill Taffet, Camila Magrane, Tiffany Trenda, Guta Galli and Venice Arts. The opening night party happens on Friday from 7 to 10 p.m.
COST: $15 - $100, FREE admission for children 12 and younger; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, FEB. 15 - SUNDAY, FEB. 17
Frieze Los Angeles
Paramount Pictures Studios -- 5515 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles
The international art fair, which began in London then expanded to New York, has its L.A. premiere. View works from more than 70 local and international galleries or attend one of the curated programs and presentations. The roster includes Doug Aitken, Judy Chicago, Beatriz Cortez, Theaster Gates, Mike Kelley, Barbara Kruger, Paul McCarthy and Sondra Perry. On Saturday, the Frieze Walk of Art features 12 free, self-guided routes across Los Angeles, exploring neighborhood galleries, museums and other points of interest. Tickets are not available at the door.
COST: Varies (Adult program-only tickets start at $20); MORE INFO
THROUGH SUNDAY, FEB. 17
Superfine! Art Fair | LA 2019
Magic Box -- 1933 South Broadway, downtown L.A.
This inaugural West Coast edition of the art fair that focuses on the "fair" aspect, has transparent and accessible pricing for both veteran and novice collectors. Discover works by more than 250 contemporary artists. The weekend includes panel discussions, the curated "This is America!" exhibition of political art, a Young Collectors' Ice Cream Social (Friday) and a Valentine's Day Vernissage (Thursday).
COST: $10 - $75; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, FEB. 15; 10:30 p.m.
Cellino V. Barnes
UCBT Sunset -- 5419 W. Sunset Blvd., East Hollywood
This new play, written and performed by Mike Breen and David Rafailedes, is based on the real-life breakup of the injury attorneys (the ones with the jingle we can't get out of our heads). Ross Cellino wants to end his partnership with Steve Barnes, but like divorces, things can get messy.
COST: $7; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16 - SUNDAY, FEB. 17
L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run/Walk & Bike Ride
Downtown L.A., San Marino, Eagle Rock, Pasadena, San Marino
Now in its 41st year, the Firecracker celebration spans two days with events for bikers, walkers and runners. The bike rides take place on Saturday, with a 20-mile out-and-back route from Chinatown to South Pasadena and San Marino. The 40-mile ride takes riders from Chinatown to Arcadia and back. On Sunday, 5K and 10K participants run from Chinatown to Dodger Stadium and through Elysian Park. The 2019 Firecracker Festival takes place in Chinatown's Central Plaza on both days.
COST: $25 - $65, festival is free; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16 - SUNDAY, FEB. 17
ScotsFestival & International Highland Games
The Queen Mary -- 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach
Don your kilt and get ready to taste all the whiskies. The cultural festival, now in its 26th year, honors The Queen Mary's Scottish roots. The ship's construction began in Clydebank, Scotland, in 1930. Watch Highland games, athletics, dancing, entertainment and food and drinks.
COST: $12 - $80; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, FEB. 15 - SATURDAY, FEB. 23
Harlem Globetrotters
Long Beach, Ontario, Los Angeles, Anaheim
Members of the famous basketball team -- including Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, TNT Lister, Torch George and Hoops Green -- show off their electrifying tricks and b-ball skills. The game schedule includes: the Walter Pyramid at Long Beach State University (Friday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.); Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario (Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m.); Staples Center in downtown L.A. (Sunday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.); and Honda Center in Anaheim (Saturday, Feb. 23 at 2 and 7 p.m.).
COST: Tickets start at $18; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16 - SUNDAY, FEB. 17
Long Beach Comic Expo 2019
Long Beach Convention Center -- 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
Celebrate comic book culture at an expo that showcases the works of writers, artists, illustrators and makers. Find toys and collectibles, check out entertainment and educational programs, attend signings and meet and greets.
COST: $25 - $399, free admission for children 10 and younger; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16; 6 and 9 p.m.
Mortified's Annual Doomed Valentine's Show
Wanderlust Hollywood -- 1357 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood
One of L.A.'s OG storytelling nights returns with two love-themed shows. Adults share some of the most embarrassing things they created in their youth -- diary entries, love letters, lyrics, poems, mixtapes, home movies -- all in the name of amour and/or heartbreak.
COST:$17.50 - $40; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16; 9 p.m. doors
This Party Is Killing You: A Night of All Robyn Everything
Echoplex -- 1154 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park
The Swedish musician and producer released her latest album, Honey, in 2018 after an eight-year hiatus. She plays a couple shows in L.A. next week as part of the Red Bull Music Festival but they're way sold out, so this party is the next-best thing. Deejays Choyce Hacks! (Chris Choyce), A Place Both Wonderful and Strange (Russ Marshalek) and Cherry Magdalene (Marley Magaziner) spin Robyn's hits, b-sides and remixes plus other danceable tunes.
COST: $12 - $20; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16; 3 - 6 p.m.
Public opening: Annie Leibovitz. The Early Years, 1970 - 1983: Archive Project No. 1
Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles -- 901 East 3rd St., downtown L.A.
This comprehensive exhibition follows Leibovitz's career as a young artist and includes more than 4,000 photographs taken between 1970 and 1983. Also featured are Leibovitz's photos of artists who became personal heroes: Andy Warhol, Richard Avedon, Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson. The works remain on view through April 14.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16 - SUNDAY, FEB. 17
Lunar New Year Festivals
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse -- 320 S. Mission Dr., San Gabriel
Santa Anita Park -- 285 W Huntington Dr., Arcadia
The San Gabriel festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, featuring food trucks, vendors, crafters, breweries and live performances. Live music by Run River North, Viet Cam Dance and USC Kazan Taiko. Santa Anita Park's celebration takes place on Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Watch Chinese cultural performances, live music and a Dragon & Lion Dance. Food and drink vendors will be onsite, serving Asian dishes.
COST: FREE admission for San Gabriel festival; MORE INFOCOST: $5 general track admission for Santa Anita; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16; 7 p.m.
Sounds of L.A.: LADAMA
Harold M. Williams Auditorium at The Getty Center -- 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood
The concert series explores the city's varied musical landscape. The members of LADAMA are four musicians/educators who bring musical influences from their respective countries of origin: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and the United States.
COST: FREE with advanced ticket; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16; 8 p.m.
The Soul Rebels with Special Guests Big Freedia & Macy Gray
Theatre at Ace Hotel -- 929 S. Broadway, downtown L.A.
The eight-piece New Orleans-based brass ensemble performs their blend of soul, jazz, funk, hip-hop, rock and pop. The band is joined by Big Freedia and Macy Gray.
COST: $26 - $56; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16 6 - 9 p.m.
Inheritance: Recent Video Art from Africa
Fowler Museum at UCLA -- 308 Charles E. Young Dr. N, Westwood
The exhibition features time-based work by three contemporary African artists -- Kudzanai Chiurai (Zimbabwe), Zina Saro-Wiwa (Nigeria) and Mikhael Subotzky (South Africa) -- who tackle the realities of the postcolonial era. The opening reception features artist talks at 6 p.m. and tunes spun by KCRW DJ Garth Trinidad at 7 p.m. The exhibition remains on view through July 28.
COST: FREE with registration; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16; 2 p.m.
Backhausdance With(in) OCMA: Keeping
Orange County Museum of Art at South Coast Plaza -- 1661 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana
Amanda Kay White, a founding member of the dance company, created a new, immersive site-specific work for the museum. The piece places the audience at the center of the experience for an intimate perspective of the dance.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16; 8 p.m.
Phranc
McCabe's Guitar Shop -- 3101 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica
The veteran folk-punk singer-songwriter plays a show at the intimate Westside concert venue, trying out new material.
COST: $20; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, FEB. 16; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Groundlings Open House
The Groundlings School (across from theater) -- 7280 Melrose Ave., Fairfax
The comedy troupe opens its doors for budding comics and potential new students to find out about the community. Take up to three improv classes between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. then join the "recess" festivities in the parking lot with free beer (for those 21+) and rolled ice cream, food trucks and giveaways. Free shows take place from 2 to 4 p.m.
COST: $10 for improv classes; FREE shows and recess; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, FEB. 17 - SUNDAY, JUNE 9
Charles White: A Retrospective
Resnick Pavilion at LACMA -- 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire
This major retrospective on the groundbreaking artist and teacher includes approximately 100 drawings and some of his lesser known oil paintings. White was known as a social realist, often focusing on the dignity and humanity of historical and contemporary African Americans. At 1 p.m. on Sunday, family, students and scholars come together in a program and panel discussion that honors his legacy.
COST: $21 - $25 for LACMA admission, panel discussion is FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, FEB. 17; 1 - 3 p.m.
AirTalk's FilmWeek: 2019 Oscar Preview
Theatre at Ace Hotel -- 929 S. Broadway, downtown L.A.
The Academy Awards take place next Sunday (Feb. 24), and to help with your Oscar pool, KPCC In Person brings together AirTalk's FilmWeek critics for its 17th annual Oscar preview event. Larry Mantle hosts the panel discussion and live taping with film critics Justin Chang, Tim Cogshell, Christy Lemire, Lael Loewenstein, Wade Major, Amy Nicholson, Claudia Puig, Peter Rainer and Charles Solomon.
COST: $12; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, FEB. 17; 12 - 6 p.m.
Broken Hearts Circus
Angel City Brewery -- 216 Alameda St., downtown L.A.
The annual circus returns to soothe members of the broken and/or lonely hearts club. The day features juggling, magic and aerialists as well as comedy from Chris Wallace, Mike Citera, Rachel Wolfson and Kyle Anderson and live music by The Vignes Rooftop Revival. This event is 21+.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, FEB. 17; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
African History Month Festival
Leimert Park Village Plaza, People St. -- 4337 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park
Celebrate the contributions of African Americans who helped create and change American history. The festival includes live entertainment, guest speakers, workshops, art exhibits, cultural foods and fashion.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
MONDAY, FEB. 18
Huckleberry's 10th Anniversary
Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe-- 1014 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
To celebrate this big birthday, co-owners Josh Loeb and baker Zoe Nathan give away free mini sprinkle donuts in the morning and slices of birthday cake in the afternoon (while supplies last). Chef and co-owner Erin Eastland also brings back some classic dishes, including a brisket sandwich, a roasted peppers and burrata Sandwich and the "secret" off-menu favorite, the Egg Huck Muffin.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO
MONDAY, FEB. 18; 7 p.m.
Steak & Whiskey Tasting
LKSD Kitchen -- 11033 Downey Ave., Downey
The meat-forward restaurant teams with Blackened Whiskey for a four-course meal with surprise steak tasters and a bottle of booze. The menu includes a bone marrow fritter, frisee salad, Parisian gnocchi, aged prime ribeye cap, Death by Cheesecake, three whiskey cocktails and LKSD swag.
COST: $99 per person; MORE INFO
MONDAY, FEB. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Target Free Holiday Monday: Presidents' Day
LACMA -- 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire
It's a free day at the museum with bilingual tours and live music from WYO at 12:30 and 2:45 p.m. Current exhibitions include: The Jeweled Isle: Art from Sri Lanka; Outliers and American Vanguard Art and 3D: Double Vision.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
MONDAY, FEB. 18
CatVideoFest
Various locations
The fest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos. They include submitted works, sourced animation, music videos and stuff from the internet. The festival screens at five theaters in SoCal for one night only: Laemmle theaters in Glendale, North Hollywood, Claremont and Pasadena and the Landmark Theatre in Rancho Park. Proceeds from the festival are donated to local animal shelters and/or animal welfare organizations.
COST: $9 - $15; MORE INFO
MONDAY, FEB. 18 - WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20; 8 p.m.
Crinkle
Human Resources LA -- 410 Cottage Home St., downtown L.A.
What does a taste sound like? Challege your senses at a scored multicourse meal. A collaboration between musician Jonathan Silberman and food artist Jasmine Sarp, the meal examines perception, orientation, memory, consciousness, vibration, resonance and the individual and shared experience.
COST: $25 - $35; MORE INFO
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.
