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Weekend Planner: 20 Things To Do In Los Angeles
Gallery1988 presents a print show with works by Kevin Dart on Friday. (Image: Courtesy of the gallery and artist)
Looking for something to do? Look no further than these 20 events happening this weekend. Check out our December Guide for other suggestions, too.
FRIDAY, DEC. 4
SCIENCE & NATURE (Art)
On Friday, Gallery1988 (East) presents an opening reception from 7-9 pm for Science & Nature, a print show with works by Kevin Dart. “Each print centers on his passion for both science and nature, depicting the wonders of our surrounding environment and the achievements of NASA.” Some of Dart’s friends will also contribute works to the show. The exhibition will run through Dec. 20.
GROUNDLINGS HOLIDAY SHOW (Comedy)
The annual Groundlings Holiday Show returns for its annual run and features new sketches and improvisation, poking fun at holiday traditions. The cast includes Deanna Oliver, Matt Cook, H Michael Croner, Allison Dunbar, Chris Eckert, Heidi Gardner, Patty Guggenheim, Kevin Kirkpatrick, Andrew Leeds and Greg Worswick. Friday’s show is at 8 pm, and it runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 10 pm through Dec. 19. Tickets: $20.
STEPHEN BRADLEY (Music)
On Friday, Stephen Bradley of No Doubt continues his four-month residency at Solarium at the Mondrian’s Skybar. During his sets, Bradley, a trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist, plays over a series of beats and modern songs, adding his own style to mainstream hits and classics. He performs on the first and third Fridays of each month, through April, from 8 pm to 2 am.
SHOP THE BLOCK (Shopping)
The pop-up fairs Northern Grade and Parachute Market teamed up with Arts District retailers for a “Shop the Block” weekend for holiday shopping, eating and live music. Walk the neighborhood bordered by Traction Ave., Santa Fe Ave., 3rd and 4th streets for special deals and complimentary refreshments from Churchkey Beer, Brooklyn Gin and Topo Chico. Hours are Friday 3-8 pm, Saturday 11-7 pm and Sunday 11-5 pm. Free admission.
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JOHNNYSWIM (Music)
Husband and wife pop-soul-country duo Johnnyswim performs three nights at the Troubadour, beginning on Friday night as part of the second annual A Johnnyswim Christmas Tour. Tickets: $25-$85 (VIP includes a meet & greet). Set times at 9 pm.
SATURDAY, DEC. 5
CHOCOLATE CONFECTIONS (Workshop)
The L.A. Arboretum presents Chocolate Confections: A Culinary Craft with Sonia Nance on Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. Confectionery industry veteran Nance shares her favorite chocolate seasonal recipes to create holiday treats. Tickets: $25 members; $30 per nonmember (includes Arboretum admission). Reservations are preferred by calling 626.821.4623 or pay at the door.
LET THERE BE GWAR (Book Signing)
Bohabs rejoice: La Luz de Jesus presents a book signing event with Gwar co-founder Hunter Jackson on Saturday from 7-10 pm. The heavy metal band of rotating musicians, artists and filmmakers got its start in Richmond, Virginia, and et There Be GWAR traces the band’s history, through photos, band posters, ephemera and interviews.
FLEETMAC WOOD (Dance Party)
Fleetmac Wood is a party/dance/night dedicated to Fleetwood Mac that features edits, remixes and original Fleetwood Mac tracks (no covers) set to visuals. It’s at Los Globos on Saturday from 9 pm-2 am. Tickets: $15 advance or $20 at the door.
SHREDTOPIA FESTIVAL (Skateboarding Fest)
The Shredtopia Festival takes over the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday for a day full of music, skateboarding, beer and food. ShredHouse brings 30 of the best amateur skateboarders competing for a $5,000 prize. Live musical performances by Radical Something, Jet West and Dogtown and Z- Boys own Tony Alva and his band His Eyes Have Fangs and a surprise headliner. Stone Brewery presents the beer garden and DogTown Dogs and The Grilled Cheese Truck are onsite to feed the crowd. Tickets: $15-$40.
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ARTISANAL LA (Shopping)
Artisanal LA pops-up in Pasadena on Saturday with a Holiday Market to celebrate the great local, sustainable and handmade edibles and crafts. Shop from more than 150 vendors from 11 am to 8 pm with Holly Street as a starting point. Admission is free.
MOONFAZE (Feminist Film Festival)
Moonfaze is an independent film festival that showcases works from feminist filmmakers. The organizers hope to use their festival to “engender an all-encompassing peaceful activism that elevates marginalized voices, shedding light on the pervasiveness of misogyny, racism, homophobia, transphobia, classism, and ableism in our everyday experiences.” The festival, which features short films from all genres, takes place at LA Mother in Hollywood. Doors and opening reception begins at 5 pm. Opening remarks and screening begins at 7:30 pm. Admission: $10.
TWILIGHT ZONE (Screening)
Cinefamily celebrates the 30th anniversary of The 1985 Twilight Zone on Saturday at 5:30 pm. In 1985, CBS revived the classic Rod Serling series and Cinefamily brings back cast and crew for a marathon screening and celebration of 80s sci-fi. Guests include: Harlan Ellison, Rockne S. O Bannon, Bradford May, Michael Cassutt, Alan Brennert, Paul Lynch, William Atherton, J.D. Feigelson, Martin Pasko, Rebecca (Parr) Beck and Steven Railsback. Tickets: $14.
A PRIMITIVE FUTURE (Art)
Subliminal Projects holds an opening reception on Saturday night for A Primitive Future, an exhibition featuring new work by AJ Fosik, Ben Venom, Frohawk Two Feathers, Haroshi, Lucien Shapiro and Ravi Zupa. The show “focuses on the cultural, social, economic, and guiding principles of past versus future belief systems and practices.” The reception is from 8-11 pm, and the show remains on view through Jan. 6. RSVP to attend the opening: RSVP@subliminalprojects.com.
UNIQUE LA (Shopping)
The Unique LA Holiday Market returns to over the Penthouse at California Market Center from 11 am-6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10 (cash only at the door) and includes free drinks, snacks and a chance to take part in DIY craft workshops while checking out more than 350 vendors selling their goods. There’s free gift wrapping and free manicures. Unlimited re-entry throughout the weekend.
THE COCKTAIL STORIES (Music + Stories)
The Helix Collective celebrates all things booze on Saturday at 6 pm during The Cocktail Stories at the Silverlake Lounge. The night features music, storytelling, poetry and sing-a-longs with featured performers Sarah Robinson (flute, piccolo, alto flute, poetry, maritime myths), Phil Popham (oboe, English horn, electronics, ghost stories) and Lorry Black (marimba, limericks, beer songs). Suggested Donation $10.
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BROTHERTIGER (Music)
Brothertiger—solo electronic musician/producer John Jagos—headlines The Lost Room in Echo Park on Saturday. Just finished touring in support of Jr. Jr., he’s joined by Pompeya and The Gloomies. 8 pm. The show is 18+. Tickets: $8-$10.
TOWNHOUSE ANNIVERSARY (Booze)
Venice’s Townhouse and The Del Monte Speakeasy celebrate their 100th anniversary on Saturday, Dec. 5, also known as Repeal Day—an important date in 1933 in which the 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition. Doors open at noon with catering by Hatchet Hall. At certain times of the day, the owners will ring a bell and they’ll charge Prohibition-era prices on all cocktails for an hour. At 5 pm the Menotti’s coffee shop opens to sell boozy coffee drinks, too (Grand Marnier Mocha, Iced Spanish Rum Latte, and Irish Coffee). The festivities, with live music, continue through Monday.
ECHO PARK FILM CENTER ALL NIGHT SALON (Screening Party)
On Saturday night beginning at 7 pm, the Echo Park Film Center launches into a marathon screening party to celebrate its 14-year anniversary. There will be films, videos, music, music videos, performances, poetry, toasted sandwiches and more. Festivities kick off with the EPFC Cabaret, hosted by Paolo Davanzo and Lisa Marr, and featuring Los Gatitos, Maya Abee, Michael Jefferson and Tom Duffy, Beaux Mingus, Shauna McGarry and Thom Andersen's new video. Suggested donation is $14, but sliding scale donations will be accepted.
SUNDAY, DEC. 6
FIRST NIGHT (Food + Hanukkah)
Infinite Light, The Jewish Federation’s Hanukkah Festival, kicks off on Sunday night at 6:30 pm with a First Night event at Sambar, catered by famed chef Akasha Richmond. There’ll be “exotic twists on favorite Hanukkah recipes including a variety of Indian-themed latkes and donut bar.” Tickets: $50, includes dinner and two drinks.
TRANSPARENT MARATHON (Screening + Potluck)
Cinefamily celebrates the release of Season 2 of Jill Soloway’s Amazon Original series, Transparent, on Sunday at 5 pm with a marathon screening and potluck. Follow the trials and tribulations of the Pfefferman family along with cast and crew in attendance. The night also features a Q&A with Micah Fitzerman-Blue, Faith Soloway, Zackary Drucker, Hilda Rasula, Sunny Hodge and Jim Frohna. Tickets: $25.
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Related: LAist’s November Guide
Want the 411 on additional events and happenings in LA? Follow @LAist or me (@christineziemba) on Twitter.
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