Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
12 things to do this weekend in Southern California
A reveler makes her way through the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana during Mardi Gras festivities on February 9, 2016.
(
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
)
An employee decorates gingerbread hearts to be sold at Oktoberfest in Aschheim, Germany on August 6, 2010.
(
Alexandra Beier/Getty Images
)
Director Kasi Lemmons (lefty) and actress Lynn Whitfield attend the opening night of the 12th Annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival.
(
/Getty Images
)
A reveler makes her way through the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana during Mardi Gras festivities on February 9, 2016.
(
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
)
Costumed enthusiasts attend a dancing class during the Asylum Steampunk festival in Lincoln, England on August 29, 2015.
(
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
)
A woman stands next to the 1973 work "Flags I" by Jasper Johns at the British Museum in London, England on March 6, 2017.
(
Carl Court/Getty Images
)
Buddy Monger, 8, plays in his father's hot rod during the Hemsby Rock n Roll Weekender in Hemsby, England on May 15, 2011.
(
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
)
Performers wearing lion costumes dance in a parade for the Chinese Lunar New Year in London on January 29, 2017.
(
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images
)
A group of hikers walks through mudflats as the sun sets before going on a moonlight walk in Dagebüll, Germany on July 22, 2013.
(
CHRISTIAN CHARISIUS/AFP/Getty Images
)
Actors Olive Borden and Don Alvarado support a stricken Jacques Lerner in a scene from the 1927 movie romance "The Monkey Talks."
(
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
)
Musician Ben Harper performs on stage during the 27th Eurockeennes festival in Belfort, France on July 3, 2015.
(
SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP/Getty Images
)
Athletes compete in their underwear in Cupids Undie Run in Melbourne, Australia on February 14, 2016.
(
Scott Barbour/Getty Images
)
Mary Goore of the band Ghost performs on stage during a concert at the Rock in Rio Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 19, 2013.
(
Buda Mendes/Getty Images
)
Listen
3:22
12 things to do this weekend in Southern California
Valentine's Day is around the corner and the 2018 Winter Olympics are here. If you need some respite from either of these mega-hyped events, we've got you covered. Enjoy the best, boldest and weirdest things to do in Southern California this weekend.
SWEET TOOTH PICK
L.A. Cookie Con & Sweets Show
An employee decorates gingerbread hearts to be sold at Oktoberfest in Aschheim, Germany on August 6, 2010.
(
Alexandra Beier/Getty Images
)
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10 - Sunday, Feb. 11
WHERE: Anaheim Convention Center
COST: $25, general admission for one day; MORE INFO
Did "The Great British Baking Show" send you running to your pantry? Get a glimpse of the latest innovations in cakes, pies, tarts, cupcakes, churros and cookies at the West Coast's largest baking and pastry convention. Cake ace Duff Goldman will discuss all things fondant. It's BYOB (Bring Your Own Bib) so you can mop up your drool.
Sponsored message
MOVIE LOVER'S PICK
Pan African Film & Arts Festival
Director Kasi Lemmons (lefty) and actress Lynn Whitfield attend the opening night of the 12th Annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival.
(
/Getty Images
)
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 8 - Monday, Feb. 19
WHERE: Baldwin Hills
COST: $14 (adult general admission to films); MORE INFO
Check out the best in Black cinema from homegrown talent and from filmmakers around the world. You can catch dozens of films including "Back to Natural," a documentary that explores the politics of hair and racial identity; "Nothing Like Thanksgiving," a drama about a man trying find someone to replace him before he dies; "King of Stage," the story of legendary theater producer Woodie King Jr.; and "Love By Chance," a comedy about two South African actors trying to break into Hollywood. The festival also includes an art exhibition, a comedy show, panel discussions, opening and closing galas and more.
Sponsored message
FAMILY PICK
Mardi Gras Celebration
A reveler makes her way through the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana during Mardi Gras festivities on February 9, 2016.
(
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
)
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9; 6 - 9 p.m.
WHERE: Runway Playa Vista
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Laissez les bon temps rouler! New Orleans comes to L.A. for a family-centric Mardi Gras celebration. The eight-piece Mudbug Brass Band will provide the tunes. Louisiana favorite Abita will join a few local breweries to pour the brews. New Orleans-themed food trucks will dish up the eats. Festivities include a second line parade, a pop-up artisan marketplace and a crafts area where kids can create masquerade masterpieces.
FANTASY PICK
Edwardian Ball & World's Faire
Costumed enthusiasts attend a dancing class during the Asylum Steampunk festival in Lincoln, England on August 29, 2015.
(
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
)
Sponsored message
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9 - Saturday, Feb. 10
WHERE: Globe Theatre; downtown L.A.
COST: $65-125; MORE INFO
The heart of man is deceitful and corrupt. But for two days you can pretend that you live in a whimsical Edward Gorey storybook. This circus of top hats and imaginary steam-powered dirigibles includes an underground garden, a grand dress-up ball and a performance of Gorey's only choose-your-own-adventure tale, "The Raging Tide: or, The Black Doll's Imbroglio."
CULTURE VULTURE PICK
Jasper Johns: Something Resembling Truth
A woman stands next to the 1973 work "Flags I" by Jasper Johns at the British Museum in London, England on March 6, 2017.
(
Carl Court/Getty Images
)
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10 - Sunday, May 13
WHERE: The Broad; downtown L.A.
COST: $25; MORE INFO
Sponsored message
Yayoi Kusama's eminently selfie-able installations are soooooo 2017. The new hotness is Jasper Johns and this collection of more than 120 of his iconic works. Many of these paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings have never before been publicly shown in Los Angeles. The exhibition is organized thematically rather than chronologically, so you can explore the ideas that obsessed Johns.
STYLISH PICK
Original Vintage Fashion Expo
Buddy Monger, 8, plays in his father's hot rod during the Hemsby Rock n Roll Weekender in Hemsby, England on May 15, 2011.
(
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
)
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
WHERE: The Reef; downtown L.A.
COST: $12-15; MORE INFO
Whether you want to look like an elegant Victorian lady or a 1950s hot rodder, shop this expo to find the perfect threads and accessories. Nearly two dozen dealers will show off their best vintage couture.
SEASONAL PICK
San Gabriel Lunar New Year Festival
Performers wearing lion costumes dance in a parade for the Chinese Lunar New Year in London on January 29, 2017.
(
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images
)
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
WHERE: San Gabriel Mission District
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
If you're going to celebrate the Lunar New Year, the San Gabriel Valley is the place to do it. Combining tradition and modern fun, the festival features a street food fair, carnival games, a chalk art contest and tons of performances.
OUTDOOR PICK
Night Hike on the Preserve
A group of hikers walks through mudflats as the sun sets before going on a moonlight walk in Dagebüll, Germany on July 22, 2013.
(
CHRISTIAN CHARISIUS/AFP/Getty Images
)
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 7 - 9 p.m.
WHERE: Madrona Marsh; Torrance
COST: $5; MORE INFO
Visit Madrona Marsh as the sun sets and day becomes night. On this guided walk, you can see and hear the sounds of animals and insects as they begin their nocturnal activities. Pre-registration is recommended since the walk is limited to the first 25 people who sign-up.
CONTRARIAN PICK
Broken Hearts Circus
Actors Olive Borden and Don Alvarado support a stricken Jacques Lerner in a scene from the 1927 movie romance "The Monkey Talks."
(
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
)
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
WHERE: Angel City Brewery; downtown L.A.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Can an afternoon of games, circus performances and sets by bands Suez, Novala and Blackwater Jukebox repair your shattered dreams? Probably not. But there will be beer. A portion of the proceeds go to Outfest.
WE BE JAMMIN' PICK
One Love Cali Reggae Fest
Musician Ben Harper performs on stage during the 27th Eurockeennes festival in Belfort, France on July 3, 2015.
(
SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP/Getty Images
)
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9 - Sunday, Feb. 11
WHERE: The Queen Mary; Long Beach
COST: $70, one-day general admission; MORE INFO
Two days, one love. Rebelution, Nas, Atmosphere, Ben Harper and Iration headline this festival of nearly 50 reggae acts. A Friday pre-party and a Saturday after-party — all on Southern California's most famous ocean liner — round out the shindig.
EXHIBITIONIST PICK
Cupid's Undie Run
Athletes compete in their underwear in Cupids Undie Run in Melbourne, Australia on February 14, 2016.
(
Scott Barbour/Getty Images
)
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, noon - 4 p.m.
WHERE: The Victorian; Santa Monica
COST: $40; MORE INFO
Want an excuse to show off your abs — or your flab? This "brief" run is only about a mile long and it happens in the middle of a major party. Proceeds go toward research to to end neurofibromatosis. If you're not into sprinting in your skivvies, feel free to wear a costume instead.
SPOOKY PICK
Paranormal Investigation
Mary Goore of the band Ghost performs on stage during a concert at the Rock in Rio Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 19, 2013.
(
Buda Mendes/Getty Images
)
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10 - Sunday, Feb. 11, 9 - 11 p.m. and 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.
WHERE: Bearded Lady's Mystic Museum; Burbank
COST: $50; MORE INFO
This San Fernando Valley museum (some would call it a store) is full of ouija boards and other items for fans of the occult. Does that mean it's haunted? We have no idea. But this investigation claims it will reach out to any spirits still hanging around the joint.
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @KPCC.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the price of the Jasper Johns' exhibit at The Broad. Entry to The Broad is free, but admission to the exhibit is $25 for adults and free for children.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
