Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
6 things to do this weekend — mostly outdoors

Looks like the heat is here to stay for a while — so lather on that SPF and take advantage at an outdoor color festival, a kite-flying jamboree or a book fiesta in the park.
FOODIE PICK
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ09aAHhNTl/
Old Pasadena Happy Hour Week
Though there will be small bites with deep discounts, the main event of the week will be the drinks (for those 21 and over). Head over any day of the week for extended food and drink promotions — perfect if you always miss early happy hours — from over 20 bars and lounges in the area including White Horse Lounge, Barney's Beanery and The Blind Donkey. Certain nights will be tailored to wine buffs, beer lovers and more.
WHEN: Now through Friday, March 17
WHERE: Various locations across South Pasadena
COST: Prices vary
CULTURE VULTURE PICK
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRUMlN4Fpwp/?taken-at=1017325401
ArtNight Pasadena
Also in the same area as Happy Hour Week is a one-night free art and entertainment event at several cultural institutions. Roam through the Armory Center for the Arts for some contemporary photography, Kidspace Children's Museum for the young ones and the Norton Simon Museum for classic masterpieces – and tons more. There'll be plenty of choices, but you get to decide.
WHEN: Friday, March 10
WHERE: Various locations across Pasadena
COST: Free
LITERARY PICK
Grand Park Downtown Book Fest
Book savants, here's your chance to emerge from the confines of your local library or coffee shop and mingle with the literary world. A sizable swath of downtown L.A. will be transformed into a written word wonderland for you to sink into. Activities include poetry writing (because who isn't a poet?), crafting handmade books, writing workshops and a Victorian-era photo booth — complete with appropriate props. Pop-up bookshops for all literary preferences will also be on site to fill your already stuffed bookshelves.
WHEN: Saturday, March 11, Noon-5 p.m.
WHERE: Grand Park, DTLA | MAP
COST: Free
FAMILY PICK
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRayrCIh9NB/?taken-by=festivalofcolorsusa
L.A. Festival of Colors
This shindig brings a traditional Indian custom of Holi, which is meant to welcome spring with bursts of colored power, to the West Coast for a full day of stress-relieving nirvana. Expect to dance alongside fellow Angelenos and practice some light yoga under plumes of vibrant pink, cobalt and neon green powder. Attend with family or friends for unabashed hugs and soul-quenching merriment.
WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHERE: Whittier Narrows Park, The Meadows | MAP
COST: Tickets are $5 online | Register
OUTDOOR PICK
https://twitter.com/VisitRedondo/status/839167544867041280
43rd Annual Festival of the Kites
If you've been looking for an excuse to hit the beach, here it is: One of the longest-running kite festivals in Southern California is back. Lay back on the warm sand and soak in the salty breeze while you stare up at hundreds of colorful flying contraptions. Or, compete for best handmade kite, best ground display and more for your chance to win a prize. This time around, "go fly a kite" actually has a positive connotation.
WHEN: Sunday, March 12, Noon-5 p.m.
WHERE: Redondo Beach Pier | MAP
COST: Free
FUR-FRIENDLY PICK
https://twitter.com/BFAS_LA/status/839513479333593088
Best Friends Kitten Shower
To welcome 3,000 newborn kittens to the world, take a tour of the nursery, enjoy cake and punch, play games and more — yup, just like a human baby shower. More importantly, take a donation of supplies from their registry to ensure the little fur balls grow big enough for you to eventually adopt! It's not exactly an extravagant event, but what's an hour out of your day?
WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 1-3 p.m.
WHERE: Best Friends Pet Adoption Center, Mission Hills | MAP
COST: Free
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @lizmoonyoz and @LeoHasACat.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter.
-
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500
-
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected.
-
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi.
-
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown.
-
USC says it’s reviewing the letter also sent to eight other prestigious schools nationwide. California's governor vowed that any California universities that sign will lose state funding.