With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
6 things to do this weekend — mostly outdoors
File: People throw brightly-colored powder at the Holi Festival of Colours at Wembley Park on Aug. 13, 2016 in London, England.
(
Jack Taylor/Getty Images
)
Listen
4:39
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/
Sponsored message
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.
Sponsored message
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
Sponsored message
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
Sponsored message
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.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
