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7 things to do this weekend

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Because the holidays are over. Because we're battling the mid-January blues. Because events that are billed as "fun for the whole family" should actually be fun. We've got a few ideas for your weekend.


PARTY PICK

Night on Broadway

broadway insta

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WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 27, 3 p.m.-midnight
WHERE: Broadway, downtown L.A.
COST: FREE. MORE INFO

Developers, politicians, residents and community advocates have spent a decade "bringing back" this iconic boulevard. This weekend, Broadway finally arrives. Six historic theaters and movie palaces will open their doors for a free day-long festival of performances and installations including psychedelic circuses, Mexican folk ballets and roller derby action. Three outdoor stages will host musical acts such as La Santa Cecilia, the B-52s and Metalachi (a heavy metal mariachi outfit). A nearby street festival will feature a kid zone, a technology area and a silent disco, among other options. The event is going to be big so taking public transit is highly recommended!


FIT PICK

Griffith Park Run

fun run tweet

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 28, 7 a.m.
WHERE: Griffith Park, Los Feliz
COST: registration costs vary. MORE INFO

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Wanna run a little — or a lot? Athletes can test their endurance with a half-marathon or take it easier with a breezy 5K jog. Both courses let runners tour the semi-wilderness of Griffith Park while sweating it out. When it's all over, you can celebrate with live music and booths from local vendors. Proceeds will go to Los Angeles city parks.


21+ PICK

Uncorked Wine Festival

Revelers try various wines at Uncorked Los Angeles 2017, held at Union Station.
Revelers try various wines at Uncorked Los Angeles 2017, held at Union Station.
(
Sean Paul Franget via Uncorked LA's Facebook page
)

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 27, 5-9 p.m.
WHERE: Union Station, downtown L.A.
COST: $60-70. GET TICKETS HERE

Don't know a Grüner Veltliner from a Gewürztraminer? Don't stress. Uncorked L.A. is a fun, unpretentious way to learn about vino. Sample 200 wines from more than 50 producers. Some hail from far-flung locales around the globe; others are grown  here in Cali. Since you'll be sipping in the city's most glamorous transit hub, you're encouraged  (but not required) to wear your best threads.

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CULTURE VULTURE PICK

Free Museum Day

Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa, A Brief History of Architecture in Guatemala , 2010–13. Single channel video installation. On display at LACMA through February 19, 2018 as part of the "A Universal History of Infamy" exhibition.
Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa, A Brief History of Architecture in Guatemala , 2010–13. Single channel video installation. On display at LACMA through February 19, 2018 as part of the "A Universal History of Infamy" exhibition.
(
© Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa
)

WHEN: Sunday, January 28, all day
WHERE: all over
COST: FREE. FULL LIST OF MUSEUMS

Nearly 40 museums around Southern California will open their doors — for free. Check out the adorable mastodons of the Natural History Museum. Explore Earth’s ecosystems at the California Science Center. Peruse Lezley Saar's  multilayered paintings at the California African American Museum. It's also your last chance to check out many of the shows in Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA, which officially closes January 28. At most participating museums, you can just show up, but a few require you to register in advance. Regular parking fees will still apply, so consider taking public transit.


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WEIRDNESS PICK

Poetry Deathmatch Cabaret

British playwright, novelist, screen writer and children's author Evadne Price (1896 - 1985) waits for inspiration on May 8, 1936.
British playwright, novelist, screen writer and children's author Evadne Price (1896 - 1985) waits for inspiration on May 8, 1936.
(
Sasha/Getty Images
)

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 26 and Sat. Jan. 27
WHERE: Bootleg Theatre, Westlake
COST: $15-40. MORE INFO

Like chocolate and peppercorns or Lady Gaga and Tony Curtis, slam poetry and improv are two tastes you might not put together. Maybe you should. The Melrose Poetry Bureau, known for throwing events where writers churn out impromptu poems on typewriters, will host a wordy showdown with a little burlesque thrown in. Performers will take suggestions from the audience, type their poems and then read them, with all the gusto they can muster. The audience gets to crown the champion.


THROWBACK PICK

Classic Hip-Hop Night

Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins and Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas of TLC perform during the I Love The 90s: The Party Continues concert at The Greek Theatre on July 14, 2017.
Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins and Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas of TLC perform during the I Love The 90s: The Party Continues concert at The Greek Theatre on July 14, 2017.
(
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
)

WHEN: Saturday, January 27
WHERE: Resident, downtown L.A.
COST: $10-15. 21+. GET TICKETS HERE

Yes, the '90s are now officially retro and if you're listening to music from that era, they're Oldies. Lean in to the joys of aging as DJ Dave Paul spins classic hip-hop hits from 1979 to 1999. Why? Because old school is the best school.


SEASONAL PICK

Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of The Dog

Spectators touch an actor performing the lion dance in Ditan park during Lunar New Year celebrations in Beijing on February 1, 2017.
Spectators touch an actor performing the lion dance in Ditan park during Lunar New Year celebrations in Beijing on February 1, 2017.
(
FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images
)

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 28, noon-5p.m.
WHERE: The Original Farmers Market, mid-city
COST: FREE. MORE INFO

You can welcome the lunar new year with traditional Chinese dragon and lion dances, Korean cultural dances and martial arts demos. Because it's the Year of the Dog, the event will be canine-themed and will feature dog adoptions. Naturally, you're welcome to bring your pooch.


How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @LeoHasACat.

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