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

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.
CULTURE VULTURE PICK
Free Museum Day

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.
WEIRDNESS PICK
Poetry Deathmatch Cabaret

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

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

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.
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.

-
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.
-
Scientists say La Niña is likely, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a dry winter in Southern California.