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 .
Cheers to the weekend! 8 fun things to do in SoCal
Say cheers — the weekend has arrived! Fill up on Greek food, watch "Toy Story" outdoors and ride the Expo Line for free. We've got the details.
1. Watch "Superstar" with Molly Shannon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nzmulu21gA
Kiss a tree, smell your armpits and scream "You're horrible" along with Mary Katherine Gallagher at a screening of "Superstar," then ask Molly Shannon about her character's quirks. Yes, the real-life star of the film will be there along with director Bruce McCulloch for a discussion of the wacky '90s film. Not to mention there will be tacos, beer and wine for sale — and a Catholic schoolgirl costume contest.
When: Friday, May 20, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Egyptian Theatre | MAP
Price: Tickets are $15 | Get Tickets
2. Party with NASA's fuel tank
After a month-long trek, NASA's ET-94 fuel tank has arrived in SoCal for installation at its new permanent home at the California Science Center. It slowwwwly moves through the streets of L.A. on Saturday morning from Marina del Rey. To celebrate its historic arrival and snap some pics of the tank in the harbor, head out to the ET Party in the Park for food, a live DJ, space-themed games and science exhibits. To see the tank snaking through the streets of L.A. on Saturday, check out our guide on where to be and when.
When: Friday, May 20, 5-9 p.m.
Where: Burton Chase Park | MAP
Price: Free
3. Greek Food Festival
https://twitter.com/OCGreekFest/status/730758398875041792
Opa! It’s time for Orange County’s big fat Greek food fest. Listen to live Greek music while eating Greek dishes like gyros, feta fries, kabobs and baklava. There will be a kids’ zone for your little ones, Greek dancing and vendor booths. Don’t let any ailments keep you from the fest — “Put some Windex on it!” Pro tip: Admission is free for seniors over 65, kids under 12 and active military or police.
When: Friday, May 20-Sunday, May 22 | Event Schedule
Where: St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church | MAP
Price: Admission is $3
4. Take the new Expo Line to Santa Monica
The wait is over! Running from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica, the Expo Line extension opening Friday opens a new gateway for city-to-beach transportation. Enjoy free rides on the line's inaugural weekend, plus there are festivals at six stations Saturday to celebrate opening day. Hang with Metro, or make your own plans — like a pub crawl along the line's stops, or a simple trip to the beach. Whatever you do, you'll be traveling a long stretch of L.A. for free.
When: Friday, May 20-Saturday, May 21
Where: Expo Line Extension | Line Info
Price: Free
5. Ultimate Women’s Expo
Massages, makeovers, keynote addresses, food samples and more are all included in the admission price at the Ultimate Women's Expo. At this convention that aims to connect women with the latest and greatest products, there will be endless things to hear, see and do. Grab your gal pals and let the fun begin!
When: Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, May 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center | MAP
Price: Tickets are $10 | Get Tickets
6. Snowball Party
A new way to party the night away, you literally “snowball” a group together. You start out randomly assigned with one person to do an unexpected and fun activity somewhere in the city. Then you meet up with another pair, making four. Then your foursome meets with another foursome to become a group of eight, and so on. It continues until you reach the final location for a festive dance party.
When: Saturday, May 21, 5-10 p.m.
Where: You'll get word about your 5 p.m. location a few days before the party.
Price: Tickets are $57, and only 128 will be sold | Get Tickets
7. "Toy Story" and Food Trucks
https://media.giphy.com/media/mV9Xk9vaOlL3i/giphy.gif
"Reach for the sky," and also look at the sky while you watch "Toy Story" at Griffith Park. Enjoy family fun while eating food from vendors like Poke 2 Go, Wings N Waffles, Royal Kebab and more. The band Surface Streets hits the stage at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Pro tip: Dogs are welcome, but tall chairs are not. Make sure your chairs don't sit more than six inches off the ground.
When: Saturday, May 21 — Doors open at 5:30 p.m., movie at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Griffith Park | Event entrance map
Price: General admission is $13 | Get Tickets
8. Venice Art Walk and Auctions
Visit Google Los Angeles as it becomes a silent art auction to raise money for the Venice Family Clinic. Enjoy food, music, live art, booths and a special activity area for kids. Online bidding for the art began May 5, but all bids will be transferred over to the in-person event.
When: Sunday, May 22, noon-6 p.m.
Where: Google Los Angeles | MAP
Price: Free
What'd we miss? Let us know on Twitter @kellie_gal or @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.
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million.
-
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it.
-
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course.
-
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits.
-
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.