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Free weekend? 'Home Alone,' Hot Wheels, sand snowmen and CicLAvia
“More businesses are coming than going, which is why we have this positive job growth number,” said Beacon Economics founding partner Chris Thornberg, referring to the 93,000 jobs added in Los Angeles last year.
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Photo by Sam Gao via Flickr Creative Commons
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Last sunrise of winter above downtown Los Angeles.
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Rick Dickert @rickdickertweather
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We hope you’ve perked up after your rainy day soup and sweatpants. This weekend, we're chilling with funny females, watching our favorite toys come to life, building sand snowmen and cycling the streets of South L.A.
Here's everything you need to know:
1. The 1st Annual Funny Women Festival
Video: Sisters are doing it for themselves
Who wants to be the next Tina Fey? Spend your weekend surrounded by a slew of funny females at iO West's Funny Women Festival. The three-day event will include performances, workshops and panels where you'll learn about everything from podcasting to improv dance. Want to go just for the show? That's cool, too. Here's a rundown.
When: Thursday through Saturday
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Where: iO West Theater | MAP
Price: Tickets range from $5 to $10
2. Hot Wheels Garage
Get ready to rev your engines — the kids are going to love this one. The Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo will host Hot Wheels Garage Saturday, a display of life-size Hot Wheels cars and tracks. But that's not all: Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance, and Jersey Mike’s will be supplying food and prizes. Pro tip: Give back before joining in the fun — the museum will be hosting a toy drive throughout the day.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
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Where: Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo | MAP
Price: Adults $10; Children $5
3. Sand Snowman Contest
(Photo: Forsaken Fotos/Flickr)
Do you want to build a… sand snowman? Though the South Bay doesn't get snow, we all know it does have plenty of sand. Bust out those shovels, scarves, coal and mittens to participate in Hermosa Beach's Sand Snowman Contest. Get thinking because prizes will be awarded for the most unique, most traditional, best dressed and funniest. The event is open to everyone.
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When: Registrations starts at 8:45 a.m.; sculpting starts at 9 a.m. Saturday
Where: North of the Hermosa Beach Pier on the beach | MAP
Price: Free
4. CicLAvia - South LA
(Map courtesy of CicLAvia.org)
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CicLAvia makes its first appearance in South L.A. this Sunday. The route will connect Leimert Park with Central Avenue with cyclists traveling along Martin Luther King Boulevard. In true CicLAvia fashion, expect hubs throughout, including food trucks, activities for kids, music and more.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Downloadable map of route here.
Price: Free
5. Buy some Sriracha stout
(Photo: Leo Duran/KPCC)
OK, this one you can do from your couch. Introducing Rogue Sriracha Hot Stout Beer:
ROGUE Sriracha Hot Stout Beer, made from Huy Fong original hot chili sauce and sun ripened Rogue Farms ingredients, is ready to drink with soups, sauces, pasta, pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, chow mein, or anything you'd like to wash down with a spicy kick.
When: Anytime
Where: Online
Price: $13 per pint bottle | Purchase here
6. 'Home Alone'
Grab a date to see a classic film in a fantastic venue. I mean, who doesn't want to see "Home Alone" one more time? And you can't beat the Orpheum Theatre as your backdrop. Organist Tony Wilson will perform pre-show classics. Downtown L.A. has some good advice: Leave early or stay late for ice skating at Pershing Square. Pro tip: Your movie ticket will get you a discount at nearby Umami and Two Boots Pizza on Broadway.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Orpheum Theatre | MAP
Price: $15 for adults | Purchase tix here
7. Escape Room L.A.
Twenty-first-century horror meets film noir in Escape Room L.A. Imagine this: You're locked in a private detective's office with 11 other people. You have one hour to navigate your way out through a series of hidden keys, suspects and clues. But don't worry: If you can't complete the interactive adventure, staffers from Race L.A. will explain what you missed when the time is up. Pro tip: Sold out this weekend? Tickets will be on sale through May 2015.
When: 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Friday; noon, 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: 120 E. 8th Street, Suite 311 | MAP
Price: $30 weekdays; $32 weekends| Purchase tix here
8. 75 Years of Marvel
Join the legendary Stan Lee and Roy Thomas of Marvel Comics, as well as filmmaker Kevin Smith, for history and insider info on the comic book powerhouse. A Q&A and book signing of Thomas’s "75 Years of Marvel: From the Golden Age to the Silver Screen" will follow the panel. Can't make it? Watch live here. Pro tip: Thomas and Lee will sign a limited number of copies; 100 will be available for purchase at the event.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hammer Museum | MAP
Price: Free
9. Grand Central Market Holiday Pop-Ups
Grab a gift for your favorite foodie. A slew of special vendors will offer classy commodities at Grand Central Market this weekend, including chef aprons by Hedley & Bennett, pickles by Rachael Narins and bread-making tools by Grist & Toll. Meanwhile, market vendors — like DTLA Cheese and Valerie at GCM — will have holiday specials. Think chocolate, fruitcakes and peppermint bark. Pro tip: Bring the whole family. Santa will be there — plus, ornament decorating with Little Junebugs.
When: 9 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Grand Central Market | MAP
Price: Free entry
10. 'Boyhood' with the actors
"Boyhood" was filmed over 12 years with the same cast, and everyone's been talking about. It's not too late to get in on Richard Linklater's flick. Join Arclight Hollywood for a screening of the Oscar-worthy film followed by a Q&A with either Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke or both Ellar Coltrane and Linklater.
Watch: Ellar Coltrane on Jimmy Fallon
When: 7:15 p.m. Friday; 4:10, 7:15 p.m. Saturday
Where: Arclight Hollywood | MAP
Price: $16 adult ticket
What'd we miss? Let me know on Twitter @kristenlepore.
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
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