Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Free weekend? LA Cookie Con, Prom Party, where to watch the Super Bowl

Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.

In case you missed it, it's Friday. Cheers to the weekend! Here's everything you need to know to have an awesome couple of days off. 


1. First Fridays at NHM 

Rock trio Cherry Glazerr and psychedelic singer-guitarist White Fence will perform at the Natural History Museum's First Fridays this weekend. T
Rock trio Cherry Glazerr and psychedelic singer-guitarist White Fence will perform at the Natural History Museum's First Fridays this weekend. T
(
MARIO de LOPEZ
)

The Natural History Museum's First Friday series kicks off this week. The theme this time around: How Hollywood inspires science exploration. Nerd out as scientists and filmmakers dissect the body mechanics of superheroes like Ant-Man and Spider-Man in a chat moderated by Patt Morrison. Pro tip: Beforehand, you'll get a behind-the-scene tour of the museum, and afterwards, enjoy a cash bar and music from local bands. 

When: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday

Where: The Natural History Museum | MAP

Sponsored message

Price: $18 | Purchase tix 


2. Raining flower petals in DTLA

Raining flowers

Remember the 80-square-foot teahouse that illicitly popped up at Griffith Park over the summer? Word on the street is that the anonymous art collective behind the installation now plans to make it rain (with flower petals) at an alley in downtown Los Angeles this Saturday. According to the L.A. Times, the petal drop will take place between 530 and 532 S. Broadway between dawn and dusk Saturday. Check the project's Twitter and Instagram accounts for info. 

When: Between dawn and dusk Saturday

Where: An alleyway between 530 and 532 S. Broadway Avenue | MAP

Sponsored message

Price: Free


3. Long Beach Mardi Gras

So much fun

Revelers of all ages are invited to celebrate Mardi Gras at Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach. There will be stilt walkers, mimes, clowns, dancers and musicians. The parade starts at 3 p.m. in front of the Aquarium of the Pacific. 

When: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 

Where: Shoreline Village | MAP

Sponsored message

Price: Free


4. '80s Prom Party 

Whether you want to relive or do over that special evening in high school or just have too much hairspray lying around, the Fonda has got an '80s dance party for you. The Young Guns will DJ to the tune of Prince, Journey, Madonna and Bon Jovi.  Start googling dance moves now. 

When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday

Where: The Fonda Theatre | MAP

Sponsored message

Price: $32.64


5. Hike for the Homeless

ALMKE, GERMANY - AUGUST 01:  Scouts hiking through a woodland on August 1, 2010 in Almke near Wolfsburg, Germany. About 5000 young scouts from Germany, Russia, Belgium, Suisse, USA and Italy aged 12 to 20 participate in a camp. Since 1973, the German VCP-Christian Guides and Pathfinders organisation, offers an International historic boys and girls scout meeting during the summer holidays. On a 25 hectare field include 1370 tens, a tent church and a tent theater. The Federal camp is held every four years.  (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
ALMKE, GERMANY - AUGUST 01: Scouts hiking through a woodland on August 1, 2010 in Almke near Wolfsburg, Germany. About 5000 young scouts from Germany, Russia, Belgium, Suisse, USA and Italy aged 12 to 20 participate in a camp. Since 1973, the German VCP-Christian Guides and Pathfinders organisation, offers an International historic boys and girls scout meeting during the summer holidays. On a 25 hectare field include 1370 tens, a tent church and a tent theater. The Federal camp is held every four years. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
(
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
)

The group behind the Festival of Lights hike is at it again. This time, it's a hike for the homeless. The organizers are asking that you bring good, used gear to donate. Items needed include tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and boots. You can see a full list here. REI is donating 50 sleeping bags and pads to to kick off the event. Meet at the trailhead of the Cobb Estate Sunday morning. Pro tip: You'll also get a 15 percent off certificate to REI if you donate.

When: 8 a.m. to noon Sunday

Where: The Cobb Estate | MAP

Price: Free 


6. Where to watch the Super Bowl

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 07:  A general view of the stadium as the Indianapolis Colts face the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 7, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Colts 31-24.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 07: A general view of the stadium as the Indianapolis Colts face the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 7, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Colts 31-24. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
(
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
)

Super Bowl 50 is right around the corner, and we've got a list of bars where you can watch the big game. Pro tip: In case you don't follow football at all, the Denver Broncos will be playing the Carolina Panthers. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m.

  • If you're looking for a great dive bar with a pool table, Brennan's Pub in Marina Del Rey is known for its loyalty to the Denver Broncos. Pro tip: It also hosts turtle racing on Thursdays. Yes, real life turtles.
  • Word on the street is Broncos fanatics hang out at Big Wangs in Hollywood to watch the games. But you'll likely find fans of both teams at this sports pub. 
  • According to Eater LA, Carolina Panthers fans should head to Beelman's in downtown L.A. This bar has a nice interior with a cute patio and fancy pub food. 
  • If you're looking for a chill spot with a hipster crowd, the Hermosillo in Highland Park is your spot. It only has one TV so you can bet it won't be difficult to find people who aren't watching the game. 

7. Weekend splurge: LA Cookie Con

We hope you're hungry. This weekend is the L.A. Cookie Con, the largest baking and sweets convention on the West Coast. Think absurd amounts of cookies, cannolis, ice cream, cake, pastries. And yes, there will be free samples, plus baking demonstrations, cake decorating and a cookie-eating contest. The sweet tooth extravaganza wouldn't be complete without celebrity appearances from New York pastry chef Ron Ben-Israel and Cake Master's Duff Goldman. 

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: L.A. Convention Center | MAP

Price: $50 VIP tix remain | Purchase tix here


8. Another weekend splurge: Taste of Night Market

Insta

The food sampling isn't over yet. The group behind 626 Night Market has a new endeavor: Taste of Night Market. It'll feature a mashup of local chefs and rising tastemakers. Make room for lobster rolls, poke, hand-pulled noodles, the OG ramen burger and so much more. The event will also feature Lunar New Year performances, art and craft vendors. See a list of vendors here. 

When: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Barker Hangar | MAP

Price: Between $65 and $95 | Purchase tix here


What'd we miss? Let me know on Twitter @kristenlepore.


You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end 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.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible year-end gift today

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right