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Free Weekend? Mayweather vs Pacquiao, Kentucky Derby and #BirdLADay
National Park Service ranger Kya-Marina Le will be handing out a secret, hand-drawn map of L.A. birds, so be sure to check out her table at El Pueblo.
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National Park Service
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Taking her bird skills to the streets! Park Ranger Kya-Marina Le tells passersby all about the Vaux's Swift migration in downtown Los Angeles at an event last fall.
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National Park Service
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National Park Service rangers on their way to a pop-up birding event at Spring Street Park in downtown Los Angeles last fall.
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National Park Service
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Are you melting yet, Angelenos? Good news: It's supposed to cool down. Plus, there's plenty happening in the city to take our minds of the latest heatwave — even if we're not into boxing. How about free music, bird watching over beer and a little help with the dreadful spring cleaning?
(It's also Independent Bookstore Day. More on that here.)
Here's everything you need to know:
1. Dawn at Ceres
Join the John Drescher Planetarium at Santa Monica College for a recap of the decade-long journey of NASA’s Dawn spacecraft. Beforehand, catch a screening of “The Night Sky Show.” Learn about the latest news in astronomy and space exploration, enjoy a family-friendly “tour” of the constellations and ask all your astronomy-related questions. More info here.
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When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: John Drescher Planetarium | MAP
Price: $11 ($9 seniors and children) for the evening’s scheduled double bill | $6 ($5 seniors age 60+ and children age 12 and under) for a single show, guest lecture or telescope-viewing session.
2. #UberSpringCleaning
This is the lazy man's spring cleaning. If you're that person who drives around with bags of clothes in your trunk, listen up. Uber is teaming up with Goodwill to pick up your donations this weekend. And it's completely free! From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, there will be a GIVE option on the Uber app. An SUV will arrive to pick up your items, but be patient because this is likely to be in high demand.
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When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Anywhere in Los Angeles
Price: Free
3. Spring NKLA Adoption
Check out the La Brea Tarpits while mingling with more than 1,000 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens ready to be adopted from Los Angeles animal shelters and animal welfare organizations. All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
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When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: La Brea Tarpits | MAP
Price: Free entry
4. #BirdLADay
Tweet from @SantaMonicaMtns about #BirdLADay
Hang out at a rooftop bar while chilling with some of the hippest rangers around. National Park Service bird experts will be on hand at three L.A. bars Saturday for #BirdLADay. They'll be armed with binoculars, a high-powered telescope and fascinating facts about the birds of L.A. Participating places include: Ace Hotel Rooftop Bar, Angel City Brewery and the Perch Rooftop Bar. Bird LA Day is hosted by the California Audubon Society. Pro tip: Stop by the National Park Service office at El Pueblo from noon to 4 p.m. to pick up a secret, hand-drawn map.
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When: 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Participating bars | MAP
Price: Free entry
5. Kentucky Derby
Tweet: Here's what's happening at The Churchill
The Kentucky Derby is Saturday. If you're hosting a party, try this great mint julep recipe from L.A. Mag. Or you can head over to The Churchill; the West L.A. bar will offer mimosa and Bellini carafe specials, expanded happy hour items and some fun twists on the classic mint julep. Pro tip: Meet the Derby contenders here. American Pharoah and Dortmund are the favorites.
When: Post time: 3:25 p.m.
Where: NBC
Price: Free entry | Menu prices vary | $4 beer; $12 for the juleps
6. Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight
Instagram: #MayweatherVsPacquiao
Millions will be watching the "fight of the century" Saturday as two of the most prolific boxers in the world finally step into the ring. Where will you watch? Here are a few options:
- Rocco's Tavern: With three locations across the city, this place is a good option for both Eastsiders and Westsiders. Price: $30 at the door with a $20 minimum drink and food mandate; $25 presale. Get there early for happy hour: Two for one drinks from 3 to 7 p.m.
- The Rec Room: Get excited for 30 monitors, pool tables and tons of beer. Price: $25 before 5 p.m.; $30 between 5 and 6 p.m.; $40 at 6.
- Tom's Urban: Located at LA Live, this is the place to go for a lively crowd and quality bar food. Truffled cracked lobster sliders, anyone? Price: $25 for general access; $40 for the sports deck; $50 for Loft Suite viewing with unlimited taco bar and drink ticket. Pro tip: Space is limited! Contact Mila Marshall at mmarshall@tomsurban.com for reservations.
7. Eclectic Music Festival
Eclectic Music Festival on InstaStroll the quaint streets of South Pasadena during its annual Eclectic Music Festival and Art Walk. The Festival features over 30 musical acts across five stages. You can also expect surprise acts at intimate venues around the town. Keep an eye out for Anenon, Gardens & Villa and Daniel Rosenboom Quintet — all at the Eclectic Stage. And be sure to stop by BurkeTriolo Studio for art. Bring the kids to the Dinosaur Farm to check out one of the best toy stores in greater L.A.
When: 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday | Lineup here
Where: South Pasadena | MAP
Price: Free
8. Bike day at Amoeba
Ride your bike to Amoeba Sunday for music, vegan tacos and free ice-cream. The music store is partnering with the L.A. County Bicycle Coalition to offer bike valet and mini tune-ups. Plus in true L.A. hipster fashion, there will be cold brewed coffee.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Amoeba | MAP
Price: Free entry
9. Pasadena Showcase
(Photo: Susanne Whatley)
Want to be thoroughly inspired and insanely jealous? Head over to the 2015 Pasadena Showcase House of Design. This year's featured home is a Tudor and Craftsman combo built in 1910 by a French architect. The main house is over 9,400 square feet;17 interior designers contributed to its look. The drought-friendly garden is equally impressive. The house tour is ticketed, but the garden tour and shuttle from the Rose Bowl are both free. If you're feeling fancy, check out the on-site restaurant.
When: Various times through May 17
Where: Pasadena; shuttle info here
Price: $40 house tour; free garden tour | Purchase tix here
What'd we miss? Let me know on Twitter @kristenlepore.
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