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Free weekend? Shop vintage, celebrate Bukowski and get wild at the National History Museum
Highland Park at sunset.
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Mae Ryan/KPCC
)
Sleep in (because you'll be losing an hour of your precious time) before soaking up vitamin D as you get out and explore the city with endless art, outdoor shopping and a walk on the wild side. With no sign of rain in the forecast, it'll be a sunny weekend with temps reaching 80 degrees in downtown L.A.
Here's everything you need to know:
1. SEE ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE'S CAPTIVATING ART
Explore the late Robert Mapplethorpe's sometimes controversial art — which you may recognize from trips to LACMA and the Getty Museum — at OHWOW Saturday. "As Above, So Below" is a thematic exhibition of proportional perfection including silver gelatin prints and polaroids – some are unique works, and many have rarely been shown.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
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Price: Free
2. ANAHEIM ANTIQUE FLEA MARKET
(Photo: Roberta R./flickr Creative Commons)
Discover cheap finds while you dig through hand-picked antiques that range from toys and trinkets to furniture and clothes. A little bit of walking goes a long way at this gigantic outdoor flea market.
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Pro tip: Can't make it this weekend? Plan ahead — the market takes place the second Sunday of every month.
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Downtown Anaheim | MAP
Price: Free
3. CORKY WESTERN FUN WITH SINGING COWBOYS
Will Ryan and the Cactus County Cowboys perform "The Outlaws are Coming."
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Salute Hollywood's singing cowboys with a free performance from the Western band Will Ryan and the Cactus County Cowboys. Saddle up for an hour of music and film at the Will & Arial Durant Library Saturday.
When: 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Will & Arial Durant Library | MAP
Price: Free
4. ENJOY THE COMPANY OF OTHER CHARLES BUKOWSKI FANS
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(Gabriel Bouys/Getty Images)
Our Twitter pal @esotouric suggested heading over to King Eddy Salon this weekend for a tribute to the late poet-writer Charles Bukowski. Stick around for inspiring readings and thoughtful discussions from local poets and writers: Dan Fante, S.A. Griffin, Suzanne Lummis, Joan Jobe Smith and Fred Voss.
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: King Eddy Salon | MAP
Price: Free
5. MAKE IT A BIG SUNDAY AT BABY DAY
(foshydog/flickr Creative Commons)
Oh, baby! Big Sunday is hosting a diaper drive. They're also hoping to collect: Clothes, books, food and furniture for babies. Enjoy a day of community service, including quilt-making with other volunteers. Proceeds will go towards disadvantaged infants and clients of the L.A. Diaper Drive.
Pro tip: Want to volunteer your time instead? Check out Big Sunday's community calendar to learn more about harvesting for the hungry and fire-damage forest aid.
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Melrose Avenue | MAP
Price: Free
6. SEE LOTS OF NEW AND COOL ART IN HIGHLAND PARK
Avenue 50 Studio will kick-off three new exhibits this weekend — one of which will be displayed at Councilman Gilbert Cedillo's office in Highland Park and includes the works of Shepard Fairey and Pete Bettencourt. Meanwhile, at the Avenue 50 gallery, sip wine during the opening receptions of "Printmakers from Barnsdall Art Center" and "Mujeres de luz y de sombra." The latter explores women in light and shadow for a celebration of Woman's Day.
When: Opening receptions 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Avenue 50 Studio | MAP - Councilman Gil Cedillo's Highland Park office | MAP
Price: Free
7. LIZARDS, MUSIC AND MORE AT NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM'S FIRST FRIDAYS
Learn about L.A.’s wildlife and ecology during First Fridays at the Natural History Museum. Listen to music from local bands — including Son Lux and San Fermin — while mingling and drinking refreshing cocktails. Don't miss “tracking and trapping L.A.’s wildlife” — an interactive tour with NHM Curator of Herpetology, Dr. Greg Pauly.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday
Where: Natural History Museum | MAP
Price: Concert/museum admission: $18 | Museum admission: $12
What'd we miss? Let us know in comments.
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