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Free weekend? Vegan Oktoberfest, CicLAvia and the pop-up Catfe
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Photo by Merlijn Hoek via Flickr Creative Commons
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A Savannah kitten that is a hybrid cross between a domestic cat and an African serval.
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Dennis / picturesfrompixes via Flickr Creative Commons
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Milly, a 13-week-old kitten waits with her brother Charlie (L) to be re-homed at The Society for Abandoned Animals Sanctuary in Sale, Manchester which is facing an urgent cash crisis and possible closure on July 27, 2010 in Manchester, England. The Society for Abandoned Animals exists entirely on public support and unless it can raise GBP 50,000 in the next couple of months it will have to close down. The registered charity started in 1967 and in the last five years alone the charity has rescued and found homes for more than 1,000 cats, 290 rabbits and 262 dogs. The rescue centre is one of the many who are suffering a downfall in donations due to the economic recession. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
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Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
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We know, the heat wave is back and you probably don't feel like doing much of anything. But hey, it’s Friday and you deserve a night out. After all, everyone's working for the weekend. How about scary movies and cute kittens with a side of vegan sausage?
Here's everything you need to know:
1. Andy Warhol's "Shadows" at MOCA
(Photo: Kristen Lepore/KPCC)
Andy Warhol mixed bright corals and teals with blacks and grays in 1978 to create “Shadows,” a series of two-toned canvases now on display at Los Angeles's Museum of Contemporary Art. The 102 silkscreened and hand-painted works — which Warhol called "disco decor” — are based on negative and positive photographs (of shadows, of course) taken in his famous New York studio, the Factory. This may not be his most impressive work; nonetheless, it's colorful and repetitive in true Warhol fashion. Want more? Join novelist and filmmaker Tan Lin for a talk on Warhol's art at 3 p.m. Sunday. Pro tip: There are tons of other worthwhile pieces in MOCA's permanent collection, including works from Jackson Pollock and Alfred Jensen.
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When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday
Where: MOCA, Grand Avenue | MAP
Price: General admission $12
2. Dark Nights at L.A. Live
Video: Dark Nights at L.A. LIVE
L.A. Live is hosting Downtown Dark Nights on Friday, an adult mixer of sorts. Indulge in $5 food and drink menus provided by local restaurants like Smashburger and Katsuya while you enjoy entertainment from street performers, musicians, dance groups, DJs and more. Pro tip: L.A. Live Downtown Dark Nights will also offer guests $5 parking in the West Garage via Gate B, with free parking available for Downtown Preferred loyalty members.
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When: 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday
Where: 800 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 | MAP
Price: $5 food and drink menus
3. "Bride of Chucky" for insomniacs
Video: This will creep you out!
Celebrate the month of trick-or-treating and costume parties with a classic horror flick. The Nuart Theatre will hold a midnight screening of "Bride of Chucky" as part of its Cine Insomnia series. Creator Don Mancini, producer Corey Sienega and actors Jennifer Tilly, Alexis Arquette and Nick Stabile will be there to chat about the fourth installment of the "Child's Play" series, where "Chucky gets lucky."
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When: 11:59 p.m. Friday
Where: Nuart Theatre | MAP
Price: General admission $11; purchase tickets here
4. Outdoor movie screening of "The Ring"
Before you die, you see "The Ring"
Summer is over, but Street Food Cinema isn't going anywhere. This week, it's taking us back to a time when VHS was still relevant. Watch Naomi Watts lose her s--- in the horror film, "The Ring." On a lighter note, see the dreamy band the Street Hearts perform and grab food from trucks like Boba Ni Taco, Chili Philosopher, Oh My GaGa and Beignet Truck before the screening.
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When: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; band at 6:30 p.m.; movie at 8 p.m.
Where: Glendale Central Park | MAP
Price: $12 general admission
5. Vegan Oktoberfest
Only in L.A. is there a Vegan Oktoberfest. No, seriously. It's the world's first and it's debuting in the City of Angels. And even though there's no (real) sausage, the food actually sounds good: Potato pancakes with homemade apple sauce, gluten-free bowls with mushroom and kraut, German pizzas, (vegan) ice cream, Berliner donuts. Let's hope it lives up to the hype. Pro tip: Save yourself some bucks and get a food-only ticket.
When: 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: 2600 Barnard Way, Santa Monica, 90405 | MAP
Price: $65 general admission with unlimited beer; $20 food-only
6. Sound Off at LACM
Want to know what it takes to create a number 1 hit? The Los Angeles College of Music is hosting Sound Off, "an experience for every musician." Spend time making music with other talented musicians at this day-long event that includes workshops (for instance, can you re-create this?) and jam sessions. RSVP here for a full schedule.
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: LACM | MAP
Price: Free
7. Return of the Mecca
Rakim. Public Enemy. A Tribe Called Quest. Gang Starr. Ice Cube. The Wu-Tang Clan. Mos Def. Lupe Fiasco. Jay Electronica. You've probably heard of these artists, but what you may not know is that they identify as Muslim and/or are connected to the larger world of Islam. "Return of the Mecca" is an art exhibit that shows how deeply Islam has impacted hip-hop.
When: Exhibit opening 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday; exhibition runs through November; Gallery open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Where: The William Grant Still | MAP
Price: Free
8. Eagle Rock Music Festival
The Eagle Rock Music Festival is back — and we're so excited. This almost-free day of outdoor music features a great lineup of well- and lesser-known bands. Aloe Blacc (you know, "Wake Me Up"), Maya Jupiter, Ivory DeVille, Ethio Cali, Mia Dio Todd, Taylor McFerrin and more. (Full line-up here.) There are tons of restaurants along Colorado, or eat at one of these food trucks. Your donation supports the Center for the Arts in Eagle Rock.
When: 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Along Colorado in Eagle Rock | MAP
Price: $10 donation
9. CicLAvia: Heart of LA
Get your bikes tuned! The new CicLAvia route is extending outside downtown L.A. to new areas like Echo Park, Boyle Heights and the historic Broadway Theater District. There will be six hubs along the way with food vendors, free bike repairs, water, restrooms and first aid stations. Check out KPCC's guide to the massive biking event — and come visit us while you're there! We'll have free swag and a boombox (no joke, so bring your favorite cassette). KPCC's booth is located on the north side of Bellevue between Glendale Boulevard and Echo Park Avenue (at the southern end of Echo Park Lake).
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Downloadable map of route here
Price: Free
10. Pop-up Catfe in Chinatown
Catfe registration form on Facebook
Oh man. It's happening. L.A. is being taken over by cats! Ladies and gents, I introduce you to our first Catfe — a pop-up cafe with eight kittens freely frolicking around. There's been two Kickstarters; and if you give $30, you are guaranteed entry. Otherwise, you can reserve a spot for free at the door (first come, first serve) or sign up here. Catfe will cycle new guests in every 20 minutes. Where did the cats come from? Catfe will house shelter cats from Best Friends Animal Society.
When: Thursday through Sunday; see times here
Where: Chinatown’s Far East Plaza at 727 North Broadway | MAP
Price: Free; $30 guaranteed entry via Kickstarter
What'd me miss? Tweet me what's going on in your 'hood at @kristenlepore.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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