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A fantastically free weekend: Natural History Museum — 7 cheap things to do in LA (photos)
The Natural History Museums’s permanent exhibition, Becoming Los Angeles, opens to the public July 14, 2013.
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A team of City Planning Department model makers, drafters and architects surveyed downtown Los Angeles between 1938 and 1940 and built a model, of which this is a small part, at the Natural History Museum's new exhibit, "Becoming Los Angeles," opening July 14, 2013.
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Todd Johnson/KPCC
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Museum patrons can follow a sweeping ceiling display to the various light points that highlight artifacts throughout the Natural History Museum's new exhibit, "Becoming Los Angeles."
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Todd Johnson/KPCC
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Museum patrons photograph a sword in the Becoming L.A. exhibit that represents a time between the Spanish Mission Era and the Mexican Rancho Era.
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Todd Johnson/KPCC
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Souvenir water that was bottled on November 5, 1913, from the opening of the Los Angeles Aqueduct.
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A museum exhibit displays the remains of a carcass being swarmed by locusts, most likely the species that ate its way through Southern California in the 1860s, leaving cattle without grass or plants to eat.
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Since cattle roamed free in the early racho period, it was critical to brand each animal to show ownership.
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The thousands of cattle that roamed freely and grazed throughout the Los Angeles basin left a lasting impact on the natural environment.
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The Grizzly Bear posed a threat to early Los Angeles rachos and to the growing human population. Admired and feared for its strength, the Grizzly earned a place on California’s state flag, but was ultimately hunted to extinction.
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Museum patrons can look through a tube to watch a video that explains how cows (and their poop) helped to change L.A.'s natural environment.
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Fight off the gloomy weather with free events and air-conditioned activities. Take in the city's history at one of the many offerings at local museums, channel your inner hipster with a movie in the park, relive '80s glory downtown, or drink tea at a traditional Japanese garden.
Check out these seven cheap events, and let us know your plans in the comments.
1. See history come to life at 'Becoming Los Angeles'
The Natural History Museum opens its most elaborate and largest exhibition ever on Sunday (see our photos of the press preview from Thursday above). See inscribed swords and flesh-eating locusts! The permanent 14,000-square-foot interactive installation illustrates the growth of Los Angeles over the course of five centuries and explores the city’s intertwined ecological and cultural histories. And check back Monday here and on the radio for Take Two's segment on the new exhibit.
When: Exhibit opens July 14
Where: Natural History Museum | MAP
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Price: Advance general admission and combo tickets include entry; prices range from $5 to $12; free for kids under 2-years-old; purchase tickets here.
2. Stake your space at free movie screenings in Old Pasadena
The Old Pasadena Film Festival kicks off this week featuring 20 outdoor film screenings playing in various spots throughout the next month. This Friday and Saturday, you can choose from a slew of flicks including "Midnight in Paris," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "Mars Attacks!" and "Mildred Pierce." From comedy to classic noir, there’s something for everyone. So grab a blanket, a bottle of wine and stake your space:
When: "Midnight in Paris" 8:00 p.m. Friday; "Fantastic Mr. Fox" 8:30 p.m. Friday; "Mars Attacks!" 8:30 p.m. Saturday; "Mildred Pierce" 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Various spots around Pasadena including One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley and Central Park, 99 S. Raymond Ave. | MAP
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Price: Free
3. Drink tea and watch martial arts
Check out the Pasadena Buddhist Temple during its free annual Obon Festival. The two-day event will feature Japanese Buddhist traditions including a tea ceremony, meditation time and live martial arts demonstrations.
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday; 4 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday; Click here for a full schedule
Where: Pasadena Buddhist Temple | MAP
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Price: Free
4. Enter a virtual display of LA’s most iconic spaces
Want to see the rapid changes and jaw-dropping architectural innovations that L.A. has experienced in the last five decades? Head over to “Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940–1990.” The Getty’s latest exhibit includes an overview of iconic buildings and coffee shops, and is loaded with drawings, photographs, models, films and animations.
When: Saturday through July 21.
Where: The Getty Center | MAP
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Price: $15 for parking; free Admission
5. See zoo animals and grab grub at the OC Fair
Stuff your face with pies, get nostalgic over carnival rides and pet adorable zoo animals (there's even a pig pen). Pro tips: Save money and take OCTA’s OC Fair Express with nine locations throughout Orange County. Then Download the fair's app to map out your day and navigate its best food.
Here's a preview:
When: July 12 through August 11; noon to midnight Wednesdays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday through Sunday.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center | MAP
Price: Admission fees are just $3 every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; $11 for general admission; $8 for senior; $6 for youth aged 6- to 12-years-old
6. Watch free music and dance at Levitt Pavilion
Enjoy a night of a contemporary funk and mabo music from Yemen Blues. Come early for a surprise flash mob performance by the Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble.
Here's a preview of the music:
When: Festival begins at 5:30 p.m. Sunday; music at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park | MAP
Price: Free
7. Catch an '80s pop performance in DTLA
British new wavers The Psychedelic Furs will grace Pershing Square Saturday for a free outdoor show. If the group is as good live as it is in its music videos, you're in for a treat:
Following that will be a performance by Badwater. And the best news: there will be a beer and wine garden nearby.
When: Concert lawn opens at 7:30 p.m.; concerts begin at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Pershing Square | MAP
Price: Free
Did we miss something? Share it on our Facebook page or let us know in comments. You can also loop us in on upcoming events here.
An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the opening day of Natural History Museum's exhibit.
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