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LA Events: Ice skating, Taste of Tamale, LACMA's film festival, more
The downtown Los Angeles real estate market is sizzling hot. Even so, the Los Angeles city council voted unanimously Friday to give almost $200 million worth of tax subsidies to a developer.
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Photo by Brendan Biele via Flickr Creative Commons
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Is it cold yet, L.A.? Lucky for us, it's expected to hit a high of 77 degrees in the city Sunday. That means you can ditch the furnace and hit the town for some pre-holiday fun. This weekend, we're making our way to the ultimate indie craft fair, screening hundreds of international films and ice skating Pershing Square.
Here's everything you need to know:
Brrr. Surround yourself with a flawless view of DTLA as you make your way to the largest outdoor ice skating rink at Pershing Square. Expect to get a dose of live performances, arts and crafts, train rides and snow to kick-start winter holiday festivities.
Where: Pershing Square | MAP
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When: Noon 10 to 6 p.m. Saturday
Price: $8 admission; $2 skate rental
2. Enjoy a picture perfect holiday party
(Photo: alli/Flickr)
Mingle with photographers and enjoy complimentary wine during a special print-only "pop-up" photography exhibition and holiday party at the Los Angeles Center of Photography. Swap photo prints, enter a raffle contest and take goofy holiday photos at the photo booth. And if you're hungry, expect a BBQ party in the back parking lot.
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Where: Los Angeles Center of Photography | MAP
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday
Price: Free
3. Attend the International Children's Film Festival at LACMA
Enjoy more than 100 international films geared towards children and young adults this weekend at LACMA. From fun animated bits to compelling documentaries, expand your imagination with yarn critters or learn about the benefits of eating healthy. Other highlights include the German film "Clara and the Secret of Bears" and Australian short flick "White Rabbit’s First Sleepover. Stick around for Q&As with directors and actors following each screening.
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When: Free tickets available at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday | Schedule
Price: Free
4. Get crafty and shop till you drop
One of the largest indie craft fairs is making its rounds in L.A. again. Make it a date or special day with friends as you peruse curated collections of over 200 artists at this free event. Get your picture taken at the photo booth courtesy of Magnolia Photo Booth Co. and enjoy a special screening printing demonstration by The Unincorporated. Did we mention there will be plenty of beer and food trucks? Get a sneak peek of some of the winter steals here.
Where: Los Angeles State Historic Park | MAP
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
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Price: Free admission
5. Eats lots and lots of tamales at the Taste of Tamale
(Photo: shaynabright/Flickr)
For many families, tamales are a holiday tradition. Get your fix early this year at historic Olvera Street where countless restaurants from around California will come together to sell their best: Mexican-style, Central America-style and South American-style. Expect arts and crafts, musical performances, toys for kids and services like free health screenings from various exhibitors.
Where: Placita Olvera | MAP
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Price: Free admission
6. Watch a very merry movie while wearing holiday garb
Time to wash your mouth with soap and prepare for a day of pink pajamas, a strange leg lamp and one grouchy Santa. Laemmle Playhouse will screen the 1983 classic holiday tale, "A Christmas Story." Stick around afterwards for a holiday concert behind Vroman's Bookstore and don your ugliest holiday sweater for your opportunity to win some pretty sweet prizes. Click here for everything you need to know.
Where: Laemmle Playhouse 7 | MAP
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Price: Free
7. Experience a heartfelt party with Homeboy Industries
(Photo: victoriabernal/Flickr)
Homeboy Industries is known in L.A. for supporting men and women who were formerly involved in gangs with free services, programs and employment. Now is your chance to hear transformation stories from the program's participants. Enjoy an afternoon of conversation, light bites and agua frescas from Homegirl Café, including the restaurant's famous holiday tamales.
Where: Homegirl Café | MAP
When: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday | RSVP here
Price: Admission by donation
Did we miss something? Let us know your weekend plans on Twitter, Facebook or in comments.
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