With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Weekend Events: books, a mile of beer, TomatoMania and more
Ace Hotel in Downtown LA.
(
Flickr/Daniel Pouliot
)
Karaoke.
(
Flickr/Derek Gavey
)
Run, grab a beer, repeat at the National Beer Mile.
(
National Beer Mile
)
A bowl of heirloom tomatoes.
(
The Farmstrs via Flickr
)
Inside the historic Garvanza home, staged for the Suffragist Open House.
(
Martha Benedict
)
Spring break has arrived and tourists are flocking to L.A. — along with writers. That's "write," the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference and Bookfair is in town and it's basically running the weekend. Don't worry if you're not a word nerd, we've sprinkled in scary movies, a boozy fun run and some Suffragist history.
1. AWP Party in LA
Ace Hotel in Downtown LA.
(
Flickr/Daniel Pouliot
)
Sponsored message
If you can’t shell out hundreds of dollars to get into the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference and Bookfair, check out this party hosted by n+1. Grab a drink, catch a short reading and rub shoulders with fellow literature buffs.
When: Saturday, April 2, 8 p.m.
Where: Ace Hotel | MAP
Price: Free admission
2. "The Shining"
Sponsored message
Had a week of all work and no play? Catch this creepy masterpiece shown in the creepy abandoned zoo in Griffith Park. What could go wrong? Doors open at 6 p.m. and movie starts at 7:15 p.m. Pro tip: If you’re contemplating your own “Here’s Johnny!” moment, be advised that metal objects, costumes, masks, or props of any kind are not allowed. Attendees must present an ID upon arrival.
When: Friday, April 1, 7:15 p.m.
Where: Griffith Park Old Zoo | MAP
Price: $15 admission
3. Literaoke
Karaoke.
(
Flickr/Derek Gavey
)
Sponsored message
Let the tone deaf rejoice! Kaya Press and Kundiman are hosting an offsite AWP event that combines readings and karaoke in an experimental attempt to make literature the music to your ears. Attendees can also enjoy traditional Filipino food and beer.
When: Friday, April 1, 8:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Where: Kapistahan Grill | MAP
Price: Free admission
4. National Beer Mile
Sponsored message
This gives the term “beer run” new meaning. People will get four beers, one mile and a chance to make it to the finish line using any type of locomotion by foot (running, skipping, whatever). Costumes are encouraged and there's an after-party at the finish line with live music, an open bar, food vendors and more.
When: Saturday, April 2, 12 p.m.
Where: L.A. Coliseum | MAP
Price: $40 per person, $35 per person if you can find 4 other friends to join you in a team
5. 3rd Annual Rock and Roll Reading
Writers are taking over L.A. this weekend and that includes the Echoplex. In place of guitars and amps, fiction and nonfiction works inspired by rockers will taking the stage at AWP's offsite Rock and Roll Reading event. But there will be amps and guitars too. After a series of rapid-fire readings, Frances Gumm will take the stage.
When: Saturday, April 2, 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Echoplex | MAP
Price: Free
6. Brewery Art Walk
More than 100 art studios will showcase their works at the spring Brewery Art Walk. The venue is a 16-acre brewery turned art colony that houses hundreds of artists. From sculptors to installation artists, they'll be showing their work directly from the spaces where they live. If you get thirsty or hungry, fill-up at the on-site beer garden and restaurant. Pro tip: Park for free at the UPS lot next door to the venue.
When: Saturday, April 2 - Sunday, April 3, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Brewery Art Walk | MAP
Price: Free
7. TomatoMania!
A bowl of heirloom tomatoes.
(
The Farmstrs via Flickr
)
Whether you like ‘em cherry, heirloom or fried green, this mini-fest features seedling sales, a tomato-growing seminar, a tomato cooking demo and a “Tomato Faves” tasting event with a Bloody Mary bar. Repeat: a Bloody Mary bar. Seedling sales will occur both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but check out the schedule to make sure you don’t miss out.
When: Saturday, April 2 - Sunday, April 3, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Descanso Gardens | MAP
Price: Discounted $5 admission for “tomatomaniacs”
8. Suffragist Open House
(
Martha Benedict
)
Experience the Los Angeles roots of the Suffragist movement at the Garvanza home, originally owned by early women’s rights activists Anna Howard Shaw and Cora Scott Pond Pope before they joined Susan B. Anthony. The house will soon be up for sale, so get a glimpse while it's open to the public. There will be costumed actors to transport you to the early 20th century, tours by historians, a female barbershop quartet at 2 p.m. and refreshments.
When: Sunday, April 3, noon - 4 p.m.
Where: 200 North Ave 66, Los Angeles 90042 | MAP
Price: Free
What'd we miss? Let us know on Twitter @kellie_gal, @JessicaHamlinB and @LeoHasACat.
At LAist, we focus on what matters to our community: clear, fair, and transparent reporting that helps you make decisions with confidence and keeps powerful institutions accountable.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
