Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Weekend Events: Harry Potter roller skating, Kanye meets Beethoven
The weekend is upon us at last and we've got affordable fun for whatever tickles your fancy, from an art festival and Harry Potter on wheels to unexpected music mashups and an LA River clean-up. Finally, an easy way to win your weekend.
1. Odd Nights at the Autry
https://twitter.com/oddmarket/status/720340728287629314
Stroll outside the Autry museum and listen to live music as you enjoy a full bar, eats from gourmet food trucks and stylish threads from a mobile boutique. The kids' area includes large inflatable slides, crafts, a rock wall and a vertical obstacle course. Parking and admission are free but kids' activities require tickets.
When: Friday, April 15, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Where: The Autry | MAP
Price: Free
2. Imaginology
https://twitter.com/ocfair/status/720621487762313216
O.C. Fair’s Imaginology is where kids get to display their finesse when it comes to science, technology, engineering, art and math. From pre-K through high school, students will showcase their work while participating in hands-on activities and workshops, like a build-your-own scarecrow class. Pro tip: Enter at gate 8 off Arlington Drive.
When: Friday, April 15, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: O.C. Fair and Event Center | MAP
Price: Free
3. Great Los Angeles River Clean-up
https://twitter.com/FoLARtweets/status/719985252509220865
Leave the outdoors cleaner than you found it. This event is the first of three Saturdays during Earth Month when you can help tidy up the L.A. River and surrounding area by removing trash that washed in with the rains. This clean-up will focus on four upper river locations. Pro tip: You must register and fill out a waiver to participate.
When: Saturday, April 16, 9 a.m. - noon
Where: Upper River | MAP
Price: Free
4. 5th Annual Harry Potter Roller Skating Night
As if the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter wasn't enough to fuel the fandom, Los Angeles's Potter fan club, Dumbledore's Army, is hosting its 5th annual roller skating night this weekend. Dress as your favorite wizard, muggle or owl for the costume contest and enjoy a frothy glass of non-alcoholic Butterbeer while you skate to some magical rock music.
When: Saturday, April 16, 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Where: Moonlight Rollerway | MAP
Price: Admission is $9.75 without skate rental, $14.75 with
5. The Great Music Series: Yeethoven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRCywJaUEIE
Music from Kanye West’s “Yeezus” will be paired with works by Beethoven including the “Egmont Overture,” "Symphony No. 5 (op. 67)” and “String Quartet No. 14 (op. 131),” in an effort to showcase the commonalities between modern and classical music. I'mma let you finish, but this may be one of the most interesting mashups of all time.
When: Saturday, April 16, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Aratani Theatre | MAP
Price: Free, but first-come first-serve tickets are required and will be available starting at 6 p.m.
6. California Poppy Festival

Dance in a field of poppies this weekend. Grab a wildflower map and head to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve or enjoy festival fun with food, entertainment and activities like animal attractions and crafts.
When: Saturday, April 16 - Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m - 6 p.m.
Where: Lancaster City Park | MAP
Price: Adults $10, children and seniors $5
7. One World Festival

Get sustainable this weekend at Santa Barbara's One World One Climate Earth Day Festival. The annual affair brings together environmental virtuosos who will demonstrate different ways to live a green life. Park your wheels at the bike valet before you enjoy vegan fare and get physical at a two-day event that keeps 90 percent of its waste from landfills.
When: Saturday, April 16 - Sunday, April 17,
Where: Alameda Park | MAP
Price: Free
8. Downtown Burbank Arts Festival
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDHR_ZpNmTf/?taken-by=downtownburbank
More than 100 artists of — sculptors, street painters, special effects ninjas and more — will fill the streets of Burbank to showcase their creations. Meet famous creators and see speakers and exhibits including CTN Road Trip, where attendees can interact with animation and visual effects artists from feature films, TV and video games.
When: Saturday, April 16 - Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Burbank | MAP
Price: Free
What'd we miss? Let us know on Twitter @kellie_gal and @JessicaHamlinB.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter.
-
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500
-
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected.
-
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi.
-
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown.
-
USC says it’s reviewing the letter also sent to eight other prestigious schools nationwide. California's governor vowed that any California universities that sign will lose state funding.