Guest Contributor

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is nothing without authors and their work. With more than 400 authors taking part in readings and panel discussions there are opportunities for attendees to immerse themselves in all things literature. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of author events worth checking out Saturday and Sunday.

Castro was a social studies teacher in different schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He was a central figure in the 1968 East L.A. Chicano Blowouts.

Get out so you can catch improv, 14th century fashion or a roller derby show.

Get out so you can celebrate the Thai New Year, listen to music at Walt Disney Concert Hall or catch an experimental film.

Get out so you can try beer, see a Brazilian thriller, revert to childhood and get in a pillow fight or test your knowledge of "The Simpsons."

Get out so you can go to a roller derby, enjoy a food truck haven or check out the last night of UCLA's Festival of Preservation.

Get out for free laughs, foosball or an unmoderated reading of blog comments.

Get out so that you can celebrate assholes, enjoy some comedy or check out art from the Ming dynasty.

Yes, it is already time to vote again. Los Angeles holds its municipal elections on odd-numbered years, a tradition dating back to 1909. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is termed out, and next Tuesday Los Angeles will take a step toward deciding who will be the next mayor (among other offices!).

Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer's painting Woman in Blue Reading a Letter is now on view at the Getty Center for its one and only North American appearance before heading back to Europe.

If you’re still recovering from the Presidential election last November, prepare yourselves: on March 5, Angelenos will return to the polls. It is your civic duty to vote and to make sure you’re registered to vote in the upcoming election.

Get out so you can hang out with zinesters, check out some movies or explore Scottish culture.