Weekend Events: February 8-10, 2019

As we settle into the shortest month of the year, our weekends shouldn’t be cut short on lack of fun. With so many activities to chose from in and around LA, fill your time with the events we’ve rounded up below!

Friday Feb. 8th, 2019

Groundlings & Groundlings, Attorneys at Law

Location: The Groundlings Theatre, Los Angeles

The legendary Groundlings Theatre troupe presents its latest and greatest main stage show. It’s an evening of sketches and some improvisation, always original and always hilarious. Groundlings & Groundlings, Attorneys At Law Opening Night Party is Friday, February 8th. Tickets are $50 and include two drink tickets (specialty cocktails, beer, and wine), catering from The Darkroom, and an awesome show! This event is 21 and over only. ID required.

Click here for more info!

One Love Cali Reggae Festival

Location: Queen Mary, Long Beach

Lookin’ to groove right into 2019? One Love Cali Reggae Festival returns to the Queen Mary Events Park in Long Beach on February 8 – 10 for its fourth annual music fest with all of your favorite bands and artists. This three-day festival boasts a long line-up of musicians. Performers include Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Sublime with Rome, Dirty Heads, and more. Attendees can also enjoy nightly after parties on the water with Don Carlos on Friday, February 8, Collie Buddz on Saturday, February 9 and Fiji on Sunday, February 10.

Click here for more info!

The Pan African Film Festival

Michael Ealy, Joy Bryant, Regina Hall, producer Will Packer and Kevin Hart arrive at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival Premiere of Screen Gems’ “About Last Night”.

Location: Cinemark Rave 15 Theatres, Baldwin Hills

The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) returns to Los Angeles February 7-18. Now in its 27th year, the 12-day festival is the largest black film festival in America. PAFF’s legacy is evidenced by the success of storytellers and talent who’ve contributed works to the festival such as Will Packer, Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, Ryan Coogler, Berry Jenkins, Taraji P. Henson, Ava Duvernay, and countless others. This year’s program features a robust schedule including the Filmmakers Brunch, ARTFest, PAFF Institute Panels, StudentFest, LOL Comedy Series, Children’s Fest, SpokenWord Fest, Seniors’ Connection and much more.

Click here for more info!

Saturday Feb. 9th, 2019

Hammer Museum: Winter Exhibition Opening Night

Location: The Hammer Museum, Westwood

Come help the Hammer Museum celebrate their newest winter exhibitions with an opening-night party on February 9. From 8 to 11 p.m., attendees can view these brand-new exhibits during late-night hours, enjoy music by DJ Nubar and DJ ShyBoy from MaDonna Summer and Bootie LA/SF. See works by Los Angeles-based artist and view are newly acquired works. There will be a cash bar and The Original Grilled Cheese food truck will be parked on Lindbrook Drive if you want to grab a bite. As always, Hammer Museum events are free until they reach capacity.

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120th Golden Dragon Parade

Location: Chinatown, DTLA

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce presents the 120th Golden Dragon Parade along North Broadway in Chinatown on February 9. The celebration centers around the Lunar New Year, which is one of the biggest holidays of the year for nearly 1.5 million persons of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese descent in Southern California. Gathering thousands of individuals, this parade will include almost two dozen floats, multiple marching bands, government officials, various dignitaries, entertainers, local business leaders and cultural groups. The overarching theme of the parade is ethnic diversity, Chinese culture and exposure to Chinese-American businesses.

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Noah’s Ark After Dark Pajama Party

Location: Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles

Spend an evening with your favorite animal friends after hours aboard Noah’s Ark. Wear your favorite PJs (adults, too!) and play with puppets, tell stories, make new friends, and celebrate the winter. Enjoy a tasty dinner together and have loads of fun!

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Winter Sounds Weho: Zetz Klezmer Ensemble

Location:City Council Chambers (at the West Hollywood Library) 

The City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division and the West Hollywood Library present the 2018-19 Winter Sounds FREE Indoor Concert Series. Zetz Klezmer is a delightful ensemble whose show weaves together music, stories, history, educational demos, and jokes. Their original and traditional music is rooted in klezmer traditions of European Jews, but also fuses sounds from across the globe.

Click here for more info!

Sunday Feb. 10th, 2019

Second Annual Adam’s Forge

Location: Audubon Center at Debs Park, Los Angeles

On Sunday, February 10 the second annual Forge Festival celebrates the art of blacksmithing through live demonstrations, hands-on activities, musical performances, tomahawk throwing, artisan metal and craft marketplace and other family-friendly activities. Hosted by Adam’s Forge, a blacksmithing school founded 2002, The Forge Festival takes place from noon to 4 p.m. at the and tickets are $25 (children 12 and under are free).

Click here for more info!

From Rescue to Runway

Location: Annenberg Petspace, Los Angeles

Watch Healthy Spot’s Grooming team go paw-to-paw to transform some of Annenberg PetSpace‘s adoptable pets in hopes of helping them find their furever homes. This Japanese style grooming competition will be judged by celebrity guest, Kenichi Nagase! Kenichi is a renowned Japanese Pet Grooming Stylist, recently featured in the Netflix docuseries, Dogs. Your pet is more than welcomed to join you! Stop by and enjoy: A friendly grooming competition, Q&A with Japanese Style Grooming experts, Kenichi NagaseJess Ronaand Patricia Sugihara, Adoptable pets from Annenberg PetSpace, Treats and takeaways, Raffle prizes and giveaways!

Click here for more info!

A Faery Hunt: Valentine Faery Tea Party

Location: Tarzana Community and Cultural Center, Tarzana

Treat your little ones to A Fairy Tea Party! Each table will be hosted by one of A Faery Hunt’s charming faeries. English Tea Sandwiches, shortbread cookies, faery fruit and veggies, and Fairy Tea will be served; catered by their amazing Fairy Caterer. Come dressed in your faery; prince or princess finest attire. Enjoy circle-time story time with the faeries, music, dancing, and surprises. Space is limited for the Fairy Tea Party, so get your tickets now for this catered event.

Click here for more info!

Dance Sunday with Debbie Allen & Friends

Location: The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts

Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen returns with the 4th season of FREE, outdoor dance events for the whole family. This weekends event will feature BREAK THE FLOOR: HIP HOP! An introduction to Hip-Hop class with a fun and energetic routine taught by Chantel Heath. 

Click here for more info!

The Best Lunar New Year Celebrations 2019

With the Lunar New Year quickly approaching, Los Angeles and it’s surrounding areas have already started on the celebrations. Mark the Year of the Golden Pig with these festive events happening in and around the city. Kicking off this weekend through February!

Lunar New Year Festival

Date: Saturday, January 26-Sunday, January 27, 2019

Location: Downtown Monterey Park

Event producer World Journal and a bounty of food vendors, entertainers and merchants invite you to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Pig in Monterey Park. The Festival will offer unique gifts and speciality items along with food booths. amusement rides and lots of live entertainment. Arrive early Saturday morning to view the arrival of the traditional New year lion and dragon dancers with firecrackers to kick-off the festival. Various types of entertainment will be featured on both days with crowds of 50,000-100,000 expected to attend. Be sure to plan ahead, click here for more information.

Chinese New Year in Beverly Hills

Date: Saturday, January 26, 2019

Location: Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau (BHCVB) will host “Happy Chinese New Year, Charming Jing-Jin-Ji” in Beverly Hills on January 26, 2019. This is the eighth consecutive year of Beverly Hills hosting a Chinese New Year celebratory event. The 2019 Chinese New Year event will be divided into three parts: a variety show, a “Jing-Jin-Ji” photo exhibition and a cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration. The variety show will feature performance groups from Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei with Chinese acrobatics, martial arts, folk dance, Peking opera and more. The cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration will include Peking Opera costumes, ceremonial tea service, traditional folk music and more.

Click here for more information.

Golden Dragon Acrobats

Date: Saturday January 26, 2019

Location: Richard and Karen Carpenter Center, Long Beach

Don’t miss an afternoon of award-winning acrobatics and artistic form from world renowned troupe-Golden Dragon Acrobats. Hailing from Cangzhou in the People’s Republic of China, they represent a time-honored tradition that begun over twenty-five centuries ago. The troupe’s athleticism combined with ancient and modern dance and music present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.

Click here for more information.

Lunar New Year at The Americana at Brand

Date: Sunday, January 27, 2019

Location: The Americana at Brand, Glendale

Similar to the celebrations taking place at the Caruso’s The Grove, The Americana at Brand will celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Pig with a day of family fun. Enjoy complimentary entertainment and activities that focus on the rich history and traditions of the new year on The Green.

Click here for more information.

Lunar New Year at The Grove

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019

Location: The Grove, Los Angeles

Taking places just a few days prior to the new year is the Groves Lunar celebration. Focused on the festive nature of the holidays, The Grove will highlight the storied meaning, tradition and symbolism through a dazzling display of decor and fun-filled entertainment. Enjoy lively performances and cultural activities on Gilmore Lane and The Plaza of The Original Farmers Market.

Click here for more information

The Huntington-Chinese New Year Festival

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019

Location: The Huntington Library, 1151 Oxford Rd.s Pasadena

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at The Huntington as the Year of the Pig begins. The festivities include lion dancers, mask-changing performances, martial arts, music and more. Enjoy the days entertainment amongst the Huntington’s stunning botanical gardens.

Click here for more information.

Santa Monica Place Lunar New year Celebration

Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019

Location: Santa Monica

Santa Monica Place will be commerating the Year of the Pig with its annual Lunar New Year celebration. Hosted by comedian Paul “PK” Kim, festivities will include authentic cultural performances and activities. Enjoy an afternoon of traditional Chinese lion dance, stilt walkers, traditional dough artists, and classical Chinese folk music.

Click here for more information.

Shanghai Nights Aboard the Queen Mary

Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach

Celebrate the Chinese New Year aboard the majestic Queen Mary with Shanghai Nights. The evening soiree will be a night of Chinese culture, cuisine and dragon dancing, along with Wushu Warriors Shaolin acrobatics, a guezheng ensemble and more! It is a limited seating event that will be a feast of the senes surrounded by stunning decor.

Click here for more information.

Chinatown Celebrates Year of the Boar

Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019

Location: Chinatown, DTLA

Don’t miss out on Chinatowns biggest party of the year! Celebrate the Year of the Boar with a parade and festival in Chinatown. Featuring Marching Bands, Floats, The Miss Chinatown Queen and Court as well as delicious food, music and fun.

Click here for more information.

Weekend Events: January 11-13, 2019

 Now that 2019 is in full gear, don’t let you weekends fall short of well-deserved fun. In the city of stars there is no shortage of thrills. We rounded-up the best “Angeleno” approved events to enjoy this weekend!

Read below for events happening in and round LA January 11-13.

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday Jan. 11th

Dine L.A.

Location: Los Angeles, Citywide

Presented by the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, dineL.A. returns with it’s 15-day dining event. The bi-annual dining showcase highlights the diversity of culinary experiences L.A. has to offer. Enjoy a variety of special lunch and dinner menus at more than 400 restaurants. Tickets are not required but reservations are recommended!

Click here for more information.

Once Loved. Twice Broken

Location: California Heritage Museum, Santa Monica

Join the California Heritage Museum for their opening of two exhibits: Chris Fraticelli’s Once Loved, Twice Broken and Gilena Simons Fortuna. The opening reception will takes place from 6-9pm with debut installations and over 24 sculptures from Fraticelli.

Click here for more information.

Movie Night at The Wiltern

Location: The Wiltern, Los Angeles

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage at The Wiltern this Friday with a showing of the 1997 beloved biopic, Selena. Relive her legacy on the theatre’s historical silver screen and enjoy vendors, photo ops and more.

Click here for more information.

Saturday Jan. 12th

Dimitris Papaioannou: The Great Tamer

Location: Royce Hall, UCLA Los Angeles

Visual Artists and choreographer Dimitris Papaioannou plays Royce Hall. A visually stunning and surreal pageant that grapples with the meaning of life, the mystery of death, time, destruction and reconstruction. Often referencing famous sculptures and paintings, Papaioannou uses the human body to create vignettes brimming with humor, horror, circus-like stunts and optical illusions.

Click here for more information.

Winter Sounds WEHO: Danny Janklow

Location: West Hollywood City Council Chambers

The City of West Hollywood’s Art Division and the West Hollywood Library present the 2018-19 Winter Sounds free Indoor Concert Series. Saxophonist and multi-talented Danny Janklow brings his soulful and innovative voice to Weho for a night of energetic sound. Having inspired thousands of listeners from Japan to Holland, Danny has also shared the stage with legends such as Stevie Wonder.

Click here for more information.

Nelaart Second Saturday Night

Location: Highland Park and Surrounding Areas, Los Angeles

The Highland Park and Eagle Rock districts of the northeast cluster of art galleries will collectively stay open late this Saturday and each second Saturday of the month. Discover new and known artists during this evening of arts and culture.

Click here for more information.

Sunday Jan 13th

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

Location: Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University

Enjoy an afternoon of intimate music and ecstatic dance energy between consummate performer Alasdair Fraser and California cellist Natalie Haas. Over the last sixteen years, the duo has created a buzz at festivals and concert halls around the world .

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Rock 4 Relief- A Benefit For CA Wildfire Victims & First Responders

Location: The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles

Rock 4 Relief takes this stage this weekend at the Ace Hotel. The benefit concert will be in support of victims, fire fighters and first responders of the recent California wildfires. The concert will feature performances from Sugar Ray, REM, Billy Idol and more. VIP ticket includes premium seat + meet & greet and photo opportunity.

Click here for more information.

Story Pirates

Location: Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts

What the New York Times is hailing a “Theatrical Treasure” , Story Pirates returns to the Wallis Annenberg for day of fun. This kid-centric company is a free outdoor musical sketch comedy. The stories are written by children and geared towards the tiniest of toddlers. Treat your little ones to a hearty afternoon of laughter and excitement!

Click here for more information.