Weekend Events: January 24 – January 26

Grammy parties? Check. Fitness and beauty expos? Got them. Beer on the beach? And maybe a little Stephen King? Check, check and check. In other words, there is no shortage of culture, cuisines and the unexpected to check out this weekend in Los Angeles, the Westside, and throughout the San Fernando, Conejo, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel Valleys.

Los Angeles 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020

The SOIREE

LOCATION: The Hollywood Roosevelt Ballroom

It’s Grammy weekend in LA, meaning parties as much as music. This sixth annual gala, hosted simultaneously alongside the Grammy bashes happening ahead of Sunday’s ceremony, bills itself as a go-to event for music industry leaders, influencers and Recording Academy members. Along with celebrities and a red carpet, expect a menu that includes pan-seared crab cake and mini-burgers. Learn more HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25,, 2020

The LA Animation Film Festival

LOCATION: Let Live Theater

Celebrate the genre of animation during this event that brings together both fans and filmmakers. Categories include Feature, Short, TV Pilot, Web Series, and Sketch Comedy. The 80-seat venue boasts a Christie DLP projector and seven JBL speakers throughout. The festival kicks off Friday at 12 a.m. and runs until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday. Get tickets HERE.

The FitExpo

LOCATION: Los Angeles Convention Center 

Whether you’re a schlubby weekend warrior or a shredded power-lifter, there promises to be something for all body types at this family-friendly event. Look for free fitness classes, cooking demos, live fitness competitions, and a few fitness industry celebrities. FitExpo kicks off Saturday at 10 a.m. and runs until Sunday at 5 p.m. Learn more HERE.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020

Donut Festival

LOCATION: Indie Brewing Company

Mmm… donut festival. After FitExpo, what better way to reward yourself than dropping by this sugary palooza? LA’s self-described sweetest bash lets you try out the aforementioned donuts, as well as coffee and even beer. Every ticket includes 10 samples and every guest over the age of 21 gets a free beer drink ticket. Get tickets and information HERE.

Uncorked: LA Wine Fest

LOCATION: Union Station

Cheers to this new event from Uncorked Wine Festivals, featuring more than 100 wines rated 90 points and higher from around the world. Attendees can expect live music, gourmet food trucks and, of course, no shortage of fine vintages to sample. The early access ticket gets you an additional hour of tasting. Learn more HERE.

Westside

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020

Christine

LOCATION: Nuart Theatre

From It to Doctor Sleep to HBO’s The Outsider, Stephen King has never been more in-demand. So it’s a curiosity to consider 1983’s Christine, directed by John Carpenter (Halloween) about a bullied teenager and his lethally-protective car. The film disappointed when it was released, but it bears all the themes of classic King. It runs as part of the Nuart’s CineInsomnia series. Get tickets HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2020

Juicy Brews Beach Party Craft Beer Festival 

LOCATION: Brouwerij West 110 E 22nd St Floor 1 San Pedro, CA 90731

In the mood for some tasty waves? Hop Culture Magazine’s beer festival will offer attendees music, lobster rolls and, yes, brews aplenty. All attendees must be 21. General admission gets you access to the festival at 1 p.m. Upon entering, you enter the land of unlimited samplings. Proceeds go to the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy. Get tickets HERE.

The International Salon and Spa Expo

LOCATION: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

All dolled up and nowhere to go? Or just looking for the hottest trends in personal care and make-up? Then check out the biggest beauty expo on the West Coast. ISSE boasts more than 200 classes by some of the industry’s top names. Learn from the best while enjoying the spa, pools and other outdoor activities. Get tickets HERE.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020

Goat Yoga

LOCATION: Laughing Frog Yoga

If you don’t know what goat yoga is, welcome to Los Angeles because you’re obviously not from around here. And, lucky for you, Laughing Frog Yoga has two baby goats, Gigi and Felix, ready to show you the ups and downs of this latest trend. Need a better incentive? Gigi and Felix are expected to retire soon, so this may your last chance to get a selfie with a pair (the last 30 minutes of this particular session have been set aside just for photos). Learn more HERE.

After-Grammys party

LOCATION: Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

The show is over, so let the party begin. Following the red carpet, mix and mingle with Hollywood insiders while enjoying specialty cocktails, outdoor patio and indoor entertainment and a live DJ. General admission is free online, but you must be 21 to attend. Learn more HERE.

Conejo, San Fernando, Santa Clarita Valley

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020

The Little Mermaid, Jr.

LOCATION: The Performing Arts Education Center, 22855 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas

Before you see the live-action Disney remake, journey “under the sea” with this musical production about Ariel, a young mermaid in an impossible romance with a handsome prince. Notably, this version features flying effects by ZFX. Learn more HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2020

Historic Walking Tour of North Hollywood

LOCATION: North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Library

Once upon a time in Hollywood… this really happened. Cowboys, pioneers, movie stars and the conquests that made California what it is today. Highlights of the tour include the Academy of Arts and Entertainment and Lankershim Elementary School, which Marilyn Monroe attended. Learn more HERE.

The Dark Side of the San Fernando Valley

LOCATION: Valley Relics Museum

Today more than 45 museums throughout Southern California will waive the cost of admission for the entire day for free museum day. This three-hour bus tour departs the Valley Relics Museum, taking occupants on a journey including hauntings, crime scenes and hidden secrets that promises to make them never look at the valley the same way again. Learn more HERE.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020

Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra Presents “Tales From Russia”

LOCATION: Fred Kavli Theatre – B of A Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks

Music to warm the coldest Siberian heart. The Mighty Five, also known as the Mighty Handful, were a group of Russian composers united to try to start a national school of Russian music in the 1800s. Their pieces, as well as ones by Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky, will be presented by the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra. Learn more HERE.

Sombrero Half Marathon, 5K and 10K

LOCATION: Rancho Simi Park at 1765 Royal Ave, Simi Valley CA

Watch racers dart along the tree-lined, scenic Arroyo bike path toward the ultimate finisher’s medal: post-race tacos for all. While the race should suit runners of all speeds, all are invited to join along in spirit, if not in actual stride. Learn more HERE.