The weekend has arrived with a range of local fun happening January 12 through January 14. Explore what’s happening in your neighborhood this MLK weekend with this week’s blog. From pop-ups to parades and more, there is plenty to do around town!
LOS ANGELES WEEKEND EVENTS | JANUARY 12 – JANUARY 14
Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy
When: Through Spring 2024
Where: Boyle Heights
What: In the summer of 1987, Germany hosted a unique carnival where traditional rides were embellished with art from Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, David Hockney, Sonia Delaunay, and many others. After that summer, this distinctive carnival disappeared, tucked away in storage for years. Recently, however, Luna Luna has been resurrected in Los Angeles. Thanks to the efforts of several art world collaborators and Drake, the carnival has been meticulously restored and reassembled. It is now open for visitors in a Boyle Heights soundstage until the spring of 2024.
Batman 1989 35th Anniversary Concert
When: January 13
Where: Hollywood
What: Experience the 1989 classic “Batman” on the large cinema screen accompanied by a live orchestra performing the iconic score composed by Danny Elfman in this event at the Dolby Theatre. Embrace your inner superhero and feel free to don your favorite superhero costumes for added excitement.
Squid Game: The Trials
When: Until January 31, 2024
Where: Fairfax District
What: This real-life version of Squid Game is much safer than its on-screen counterpart, offering a chance to participate in six challenges drawn from the popular Netflix show. Over a 70-minute period, participants can accumulate points through various games, overseen by a character resembling the Front Man from the series. These games are adaptations of classic childhood favorites, including unique versions of marbles, Battleship, and Operation, along with direct adaptations from the series like Red Light, Green Light.
WESTSIDE & BEACH COMMUNITIES WEEKEND EVENTS | JANUARY 12 – JANUARY 14
The Mean Girls Experience L.A.
When: January 12 – April 21, 2024
Where: Santa Monica
What: Get ready to immerse yourself in a Mean Girls-inspired adventure in Santa Monica where you might just hear some “you can’t sit with us!” exclamations. With each ticket, you’ll enjoy a meal consisting of an entree and side (such as the “Stab” Caesar salad and cheese fries) in a cafeteria-style atmosphere. Additionally, you’ll have access to the Cool Mom Bar and numerous photo opportunities, including Regina’s bedroom mirror, the Burn Book, and the talent show stage. Located at 2020 Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica, it’s the ultimate Mean Girls experience!
This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers from the Civil Rights Movement
When: Until February 25
Where: Westside
What: Discover over 150 impactful black-and-white photographs captured by nine photographers at Skirball’s civil rights movement exhibition. This collection showcases a blend of daily life scenes, protest moments, and influential figures like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The exhibition highlights not only the subjects in front of the camera but also the activist photographers behind the lens.
The Dr. Seuss Experience
When: Until Janaury 31
Where: Santa Monica
What: Immerse yourself in the whimsical universe of Wockets and Truffula Trees at The Dr. Seuss Experience, an interactive adventure inspired by the beloved books of Dr. Seuss. This enchanting experience brings to life the vivid characters and landscapes from classics like The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax. Guests can explore a series of rooms, each offering unique interactions with characters and perfect photo opportunities. At the heart of this pop-up lies a mirror maze, inspired by The Sneetches, providing a captivating challenge. Catch this touring show at Santa Monica Place starting in November 2023 for a magical journey through the world of Dr. Seuss.
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS | JANUARY 12 – JANUARY 14
The Piano Says It Better
When: January 13
Where: The Colony Theater | Burbank
What: Introducing “The Piano Says It Better” – a mesmerizing one-man-piano show by David Snyder, the young pianist who captured hearts on America’s Got Talent, opened for Snoop Dogg, amassed a devoted following on TikTok, has composed for TV and Film, and accumulated over 6 million streams on his piano music.
Shaping Gravity: Abstract Art Beyond the Picture Plane
When: Until March 10
Where: Glendale
What: Experience the vibrant interpretations of abstraction by seven artists at this complimentary exhibit at the Forest Lawn Museum. Explore diverse artworks ranging from sculptures and paintings to augmented reality pieces and interactive video projections. Featured artists include Jen Stark, Molly Larkey, Shane Guffogg, Michelle Jane Lee, Christine Nguyen, Rema Ghuloum, and Sara Ippolito.
VALLEY RELICS MUSEUM EXPERIENCE
When: Every Saturday and Sunday
Where: 16781 Stagg Street Hangar C3 & C4 | Van Nuys
What: Visit the Valley’s beloved Museum of Pop Culture this weekend! The Valley Relics Museum invites you to join them for a day full of nostalgia and fun. Their one-of-a-kind museum.
CONEJO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS | JANUARY 12 – JANUARY 14
SAMO Fund Hosts Urban Forest Planning Workshop
When: January 13, 9:00am – 11:30am
Where: 29900 Ladyface Ct, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
What: Santa Monica Mountains Fund is partnering with both the County Chief Sustainability Office and the City of Los Angeles to engage the local community in the development of Urban Forest Management Plans. These plans will guide future decisions about urban forests.
Native Plant Fest
When: January 13, 11am – 4pm
Where: 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030
What: A community celebration for our love of all things plants! Native Plant Fest brings together our community to celebrate and showcase local plant-inspired culture, food, traditions, and creativity! This festival is community-led by plant enthusiasts of diverse backgrounds who will share their plants, services, artwork, culinary creations, products, educational resources, and much more!
Ventura County’s Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Program Celebration
When: January 15, 9am – 10am
Where: 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030, USA (map)
What: The 38th Annual Ventura County Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is Monday, January 15, 2024. The event starts at 8 a.m. with a gathering at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street in Downtown Oxnard, followed by a “Freedom March” to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.