Best places for Thanksgiving Dinner in L.A.

Alright, so your no Curtis Stone in the kitchen and thats ok. With Thanksgiving creeping up sooner than Holiday songs on the radio, we’ve rounded up your go-to “go out” options to spare you the culinary turmoil. So put the deep fryer back in storage and ditch your Mom’s famous stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving the L.A. way.

Akasha

Akasha

Culver City

This Thanksgiving-Akaska in Culver City is dishing out their take on modern California inspired fair. The menu is pre-fixe and full of items like the persimmon-and-pomegranate salad, gluten-free cornbread and herb-roasted organic turkey. In the mood for dessert, enjoy an entire “pie buffet”. Need we say more? Reservations are from 1-8pm and prices are listed as $80 for Adults; $35 for Children (10 and under). 

Polo Lounge

Polo Lounge

Beverly Hills

Nothing is more quintessential Beverly Hills then the Polo Lounge and Thanksgiving in the Pink Palace is nothing short of luxury. Also offering a pre-fixe menu selection(like most restaurants in L.A. on a holiday), the pairings do not disappointment. Opt for the traditional Turkey-organic of course-or take a chance with something outside the box, there menu always pleases. And be sure to save room for dessert as the Sweets buffet will be serving a range of customer confectionaries courtesy of their in-house pastry team. Their Brunch will be hosted 11am-3pm with dinner commencing at 5pm-8pm, with the fixed menu priced at $175 per Adult, $60 per Child. 

Bourbon Steak

Bourbon Steak

Glendale

If Glendale is your local, Bourbon Steak is your destination this Turkey Day. Their three-course dinner will feature traditional-roasted heritage turkey with sage stuffing and cranberry compote. Or opt for the exotic like pan-seared scallops with roasted cauliflower and tamarind brown butter. Not feeling the bird, there’s also an 18-ounce dry-aged, bone-in ribeye. If that catches your feasting eye, reservations are available from 2-8pm at $75 with wine pairings available at an additional cost.

Craft

Craft Century City

Century City

Tom Colicchio’s acclaimed restaurant rings in the day of thanks with family-style starters like their pork belly with butternut squash and sage, and entrees like braised lamb, fish and pasta. Share a range of family-style sides such as sausage-and-raisen stuffing and Brussels sprouts. Lastly is of course a premium selection of Fall-inspired desserts, artfully whipped up by pastry chef Shannon Swindle. Reservations are available 1-8pm with menu pricing offered Ala Carte.

Crossroads Kitchen

Crossroads Kitchen

Melrose

For the none Turkey-Eaters (and just non-meat eaters in general), Crossroads is a perfect plant based option. While the idea of such may seem oft for this particular Holiday, Crossroads is a cut above the rest in offering dishes that beguile its patrons as to wether or not its just plants. This year’s menu is four courses of autumn-appropriate dishes like butternut squash bisque with nutmeg creme fraiche; spiced chickpea cake with cranberry cabernet sauce, and mashed potatoes with porcini gravy. Stimulate your dessert senses with delights like their pumpkin mousse verrine. Hours for the evening are noon-5pm with the menu priced at $75 pp.

Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant

Gwen LA

Hollywood

You didn’t think we’d mention the famed chef with out spotlighting his holiday menu? Chef Curtis Stone’s Hollywood outpost-Gwen already amazes with decadent classic fare every day of the week and the Thanksgiving Menu holds to that tradition. Dishes like the white onion veloute pair perfectly with traditional heritage turkey and his green bean casserole. Finish off the evening with a selection of perfectly prepared pies and your absolutely acceptable 4th glass of wine. This festive fete is offered 2-6pm at $75 pp.

Cecconi’s

Cecconi’s

Melrose

Your possibly thinking, Italian for dinner how strange? While the famed West Hollywood eatery dishes out the best southern Italian fare in the L.A. area, their thanksgiving feast is every bit as traditional as you would hope and savor over. Served family style, the courses provide the same familiar heartiness found in their comfort dishes mixed into America’s favorite cuisine. Indulge on porcini corn bread stuffing, squash tortellini and truffle mashed potatoes, as well as a selection of seasonal sweets including apple-pecan crostata. Thanksgiving with an Italian touch is served at $95 pp from noon-10pm. 

Cafe Pinot

Cafe Pinot

DTLA

This California-French restaurant with a gorgeous, tree-dotted patio will be serving your choice of a three- or four-course prix-fixe dinner with both traditional fare and a few brow-raising dishes, to boot. Find sliced turkey breast with heirloom cauliflower and mole; sunchoke soup with a red wine and shallot jam; and filet mignon au poivre. Finish with pumpkin mousse or an apple crumble to really get into the fall spirit. Dinner is served 2-8pm, with a $70 per three-course meal, $90 per four-course meal; and $29 per child 10 and under.

Playa Provisions

Playa del Rey

Take Turkey to the beach at Playa Provisions, which is offering a downright steal of a meal: just $38 to feast on roast turkey or honey mustard ham, plus a variety of sides, including chicory salad, roasted acorn squash and cranberry sauce. Finish with a selection of seasonal desserts including but not limited to pumpkin pie and cran-apple pie. This is a highly kid-friendly option, but if you’re looking for something a bit more adult, round the corner to Playa Provisions’ whiskey bar, Grain, which will be offering à la carte holiday specials in liquid form. Satisfy your turkey cravings from3-8pm at $38 per adult, $20 per child.

Saddle Peak Lodge

Saddle Peak Lodge

Calabasas

Head to this rustic mountain lodge for a four-course meal that lets you choose from hearty dishes like buffalo tartare, seared elk tenderloin with a foie gras and mushroom sauce, roast turkey with sausage-and-apple stuffing, and grilled quail with spiced cherries. Pro tip: Don’t leave before the pumpkin pie or banana-huckleberry bread pudding. Start off the day from noon-8pm, with the menu priced at $105 per adult, $65 per child 12 and under.

Tavern

Tavern

Brentwood

Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne and chef de cuisine Joel Walsh are bringing a little something for everyone to their Thanksgiving table, with options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike. Settle in for a three-course meal that offers herb-roasted organic turkey breast and stuffed leg with mashed potatoes, gravy, Brussels sprouts with pancetta and thyme, cranberry sauce with mint and orange, sweet potatoes with sherry, and sourdough stuffing with turkey sausage. There’s even the “vegan thanksgiving extravaganza” option, which offers sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, Italian broccoli and Suzanne’s stuffing and wild-mushroom persillade. Your day at the Tavern starts serving 1-8pm, with pre-fixe at  $95 per adult; $45 per child 10 and under; free for children four and under.

Catch

Catch Santa Monica

Santa Monica

Enjoy your Turkey Day seaside at Catch in the Hotel del Mar, because chef Gemma Grayis whipping up all the classics and even a few contemporary plates right at the beach. Look for a prix-fixe involving slow-roasted organic turkey with apple and chestnut stuffing, as well as roasted cauliflower pie with wild mushrooms, and Japanese snapper crudo with pumpkin vinaigrette. Spend the day seaside from 11am-10pm at $110 pp.

 

 

Weekend Events:Nov. 2nd-4th

With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.

Okay, so haunting season is officially over and now begins the most frightening time of the year. Thanksgiving with your in-laws is around the corner!!!!(Insert Jaws Theme song). Just kidding. But it is still a month of daunting task from choosing to cook your turkey or order in(thank you Whole Foods) and all the home prep in between. Even with this task at hand, you should take some time to explore your neck of the woods. Check out our event round up for the most #thankful time of the year and…..

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Nov. 2nd-4th

Friday Nov. 2nd

First Fridays-Long Beach
First Fridays: Long Beach

Long Beach’s First Fridays returns this fall with one goal: to bring you the best in local artists and musicians all in one night. Every first Friday of the month, participating Bixby Knolls businesses will come together to promote local artists and musicians  with extended operating hours. In offering this monthly gathering they hope tp encourage a dialogue between businesses, artists and the community. Click here for more information. 

First Fridays-Abbott Kinney
First Fridays: Abbott Kinney

With the same vision in mind as the Long Beach edition, Abbott Kinney’s First Friday aims to unite the best of the best in art, music, and products in the Venice hotspot area. The trendy thoroughfare of AK runs diagonally through Venice. With local charities benefiting as art junkies and the neighborhood patrons descending upon the always funky beach community, its sure to be an ideal evening. Oh, and theres adult beverages too! Click here for more information. 

Jerry Seinfeld Live at the Pantages Theatre

 

Seinfeld Live at The Pantages

The famed comedian, producer, and household name-Jerry Seinfeld-descends upon the Pantages Theatre this weekend only. With his return to the Pantages stage, is his signature stand-up routine along with new quips and jabs one could expect from the legendary comedian. His latest projects include the Emmy nominated web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and his Netflix special Jerry Before Seinfeld. Seinfeld continues to perform both nationally and internationally. Click here for more information.

Sat Nov. 3rd

Smorgasborg at Santa Anita
Smorgasburg at Santa Anita Park

Also the location of Rodeo Realty’s annual Day at the Races, Santa Anita turns into a “Smorgasburg Meltdown” this Saturday only. The foodie favorite event returns with all things cheesy, offering the best in food vendors and fun that Santa Anita has to offer. Don’t miss out on this showcase of ooey-gooey goodness while you enjoy your own Day at the Races! Various packages available, click here for more details. Click here for more information.

Grand Ave. Arts All Access
Grand Ave. Arts: All Access

This diverse program of family friendly fun returns for its 4th annual, one-day only free community event. The Grand Ave Arts: All Access is a showcase of activities, interactive workshops and tours highlighting the world class arts and cultural programs of DTLA.  Established to celebrate their commitment to the cultural landscape of LA, is a range of events. All the while showcasing the world-class architecture and programming that define the Grand Avenue corridor and LA’s cultural center. From The Broad to LA Phil, don’t miss out on this day of artful entertainment.  Click here for more information.

Dan Guerrero Artist & Icons Event
Artists & Icons: Dan Guerrero

The City of West Hollywood Arts Division presents the return of their Artists & Icons session: A Conversation with Dan Guerrero. The Artists, Educator and Activists sits down for a Q & A moderated by Tony Estrada. Dan Guerrero-and award winning producer of diverse programming for network and cable Television has been part of the West Hollywood community since 1982. The eclectic artists brings his worldly experiences to this one-time sit down put on by the West Hollywood Chamber of commerce. Click here for more information.

Sun Nov. 4th

10th Annual Malibu Half Marathon
Malibu Half Marathon and 5k

The Malibu 5k and Half Marathon returns to the beach city this Saturday and Sunday. A phenomenal beach course that starts and ends at Zuma Beach in Malibu brings together nearly 4000 patrons. Saturday event will feature a Health & Fitness expo while Sunday will kick-off the storied run down PCH(horrible traffic not included). Along the way, participants will see some of Californias most scenic views and stunning homes. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Malibu are the beneficiary’s of the weekend event aiming to significantly enhance the lives of Malibu youth through  new programming. Click here for more information.

Griffith Harvest Festival
Griffith Harvest Festival

 

There is no better way to celebrate autumn then at L.A’s ;argued urban park! The Griffith Harvest festival will play host to a slew of live music, local craft beers and a Kid Zone. The entire event is presented by the Los Angeles Parks Foundation and City of L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks. Sure to be fun for the entire family, don’t miss this fall fest in L.A.’s most famed park location. Click here for more information.

Bowies Piano Man-San Pedro
Able Arts Work Presents: Bowie’s Piano Man

Presented by Able ARTS Work is Bowie’s Piano Man + Symphonic Suite for Healing 2. The inaugural benefit concert will feature world renowned pianist Mike Garson and some of his newest work while also highlighting the artistry of David Bowie and his belief in betterment for mankind.  The first alf of the matinee will showcase work by Garson from his newest Symphonic suite, with the second half featuring hits by Bowie like “Life on Mars”, Five Years”, and Garson and Bowies most famous collaboration “Aladdin Sane. . Garson will be join don stage by world-class musicians  like Gaby Moreno, Denny Seiwell and Brett Hook to name a few. Click here for more information.

Best new Brunches to Try in L.A.

Before the madness of the holiday season starts, take a minute for yourself—and maybe a minute (or 90) for bottomless mimosas, porchetta-and-egg sandwiches and some time to lounge in a rooftop greenhouse, cold brew in one hand and a pastry in the other. Here are five new brunches to check out this month, relaxation (probably) included.

Bacari W. 3rd

Bacari W. 3rd

Location: W. 3rd Street, W.LA

Not only does the newest Bacari sport one of the best new patios in L.A., but it also has a solid brunch menu. There’s the requisite Bacari cicchetti, or plates meant for sharing, and you can expect the Mediterranean-inspired offerings to include shakshouka with bell peppers and sous vide egg; smoked salmon with capers, pickled red onions, cucumber, a dill-garlic crème fraîche and fresh-baked pita; and goat cheese polenta with lamb ragu and a fried egg. What goes with brunch better than a patio? Bottomless drinks, obviously, and you can find unlimited mimosas, sangria and bellinis for $25, running until you tap out or the clock reaches 90 minutes.

Sat, Sun 10:30am-3pm

Easy’s

Easy’s

Location: W.LA

The Beverly Center’s newcomer is like a child’s dream come to life: Jeremy Fall’s insane, decadent creations run the sweet-savory gamut, with options like massive burgers, gloopy grilled cheese sandwiches, and funnel cake topped with Thrifty ice cream. The brunch menu is no exception, offering up dishes such as the Tower of Cinnamon Toast (topped with cinnamon sugar and red velvet icing, no less); rotating flavors of “Not” Pockets, an allusion to, you guessed it, Hot Pockets; and French toast dipped in doughnut crumbs. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more, er, adult, there’s pork belly eggs Benedict; corned beef hash; brunch enchiladas; and a classic diner breakfast combo. More adult still are the spiked milkshakes and the tableside beer taps, plus cocktails such as the Cold Fashioned: vanilla-infused bourbon with cold brew, bitters and maple.

Sat, Sun 10am–3pm

Hail Mary Pizza

Hail Mary Pizza

Location: Atwater Village

There’s no question that the new Hail Mary Pizza is already one of Atwater’s top neighborhood restaurants—and now, it just might offer one of the top brunches, too. Weekend daytime-exclusive items include a crispy porchetta sandwich on brioche (with option to add a runny egg—always add a runny egg); a blue cheese burger; French toast with walnuts and salted caramel ice cream; and frittata with caramelized onions and goat cheese, among others. Still looking for a pizza fix? Hail Mary’s is some of the best in L.A., and at brunch, you can find it both in whole-pie form and by the slice.

Sat, Sun 11:30am–2:30pm

Openaire

Openaire

Location: Koreatown

Josiah Citrin’s new restaurant in the Line’s gorgeous greenhouse—formerly home to Commissary—brings playful California cuisine to the table in one of K-town’s prettiest spaces. During brunch, the Michelin-starred chef is plating Cornflake-crusted French toast; chia seed pudding with roasted pineapple and spiced cashew; tuna katsu sandwiches with black garlic and cabbage; burrata with persimmons and Asian pear; and eggs in a slew of omelets, huevos rancheros and a breakfast burrito. Openaire is poolside, after all, and you can make use of those summery vibes and our unseasonably warm fall weather with fresh pressed juice, California-fruit plates, matcha affogato and fun daytime cocktails. We’re not just checking in—we’re moving in.

Sat, Sun 7am–2:30pm

The Pan

The Pan

Location: Pasadena

This Pasadena newcomer serves hearty portions, and there’s even better news for hungover/late-day brunchers: This spot serves breakfast items all day long. There are blueberry-purée–filled pancake stacks topped with lemon-vanilla butter, cinnamon roll pancakes, raspberry pancakes, chocolate peanut butter pancakes and pineapple pancakes. And if you hate pancakes, there are crêpes and waffles. There’s a breakfast burger—topped with bacon and a fried egg, naturally—as well as breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, scrambles and French toast. You want biscuits with gravy? They’ve got that, too, and all day long—because sometimes you go a little too hard and don’t roll out of bed until 3pm. The Pan does not judge.

Sat 8am–10pm, Sun 8am–7pm

Courtesy of: Time Out

Out and About: Pasadena Edition

While Pasadena may not come to mind as your Mecca of Hollywood hustle and bustle, the picturesque city in San Gabriel Valley is every bit as delightful. Especially in the fall.

Pasadena

Nestled amongst the San Gabriel mountains, Pasadena provides its locals as well as visitors with plenty to do from shopping, to shows and all the small town tourist vibes in-between. Tour turn of the century mansions or hike the Echo Mountain trail, spend a little time exploring an area outside your usual neck of the woods. Read below for our guide of a perfect day in Pasadena!

Old Town Pasadena

At Dawn…

Start your morning off strolling through Old Town Pasadena where you will find Southern California most walkable downtown district. Along Colorado Boulevard is historic Route 66 and a bounty of shops, restaurants and bars hosted in turn of the century brick buildings. Stop by Miller Alley to wander the courtyard at One Colorado or pop into Indiana Colony for a perfect morning pick me up from Russells or a famed breakfast burrito from Lucky Boy.

Midday delight…

Once your AM is filled up with food and a bit of light fun(or shopping), an afternoon in Eaton Canyon Falls-Pasadena’s most easygoing nature trail is the perfect next stop. Follow the sound of running water to find your Kodak moment at its waterfall.

Afterwards head to Gamble House, originally built for one of the heirs of the Procter & Gamble fortune. The home is one of the best examples of the Arts and Crafts movement. Tours through the house range from the art glass to minute details of the homes construction. They even have Brown Bag Tuesday where visitors can bring their own lunch  for a picnic on the grounds followed by a 20 minute guided tour.

If you prefer to have your nature and art all in one, Pasadena has that too at Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens. I know what your thinking. Why would I spend my afternoon at a library of all places? Huntington is anything but just a library. The grounds include a 120 acres of over a dozen different types of gardens from Tropical to Japanese. Have afternoon tea in the Rose Garden. Stroll past the Greek statues that line the precisely manicured courtyard. Spend the midday trailing through as much of the outdoor scene as your phone battery can take. One will likely not tackle all of the famed destination in one day. But that being said, you can find art and nature equally placed throughout.

Before your day reaches the evening portion, be sure to make a stop at Bungalow Heaven. The singular, leafy and quit neighborhood is comprised of over 800 homes from the Arts and Crafts movement. Bordered along Orange grove and Washington Blvd, the mostly intact bungalows are a true showcase. Bungalow Heaven is full of astonishing craftsmanship that flowed through Pasadena during the early point of the 20th century.

The Pasadena Playhouse

Evening Soiree…

So night has befallen and depending on the day of the week or the time of the year, you have a few options to properly conclude your time in Pasadena. If time slots you, it is most recommend to take in a show at the 20’s built Pasadena Playhouse. Revived during the 80’s, the Playhouse has a profound line-up of new plays and musicals. While outdoors, the Spanish Colonial courtyard plays home to neighborhood events. Other show options in the home of the Rose Parade including taking in laughs at the famed Ice House. A comedy mainstay since 1960, the Ice House provides it patrons an intimate no-frills room with big name comics and evening debauchery(comical debacuhery to be exact).

After you’ve entertained, you certainly should feast. So much in one day leaves one quite famished, Im sure. We recommend dining at the Fried Chicken Dinner at Colette(one of their more famed entrees) or the tagliatelle with pork ragout and gremolata at Union restaurant. Either establishment is the perfect send off to what we hope was the ideal Pasadena day!

Don’t Get Tricked by Halloween Candy!

This is a guest post written by author of “The Piccolo Chef Cookbook: Healthy Cooking with Your Kids” and Rodeo Realty agent, Tina Fanelli Moraccini. 

I used to love Halloween. I loved the chance to dress up, be someone else for a day, trick or treat. Now, I still love it, but it comes with its own set of problems. Namely, the blatant doling out of candy filled with GMOs, high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, artificial coloring – and the list only gets worse from there.

So how do we, as parents, protect our children from this garbage while still allowing them to have fun and participate in the festivities?

Well, thankfully, we are not in the 1970s, when it was almost impossible for my mom to find me decent natural candy. We live in a day where you can find the natural or organic version of any of your favorite treats, cereals and desserts! Just think of it: Fruit Loops without the artificial color!

We have a ritual in our family. We do all the Halloween fun just like anyone else – including the trick-or-treating. My kids fill up the bags with tons of what I call contraband. I mean pounds of the stuff. We have a wonderful time with all our friends, walking the neighborhood, seeing the costumes, decorations and partying. But once we’re home, those bags get dumped into a box that is being shipped straight to Operation Shoebox.

Yes folks, off to the troops.

I had a hard time reconciling sending them something so harmful until I had a conversation with a marine on leave from Afghanistan. He assured me that they really do look forward to the Halloween candy that is shipped to them from OS (as well as other items, especially personal hygiene products such as soap and wipes), and that it really makes their day.

After the candy gets boxed up, and my kids are staring at me wide-eyed, I break out the good stuff. Yes, I have the organic “Almond Joy”, the organic “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups”, jelly beans and “M&Ms” of all colors (made with vegetable dyes), gummy candy, hard candy and even bubble gum!

They still get all the candy fun without the horrible side effects!

See, my problem is not with sugar. Sugar is not the enemy. It’s all that other stuff that little kids’ bodies can do without. You will enjoy the benefit of better behavior (if your children are affected by artificial colors and flavors, the way I was as a child) and less chemicals in their bodies, which can only be a good thing.

For more information on Operation Shoebox, visit www.OperationShoebox.com

Your Halloween Event Round-up

If you’re brave enough to venture out on a weeknight we’ve got you covered. We scoured the dismally long list of Halloween events happening throughout L.A. this Wednesday. So sleep well on Hallows Eve because this round-up is sure to keep you jolted till dawn.

Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Kids

DTLA Halloween Festival

Location: Grand Hope Park, DTLA

Getting to downtown for trick-or-treating may seem like the real Halloween scare but its worth it when you make it to The Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Kids! The locals know how to throw quite the shindig and the event continues to thrive as parents celebrate the spookiest night of the year with bounce houses, puppet shows and faux trick-or-treat-doors.

More info

Vampyr + Halloween After-Party

Vampyr + Halloween After Party

Location: Theatre at The Ace Hotel, DTLA

Menace lurks behind every shadow in a remote village filled with secrets. The LA Opera’s annual Halloween mash-up of opera and cinema returns to the spectacular Theatre at Ace Hotel with filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer’s surreal 1932 masterwork, one of the most unsettling vampire movies ever made. LA Opera and The Theatre at Ace Hotel invite you to be their guest immediately following ‘Vampyr’ for a Halloween party with music and cash bar. Entry to the party is included with ticket to the October 31 ‘Vampyr’ performance.

More info

Mickeys Halloween Party at Disneyland Park

Mickey’s Halloween Party

Location: Disneyland, Anaheim

Perfect for all ghouls and goblins is this Halloween Extravaganza at the Happiest Place on Earth. ‘Mickey’s Halloween Party’ brings out all your favorite villains from ‘Cruella’ to ‘Lady Tremaine’. Delight at a ghostly ‘Space Mountain’ and Tim Burton-ized ‘Haunted Mansion’ as lively Jack-O-Lanterns line Main Street. Trick-or-Treat throughout the park until the evening hours end with a spectacular ‘Halloween Screams’ firework show. Be sure to arrive early if you’d like a true thrill on any of the rides up to three hours prior to the event.

More info

West Hollywood Carnaval

West Hollywood Carnaval

Location: Santa Monica Blvd (starting at Doheny), West Hollywood

Considered the largest Halloween street party in the world, there isn’t really a better place to be for the true costume aficionado. Yes the crowds are massive and to some quite rowdy but the amazing display of themed attire and general merry-making spirit deem it as at least a worthy stop along your way. Enjoy dancing in the streets, festive beverages in the bars and a night full of spooky fun!

More info

Cabaret de L’Enfer

Cabaret de L’Enfer

Location: The Edison, DTLA

Spend your Halloween underground (a little closer to the dearly departed) at The Edison. The clubs’ Cabaret L’Enfer will feature DJ sets, live performers, stilt walkers, tarot card readers and an “extraordinary selection of Attractions Diaboliques”. Like most other parties at the Edison, expect an old-time but sleek subterranean shindig. Costumes are not required but recommended (come on it’s Halloween)!

More info

Haunt Massive

Haunt Massive at Avalon

Location: Avalon, Hollywood

Since coming back from the dead a few years ago, Hollywood and Vine’s historic playhouse ‘Avalon’ has put on a ghoulish extravaganza each All Hallows’ Eve. Break out your provocative costumes and make your way to the dance floor and four themed areas!

More info

 

Weekend Events: Oct. 26th-28th

With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.

The time has finally come. You’ve picked up your costumes and allotted yourself at least a handful of candy this weekend. Halloween may fall on a Wednesday but the main events are just a round the corner. So don’t stay inside and cue on the slasher films, you’ve had all month for that. It’s time to throw on your Dracula cape and paint the town red. Read below for our round up events happening this weekend!

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Oct. 26th-28th.

friday oct. 26th

Disco Dining Club’s The Flowering of the Strange Orchids

The Flowering of Strange Orchid Presented by Disco Dining Club
The Flowering of Strange Orchid Presented by Disco Dining Club

Date: Oct 26, 27, & 28, 2018

Location: Private residence in Pico-Union

“Botanical horror’ and man-eating plants are at the center of this elevated Halloween dinner party. The lofty price tag of $300 will provide you with a tantalizing 5 course meal from Chef Laurent Quenioux, cocktail pairings and wine, coffee and tea service, desserts, and optional edible bug pairings by Bugible. Lavish set design by The Grim Weather will sprawl indoors and outdoors of the secret location,. This will be complimented by theatrical activations, puppets, live music and dance performances throughout the evening. Your favorite holiday…exaggerated with all the opulence, grandeur and hedonism of any Disco Dining Club soiree.

Click here for more information

Pageant of the Monsters

Pageant of the Monsters-Laguna Beach, CA
Pageant of the Monsters-Laguna Beach, CA

Date: Oct 26, 27, 28, 31, 2018

Location: 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach

Patrons of Pageant of the Master’s will know this live performance as artwork coming to life. Pageant of the Monsters is the ghoulish re-enactment of notable tableaus that awakens from their slumber every 5 years. This year’s theme is “Raiders of the Lost Art”. The fest includes a haunted house, Halloween arts and craft, and activities for children. The haunted house is suitable for even the tiniest of terrors, sans gore and recommended for children 5 and older. Food and non-alcoholic berates will be available for purchase.

Click here for more information

saturday oct. 27th

KCRW Masquerade Ball

KCRW Masquerade Ball

Location: Downtown LA Historic Core

While this isn’t quite the traditional masquerade, one can expect all the treats and tricks customary with an extravagant night on the town At the KCRW annual Masquerade  Ball patrons will be priledged to enjoy the soiree at a new location in DTLA. From themed rooms to various DJ sets and costumes galore, what more can you ask for in the spirit of Hallows Eve.

Click here for more information.

The Fanged Fete

The Fanged Fete

Location: Downtown L.A. at The Ace Hotel

If you haven’t gotten your fill at the masked ball above, there are plenty of parties to go around in DTLA. The Fanged Fete at The Ace Hotel’s lavish theatre warrants you arrive in your best fangs and vampiric couture(or just vampire-ish clothes). This swanky event will feature Restless Nites DJs, drinks and “dark arts”. Be advised to wake from your crypt early if you’d like to catch the screening of the 1932 surrealist horror film Vampyr alongside a reimagined live score courtesy of the LA opera before the festivities commence.

Click here for more information.

Haunted Hotel at Viceroy Santa Monica

Haunted Hotel at The Viceroy

Location: Viceroy Santa Monica

Spend your ghoulish activities on the westside at the Viceroy Santa Monica’s annual soiree. Over 1,000 guests descend upon the “haunted” hotel(Three Rule has been hired to deck out the entire property from the lobby to the drinks). Wander between to realms..sorry dance floors and lay your stake at a chance to win one of the amazing prizes being served out to the best costumes around(well at the party that is). That being said, costumes are required so you can’t just go as “a mouse..Duh” open to all 21 and over.

Click here for more information.

NoHo Monster Bash

NoHo Halloween Party

Location:  The Federal, North Hollywood

The Valley needs its go-to Halloween bash to which is what you’ll find at the Federal this year with a promise of performances on its main stage every half hour. Patrons can expect costume contest, eerie cocktails and an evening of ghastly fun. Bonus: This years theme is Pirates of The Caribbean. Perfect chance for you to bust out that Johnny Depp impression you’ve been “working on”.

Click here for more information. 

A Night of the Macabre with Poe and Gorey

Drama After Dark at The Huntington Library

Location: The Huntington Library, Pasadena

If your less for the partying and more for the ghoulish tales, then don’t miss this frightening telling of the famed poets held at the Huntington Library. Thrill to the tales of Edgar Allan Poe and Edward Gorey in an evening of chilling drama presented by the actors of the Guild of St. George. Haunting works will be enacted throughout the moonlit grounds, including “The Pit and the Pendulum,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Gashlycrumb Tinies,” and more. Ages 10 to adult. (May be too intense for younger children.)

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sunday oct. 28th

Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever

Dia de los Muertos

Location: Hollywood Forever Cemetary

Billed at the largest Day of the Dead celebration in California, Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s event is a Halloween must. The grounds of the cemetery are covered with art exhibitions, dance rituals, musical performances, and children’s arts and crafts spread throughout. While you enjoy the bounty of food vendors, peruse through the altars created for the departed by community artists. Patrons can also take part in the calico(skeleton) costume contest if they so please. This years theme, Coatlicue “Mother of Gods”, honors the Aztec goddess mother of the moon, sun and stars. For more information click here.

Pumpkin Festival

Pasadena Pumpkin Patch

Location: Pasadena

Bring the whole family and explore the Pasadena Pumpkin Patch and Costume Parade. This fun event includes a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce castles, carnival games and seasonal crafts with all proceeds benefitting the Kidspace Children’s Museum. Kidspace Children’s Museum Kidpspace works to provide free and discounted admission to all programs for those in undeserved communities. Click here for more information.

Halloween & Mourning Tours

Heritage Square Museum

Location: Heritage Square Museum, NE DTLA

You probably spent the majority of the weekend getting glitter spray out of your hair. If thats the case spend Sunday with educational frights instead of fruit cocktails at Heritage Square Museum’s annual Halloween celebration. This Victorian era event takes you through a true horror. Life before iPhones. Enjoy period games, 19th century harvest crafts and spooky stories that even the kid swill enjoy.

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The Nightmare before Christmas at the Hollywood Bowl

Nightmare Before Christmas

Location: The Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood

“This is Halloween, this is Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! “

Don’t miss the 25th Anniversary concert special of The Nightmare Before Christmas at The Hollywood Bowl. Danny Elfman along with Catherine O’Hara and Ken Page will be leading the evening soiree. Arrive early for a fun themed costume contest and enjoy the spectacular light projections while singing along to this Halloween Classic. Friday and Sunday tickets are still available.

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