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Disneyland's Pixar Pier Will Have Revamped Coaster, Carousel and Eateries

A lot of changes are coming to Disneyland, including the transition of California Adventure’s Paradise Pier to Pixar Pier. This is on top of alterations to the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride as well as the forthcoming Star Wars land.

Let’s start with Pixar Pier. The attraction officially opens June 23, coating the long-standing pier in a warm Pixar veneer. According to Disney Parks Blog, this includes the addition of the Monsters, Inc.-inspired Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats stand, where, most importantly, you can get lemon dole whip. Elsewhere, the Toy Story Toon: Small Fry-inspired eatery Poultry Palace will serve turkey legs, while Señor Buzz Churro Stand will offer, well, churros. Fittingly, Poultry Palace renderings depict some of that California-classic programmatic architecture in the form of a building that looks like a takeout container with an attached juice box. Meanwhile, Angry Dogs—themed for Inside Out—will serve hot dogs.

Poultry Palace. Photo: Disney Parks

Also opening on June 23 is the The Incredicoaster, a refresh of the existing California Screamin’ coaster. According to the OC Register, the revamp includes minor engineering upgrades, but more significantly, will incorporate a story and characters from The Incredibles. As the narrative goes, the family is being honored for their good deeds with this very roller coaster. However, the family’s youngest child, Jack-Jack, is not tall enough to ride. Jack-Jack finds his way onto the coaster anyhow, and the rest of the family spends the ride trying to catch up to him.

Pixar Pier is also getting a new gastropub, Lamplight Lounge, where guests can enjoy a plate of lobster nachos—a holdover from the restaurant’s former identity, Cove Bar—and a cocktail with a view of the park. Guests who wish to say goodbye to Cove Bar will have a window between March 16 and May 28.

Coming to Pixar Pier in 2019 is Jessie’s Critter Carousel, which will replace King Triton’s Carousel. The ride features Toy Story 2‘s cowgirl Jessie and swaps out sea creatures for 56 woodland and desert friends.

Renderings for Jessie’s Critter Carousel, opening 2019. Photo: Disney Parks

Over at Disneyland, the much-anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is slowly coming together. Drone footage released on Disney Parks’ social media channels gives a glimpse of the sprawling attraction, albeit covered in scaffolding.

Additionally, the long-standing Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland will close on April 23 for a brief makeover, the OC Register reports. The changes will see the removal of the controversial ‘bride auction,’ in which a group of pirates auction a line of bound women off to the highest bidder, including a redhead in a scarlet dress posing for potential buyers. In this new version of the ride, the same redhead will be a pirate herself and will instead be auctioning off loot.

Story courtesy of We Like LA.

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Weekend Events: March 16 – 18

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome.

Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend in L.A. (March 16-18) includes The Other Art Fair, The Los Angeles Zine And Art Book Bazaar, Arcade Expo, St. Patrick’s Day, L.A. Nature Fest, Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival, Cherry Blossom Festivals, L.A. Marathons and MUCH more.

Enjoy!

Friday March 16th, 2018

1. The Other Art Fair is coming the Majestic Downtown March 15-18. The one-of-a-kind art fair, will feature artwork by emerging local and international artists. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

2. The Los Angeles Zine And Art Book Bazaar taking place March 16-18 hosts over 50 indie publishers to be discovered by Angelenos as well as workshops, live performances, psychic readings and astrology charting.

3. PAC-MAN and Donkey Kong fans rejoice because the Arcade Expo is returning the Museum of Pinball in Banning from March 16-18 with some 1,100 retro and modern arcade games and pinball machines.

4. Premiere TV festival PaleyFest LA returns to Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre March 16-25 for another year of cutting-edge programs and panels connecting television fans with the stars of their favorite shows. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

5. Kick off St. Patrick’s Day with a midnight screening of Leprechaun at the Vista Theatre in Los Feliz.

6. National Geographic Live returns to The Broad Stage in Santa Monica on March 15-16 with the live talk Between River & Rim: Hiking the Grand Canyon. In case you’re unfamiliar, Nat Geo Live is an international show that brings real-life nature experiences to local communities.

7. 8th Annual Beyond Wonderland Festival happening March 16-17 in San Bernardino will feature over 70 performances, Alice and Wonderland themed immersive experiences, art, pyrotechnics and other expressive art forms.

8. ‘The Garden’ is a new series by the LA Phil offering complimentary pre-concert drinks and views of the DTLA Skyline followed by masterful performances. Taking place on select Fridays starting January 5 through June 1. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase to the actual concert.  DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 

9. Miista will host a major sample sale March 15-18 with current season, past favorites and samples of their highly sought after shoes with steep discounts.

10. Girls Nite Out For Laughs, brings together the funniest female comics to The Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by Real Housewives of Atlanta’s NeNe Leakes the show features sets from Adele Givens, Loni Love, Melanie Comarcho, Sherri Shepherd and Jess Hilarious. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

11. Kick off St. Patricks day weekend with a Santa Monica pub crawl (March 16 and 17) the crawl includes drink specials at around a dozen venues along Main Street.

12. The Museum of Failure returns is back at a new location on Hollywood and Highland with new exhibits and products that include Juicero, Facebook Gifts, RCA SelectaVision, Pets.com, and Google Wave. There’s also an entire section dedicated to Hollywood with some of the industry’s biggest fails. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

13. There’s a Blade 20th anniversary screening in 35mm at Vista Theatre this Friday.

14. Head to Hollywood for an epic St. Patty’s Day Pub Crawl. Join hundreds of partygoers as you roam Hollywood for the best drink specials in town. Happening Friday and Saturday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

15. Westsiders put on your best green and partake in the annual Santa Monica Luck of the Irish bar crawl March 16-17. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

16. 260LA will host an epic beauty event March 13-18 in Beverly Hills with Korean beauty skincare line Dr. Jart+, hair tool by ghd, and makeup brushes from Artis Brush all at a steep discount.

17. Greenbar Distillery has teamed up with The Burrito Project and a select list of local bars and restaurants, to provide thousands of burritos to those in need in the Los Angeles area. Simply go to a bar on the list and order a CITY Bright gin cocktail from there Greenbar Distillery will donate a burrito to The Burrito Project. Get more info here  and make a difference while you sip on a cocktail!

Saturday March 17th, 2018

18. Check out this list of  24 Fun Things To Do for St. Patricks Day we’ve curated! It’s an eclectic list of events that will satisfy any green wearing partygoer.

19. L.A. Nature Fest comes to The Natural History Museum L.A. (NHMLA) March 17-18 for two days of getting to know the local animals of our city. Say “hello” to an opossum, have lunch with a rattlesnake, and take a walk with a desert tortoise! Museum scientists will be on hand to answer all questions regarding the city’s nature. Both days will be filled with performances, hands-on activities, presentations, exhibitor booths, live animal presentations, stage performances and nature walks.

20. This year’s Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival features two days of fun . On Saturday, March 17 there will be a green living expo, beer garden, and music. Sunday, March 18 features the vine tours (free to enter, but a shuttle ticket is extra). Note that Sunday is the only day you’ll actually be able to view the vine.

21. Casey’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival will shut down four blocks in downtown featuring DJs, dancing, Irish whiskey and beer, and more. The street fest will run from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

22. The 2018 West Covina Cherry Blossom Festival will feature a free festival with Japanese focused demonstrations, cuisine and more. FREE

23. The Cahuenga Block Party will feature live music, around a dozen DJs, two music areas, outdoor lounge areas, two bars, and food trucks in a 6000 square-foot venue. Hear live music from all-girl Guns N’ Roses tribute band Paradise Kitty, Pogues tribute Dirty Old Town, Satellite Sky, Peacock  & The Feathers, Go-Go Riot and Bear Squared.

24. The N’owt but Stout Festival comes to Torrance’s Yorkshire Square Brewery for a St. Patty’s Day craft beer celebration featuring exceptional dark beers, on cask and keg, from breweries hand-selected by Yorkshire Square’s head brewer, Andy Black.

25. Angel City Brewery will also celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with corned beef tacos, delicious stout, Irish music, and more. At 5 p.m. Opera on Tap Los Angeles will take over Angel City Brewery with opera singers!

26. This 15-hour party at The Irish Times Pub in Palms starts with an Irish breakfast and then hours of live music (including Celtic tunes from Red Wing Social Club), Irish food, games and other festivities.

27. MiniBar Hollywood will host the second Hollywood Crawl of Fame, a St. Patrick’s Day Parade/bar crawl making its way through Hollywood. The event will include live Irish music, along with a party at the end of the crawl.

28. Annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration at The Original Farmers Market is a free family friendley Irish-themed day featuring Irish fare, drinks and traditional music like a strolling bagpiper.

29. Checkout a St. Patricks Day block party and pub crawl in the heart of Hollywood. Guest will receive a St. Patrick’s Day kit with drink coupons, a map and free welcome shot vouchers. Other highlights include DJs, dancing and drink specials.

30. Harvelle’s in Long Beach is hosting a Gettin’ Lucky Burlesque show in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Taking place on March 17 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., each performance will feature sultry burlesque alongside fun comedy.

31. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an epic pub crawl throughout Downtown Los Angeles, partygoers will have a chance to visit ten or more bars with music, hundreds of beers on tap and photo booths. Each attendee will receive a wristband, map of the crawl, free welcome shots, drink discounts and free entry at participating venues.

32. One Colorado in Old Town Pasadena will host a fun filled day of Irish dance lessons, family crafting and a Pasadena Scots March & Drum performance.

33. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a whiskey tasting and education at Vertical Wine Bistro in Old Town Pasadena. The class features an introduction to whiskey basics, interactive tasting of four different whiskeys and includes appetizers served throughout the class.

34. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will host a special screening of DOLORES a documentary featuring the story of Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the first farm workers union with Cesar Chavez. The outdoor event includes a program with Dolores Huerta and a musical performance by Louie Cruz Beltran. FREE

35. The Music Center presents Shakespeare’s timeless classic Romeo & Juliet performed by The Joffrey Ballet at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

36. On Deck Comedy Show at the Nerdist Showroom at Meltdown Comics will feature six comedians and all guests are free to BYOB!

Sunday March 18th, 2018

37. The Huntington Beach Cherry Blossom Festival returns for another year of flower appreciation, Japanese cultural activities and community fun. Highlights include a tea ceremony, live music from the River Academy of Music, classical Japanese dance, calligraphy, origami, face painting and craft booths. FREE

38. The Los Angeles Marathon is back for another year of racing from “the stadium to the sea” across our magical city. Thousands of runners will begin at 6:30 a.m. at Dodger Stadium. From there, participants will run along the course to Downtown L.A. all the way to Santa Monica. In addition, Angel City Brewery will host a free morning dance party at Hollywood and Highland to help cheer on the runners with DJ Michael Rockstar.

39. Head to the westside for the closing reception of L.A. Femme at Santa Monica’s Merchant Modern Gallery. The show features all-female artists and guests will enjoy wine tastings poured by certified sommelier and Vinovore owner, Coly Den Haan and local bites from Lori Stern and coffee from Canyon Coffee. FREE

40. Pedal in swan-shaped boats at Echo Park Lake! The upgraded fleet of swan-shaped pedal boats are available for rental and cost $11 per hour for adults and $6 per hour for children (ages 2-17).

41. Smorgasburg LA returns this Sunday to DTLA for another round of awesome eats from some of the best local chefs without a brick and mortar. It’s free to get into the open air food and shopping market.

42. Heavy Heavy Low Low Comedy returns to Bar Lubitsch this Sunday. FREE

43. The Shaolin Festival in Rosemead will feature martial arts demonstrations by the SoCal Shaolin Kung Fu Schools, meditation sessions, wellness exhibits, Kung Fu lessons, a tea ceremony and tasting, gift bags and more. FREE

Schedule provided by We Like LA. 

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Places to Volunteer in Los Angeles for Spring 2018

2018 resolutions may have come and gone but a fresh new season (that would be spring) makes it the perfect time to reconsider, especially when it comes to giving back to the community.

There are many organizations that tirelessly provide and serve hot meals to homeless and low-income families and individuals on a daily basis, find safe and loving homes for animals, tutor and encourage young female students in STEM, and work the land to protect our natural habitats, native wildlife and environment. Now is a great time to help!

The need for volunteers is great and simply helping out to make a PB&J sandwich, donate diapers and baby gear, clean out your closet, plant seedlings, trees and edible gardens — all of this is vastly appreciated more than you could ever know. These charities make it easy to volunteer – visit their websites to fill out applications, or just sign up for a project. Check out a list of volunteer ideas below!

Spring 2018 Volunteer Ideas

1. Dress for Success is a gratifying way to volunteer locally. Women who are just getting back on their feet and entering the workplace are in need of work attire and suits. This one is an easy way to help. Do you have work clothes and shoes that don’t fit or you don’t wear anymore? Dress for Success could really use the donations for its boutique. This amazing org helps unemployed women pull together all of the pertinent elements needed to secure a job. Volunteers who have skills as a personal stylist, who can prepare clients for job interviews and coach on overall careers, makeup artists to train clients on makeup application, are welcome. -> More info

2. Girls, Inc. is such a feel good volunteering gig. Supporting at-risk students from South LA, Compton and Watts, Girls, Inc. volunteers have the opportunity to work with these girls via educational enrichment programs focusing on STEM education, literacy and math. The program participants come from diverse backgrounds ranging from family poverty, gang surroundings and homelessness. Sign up to become a mentor, an instructor, a guest presenter, a homework helper, and a positive role model. -> More info

3. Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is in need of volunteers to help improve and protect 1,600 acres of preserved land areas, 60 different plant species and 23,000 seedlings in Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling HIlls, Rolling Hills Estates and San Pedro. PVPLC works to improve the natural habitat to support wildlife and native species, maintain trails and signage, and educate students and the public. Sign up to volunteer on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and help to transport seedlings and prepare native plants to be planted in the designated areas. -> More info

4. The Big Sunday End of the Month Club is an on-going volunteer and help to fill food pantries, put food on the table and feed the homeless and undernourished folks of LA. Big Sunday has a lot of opportunities to volunteer throughout the year, but this particular project collects more than 700 food items each month. -> More info

5. To eat and be satisfied – this is the English translation of the Hebrew word “sova.” This is also the mission of SOVA food pantry, which takes care of over 9,000 individuals each month. These are people who cannot afford groceries, as well as homeless families, people with disabilities and senior citizens. Volunteers can participate in a few ways from stocking shelves or packing custom grocery orders, sort and box canned and packaged food donations. -> More info

6. Each year Baby2Baby provides basic necessities to more than 180,000 children (0-12 years) in LA. Whether it’s a supply of diapers, formula, onsies and pjs, clothes to grow into, bath time care, car seats and furniture, these items are super appreciated by a variety of homeless, low-income, foster care and hospitalized children. Volunteers are invited to help sort items and put together gift bags for the children. -> More info

7. Each week Food Forward rescues 300,000 pounds of leftover produce from LA Wholesale Produce Market, farmers markets and local farms to donate to hunger relief programs throughout Southern California. But after the devastating Thomas Fire in Ventura County, Food Forward found themselves in need of support. Many of the farms in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties that Food Forward relies on have been impacted. Today FF needs extra help to fulfill its goal. Join in its efforts by making donations, reaching out to vendors with excess produce and collect fresh produce. -> More info

8. While an average of 475 pets euthanized each day in our city of Angels, Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue works its tails off to help find these animals a second chance home. So, how can you help? Help out by driving Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue dogs to and from weekly adoption events, to the vet and to doggie daycare. This charity also needs help transporting food and medicine to foster dog parents who many not have cars. And, how awesome is it that volunteers can also sign up to take pups on walks and hikes. -> More info

9. Under the Bridges and On the Streets is a program that literally provides and delivers food to homeless individuals and families who live under bridges, on the streets, in alleys and on the sides of local freeways. Under the Bridges accepts in-kind donations: mustard packets, tubs of butter, latex-free gloves,wrapping foil, packs of turkey meat, cheese blocks, and bottles of water. Additionally Under the Bridges’ monthly shopping list includes toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene products, new cotton tube socks, sweat pants and clean blankets, athletic shoes and reading glasses. Every last Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. -> More info

10. Hollywoof to the Rescue fights the pet overpopulation fight in LA. And, they need help to do this. Supported by volunteers (Hollywood artists, actors, musicians and celebrities), Hollywoof is known for its outreach and education via responsible pet ownership, spay and neuter, adoption, fostering and rescue. If you love animals, there are many ways to contribute. Email Hollywoof to volunteer:  info@hollywooftotherescue.org.

11. St. Francis Center is a hub for providing and serving food to homeless and extremely low-income individuals and families. In need of help all week long, St. Francis Center encourages both students and adults to serve hot breakfast meals and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before school or getting to the office. Relying on its strong network of volunteers, St. Francis Center welcomes anyone interested. Volunteers need to complete an application and speak with a volunteer coordinator before participating. Early birds are invited to serve breakfast Monday – Friday at 7:15 a.m. -> More info

12. LA Works is a unique way you can offer your time in a variety of ways. From preparing meals and emergency food for the city’s homeless and low-income community to working with disadvantaged kids through education activities to cleaning and restoring LA’s most precious natural environments, there are projects for every kind of volunteer. Check the website – there are more than 50 projects alone in the month of March to sign up for: beautify White Point Nature Preserve in San Pedro or Portuguese Bend Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes and create edible gardens in schools throughout Los Angeles with Enrich LA. -> More info

13. As the earth’s atmosphere and climate continue to dramatically change, the mission behind TreePeople is more important than ever to the future of LA’s natural habitat. TreePeople engages Angelenos to take care of their environment by volunteering. Help by creating strong and resilient landscapes, by planting and caring for trees in urban areas and tending to overgrowth and watering native plants in the mountains. Volunteer events are open to all ages – just sign up online to participate in Urban or Mountain Forestry on the weekends from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. -> More info

14. The 29th annual Great LA River CleanUp will take places over three weekends (at three different river areas) during the month of April. Last year the CleanUp attracted some 10,000 volunteers who removed over 100 tons of trash from the LA River at more than a dozen sites. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds, along with any community service-based organizations, are invited to participate. -> More info

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

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Southern California Gets Its First LOVE Sculpture

Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture is iconic, in part because the artist neglected to copyright it, opening it up to countless imitations. You know the one: four red block letters spell out the word “love,” the L and O stacked atop the V and E, with the O tipped at a 45-degree angle. Indiana first completed this work in the 1960s, with installations in Manhattan and, famously, in Philadelphia’s Love Park.

Southern Californians no longer have to travel far see one of Indiana’s sculpture for themselves. We’ve now got our own in Rosemead, installed by Panda Restaurant group founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng, who donated the sculpture to their restaurant and community as a gift, Pasadena Star News reports.

The Cherngs hope that visitors will see the sculpture as a symbol of kindness and love.

“The LOVE Sculpture reminds us to take a stand for ourselves, so that we can stand for others,” the Cherngs said via a statement. “At Panda Express, our mission is to inspire better lives. In order for us to do this, we have to be the best versions of ourselves and we get to this by embracing love. With love, the possibilities are enormous. Love is about working harder, being more accepting and growing personally, so that you can be the best version of yourself and in turn become a role model to help others.”

To see the sculpture for yourself, visit the Panda Restaurant Group Support Center in Rosemead (map here). Visitors are encouraged to view and photograph the art. Some parking is available.

See the assemblage of the sculpture in the video below:

Manhattan Beach will get its own LOVE sculpture in the near future, donated by Steel Partners Holdings founder Warren Lichtenstein.

Story courtesy of We Like LA.

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Fun Things to do in LA for St. Patrick’s Day

Have you made your St. Patrick’s Day plans in Los Angeles yet? March 17 falls on a Saturday this year, making St. Paddy’s an even more carefree holiday than usual. Get the party started early with a Leprechaun 25th anniversary screening in Los Feliz, or begin your day the healthy way and engage in a 5K in Redondo Beach. Or, check out a pub crawl — they’re happening in Hollywood, Downtown L.A., Santa Monica and Newport Beach. Elsewhere you can swing dance in Orange, visit DTLA’s art deco jewel, the Cicada Club, for a show that includes ’30-style tap-dancing chorus girls, enjoy corned beef, four different stouts and horse-racing at Santa Anita, chow on corned beef tacos at Angel City Brewery, or sip green beer in Marina del Rey.

Check out our rundown below for some of Los Angeles’ best St. Patrick’s Day events!

1. St. Paddy’s with a Tiki Twist

What’s even better than $5 Guinness and Jameson specials? Change things up at Tiki No in North Hollywood on St. Patrick’s Day, where you can sip those enduring Irish potations, along with tiki classics like the Scorpion Bowl, Navy Grog, and the Suffering Bastard.

2. Listen to Pogues & Guns N’ Roses Tribute Bands in Hollywood

Proclaiming itself “the biggest party in Hollywood,” the Cahuenga Block Party at Hollywood and Cahuenga will feature live music all day (including Dirty Old Town, a Pogues tribute, and all-girl GNR tribute band Paradise Ktty), along with outdoor lounges, about a dozen DJs, an outdoor stage and a free drink with your early-bird ticket purchase.

3. Swing Dance While Surrounded by Art Deco Splendor

Downtown’s gorgeous Cicada Club, an art deco restaurant/nightclub built in the ’20s (it began as a posh haberdashery) is hosting a special St. Patrick’s Day show led by Johnny Holiday. A singer who performs in the style of Bing Crosby (Holiday’s uncle), this modern-day crooner will perform with his 11-piece dance orchestra. The show also features The Honey Taps, a charming troupe of ‘30s-style chorus girls.

4. Stout Tasting & Horse Racing at Santa Anita Park

The SGV’s landmark horse-racing track will celebrate the luck of the Irish in style with their Trackside Celebration. Your ticket gets you four 3 oz. stout tastings, a full craft beer, clubhouse admission, and access to trackside seating. Get more info and access to Goldstar (affiliate) discount tickets here. The day will also feature a special Irish trackside menu.

5. Run a 5K in the South Bay

Work up a sweat instead of (or before) carousing during the St. Patrick’s Day 5K in Redondo Beach. The course winds its way through Redondo’s scenic waterfront area.

6. Nosh on Corned Beef Tacos & Listen to Irish Music in a Downtown Brewery

St. Patrick’s Day at Angel City Brewery in Downtown Los Angeles will feature corned beef tacos, Irish coffee stout, Irish music from Opera on Tap Los Angeles, Americana rock band The Sound of Ghost… and NO COVER CHARGE!

7. Casey’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival

Casey’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival will shut down four blocks in downtown featuring DJs, dancing, Irish whiskey and beer, and more. The street fest will run from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

8. Party at a Westside Irish Pub

This 15-hour party at The Irish Times Pub in Palms begins at 9 a.m., allowing customers time to savor a hearty Irish breakfast. In addition, listen to hours of live music (including Celtic tunes from Red Wing Social Club), partake of Irish stew or corned beef and cabbage, play games and enjoy other festivities.

9. Vegan Food, Green Beer & Live Music in Marina del Rey

The St. Paddy’s bash at Brennan’s in Marina del Rey will feature both vegan and non-vegan food specials, along with green beer and live music from five bands.

10. 7th Annual Rock & Reilly’s St. Paddy’s Day Block Party

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while benefiting a good cause (MVP: Merging Vets & Players) at this Sunset Strip pub’s back lot shindig, back for a seventh year, which will offer partygoers 100 kegs of green beer, DJs, food, and lots of games.

11. Imbibe at Seven of Hollywood’s Coolest Bars

Visit seven of Hollywood’s coolest Bars during MiniBar’s “Hollywood Crawl of Fame.” Attendees will enjoy cocktail specials at this well-curated selection of Hollywood’s finest bars, with live Irish music and a party at the finish line. Buy a ticket for $25 — participating venues include MiniBar Hollywood, Ever Bar, The Parker Room, Sassafras, Sunset & Vinyl, Lost Property and Three Clubs.

12. Bagpipes, Guinness, Pac Man & More in DTLA

Brack Shop Tavern’s St. Patrick’s Day will include live bagpipes from 3-6pm, corned beef sliders, $7 Guinness pints, $5 green Budweiser, $10 Irish car bombs and $8 Jameson shots, along with Brack Shop’s usual game room fun: Pac Man, ping pong, darts and more.

13. Get Terrorized by a Leprechaun in Los Feliz

Start St. Patrick’s Day bright and early with a midnight screening of Leprechaun at the Vista Theatre — a beautiful 95-year-old vintage cinema in Los Feliz — in honor of the cult classic’s 25th anniversary.

14. Ten-Venue Hollywood Block Party & Pub Crawl

This pub crawl starts at St. Felix in Hollywood, then continues on to The Outpost, The Room, Pig ‘n’ Whistle and much more. Tickets are $18 and earn you some free welcome shots, amazing drink specials and access to the St. Pat’s photo booth.

15. Watch Burlesque in Long Beach

Enjoy the art of the tease when the Dirty Little Secrets burlesque troupe titillates and tantalizes guests at their “Getting’ Lucky” St. Paddy’s-themed show at Harvelle’s in Long Beach.

16. Engage in a Pub Crawl Through Downtown Los Angeles

Enjoy welcome shots with drink purchases, along with other tempting bargains, during this DTLA crawlthat includes Library Bar, Broadway Bar, Crocker Club, Beelman’s, Golden Road Brewing, The Association, Sixth Street Tavern, Los Angeles Biergarten and other watering holes.

17. Ten-Venue Hollywood Block Party & Pub Crawl

Happening both the day before St. Patrick’s Day and on the day itself, you can sip drink specials like $2 beers, $3 well drinks, and $4 shots during this crawl that begins at either the classic Pig ‘n’ Whistle or The Outpost. Goldstar is offering a limited number of discount tickets to this crawl, so grab ’em while they last.

18. Swing & Latin & Ballroom Dance Party in Orange

Phil’s Ballroom Dance Studio in Orange is hosting a festive St. Patrick’s Day dance with live music. Don’t know how to dance? No worries — a pre-party swing dance lesson is part of the fun. In addition, this celebration at the oldest dance school in the O.C. will include giveaways, light refreshments and punch. Goldstar is offering discounted tickets while supplies last.

19. Bar Hop in Newport Beach

Engage in a day and night of Newport Beach bar hopping this St. Paddy’s. Your pub crawl map will guide you to numerous area clubs and bars where you’ll encounter specials on Irish whiskey and more, along with plenty of music. Our friends at Goldstar are offering some discounted tickets to this Luck of the Irish crawl.

20. Waterfront Patio Party at Whiskey Reds in Marina del Rey

Breathe in the ocean air and enjoy the views of MDR and the Pacific Ocean during the 5th Annual St. Patty’s Patio Party at Whiskey Red’s. For $20, you’ll enjoy small bites, dancing, DJs, party favors and drink special access: $4 green beer, $5 Jameson Shots, $7 Guinness, and $8 Irish Car Bombs

21. Feast on Dark Beers at the Stout Festival in Torrance

Are you bored with IPAs? At the N’owt but Stout Festival, taking place at Yorkshire Square Brewery in Torrance, enjoy exceptional dark beers, on cask and keg, from breweries hand-selected by the venue’s head brewer, Andy Black. You’ll sip pour after pour and get a stout beer education along the way.

22. Imbibe at Golden Road Brewing

Beginning at 10 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day and continuing until 2 a.m., Golden Road Brewing will offer $5 pints of Irish Red Ale and Nitro Stout or $15 select pitchers. Live music begins at 2 p.m. with the band Green With Envy.

23. Party at One of L.A.’s Oldest Restaurants

One of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles — a longtime favorite of Walt Disney — the Tam O’Shanter will be home to an epic St. Patrick’s Day party. The party and live music begin at noon in a special tented area in the parking lot, with entry to the music tent is just $5. Or spring for VIP entry — it’s $175, but that gets you exclusive seating on the newly restored patio, five drink tickets, two hours of buffet access, VIP-only drink specials, and special VIP-only raffles with prizes from Tullamore Dew Whiskey, Carlsberg Brewery and Lawry’s Restaurants.

24. Pub Crawl Along Main Street in Santa Monica

This famed Santa Monica pub crawl happens on both March 16 and 17 includes drink specials at around a dozen venues along Main Street. The crawl will feature $3 beers, $4 well drinks and $5 shots.

 

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Economic update for the week ending March 10, 2018

313,000 new jobs added in February – Wage growth moderates – The Department of Labor Statistics reported that U.S. employers added 313,000 new jobs in February. It was the economy’s largest monthly gain in jobs since July 2016. This crushed analysts’ expectations of 203,000 new jobs. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1% for the fifth straight month. Wage growth moderated and rose by just 2.6% from last February. Wages, which have been pretty stagnant for several years, rose by an unexpected 2.9% year-over-year in January. Experts have been puzzled as to why wages are not growing at a faster pace. Higher wage growth would be expected in an economy that has reached what is considered full employment. January’s 2.9% led investors to believe that wages were finally on the rise at more healthy levels, which The Fed targets at around 3%. Rising wages gives people more money to spend which leads to more inflation. Higher inflation drives interest rates up. Inflation has also been below The Fed’s target rate. After the January wage growth of 2.9% was announced, interest rates rose as investors felt inflation was about to pick up to more normal levels. Wages were the most anticipated part of the jobs report this month, as investors wanted to see if January’s wage growth was an outlier, or the start of a trend. Today‘s report suggests that January’s 2.9% may have just been an outlier, not a trend. Everybody will now have to wait until March’s jobs numbers, which will be released the first Friday of April to see if wages are finally rising at more normal levels.

Stock markets end week up 3.5% – Stocks rose this week making up the losses suffered last week after President Trump announced that he was going to place tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to help American metal manufacturers. Thursday, President Trump excluded Canada and Mexico from steel and aluminum tariffs. This was a deviation from last week’s pledge of tariffs on all steel and metal  imports. With almost all companies reported, 75% of companies reported that their fourth quarter profits beat expectations. 313,000 new non-farm jobs were added to the economy in February. That exceed expectations by over 100,000! Wage gains, which scared the markets in January, moderated in February reducing the risk of inflation. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 25,335.74, up from last week’s close of 24,538.06. It is up 2.5% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,786.57, up from 2,692.25 last week. It’s up 4.2% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed at 7,569.81, up from 7,257.87 last week. It is up 9.5% year-to-date.

Treasury Bond Yields –  The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 2.90%, up slightly from 2.86% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 3.16%, up slightly from 3.14% last week. We watch bond rates because mortgage rates follow bond rates.

Mortgage Rates slightly higher this week – The March 8, 2018 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 4.46%, up slightly from last week’s 4.43%. The 15-year fixed was 3.94%, up from 3.90% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.63%, down from 3.62% last week.

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Get Free Coffee Bean on Sunday for Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time is back at it again, forcing us to lose an entire hour on Sunday, March 11. But here’s some good news: If you find the loss of sleep leaves you groggy, remember that you can score free coffee at various Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf outposts throughout Southern California.

According to a release, tabs up to $15 per transaction will be covered, thanks to a partnership with Wescom Credit Union. The freebies begin as soon as doors open and will continue until the sum reaches $2,000. That could end up being pretty early; while opening times vary from shop to shop, a majority of them unlock their doors around 5 a.m. More info here.

Here is a list of participating locations:

Brea
Imperial & Randolph — 1080 E Imperial Hwy

Baldwin Park
Garvey & Francisquito — 13916 Garvey Ave

Costa Mesa
Newport & Harbor — 1835 Newport Blvd.

Culver City
Washington & Overland — 10705 Washington Blvd.

Encino
Ventura & Woodley — 16101 Ventura Blvd.

Irvine
Irvine Spectrum Center — 628 Spectrum Center

Long Beach
Circle Center — 1996 Ximeno Ave.

Manhattan Beach
Rosecrans & Redondo — 1590 Rosecrans Ave.

Mission Viejo
Avery & Marguerite — 26281 Avery Pkwy.

Oxnard
Rose & Lockwood — 2180 N. Rose Ave.

Palmdale
10th St. & Rancho Vista — 39605 10th Street West

Pasadena
Old Pasadena — 18 S. Fair Oaks

Rancho Cucamonga
Haven & Foothill — 8140 Haven

Redlands
Orange Street Plaza — 528 Orange St.

Riverside
Central & Riverside — Riverside Plaza — 3545 Central Ave.

Santa Ana
Main & Memory — 2783 N. Main St.

Santa Ana
17th Street & Tustin — 2264 17th St.

Simi Valley
Tapo Canyon & Alamo — 2944—G Tapo Canyon Road

Thousand Oaks
Moorpark & Wilbur — 487 N. Moorpark Road

Torrance
Hawthorne & Del Amo — 20301 Hawthorne Blvd.

Valencia
Westfield Valencia Center — 24201 Valencia Blvd.

Westwood
Westwood & Weyburn — 950 Westwood Blvd.

Westwood
Westwood & Ohio — 1500 Westwood Blvd.

Story by We Like LA.

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Hot Tub Cinema Club Coming to Los Angeles

Movies. Friends. Hot tubs. If that sounds like an intriguing trio then you might fancy something called Hot Tub Cinema Club, an international movie screening series set to debut in Los Angeles later this year.

Hot Tub Cinema Club has been putting on events in Europe and Australia over the past two years. The premise is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: Small groups gather in inflatable hot tubs to hang out on warm days/evenings and watch cult classic films, with a bit of drink and grub thrown in for good measure.

According to a release, HTCC’s L.A. debut will feature six screenings which will be limited to 20 tubs per screening with up to five people per tub. That’s 100 people per engagement. We Like L.A. spoke with a rep from Hot Tub Cinema Club via email who gave some additional details. Here are few key need-to-knows:

  • Showers and a changing room will be available on site, meaning you don’t necessarily have to show up or leave in your swimwear.
  • Towels can be provided to guests, but you’re encouraged to bring your own.
  • Food and drink on hand should include pizza and beer.
  • About 80% of the tubs get sold on an entire tub basis (think: bring your group of friends) but individual tickets can be purchased for shared tubs, meaning it’s possible you end up tubbing with strangers.
  • The ticket price is projected to be $40 per person.

If the $40 ticket point sounds pricey, that’s probably because it’s more than double the cost of what two of L.A.’s more popular screening series have announced for 2018. Street Food Cinema and Rooftop Cinema Club both range in somewhere in the low to high teens per ticket on average, depending on the package you purchase. Then again, those series don’t include hot tubs, so we’ll let you be the judge of whether you think it’s worth it.

Hot Tub Cinema Club is targeting late September for its Los Angeles debut, but no official date has been confirmed as yet. The location will be somewhere in Downtown Los Angeles, but again, no venue has been confirmed. For now, interested guests can sign up to stay apprised of pre-release tickets at hottubcinemaclub.com.

Story courtesy of We Like LA. 

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Weekend Events: March 9 – 11

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome.

Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend in L.A. (March 9-11) includes ArtNight Pasadena, All-Star Chef Classic at L.A. LIVE, Pop-Up ‘The Shining’ Speakeasy Based,Big ‘Cap Beer & Cider Festival, LA COCHON555, 44th Annual Redondo Beach Kite Festival and MUCH more.

Enjoy!

Friday March 9th, 2018

1. Pasadena cultural institutions will participate in ArtNight Pasadena a night of free art, music, and entertainment. Complimentary shuttles will transport guests to each destination and venues include the Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Kidspace Children’s Museum, and more. FREE

2. Metro Art Presents Josh Nelson & The Discovery Project at Union Station this Friday. The  jazz group will bring “a multimedia love letter to Los Angeles” combining video, light and live music to the iconic train station. FREE

3. All-Star Chef Classic at L.A. LIVE in DTLA, from March 7-10, will feature dinners made by top chefs like Ludo Lefebvre, Michael Voltaggio, Jose Andres, Jose Garces and more. Check for discount tickets on select events via Goldstar before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

4. The Museum of Failure returns in a new location on Hollywood and Highland with new exhibits and products that include Juicero, Facebook Gifts, RCA SelectaVision, Pets.com, and Google Wave. There’s also an entire section dedicated to Hollywood with some of the industry’s biggest fails.

5. Chicano artist Barbara Carrasco’s 80-foot mural, L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective, will be the centerpiece of a new exhibit coming to the Natural History Museum this Friday. The mural will be on view through August 18, and is included with general admission to the museum.

6. Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology welcomes the esteemed Dr. Cornel West to speak at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel L.A. Part of the Weber Distinguished Lecture Series, Dr. West’s public lecture, “Prophetic Fire,” will encourage attendees to live and inspire through more-than-ordinary means.

7. The Music Center presents Shakespeare’s timeless classic Romeo & Juliet performed by The Joffrey Ballet at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on March 9, 11 and 17.

8. FirstGlance Film Fest Los Angeles 18 happening March 8-11 will screen over 40 award winning indie films from across the globe at the Laemmle NOHO 7.

9. Echo Flex a 2000’s era hip hop jams party happening at the Echoplex will include a live performance from Ghostface Killah and Smoke DZA.

10. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will host a free screening of The Rise and Fall of the Brown Buffalo, a chronicle of radical Chicano lawyer, author and activist Oscar Zeta Acosta. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. this Friday. FREE

11. Greenbar Distillery will open up their facility for a tour of their organic distillery. The tour is one hour long and guests will have a chance to learn about the process of spirit making and taste some of the Greenbar portfolio.

12. Bootie LA presents Pop Goes the Diva, a night of mashed-up tunes from all the greatest pop divas in history happening at the Regent DTLA.

Saturday March 10th, 2018

13. There’s a Pop-Up Speakeasy Based on ‘The Shining’ happening at the Mystic Museum in Burbank. The Gold Room will be recreated for this speakeasy pop-up and will feature live music, DJs, magicians, and actors portraying Jack, Wendy, and Lloyd. Guests are encouraged to dress up in 1920s attire or outfits inspired by The Shining, but costumes are not required.

14. Stop by Santa Anita Park in Arcadia for the Big ‘Cap Beer & Cider Festival. The festival will include local and national craft beers, ciders and food trucks right alongside the racetrack. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

15. Buffering The Vampire Slayer Presents: The Prom at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles for a night of dancing and fun dedicated to the classic 90s television show “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.”

16. East Side Babylon is a four hour tour devoted to haunting crime stories from the east side of the L.A. River. You’ll visit Boyle Heights, L.A.’s oldest cemetery and Commerce where hideous 20th century crime tales will be unfolded by the crime historians of the Esotouric Bus Adventures. DISCOUNTED(via Goldstar)

17. Head to ROW DTLA for Encounter V: Speedplay X luminhero a high-intensity training class on the rooftop of the building. Hosted by co-founder Xacier Quimbo the workout will be followed by a yoga session with Emilie Perz. FREE

18. L.A.’s only live animated comedy show Picture This! celebrates its 6th year anniversary this Saturday with a free show at The Virgil. FREE

19. The 4th Annual Viva La Muxer hosted by Las Fotos Project at Plaza de la Raza is an arts and music benefit featuring live performances, more than 100 curated arts exhibits, family-friendly workshops, and much more.

20. Pedal in swan-shaped boats at Echo Park Lake! The upgraded fleet of swan-shaped pedal boats are available for rental and cost $11 per hour for adults and $6 per hour for children (ages 2-17).

21. Join a lively panel of SoCal coffee experts as they discuss significant developments in the region’s coffee landscape, beginning with early settlers to specialty roasters and coffee houses in the 20th century and the Third Wave of espresso bars and cafés that have taken over Southern California today. FREE

22. Smorgasburg’s 2nd Annual Popup on the Pier in Santa Monica returns for a one-day affair that will satisfy your tastebuds through 70+ vendors including goa-taco, Amazebowls, Shrimp Daddy, Lobsterdamus, Big Mozz and more.

23. Greenbar Distillery has teamed up with The Burrito Project and a select list of local bars and restaurants, to provide thousands of burritos to those in need in the Los Angeles area. Simply go to a bar on the list and order a CITY Bright gin cocktail from there Greenbar Distillery will donate a burrito to The Burrito Project. Get more info here.

24. Reformation brings their favorite LA vintage vendors to Platform LA for a day of flea style shopping of curated selections of vintage clothing, accessories, and jewelry.

25. Santa Anita Park is hosting a reggae festival! The Westbound Rhythm & Brews Festival will feature live music, craft beers, local street food and California artists. The music lineup includes Suga Free, The Expanders, Arise Roots, Brewfish and many more.

26. LA Philharmonic presents two nights with Glen Hansard. The Oscar winning singer-songwriter is best known for his raw and heartfelt performance in the movie Once.

Sunday March 11th, 2018

27. The 2018 LA COCHON555 heads to Santa Monica this Sunday for a three-hour culinary experience of all things pork. Taking place at The Viceroy, this delicious nationwide culinary tour will feature 100+ prominent chefs, farmers, sommeliers, distillers, brewers and barkeeps. Check for discounted ticketsbefore making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

28. The 44th Annual Redondo Beach Kite Festival returns to the Redondo Beach Pier on Sunday for an all-ages free afternoon of kite-flying and fun. Just be mindful of possible rain and how it might affect the event. We suggest checking the Redondo Beach Pier’s Facebook page for updates. FREE

29. King Trivia is hosting a Friends-themed trivia night at Angel City Brewery this Sunday.

30. Le Salon de Musiques presents a stage free chamber musical experience with champagne and high tea to follow at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion this Sunday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

31. The Wallis in Beverly Hills will host “Dance Sundays” with famed actress/dancer/choreographer Debbie Allen. Suitable for the whole family, each month will feature a special dance theme, this month it’s Salsa. FREE

Schedule provided by We Like LA.  
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Echo Park Lake debuts new swan pedal boats

Swans have arrived at Echo Park Lake just in time for spring. Well, sort of. The pedal boat services at the lake are under new management, and part of the change includes an upgraded fleet of swan-shaped pedal boats available for rental. Wheel Fun Rentals has taken over the pedal boat rental space previously run by Chaffin & Reeves (doing business as Echo Park Lake Pedal Boats Canoe & Gondola). The first day of new service was this past Saturday, and it included the debut of the aforementioned swans.

According to The Eastsider the previous operators were outbid by Wheel Fun for the rights to manage the rentals in a decision approved by the Department of Recreation and Parks this past September. Chaffin & Reeves had provided pedal boat rental services at the lake since the extensive renovation of the area that took place in 2013.

Swan boat prep Echo Park Lake

Riders are prepped for a swan boat ride. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

We Like L.A. spoke to assistant manager Tom Oddo, who was has worked at the pedal boat rental space for the past 10 months, and was kept on during the transition of service providers. Oddo said the newer boats represent a significant upgrade, both in terms of size and the notable addition of canopies to shade pedal-boat riders on the open water. A small swan boat can accommodate two adults and two children under 10 years old. A large swan boat can hold up to five people. Presently about half the fleet has been swapped out for the new swan models, but the plan is to convert all of the boats in the near future.

Rentals cost $11 per hour for adults and $6 per hour for children (ages 2-17). This is a $1 increase for both adults and children compared to the old rates. Weekdays are your best bet if you want to guarantee rental availability, as weekends tend to sell out quickly. Once summer begins Oddo told We Like L.A. he expects to see high demand every day of the week.

Swan boat on Echo Park Lake

A swan pedal boat glides across the lake. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Boat rentals are available year-round, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to sunset. The boathouse is located on the eastern side of Echo Park Lake, adjacent to Beacon at 751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

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