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29 Fabulous Events In Southern California This Weekend

Rajas, calabaza and hongos tacos at Gracias Madre. (Jules Morgan/Flickr Creative Commons)
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Say goodbye to Cafe Nela before it closes for good on Sunday. Take part in Oktoberfest in Santa Monica or Barktoberfest in Torrance. Run for the Homeboys. Party for Rosh Hashanah. Eat vegan tacos. Watch Kenneth Anger films. Attend an arts and crafts festival at Barnsdall Park.

Westwood celebrates Park(ing) Day with takeovers in three locations on Friday. (Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Image)
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 20; 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
PARK(ing) Day Westwood
Various locations in Westwood
Every third Friday in September, parking meter spots are temporarily transformed to parklets or other installations to demonstrate a better use of public space. Residents, students and office workers are invited to rethink parking in an urban environment. Stop by the Ministry of Coffee (1010 Glendon Ave.) to take part in games, swag, free helmets and scooter safety information or the northwest corner of Le Conte Avenue and Westwood Boulevard from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. UCLA also holds its own Park(ing) Day event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dickson Court Bridge.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO


FRIDAY, SEPT. 20; 10 p.m.
Risk!
Dynasty Typewriter -- 2511 Wilshire Blvd., Westlake
The live show and podcast, created by comic Kevin Allison of MTV's The State, features people telling true stories they never thought they'd share out loud. The lineup features: host David Crabb and guests Katie Featherston, Jason Burke, Theresa Miller and Giulia Rozzi. This show is 18+.
Cost: $12 - $15; MORE INFO

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The immersive Hello Kitty Friends Around the World Tour visits L.A. for a month. (CHRISTINA EDWARDS/SANRIO)
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 20 - SUNDAY, OCT. 20
Hello Kitty Friends Around the World Tour
555 N. Spring St., downtown L.A.
Sanrio's Hello Kitty celebrates her 45th anniversary. To commemorate, she's going on a world tour that begins in L.A. The 10,000-square foot pop-up is an immersive, walk-through experience that takes guests through Hello Kitty's world.
COST: $27 - $50; MORE INFO


FRIDAY, SEPT. 20 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
Farewell to Cafe Nela
Cafe Nela -- 1906 Cypress Ave., Cypress Park
After six years, the music venue dedicated to punk, hard rock, jazz, blues, metal, experimental and ethnic genres, closes for good on Sunday. The final weekend includes: music by Motorcycle Boy, Crazy Squeeze, Brainspoon Rosemary Reyes Band, Hot Licks, Dante HH on Friday night; Nostradumass headlining Saturday night; and Midget Handjob, Los Creepers, Special Guests, The Gears and The Black Widows for the closing concert. Ages 21+.
COST: $5 - $10 per show; MORE INFO


FRIDAY, SEPT. 20 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
The Portal
LMU Playa Vista Campus -- 12105 W. Waterfront Dr., 2nd Floor, Suite 200
Film Independent's immersive storytelling showcase returns for its second year, allowing attendees to explore several types of experiences, including room scale immersive virtual reality (VR) storytelling; 360 documentary cinema; augmented reality (AR); geo-located AR and panel discussions with creators. Each day is divided into 90-minute blocks, and guests can register for one block a day.
COST: FREE, but parking onsite is $20; MORE INFO


FRIDAY, SEPT. 20 - MONDAY, SEPT. 30
Oktoberfest
Santa Monica Brew Works -- 1920 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica
Save yourself a plane ticket to Munich, Germany, and head to the local brewery's Tasting Room (located only two blocks from the 17th Street Metro LA Expo Line stop). Festbier Lager, a special limited-edition brew crafted like the classic Munich beers, will be released during the festivities. During opening weekend, rotating food trucks feature Bavarian-inspired fare.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO


SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 8 p.m.
La Espina: The Thorn That Dreamed of Being a Flower or the Flower that Dreamed of Being a Dancer
Ford Theatres - 2580 Cahuenga Blvd., East Hollywood
The one-night-only show, La Espina, is choreographed by award-winning flamenco artist Olga Pericet; Carlota Ferrer serves as director and dramaturge. The show took the Best Performance Award at Spain's Jerez Festival in 2017. This performance is part of IGNITE @ the FORD!, a series comprised of world-renowned contemporary artists whose work is thought-provoking and reflects the world in which we live.
COST: Starting at $35; MORE INFO
SPONSORED


Host Cameron Esposito speaks onstage at Point Foundation's Point Honors gala on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 7 p.m.
Dynasty Tonight! Presents Cameron Esposito
Dynasty Typewriter -- 2511 Wilshire Blvd., Westlake
The Take My Wife comic, who recently penned a moving Modern Love column for the NYT, headlines this week's show. This show is 18+.
COST: $15 - $20; MORE INFO

Founder and Executive Director, Father Gregory Boyle, S.J crosses the finish line at Homeboy Industries, Every.Angeleno.Counts 5K Run And Community Art Walk at Homeboy Industries on October 18, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Rich Polk/Getty Images for Homeboy Industries)
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
11th Annual Homeboy 5K
Homeboy Industries -- 130 Bruno St., downtown L.A.
Run or walk a 5K route through Chinatown to raise money for the nonprofit that helps redirect the lives of ex-gangmembers and those formerly incarcerated through support and job training. After the run, stick around to enjoy the post-race festivities with music, vendor giveaways and a Homeboy Industries marketplace.
COST: $20 - $50; MORE INFO

"Dimensions of Form: Tamayo and Mixografia" opens at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana this weekend. (Rufino Tamayo, "Galaxia," 1977 ©2019 Tamayo Heirs)
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 - MONDAY, JAN. 19, 2020
Dimensions of Form: Tamayo and Mixografia
Bowers Museum (Tamayo galleries) -- 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana
The museum presents an exhibition focusing on the work of Mexican master artist Rufino Tamayo. The exhibition features 50 prints created in "boundary-breaking" 3D form (mixografia printmaking) alongside a 1-ton lithographic stone used by the artist.
COST: $10 - $15 (free for children 12 and younger); MORE INFO

Apples dipped in honey are used to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. (slgckgc/Flickr Creative Commons)
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 10 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah Party
The Belasco -- 1050 S. Hill St., downtown L.A.
Celebrate the Jewish New Year with a night of drinks and dancing on the club's huge dance floor. There's a special guest set by Israeli singer Zehava Ben, and a killer DJ lineup with Asi Vidal, Natali, Yochi and Kazush.
COST: $30; MORE INFO

A young woman models a selection of bold and bright jewelry, circa 1967. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 - SUNDAY, SEP. 22; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
A Current Affair: Pop Up Vintage Marketplace
Cooper Design Space -- 8600 S. Los Angeles St., downtown L.A.
More than 70 top vintage retailers from around the country will sell clothing, accessories and jewelry. Exhibitors include Strange Desires (Massachusetts), SwaneeGRACE (New York), Desert Vintage (Tucson), Arrow and Anchor (Nashville) and Moth Food (Detroit), as well as local favorites Recess, Spanish Moss, The Corner Store, The Honey House and Vintage on Hollywood.
COST: $12-36; MORE INFO

Aloe Blacc takes the stage during day two of The Relevance Conference on September 17, 2019 in Santa Barbara, CA. (Rich Polk/Getty Images for Xandr)
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 8 p.m.
We Got Your Back...Pack!
Aratani Theatre at JACCC -- 244 S. San Pedro St., downtown L.A.
Listen to great music from a diverse lineup of Quetzal Quartet, TaikoProject, Aloe Blacc and Maya Jupiter, and Alice Bag. This concert doubles as a benefit to provide 400 backpacks with needed supplies for asylum-seeking migrant children and families who are being released from detention without any resources.
COST: $20 - $100; MORE INFO


SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 12 - 6 p.m.
L.A.'s Best Vegan Tacos
Café Gratitude Arts District -- 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown L.A.
Eat Drink Vegan, LA Taco and Café Gratitude host an event that challenges some of the best chefs in L.A. -- from Alan Sanz of Gracias Madre to Alan Vargas of Vegatinos -- put their own spin on plant-based tacos. Chef Steven Fretz of Nic's on Beverly supplies the elote, and a Gracias Madre Beer Garden sells El Silencio Mezcal, Calidad Beer and Flying Embers Hard Kombucha (for those 21+). The afternoon includes live music. Proceeds benefit the Immigrant Defenders Law Center.
COST: $20 - $45; MORE INFO

A dealer handles cards at a stud poker table at the Paris Elysees Club, the first gaming club to open its doors in the French capital on May 9, 2018. (LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images)
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 7 p.m.
Poker at the Pantages
Hollywood Pantages Theatre -- 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Play poker in the lobby of the theater for a good cause, because all funds raised will benefit the Hollywood LAPD Youth Programs. Dress to impress in 1920s and 30s attire (or your best Bond, James Bond). The night includes food, drinks (cash bar) and additional casino games.
COST: $25 - $2,000 ; MORE INFO


SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 1 p.m.
DC Batman5K Run
City Hall - 200 N Spring St., Los Angeles
Your favorite billionaire with a crime-fighting superhero side hustle is getting celebrated in Los Angeles at the DC Batman Run--and you're welcome to join the party. It's recommended you sign up early, because spots are limited. Racers will have access to professional photos, a limited edition 80th Anniversary Batman T-shirt and commemorative pin, as well as a Batman finisher's medal.
COST: Registration is $59; MORE INFO
SPONSORED


Police sniffing dog Anton checks the first Oktoberfest beer barrel, which will tapped by Munich mayor Dieter Reiter, at the opening fair for Oktoberfest 2015 at the Schottenhamel beer tent on September 19, 2015 in Munich, Germany. (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 1 - 5 p.m.
Barktoberfest
Absolution Brewing Co. -- 2878 Columbia St., Torrance
Listen to live music and drink beer for a good cause as the brewery teams with spcaLA: 15% of the proceeds will be donated to the animal welfare organization. The brewery is dog friendly, so bring your well-behaved pup along for the afternoon.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO


SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Small Press Book Fair
Wende Museum -- 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City
SoCal's small presses band together for a day of literature, workshops, presentations, poetry and prose. Take a writing or publishing workshop led by Hiram and Charisse Sims of the Community Literature Initiative (CLI), listen in on a special recording of Poets Café (KPFK 90.7FM) and a featured poetry presentation of The Coiled Serpent Anthology (Tia Chucha Press). View works by presses, including Beyond Baroque, UCLA, Los Angeles Poetry Society, Angel City Press, Poets & Writers and Los Angeles Review of Books.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Dine with serial killers and others from L.A.'s sordid past at this immersive experience. (Courtesy of Chris Blaski)
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 7 p.m.
To Live and Di(n)e in LA
Private location
To celebrate its second anniversary, Drunken Devil presents an immersive dinner experience with serial killers. Diners sit down with the ghosts of infamous L.A. true crime figures, including Charles Manson, Elizabeth Short and Richard Ramirez, over a four-course meal created by chef Elyse Lain Elshenaway. Each course is paired with wine and cocktails, featuring El Silencio Mezcal and Mulholland Spirits. The night also includes burlesque, ballet and modern dance that drive the narrative during dinner. This event is strictly 21+ for mature and graphic content.
COST: $175; MORE INFO


SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
Smithsonian Museum Day
Various locations
Get in for free at participating museums and cultural institutions, thanks to the Smithsonian. Visit those places you've always meant to check out, like the Japanese American National Museum, the Autry Museum, the Grammy Museum or the Heritage Museum of Orange County. Just download a ticket, which is good for two people.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

A visitor looks at a the skull of a Tyrannosaurus rex at the all-new 14,000 square foot Dinosaur Hall permanent exhibition at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles July 7, 2011. (ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 22; 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Dino Fest
Natural History Museum -- 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park
Prehistoric animals are taking over the museum this weekend for a festival that celebrates dinosaurs, explores their past history and the science of their existence. Meet paleontologists, view specimens and take part in kid-centric, hands-on activities. The festival is included in museum admission, but add-on packages are available.
COST: $6 - $14 for general admission; MORE INFO


SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 9 p.m.
Kenneth Anger Equinox Celebration
The Regent Theatre -- 448 S. Main St., downtown L.A.
Celebrate the changing of the seasons with the experimental filmmaker for an evening of performance, films and conversation. Anger and collaborator Brian Butler perform Technicolor Skull with the nonagenarian on theremin and Butler on guitar and electronics. Other films in the lineup are: Puce Moment, Rabbit's Moon, Eaux D'artifice, Scorpio Rising, Lucifer Rising, Invocation of My Demon Brother.
COST: $25 - $55; MORE INFO

Recording artist Sia performs onstage at A+E Networks "Shining A Light" concert at The Shrine Auditorium on November 18, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Christopher Polk/)
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 8 p.m.
Hearts of Gold: 50th Anniversary of the Los Angeles LGBT Center
The Greek Theatre -- 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Griffith Park
The center celebrates five decades of work, fighting for LGBT equality. The concert and multimedia event features a star-studded lineup including Sia, Rufus Wainwright, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Kathy Griffin, Nico Santos, Tig Notaro, Ty Herndon and Bruce Vilanch.
COST: Tickets start at $69.50; MORE INFO


SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 - SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020
Orange County Museum of Art Fall Exhibitions
South Coast Plaza Village -- 1661 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana
OCMA presents six new exhibitions of work by artists from the Pacific Rim. Carolina Caycedo (United States/Colombia), Daniel Duford (United States), Ximena Garrido-Lecca (Peru), Mulyana (Indonesia), Robert Zhao Renhui (Singapore), and Yang Yongliang (China) all consider the complexities of the relationship between humans and the natural world.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO


SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 12 - 4 p.m.
Promise Zone Live!
Levitt Pavilion in MacArthur Park -- 2230 W. 6th St., Westlake
L.A.'s Department of Cultural Affairs presents an afternoon of good music and vibes with local bands, traditional folk dance, drummers and DJs. Performances include headliner Very Be Careful (who performs Colombian vallenato music/cumbia), Chulita Vinyl Club and Gino Gamboa's Drum Circle. In between sets, check out fruit carving workshops, a Mesoamerican ballgame or street art demonstrations
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO


SATURDAY, SEPT. 21; 3 p.m. - midnight
Dublab's 20th Anniversary Party
Bedrock.LA -- 1623 Allesandro St., Echo Park
The nonprofit internet radio station and DJ collective celebrates its 20th year with a party that features 10 different rooms of live music, DJs, activations, performances, and food and drinks. Music by dozens of artists including Shlohmo, Los Retros,The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, Pacoima Techno, Peanut Butter Wolf and special guests. This event is 21+.
COST: $10 suggested donation; MORE INFO

LACMA presents "Betye Saar: Call and Response,'" featuring objects and sketchbooks by the artist. (Museum Associates/LACMA)
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SUNDAY, SEPT. 22 - SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020
Betye Saar: Call and Response
LACMA -- 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire
The museum opens the first exhibition to examine the artist's sketchbooks and her finished works. With approximately 40 objects covering the span of her long career, the works collectively address "spirituality, gender and race," with Saar's sketchbooks revealing inspiration in found objects, ideas and potential titles for finished works. Saar ruminates and plays with objects and ideas, making sketches inspired by specific found objects in her possession.
COST: $20 - $25 for adult general admission; MORE INFO

The Milk Bar Pie (formerly the Crak Pie) served at Milk Bar and Momofuku. (joysity/Flickr Creative Commons)
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SUNDAY, SEPT. 22; 12 - 3 p.m.
Milk Bar LA 1 Year Anniversary Block Party
Milk Bar LA -- 7150 Melrose Ave., Fairfax
The bakery celebrates its anniversary with special offerings (like the birthday sundae with B'day Soft Serve), Milk Bar lab creations, free swag, baking classroom and other activities. A piñata filled with Christina Tosi's favorite candies will be broken into at 1:30 p.m. and the stand offers samplings of their iconic Confetti Cookie.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO


SUNDAY, SEPT. 22; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Barnsdall Art and Craft Fair 2019
Barnsdall Art Center -- 4814 Hollywood Blvd., East Hollywood
The fair showcases the work handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, cards, prints, fiber arts, tableware, paintings, drawings and photography made by Barnsdall's students and faculty. There are items for all tastes and budgets, and a great reason to bring the entire family to the park.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22; 8 - 10:30 p.m.
Pan's Labyrinth
The Montalbán -- 1615 Vine St., Hollywood
Rooftop Movies screens Guillermo del Toro's acclaimed film in which the stepdaughter of a sadistic Spanish army officer escapes into an eerie fantasy world during WWII. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a Umami Burger menu, cocktails, beer and wine (for those 21+) available for purchase. This event is 18+.
COST: $18 - $25 per day; MORE INFO

Two Armenian girls dance while treading grapes with their bare feet during a wine festival in the village of Rind, some 100 kms outside Armenia's capital Yerevan, on October 2, 2015. (KAREN MINASYAN/AFP/Getty Images)
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SUNDAY, SEPT. 22; 4 - 9 p.m.
Grape Stomp
Ponte Winery -- 35053 Rancho California Rd., Temecula
It's grape-harvesting time in the Temecula Valley, and Ponte Winery hosts its 17th annual stomp. The festival, which is all-inclusive, features a gourmet dinner and wine, live music and dancing and a grape stomp competition.
COST: $125 per adult and $80 per child; MORE INFO


How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.

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