Drag queens, puff-pass-painting, Mad Men, art openings and racks on racks of food are on the menu in bulk this weekend. So don your stretchy pants, open your open mind and taste the city. Some of this week's events are even for a good cause—you philanthropist, you. It’s all happening in Los Angeles!
Thursday, April 27
Dining Out For Life
Everybody’s gotta eat, so you might as well grub for a good cause. This Thursday, a handful of restaurants around Los Angeles are donating a percentage of their profits to organizations combatting HIV and AIDS. Participating restaurants in LA will be fundraising specifically for APLA Health and Project Angel Food to help provide food, nutrition education and essential medical care to people living with HIV/AIDS. Some participating restaurants of note: Crossroads Kitchen, Connie and Ted's, Jar, Spring, Stout, Taste on Melrose
Deets: All day; Cost varies on restaurant and meal; More info and full list of restaurants HERE
Image courtesy of @tasteonmelrose
Grand Opening: WALLS - A Quest for Immersive Space
Venture up to the second floor of a century-old building inside of the 7th St Produce Market to admire art from Zadik Zadikian's collaborative studio, Produce Haus. With a series of windows lined along the 60-foot east and west walls that stretch 16 feet to the ceiling, the studio space illuminates during golden hour. The new featured artist include Rouzanna Berberian, Clayton Campbell, Corey Burns, Gary Brewer, Yvette Gellis, Kaloust Guedel, KuBO, Andy Moses, Gary Paller, Marjan Vayghan.
Deets: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Produce Haus; FREE; More info HERE
Image courtesy of @producehaus
The Setup Hollywood: Speakeasy Comedy
If you don’t wish you were Don Draper, then you probably wish you were dating Don Draper. Slide into your kitten heels or impeccably shined oxfords and step into the world of Mad Men at Three Clubs, one of Hollywood’s finest speakeasies (which had several cameos in AMC’s hit series) for a night of standup comedy. Thursday night will feature comedians who have previously earned laughs on Jimmy Fallon and Conan O’Brien’s late night shows.
Deets: 9 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Three Clubs; Tickets are $10 GA; More info and comedy lineup HERE
Image courtesy of @threeclubs
Friday, April 28 & Saturday, April 29
Puff, Pass & Paint
You thought 4/20 was over, huh? Not so fast! Meet paint and sip's rebel of a brother who parties with cannabis. Be warned that while the wine and painting supplies are provided, the puff puff portion of the adult programming is BYOC (bring your own cannabis).
Deets: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.; 307 E 42nd Place; Tickets are $39; More info HERE
Image courtesy of @greenehousecoworking
Friday, April 29
Werd: A Live Magazine Celebrating Music & Activism
No one reads anymore, so Goldenvoice and Red Light Management are performing magazine pages for you to fundraise for local arts programs. Free up your Friday to sit in with Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell and artist-provocateur Shepard Fairey as they engage in unchartered banter. Then tune in as Garbage's frontwoman, Shirley Manson, interviews John Densmore from the Doors live onstage.
Deets: Starts at 7:30 p.m.; The Theatre at Ace Hotel; Tickets range from $33.50-$55; More info HERE
Image courtesy of @route66barcaliSaturday, April 29 - Sunday, April 30
Dance Camera West Dance Media Festival
Welcome back Dance Camera West for the 16th year in a row for a vibrant, global showcase. This celebration of dance and dance on film allows you to experience tap dance, ballet, hip hop, postmodern dance and more with a 501c3 dance media arts organization all about spreading the passion of the arts.
Deets: First event starts at 12 p.m.; Fowler Museum and Santa Monica Pier; Ticket prices vary based on event; More info HERE
Image courtesy of @dancecamerawest
RuPaul’s DragCon 2017
Rupaul's DragCon is coming in hot for a third year in a row, for the “only drag conventin in herstory.” Like the past two DragCons, RuPaul will be bringing all of his girls to LA for an event fans dare not miss. From autograph booths and meet and greets to panels of inspiration and comedy, the convention will feature over 200 vendors and exhibitors. RuPaul himself will be making a keynote speech on Sunday—yas gawd!
Deets: Saturday, April 29 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 30 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; LA Convention Center; Tickets $30 - $60; more info HERE
For more LA drag culture, read up on former RuPaul contestant Laganja Estranja’s 420 Guide, okurrr?
Image courtesy of @sanchezzalba_dragcon
Saturday, April 29
"Paul Simon: Words & Music"
Deep dive into Paul Simon's musical career from his partnership with Art Garfunkel to the launch of his solo career in 1971 and more. The exhibit includes photographs, instruments, handwritten lyrics and original music sheets from hits like "Mrs. Robinson" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water".
Deets: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Skirball Cultural Center; Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for seniors/ students, and $7 for children; More info HERE
Image courtesy of @skirball_la
Sunday, April 30
Veg Fest Los Angeles 2017
Veg is for vegan! From live music and celebrity speakers to guided yoga and meditation flow, VegFest is more than munching on international vegan cuisine all day. Additionally, there is a kid's kingdom where the little ones can enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, hula hooping and plenty more activities.
Deets: 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; 6004 – 6076 Woodley Ave; Free Admission; More info HERE
Image courtesy of @vegfestla
Taste of the East Side
Spend your afternoon stuffing your belly just in time for bikini season with two dozen signature dishes from LA's East Side chefs. Sink your teeth into Belle's Bagels, cool off with McConnell's Fine Ice Cream, get a taste of Italy with Little Dom’s and much, much more!
Deets: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Los Angeles River Center & Gardens,; Tickets are $12 for children & $45 adults; More info HERE
Image courtesy of @elizachase
Chef's Fable
Get your grub on with Kogi BBQ, Pasta Sisters, Mariscos Jalisco and Salt & Straw while listening to a star studded panel spit some knowledge. Speakers include Roy Choi (Kogi BBQ) Jon Favreau (Chef), David Gelb (Chef's Table) and more. After the panel, sit back, relax and enjoy a special screening of the film Chef.
Deets: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.; The Wiltern; Tickets are $25 GA & $35 VIP; More info HERE
Image courtesy of Chef’s Fable
Header image courtesy of Dance Camera West
