The L.A. Marathon, Hamilton, St. Patrick’s Day, PPLA Food Fare and more! Here are the 20+ top Los Angeles things to do in March.
Edited by Alicia Luchak.
The Father
Through March 1. Acclaimed actor and three-time Tony Award nominee Alfred Molina stars as André—a retired dancer living in Paris with early onset Alzheimer’s—in Florian Zeller’s Broadway play. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, 626.356.7529 Tickets
Man of God
Opening March 3. This feminist thriller follows four girls on a mission trip to Thailand who seek revenge when they discover their pastor has been violating their privacy. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454 Tickets
Cirque Du Soleil: Volta
Through March 8. This critically acclaimed production from the famed circus troupe celebrates differences and is inspired by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports. Check website for schedule. Tickets start at $60. Under the Big Top, Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., L.A., 877.924.7783, Tickets
Escape to Margaritaville
Through March 8. Get away from it all in Margaritaville, where you’ll hear both original songs and beloved Jimmy Buffett classics —including “Fins“ and “Cheeseburger in Paradise“— throughout this musical comedy. Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.308.6300 Tickets
Revenge Song
Through March 8. In this world premiere Geffen Playhouse commission, the Vampire Cowboys lend their superhero style and punk rock attitude to the real life of Julie d’Aubigny, a queer 17th century French swordswoman and opera singer. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454 Tickets
L.A. Marathon
March 8. Established in 1986, the city’s famed race is still going strong, attracting thousands of runners from around the world who take on the “Stadium to the Sea” course. 6:30 am. Register to run or celebrate with the athletes at the Finish Festival in Santa Monica. Registration $230. Starting point: Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., L.A., 213.542.3000, lamarathon.com
Hamilton
Opening March 12. The national tour production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit returns to L.A. with its brilliant raps about founding father Alexander Hamilton. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770 Tickets
Artnight Pasadena
March 13. At this biannual event, the Crown City’s museums and cultural institutions— including the Pasadena Playhouse, Kidspace Children’s Museum and Norton Simon Museum—offer free admission, shuttle transportation and special programming. visitpasadena.com
Paleyfest L.A.
March 13-22. Get the inside scoop on hit shows including Outlander and Schitt’s Creek and see stars in person at the Paley Center for Media’s annual event for TV lovers, held at the Dolby Theatre. This annual event is full of screenings, discussions and Q&As featuring the creators and stars of top TV shows. This year’s lineup includes Modern Family, Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Mandalorian, plus an evening with Dolly Parton. Visit website for schedule and tickets. Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 310.786.1000, Tickets
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
March 17. Ireland-by-way-of-L.A. punk band Flogging Molly returns to the Hollywood Palladium for an annual St. Patrick’s Day concert. Show up early for a free outdoor festival with more music, Irish dancers, beer games and food trucks. hollywoodpalladium.com
Alvin Ailey American Dance theater
March 18-22. The influential modern dance company performs the seminal masterpiece Revelations, along with other works, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7211 Tickets
Block Party 2020
Opening March 18. This fourth-annual celebration of the L.A. theater scene spotlights two productions from local theater companies. The Art Couple (Sacred Fools Theater Company) runs March 18-29. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772 Tickets
Westweek 2020
March 18-19. This year’s “Design in Transformation”-themed design showcase features keynote programs, product introductions and showroom happenings, plus presentations from the nation’s leading shelter publications, editors and tastemakers. Check website for schedule and tickets. Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.657.0800, pacificdesigncenter.com
PPLA Food Fare
March 19. PPLA Food Fare, a culinary fundraiser in support of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, started back in 1979 as a cooking demo with the legendary Julia Child. Today, you can eat and drink your way through over 150 of the city’s best restaurants, caterers and libation purveyors at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar. This year’s lineup includes Angel City Brewery, Socalo and Valerie Confections. And Akasha Richmond (Akasha, AR Cucina) is being honored as the Chef of the Year. Daytime session 11 am-2 pm; evening session 6:30-9:30 pm. $150-$350. Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica, 213.284.3300, pplafoodfare.com
The Spongebob Musical
Opens March 24. Nickelodeon’s beloved cartoon series comes to life onstage in this family-friendly musical about SpongeBob and all of his Bikini Bottom friends. See website for performance schedule. Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.308.6300 Tickets
YoungArts Los Angeles
March 24-29. Enjoy multidisciplinary performances, a film screening and a visual arts exhibition from rising stars who were selected by the National YoungArts Foundation to receive mentoring and national awards (Timothée Chalamet and Nicki Minaj are alumni). See website for public performance schedule and locations. Tickets
The Antipodes
Opening March 25. Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker makes her debut at the Mark Taper with her most recent work, which is “part satire, part sacred rite.” Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 Tickets
Los Angeles Dodgers Opening Day
March 26. The Boys in Blue are back in action, kicking off their season by taking on the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. 1000 Vin Scully Ave., L.A., 323.224.1507 Tickets
¡Latin Food Fest!
March 27-28. This eighth-annual Hispanic culinary celebration includes the Latin Spirits Fest and its signature event, “Gran Tasting,” featuring food, wine, beer and spirits, live music, cooking demos, contests and games. The lineup of celebrity chefs includes Enrique Olvera, Aarón Sánchez and Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. F 6:30-10:30 pm; Sa 1-5 pm. Tickets $30-$40; VIP $150. 21+. Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St., downtown, Tickets
Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour
March 28-29. Explore the lush and beautiful side of Los Angeles County during this weekend of self-guided tours of dozens of inspiring home landscapes. Each garden contains at least 50% native plants. Visit the website to plan your excursion. 10 am-5 pm. $30- $40. 818.768.1802, nativeplantgardentour.org
The Book of Mormon
Through March 29. The nine-time Tony Award-winning best musical from the creators of South Park returns to Los Angeles. The hilarious production follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of Mormon missionaries. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772 musiccenter.org
Shakespeare in the Garden
All Month. Enjoy the works of the Bard acted out before a botanical backdrop every weekend this month at Descanso Gardens. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200 descansogardens.org
