From pizza making classes to new theater, dance and opera performances, check out the top LA weekend events for March 8-11.

Edited by Christina Wiese.

EVENTS

All-Star Chef Classic
Mar. 7-10. This fifth annual culinary experience showcases over 40 award-winning chefs from across the globe, including José Andrés, Ludo Lefebvre, Michael Voltaggio, Nyesha Arrington and Jose Garces. See them cook in the venue’s Restaurant Stadium, then taste the results in the Chefs’ Tasting Arena. This year’s American Masters Dinner spotlights America’s exemplary immigrant talent, and new events include a Vegetable Masters Dinner, All-Star Women Masters Dinner and more. See website for schedule. Tickets start at $125. L.A. Live Event Deck, 1005 W. Chick Hearn Court, downtown. allstarchefclassic.com

 

 

Gloveworx Century City
Opens Mar. 10. Break a sweat with a complimentary mini boxing session at Gloveworx’s newest L.A. outpost in Century City. Live music, cocktails, tasty bites and the chance to meet Gloveworx founder Leyon Azubuike are also on deck for opening day. 2-4 p.m. Free. Gloveworx at Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. gloveworx.com

 

 

 

 

Cochon555 
Mar. 11. This “nose-to-tail” culinary tour celebrating heritage-breed pigs and family farms returns to Viceroy Santa Monica, where attendees can dine, drink and vote for their favorite bite of the day. Chefs Sammy Monsour of Preux & Proper, Hugo Bolanos of Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air and Thomas Bille of Otium are among the five chefs participating in a culinary competition that involves cooking an entire heritage-breed pig. 5-7:30 p.m.; VIP entrance 4 p.m. GA $130, VIP $200. 21+. Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. cochon555.com

 

 

The Drummers of Japan
Mar. 11. Yamato brings its masterful technique and jaw-dropping drumming power to Southern California. The troupe has performed their infectious rhythms for more than 23 years, with stops in over 50 countries. 3 p.m. $23+. Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya), 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, 818.677.3000. valleyperformingartscenter.org

 

 

 

 

Festival of the Kite

Mar. 11. One of the longest running festivals in Southern California returns for another year of breezy, beachy fun at the Redondo Pier. Expect prizes for best-in-class kite-flyers, live music, dance performances and more. Noon-5 p.m. Free. 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach. redondopier.com

 

 

 

 

Nowruz Festival

Mar. 11. Celebrate the Iranian New Year at this 10th annual family-friendly festival. Festivities for the day include a colorful Spring Walk parade, Iranian Tea House, dance performances, children’s activities, musical performances and more as you explore one of the oldest cultures in the world. Iranian folk legend Sima Bina is also slated to perform in a rare U.S. performance. Festival noon-5 p.m., musical program 6 p.m. Free for festival, $35 musical program. UCLA’s Royce Hall & Dickson Court, 10745 Dickson Court, L.A. farhang.org

 

 

Spring Forward Family Festival
Mar. 11. With the sun officially setting an hour later due to Daylight Saving Time (don’t forget to set your clock forward this weekend!), enjoy an extended, family-friendly evening at Boomtown Brewery. Expect beers for adults and face painting, a bounce house, balloon animals and more for children. Maple Block Meat Co. will be on-hand with smoky delights. All ages welcome. Noon-6 p.m. 21+ only after 7 p.m. Free. Boomtown Brewery, 700 Jackson St., downtown. boomtownbrew.com

 

 

 

Candytopia
Now Open. With its newly secured location at Santa Monica Place, there’s a new Instagrammable sweetheart in town. Explore the sugarcoated dreamworld, from the mind of celebrity candy stylist Jackie Sorkin, through larger-than-life installations and a dozen themed rooms inspired by pure, sugary bliss. And of course, all while nomming on candy samples. $30 adults; $23 children ages 4-12; Free for children 3 and under. 395 Santa Monica Place, Unit 142, Santa Monica. candytopia.com

 

 

 

 

FOOD + DRINK

Mezcal Tasting at Madre!
Mar. 8. The new, stylish South Bay mezcaleria—specializing in Oaxacan cuisine including six moles and some two dozen mezcals—welcomes guests for an evening with mezcal expert Ulises Torrentera. Known as the “Godfather of Mezcal,” Torrentera will lead a tasting, answer questions about the spirit and sign copies of his two books Mezcalaria, Cultura de Mezcal and Miscella Mezcalacea. 5:30 p.m. Free. 1261 Cabrillo Ave., #100, Torrance. madrerestaurants.com

 

 

 

Terrace Hours at The Belvedere
Mar. 8, 15, 22, 29. Luxury 5-star hotel The Peninsula Beverly Hills rolls out a new Thursday night happy hour this month in partnership with Casamigos. Take a seat on the newly refreshed terrace for an evening of live music and tasty bites like shawarma tacos, charred grill octopus and roasted cauliflower flatbread. Cap the night off with a choice of four exclusive tequila-based cocktails including a Mexican Negroni and a spicy blood orange margarita. 5-8 p.m. Bites $9-$12, cocktails $10. The Belvedere at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. beverlyhills.peninsula.com

 

 

Pizza Making Classes

Mar. 11. Put on your chef’s hat and create your very own tasty pizza under the direction of Baldoria’s executive chef Duke Gervais. Cheers to your new-found culinary skills with a complimentary glass of beer or wine. Bon Appetit! 6-7 p.m. $30. Baldoria, 243 S. San Pedro St., downtown. Tickets

 

 

 

 

 

Dog Haus x No Kid Hungry

Through Apr. 30. Gourmet hot dog connoisseur Dog Haus continues its 2018 collaborative chef series with No Kid Hungry. Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Stephanie Izard dishes up a sweet and smoky lap cheong sausage alongside mayo, sweet and spicy pepper relish, scallions and King’s Hawaiian rolls. Dog Haus will donate $1 from each collaboration item directly to No Kid Hungry, in addition to adding a round up for charity line on each check. See website for all Dog Haus locations. doghaus.com

 

 

 

ARTS + CULTURE

Museum of Failure — Hollywood Location
Opens Mar. 8. After a successful run in downtown L.A., the pop-up museum celebrating history’s failed products and services will open a new outpost in Hollywood. Expect artifacts spanning from the 17th century right up to present day, including the Segway, one of Apple’s few unsuccessful devices and a movie case from Blockbuster (RIP). $12+. See website for hours. Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 277, Hollywood. failuremuseum.com

 

 

 

ArtNight Pasadena
Mar. 9. Nineteen of Pasadena’s premier art and cultural institutions open their doors for a free evening of entertainment, music and art. Choose from five different routes (North, East, West, Northwest, Central) and enjoy complimentary shuttle service to and from destinations. 6-10 p.m. See website for full list of participating venues. artnightpasadena.org

 

 

 

 

‘Romeo & Juliet’

Mar. 9, 11, 17. The Joffrey Ballet reimagines Shakespeare’s classic tragedy as a story of love, dance and violence in Mussolini-era Italy. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown. musiccenter.org

 

 

 

 

‘Bingo Hall’
Mar. 9-25. Native Voices—the only Equity theatre company dedicated exclusively to producing new work by Native American artists—presents this world premiere directed by five-time Ovation Award nominee Jon Lawrence Rivera. The coming-of-age tale focuses on Edward Anya and the teenage romance, family antics and community pressure he faces during senior year of high school. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. Wells Fargo Theater, Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, L.A., 323.495.4354. theautry.org

 

 

 

Getty Center’s 20th Anniversary
Mar. 10. Bring the whole family for a special celebration inspired by The Getty’s current exhibitions. Snap a picture in a photo booth, create wearable accessories, show off your dance and hula moves, build your own piñata and much more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. The J. Paul Getty Museum, 1200 Getty Center Dr., L.A. getty.edu

 

 

 

 

‘Orpheus and Eurydice’

Mar. 10-25. The LA Opera season continues this month with Christoph Willibald Gluck’s landmark masterpiece. Conducted by James Conlon, this special presentation also features the full company—43 dancers—of world renowned Joffrey Ballet. See website for showtimes. $16+. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.8001. laopera.org

 

 

 

 

‘Water by the Spoonful’

Through Mar. 11. The second in Quiara Alegría Hudes’ (In the Heights) Elliott Trilogy of plays, Water by the Spoonful follows the four disparate members of an online chat room for recovering addicts. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org

 

 

 

 

‘Sell/Buy/Date’
Through Apr. 8. In her new solo show, Tony Award-winning writer/performer/comedian Sarah Jones brings to life characters who provide commentary on gender, sex and modern times. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.org

 

 

 

Yamato photo by Isao Ogawa. Festival of the Kite
 photo by Redondo Beach Visitors Bureau. Terrace Hours at The Belvedere photo courtesy of The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Museum of Failure photo by Sofie Lindberg. ArtNight Pasadena photo by Christina Wiese. ‘Bingo Hall’ Photo © 2017 Craig Schwartz Photography. ‘Orpheus and Eurydice’
 photo by Todd Rosenberg Photography. ‘Water by the Spoonful’ photo by Craig Schwartz. ‘Sell/Buy/Date’ photo by Chris Whitaker.

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