Events
LA Art Show
Feb. 20-23. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Los Angeles Art Show returns with a dynamic mix of contemporary, modern and historical works from over 100 top galleries worldwide. This year’s event kicks off with a benefit opening-night premiere hosted by Jenna Dewan, featuring artist Robert Vargas painting a live mural, Heroes, in tribute to first responders. The show also marks a decade of DIVERSEartLA, championing inclusivity in the arts while offering a curated experience that appeals to collectors, gallery owners and art enthusiasts alike. Thursday–Saturday, noon–8 p.m. Sunday, noon–6 p.m. 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. laartshow.com
A Black History Month Bash at the Santa Monica Pier
Feb. 20. Locals’ Night at the Santa Monica Pier returns on February 20 with a special Black History Month celebration, hosted by Offhand Wine Bar. The evening features live music, DJs, natural wine tastings, food pop-ups, a photography exhibition and a car show—all set inside the historic carousel building. A portion of proceeds will benefit Restaurants Care, supporting food and beverage workers affected by the LA wildfires. The night culminates with a drone show by Grizzly Entertainment, illuminating the sky with imagery honoring Black culture and history. The event is free and open to all. Thursday at 3:30 p.m. 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. More Information
Kavahana’s One Year Anniversary Tasting
Feb. 21. Celebrate Kavahana’s first anniversary with a Kava Nectar Tasting Event on Friday, February 21. Guests can enjoy a full tasting flight of the specialty menu, featuring eight unique flavors like rosé apple, ube and paradise. The evening also includes a Thai street food truck from 8E8 Thai Street Food, tarot card readings and a permanent jewelry pop-up from Swansea Jewelry. Rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Island traditions, kava nectar offers a relaxing, social experience—no cocktails or mocktails needed. Friday, 7 p.m.-1 a.m. 306 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. More Information
Sunday Lobby Series
Feb. 23. Spend a Sunday afternoon at the United Theater on Broadway with live music in one of L.A.’s most stunning 1920s lobbies. This edition features acclaimed Indian jazz guitarist Pritesh Walia, with brunch cocktails and food available for purchase. Attendees can also enter to win tickets to an upcoming show. Sunday, 2–5 p.m. 929 S. Broadway, Los Angeles. More Information
E.P.U. & Operation Gratitude Host First Responders Care Package Assembly
Feb.22. Wilmer Valderrama’s activewear brand E.P.U. joins forces with Operation Gratitude to host a First Responders Care Package Assembly Event. Volunteers will assemble up to 10,000 care packages to honor those who served on the frontlines during the Los Angeles fires. This large-scale effort is the result of nationwide contributions, offering the local community a meaningful way to give back and show their appreciation. Raleigh Studios, Saturday, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 659 N. Van Ness Ave., Los Angeles. volunteer.operationgratitude.com
Slamdance Film Festival
Feb. 20-26. Marking a new chapter, Slamdance Film Festival moves from Park City to L.A. continuing its legacy of championing emerging filmmakers. The fest, which helped launch the Russo brothers, Christopher Nolan and Gina Prince-Bythewood, opens at the Egyptian Theatre with Out of Plain Sight, an environmental exposé from L.A. Times Studios. Over 150 shorts, experimental films and narratives will screen throughout the week at venues including the Directors Guild of America, Landmark Sunset and Quixote by Sunset Studios. For specific hours and locations visit slamdance.com
Food + Drinks
Sip, Savor, and Indulge: Tea Time at ALK
Now Serving. Indulge in an elegant afternoon at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood’s ALK with an exclusive Tea Time experience, featuring a curated selection of fine teas, delicate pastries, and savory bites. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Available Monday through Friday from 2- 5 p.m. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles. Elevate your afternoon by booking your tea time at godfreyhotelhollywood.com
Pasadena Cheeseburger Week Begins
Feb. 23-March 1. Pasadena pays tribute to its culinary claim to fame—the invention of the cheeseburger—with a week of burger deals, special creations and the Cheeseburger Challenge. Dozens of local restaurants participate, honoring Lionel Sternberger’s 1924 creation at the Rite Spot with a citywide celebration of all things cheesy and delicious. For hours and locations, visit pasadenarestaurantweek.com
A Unique Robata Experience on the Sunset Strip
Now Serving. Perched on the Sunset Strip, Katana brings an authentic robatayaki experience to L.A., featuring traditional Japanese grilling over Binchotan charcoal from Wakayama. Beyond the flame-kissed skewers, the menu offers an array of sushi, sashimi and izakaya-style dishes, all served in a lively setting with panoramic city views. Standouts include miso-marinated black cod, yellowtail serrano sashimi and the tuna jalapeño roll topped with crispy onions and yuzu olive oil. Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5:30-12 a.m. 8439 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. katanarobata.com
Udatsu Sushi LA
Now Serving. Set in a sleek, minimalist-inspired space, this Hollywood omakase bar delivers a refined 17-course experience led by chef Shingo Ogane, a protégé of Michelin-starred Hisashi Udatsu. The intimate eight-seat counter showcases masterful variations in texture and temperature, with standout bites like a seasonal herb roll, smoked fatty tuna and sea urchin crowned with crispy fried nori. Arrive early to unwind with a cocktail on the patio before settling in for this omakase experiences. Wednesday–Sunday, 5:30–11 p.m. 6634 Sunset Blvd. 2nd Floor, Los Angeles. udatsusushila.com
Seasonal Sips: A.O.C. Unveils New Winter Cocktails
Now Serving. To embrace winter’s seasonal bounty, A.O.C. debuts a refreshed cocktail menu by Ignacio Murillo, featuring flavors designed to complement Chef Suzanne Goin’s market-driven menu. Highlights include the clementine fizz (gin, tangerine, carrot and orange bitters), the Sanguinario (a mix of mezcal, tequila, blood orange, chili and tamarind) and the Camote espresso martini(aged rum, pisco, sweet potato and espresso). Murillo brings his signature touch to a lineup of cocktails that balance bold flavors with A.O.C.’s signature warmth. Hours vary. For more information on Third Street and Brentwood locations, visit aocwinebar.com
Arts + Culture
Mahler’s Journey Comes to Life at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Feb. 20-23. Gustavo Dudamel opens the Mahler Grooves Festival with Mahler’s Journey, conducting excerpts from the composer’s First and Tenth symphonies alongside selections from Des Knaben Wunderhorn. The program traces Mahler’s evolution, from the rediscovered Blumine, a lyrical movement from his early years, to the anguished Adagio from his unfinished Symphony No. 10. Baritone Simon Keenlyside and mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova join for musical settings of German poetry exploring love, loss and the supernatural. Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
JJJJJerome Ellis’ Aster of Ceremonies
Feb. 22. Grenadian-Jamaican-American artist JJJJJerome Ellis redefines the boundaries of music, performance and language, exploring the intersections of stuttering, justice, blackness and disabled speech. His work transforms archival documents into contemplative soundscapes and video-poems, weaving improvisation and unknowing into each piece. Saturday at 8 p.m. 1262 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. cap.ucla.edu
The Other Art Fair LA
Feb. 20-23. Making its LA Art Week debut, The Other Art Fair lands in Atwater Village with over 140 artists, immersive installations, large-scale murals and interactive experiences. Highlights include a new mural by Judy Baca, photobooth portraits by Anna Marie Tendler and a guest appearance from Angelyne, plus live performances, aura readings, poetry, DJs and food trucks. In support of artists affected by the L.A. fires, all Friday Late ticket sales and proceeds will benefit the L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund. Opening night starts this Thursday, from 6 – 10 p.m. 2800 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. Get Tickets Now
Holocaust Museum LA Presents Die Plage
Now Showing. Harley Gaber, an avant-garde composer and visual artist, is known for his minimalist soundscapes and evocative visual collages. His largest work, Die Plage (The Plague), assembles hundreds of archival images into layered canvases that reflect on 20th-century history, from the Weimar Republic to World War II. The monumental installation presents a fragmented yet structured narrative, prompting reflection on propaganda, education and the role of individuals in shaping history. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. holocaustmuseumla.org
Cézanne and the Impressionists
Feb. 23. Art historian and former Getty Museum director John Walsh explores Paul Cézanne’s Provençal roots and his efforts to transform Impressionism into a more enduring form. This lecture marks the first in a three-part series, offering insight into Cézanne’s innovative techniques. Admission is free, with seats assigned on a first-come, first-served basis at the box office. Sunday at 3 p.m. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. hammer.ucla.edu
Photo credit: Die Plage courtesy of Holocaust Museum. Paul Cézanne, Mont Sainte-Victoire, 1902-1904 image courtesy of Hammer Museum. JJJJJerome Ellis courtesy of CAPS UCLA. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
