Events
Black History Month Concert and Community Event at Forest Lawn
Feb. 25. This free, family-friendly event will begin with a community resource fair and reception featuring light refreshments, followed by a presentation of music, dance, poetry, and inspiring speeches from special guests. Among the highlights will be a performance from the sold-out opera “Omar,” narrated by Michael Ellington, as well as a speech from African American quilter Sidney Hurd. Saturday, 4 p.m – 7:30 p.m. 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles. forestlawn.com
Hit the streets with CicLAvia
Starts Feb. 26. Inspired by the first Ciclovías in Bogotá, Colombia, this car-free event welcomes all kinds of non-motorized vehicles such as bikes, tricycles, skateboards, and strollers along a 5-mile stretch of Sherman Way, connecting Canoga Park Winnetka, and Reseda. Enjoy live music, street performances, food trucks, and other whimsical activities along the way while promoting eco-friendly transportation and supporting local businesses. Sunday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. For starting locations check out ciclavia.org
Prosperity Market 2-Year Anniversary
Feb. 25. Prosperity Market is back at the California African American Museum to celebrate the end of Black History Month and its successful two-year run of pop-up markets highlighting Black farmers and entrepreneurs in LA. 30 Black-owned businesses will be showcased along with various entertainment and activities including cooking demonstrations, a pop-up coffee shop experience, photo booths, a kid’s corner, and a live DJ. Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 600 State Dr., Los Angeles. prosperitymarketla.com
Skyline L.A
Feb. 25-26. One of the biggest electric music festivals of the year returns to Exposition Park featuring an impressive lineup of house and techno artists such as Charlotte De Witte, Diplo, Joseph Capriati, Michael Bibi, Ellen Allien and more. Popular L.A food trucks, bars, activations and pre/after parties are on tap as well. Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles. skylinefest.com
Food + Drinks
Tour de France Wine Pairing Dinner
Feb. 23. Join Velverie for this multi-course dining experience of four delectable courses, each paired with a signature wine hailing from a different region of France. Throughout the evening, a sommelier will be on hand to guide you through each pairing and enhance your culinary journey. $100 per person. Thursday at 6 p.m. 9737 S Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Get Tickets Now
A Celebration of Conservas
Feb. 24. It’s an all-night siesta hour as Teresa Montaño and Harrison Weinfeld team up to curate two popular Spanish conservas labels. Enjoy a communal feast of tinned seafood from Arroyabe and Matiz Foods paired with lager, and indulge on hand-picked conservas available for immediate enjoyment or to take home. Also available is a collaborative menu featuring original dishes from both chefs. Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. 5715 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles. More Info
Messhall Launches New Food & Beverage Menus
Starts Feb. 24. Executive Chef Charbel Adaimy introduces a new menu featuring tree hugger tacos, moules papas fritas, vegan salisbury steak, and pork belly lettuce cups ready to pair with beverage director Amanda Alvarez’s new cocktail and mocktail menu, inspired by classic movies like Forrest Gump and Jaws. Times vary. 4500 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles. messhallkitchen.com
Ray Charles Pop-up at Fixins Soul Kitchen
Feb. 23-March 31. Fixins, one of L.A’s beloved Soul Food restaurants, is collaborating with The Ray Charles Foundation for Black History month to showcase a limited edition free of alcohol (FOA) brew infused with sweet orange peel and blood oranges. To kick off the special beer release, a day dedicated to Ray Charles will take place this Thursday, February 23, starting at 12 p.m. 800 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite A150, Los Angeles. fixinssoulkitchen.com
Arts + Culture
Directing Frame by Frame at The Wallis
Feb. 26. Experience the enchanting world of stop-motion animation at a special evening event featuring key members of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. Discover the intricate process of handcrafting each frame from the ground up as you hear first-hand experiences from talented artists. Plus delve into the behind-the-scenes details of the making of this contemporary rendition of a classic favorite, directed “in four hands” by Guillermo and Mark. Sunday, at 5 p.m. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
Russell Thomas in Recital
Feb. 25. Russell Thomas is a highly acclaimed tenor known for his performances in opera houses around the world. In this exquisite concert, he will be joined by a chamber ensemble of talented musicians from the LA Opera Orchestra. The program will feature a selection of works by pioneering American composers Adolphus Hailstork and H. Leslie Adams. Additionally, it will also include the world premieres of newly commissioned music by three gifted young composers: Jasmine Barnes, Damien Geter, and Dave Ragland. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. 200 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laopera.org
A Well Dressed Event
Feb. 24. Prepare for a night of fun at The Hollywood Roosevelt, as it brings together two great forms of entertainment – jazz music and comedy. The Daniel Rotem trio will provide the smooth and sultry sounds of jazz while the stand-up comedians take the stage. The lineup includes the hilarious Rachel Wolfson, known for her appearances on Jackass, and Nicole Aimee Schreiber, who previously wrote for Thrillist before breaking through on Netflix and Comedy Central. Friday, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. 7000 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles. Get Tickets Now
The Marriage of Figaro (The Final Run)
Unit Feb. 26. Don’t miss the final run of Mozart’s greatest comedy, a tale of trickery, love, and lust. Witness Figaro’s attempts to outsmart the Count, who has set his sights on Figaro’s love, and save his upcoming marriage. Starring Craig Colclough and Janai Brugger as Figaro and Susanna, Lucas Meachem and Ana María Martínez as the Count and Countess, and introducing Rihab Chaieb as Cherubin. Thursday, 7:30 p.m and Sunday, 2 p.m. 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles. lopera.org
Photo credit: Guillermo del Toro, Film Independent Photo. The Marriage of Figaro, L.A Opera. Russell Thomas, L.A Opera. Biking in the Valley Photo, CicLAvia. All images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
