Los Angeles

Weekend roundup

January 4-7

Events

Oshogatsu Family Festival 

Jan. 7. The Japanese American National Museum celebrates the Year of the Dragon with a festival filled with fun activities like dragon-inspired crafts, origami and a scavenger hunt. Capture the moment with souvenir photos from cre8tive outlets and try your luck in a raffle to win unique candy sculptures by Shinobu “Shan the Candyman” Ichiyanagi. Plus an outdoor performance by Kodama Taiko. Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. janm.org

Dry Jan Kick-Off Party

Jan. 5. One of West Hollywood’s hot spots, Employees Only, is collaborating with The New Bar and Ritual Zero Proof to offer a unique Dry January experience with a special alcohol-free menu. To celebrate this collaboration, they are hosting a launch party with savory bites, live DJ entertainment and surprise goodie bags. Starts this Saturday, at 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 5973 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. RSVP Now

Sunset Sounds at Bar Bandini

Jan. 7. A favorite spot known for its natural wines and intimate ambiance, Bar Bandini is hosting their outdoor live music series every week for this New Year. The venue will host an array of talented artists performing short sets on their patio with no cover charge. This week features an album release show by guitarist Jon Aparicio, complemented with plant-based pizza offerings from Hi Fi Pizza Pi. Sunday, 5-8 p.m. 2150 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. More Information

Squid Game: The Trials

Until Jan. 31. Prepare for 70 minutes of Squid Game-inspired challenges in The Trials, where you’ll navigate childhood-like obstacles under the supervision of the Front Man. The event takes place in a neon Korean Night Market setting, where you can enjoy dishes like ramyun and bibimbap, along with soju cocktails. There’s also exclusive merchandise and photo opportunities where you can pose in their signature tracksuit. Wednesday-Sunday, hours vary. 7800 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. Get Tickets Now

Food + Drinks

Holey Grail Donuts x Fly 

Until Jan. 31. In their latest Breaking Bread initiative,
Holey Grail Donuts partners with Chef Jing Gao to introduce the pineapple passion fruit Sichuan chili crisp donut, blending sweet, tart and spicy flavors with their signature fried taro donut. In this initiative, 20% of sales will support the Hollywood Food Coalition, which assists social service nonprofits with food services. Thursday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. 148 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles. More Information

Sol Picnic Cookout

Jan. 6. SolRad, under the guidance of Chef Teo Montoya, presents a unique dining experience featuring live fire grill cooking at the back of Sala Coffee and Wine in Whittier. The menu features an array of dishes, including tri-tip platters, oysters zarandeados and their popular quesaburgers. Additionally, a selection of wines is available to complement your meal. Saturday, 1-6 p.m. 7701 Painter Ave., Whittier. More Information

Mocktails with Louie

Now Open. Bar Louie is embracing Dry January with the introduction of two new zero-proof mocktails that are available for a limited time. The pomegranate paloma combines Ritual Zero Proof tequila alternative with pomegranate juice, lime and sparkling grapefruit, topped with a salty rim. The pineapple upside down margarita is a tropical blend featuring the same tequila with pineapple juice, grenadine, vanilla, lime and Sprite. Priced at $9.50. Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday- Friday, 12 p.m.- 2 a.m. 9301 Tampa Ave. Suite# 218, Northridge. barlouie.com

Lobster Delight

Until Jan. 7. The Palm in Downtown Los Angeles is presenting a special lobster dinner for two. The meal begins with a choice of starters including The Palm Caesar, lobster bisque and mixed greens. The main course centers around a Jumbo Nova Scotia lobster, with an option to add steak. Completed with a dessert selection of tiramisu and Junior’s cheesecake. Saturday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Starting at $139. 1100 Flower St., Los Angeles. thepalm.com

Arts + Culture

Mozart’s “Prague” Symphony

Jan. 6-7. Gemma New, a former Dudamel Fellow, leads the LA Phil in a masterful rendition of Mozart’s “Prague” Symphony emblematic of the composer’s fame during his time in Europe. The concert also features Stravinsky’s “Danses concertantes,” a work notable for being his first composition in Los Angeles, created amidst World War II and showcasing his distinctive style. Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Until Jan. 21. This critically acclaimed stage adaptation of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” features a collection of more than 75 puppets, including the titular character. The show also brings to life three additional Eric Carle stories: the vibrant journey of “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” the global adventure of “10 Little Rubber Ducks” and the whimsical “Dream Snow,” transporting audiences to a magical winter landscape. Hours vary. 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Get Tickets Now

DTLA ArtNight

Jan. 4. A monthly cultural event held on first Thursdays, brings together over 25 galleries to debut new exhibitions from their diverse fine arts collections. These showcases feature a broad spectrum of mediums by artists not only in Los Angeles but also around the world, offering a dynamic art walk experience. Thursday, 6-9:30 p.m. 125 W. 4th Street, #102, Los Angeles. dtlaartnight.com

Andell Family Sundays

Jan. 7. LACMA invites you and the family on their campus for a day of creativity, art discovery and fun at Andell Family Sundays. Find inspiration in Michael C. McMillen’s “Central Meridian (The Garage)” before engaging in an artist-led workshop with Bianca Argueta and Gloria Westcott, offering a hands-on experience to create your own art piece. Sunday, 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. lacma.org

Photo credit: Gemma New courtesy of L.A. Phil. Bar Louie Cocktail courtesy of Bar Louie and Paul-Michel Donahie. Oshagatsu Festival courtesy of Kodama Taiko. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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