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.
