Los Angeles

Weekend roundup

LA Weekend Events Roundup April 5-8

Greek Theatre photo by Michelle Shiers
The Greek Theatre opens its 2018 season with the chart-topping country singer-songwriter Cole Swindell.

From spellbinding performances to beer, art and food festivals around the city, check out the top LA weekend events for April 5-8.

Edited by Christina Wiese.

EVENTS

L.A. Beer Festival
Apr. 7. This 10th annual celebration brings together 80 breweries, food trucks and a dueling piano bar to Westlake’s Los Angeles Center Studios. Noon-3 p.m. or 5-8 p.m. $45-$80. Los Angeles Center Studios, 450 S. Bixel St., L.A. labeerfest.la

 

 

 

 

Greek Theatre photo by Michelle ShiersOpening Night: Cole Swindell
Apr. 7. The iconic Greek Theatre, nestled in L.A.’s Griffith Park, opens its 2018 season with the chart-topping country singer-songwriter Cole Swindell, joined by special guests Chris Janson and Lauren Alaina. Doors at 6 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. $35-$75. 2700 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. lagreektheatre.com

 

 

 

 

Santa Anita Park81st Annual Santa Anita Derby
Apr. 7. Come for a day at the races as thoroughbreds take to the track to qualify for the famed Kentucky Derby. Don your best outfit and hat for a chance to win prizes, plus enjoy a matinee concert of 80s cover bands, food trucks and delicious brews. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $15-$60. Santa Anita Park, 285 Huntington Dr., Arcadia. santaanita.com

 

 

 

ArtWalkBrewery Artwalk 
Apr. 7-8. This biannual art walk takes place in what organizers claim is the world’s largest art complex, which is inside a former Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery. Browse the personal studios of more than 100 resident artists, plus dine at a restaurant on-site. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 2100 N. Main St., L.A., 323.638.9382. breweryartwalk.com

 

 

 

 

Foodie ConFoodie Con
Apr. 7-8. Touted as a “Comic-Con for foodies,” Foodie Con—hosted at The REEF, downtown—is more consumer show than typical food festival, with cooking demos, workshops, book signings and plenty of tastings. Sa 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Su 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-$40. The REEF, 1933 S. Broadway, downtown. foodiecon.org

 

 

 

 

Barnsdall Art and Craft FairBarnsdall Arts and Crafts Fair
Apr. 8. Located next to the world-famous Frank Lloyd Wright Hollyhock House, discover a diverse range of emerging talent at this local art fair. Shop from handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, prints, paints, photography and more, or opt for a pack of fundraising raffle tickets ($20 for 5) for the chance to win artwork and grand prizes. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Barnsdall Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. Tickets

 

 

 

RCCRooftop Cinema Club 
Through Apr. 28. The U.K.’s “Number One Outdoor Cinema Series” returns to the rooftops of the historic Montalban Theatre and Level Downtown Los Angeles. Enjoy street food and drinks while you take in views and watch acclaimed films, including recent Oscar winners (I, Tonya; The Shape of Water; Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri). Highlights this month include a Ryan Gosling double feature with La La Land and The Notebook. See website for full lineup. Ages 18+. $17-$28. 1615 Vine St., L.A.; 888 S. Olive St., downtown. rooftopcinemaclub.com

 

 

FOOD + DRINK

Salt & StrawSalt & Straw
Available Starting Apr. 6. Indulge in Salt & Straw’s newest flavors inspired by suggestions from local Los Angeles elementary school students. New flavors on deck include the Larchmont Charter’s Maple Peanut Butter Brioche French Toast (maple peanut butter ice cream with chunks of cinnamon French toast), Inner City Arts’ Rainbow Unicorn Galaxy Swirl (a vibrant mix of cotton candy ice cream, chocolate, lollipops, strawberries and grapes), among others. New flavors available at all L.A. locations. saltandstraw.com

 

 

TerraTerra at Eataly
Now Open. After opening its doors last November, Eataly continues to expand with the addition of a luxurious rooftop restaurant and lounge. The new space features an alfresco terrace, communal tables, indoor-outdoor seating, plus atmospheric elements like a fire pit, garden, grill and 20-year-old live olive tree. Executive chef Eli Anderson and chef de cuisine Matthew Smith helm the culinary menu that emphasizes sharable meals and seasonal ingredients. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City. eataly.com

 

 

ARTS + CULTURE

Jasper Johns at The BroadFree First Thursday: Jasper Johns at The Broad
Apr. 5. Locals and visitors alike are in for a lucky treat: Starting at 3:45 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, The Broad offers free admission to its Jasper Johns exhibit. Johns rose to prominence in the 1950s with a new style of painting that rejected abstract expressionism and helped give rise to the pop, minimal and conceptual art movements. 4-7 p.m. See website for complete details, no reservations necessary. The Broad, 221 S. Grand Ave., downtown. thebroad.org

 

 

 

Mahler’s Song of the EarthMahler’s Song of the Earth
Apr. 5-8. Conductor Gustavo Dudamel leads the L.A. Phil, tenor Russell Thomas and mezzo-soprano Tamara Mumford as they take on Mahler’s penultimate work at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Th-Sa 8 p.m., Su 2 p.m. See website for ticket prices. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown. laphil.com

 

 

 

 

ProjectArt LA“My Kid Could Do That”
Apr. 6. Over 70 internationally renowned and emerging California artists come together for an evening in support of ProjectArt—an organization dedicated to providing free after-school art classes to L.A.’s underserved communities and beyond. Five-time Grammy Award-winning DJ Mark Ronson and DJ Chocolcatebarbangs set the atmosphere while guests peruse the playful exhibition. Guests will also have the opportunity to have their portraits painted live by one of the talented students from the ProjectArt program. 7-11 p.m. The Underground Museum, 3508 W. Washington Blvd., L.A. projectart.org

 

 

"Love Never Dies" photos by Brinkhoff/Moegenburg“Love Never Dies”
Through Apr. 22. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera is a story of boundless love, passion and drama. This new touring production reflects an extensive reworking of the material by an Australian creative team. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com

 

 

 

Significant Others“Significant Other”
Through May 6. After a successful Off-Broadway and Broadway run, playwright Joshua Harmon’s comedy about love and 20-something urban life arrives in L.A. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.org

 

 

 

Greek Theatre photo by Michelle Shiers. “Love Never Dies” photos by Brinkhoff/Moegenburg. 

[et_bloom_inline optin_id=optin_11]

Let's Stay In Touch

with weekly roundups

Sign up for FREE to receive our exclusive Weekend Roundup!

Get the best things to do in our favorite SoCal spots delivered to your inbox every week

Los Angeles

Orange County

San Diego