Find the best Los Angeles things to do for March 23-26

Edited by Christina Xenos

EVENTS
Absinthe
Through April 23. The wild Las Vegas show—in its sixth sold-out year at Caesars Palace—arrives in LA for a limited engagement. Inspired by the absinthe-drenched cabarets of late 19th-century Europe, this adult-themed cocktail of circus, burlesque and vaudeville stars performers who mix comedy with strength, balance and danger. Ages 18 and above. Check website for schedule. $49-$129. L.A. Live Event Deck, 1005 Chick Hearn Court, downtown. absinthela.com

 

 

Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience
March 23. The immersive music and visual experience will bring the Seven Kingdoms to life  in LA. Using state-of-the-art technology, Game of Thrones composer Ramin Djawadi, along with an orchestra and choir, will take fans on a musical journey through the realm–from King’s Landing to Winterfell and beyond. The Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, 310.330.7300. fabulousforum.com

 

 

Sleepless: The Music Center After Hours
March 24. The Music Center is transformed into a world of “spring awakenings” with DJ performances, a vine forest, multi-media performances, chill lounges, dancing and large-scale projections. 11:30 p.m.-3 a.m. $20/$30. (Photo courtesy of The Music Center.) 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.0711. musiccenter.org

 

 

CicLAvia—Culver City Meets Venice
March 26. Several miles of LA’s normally congested streets turn into a car-free park for a walk and bike tour of the city. For the first CicLAvia of 2017, the event returns to its fan-favorite route through Culver City, Mar Vista and Venice. See website for additional route details. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 213.355.8500. ciclavia.org

 

 

Tomatomania!
March 25-26. Indulge in all things tomato at the world’s largest tomato seedling sale. In addition to picking up plants for the season, get growing tips from experts, check out cooking demos and nosh on tomato dishes. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200. descansogardens.org

 

 

Paleyfest
Through March 26. The Paley Center for Media hosts this annual event with screenings and interactive panels featuring creators and stars from top TV shows. This year’s lineup includes The Walking Dead, This Is Us, The Late Late Show With James Corden, Bob’s Burgers and Westworld. Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 310.786.1000. paleyfest.org

 

 

FOOD + DRINK
The Rogue Experience
This new dining experience from chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck offers an intimate and nontraditional tasting menu experience for eight guests each night. Find it in the test kitchen of his corporate headquarters in West Hollywood. Menus will vary from week to week, but you can always expect an immersive two-and-a-half-to-three-hour dining experience in which traditional tasting menus and ordering are put aside. Each night, test kitchen chef-in-residence Dave Beran will collaborate with a rotating group of chefs from across Puck’s international empire. On occasion Puck, as well as other creatives will join in on the evening show. The first series of experiences will draw inspiration from 1982, the year Puck opened the original Spago on Sunset Boulevard. Wed.-Fri., 7:30 p.m. seating. 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. rogue-exp.tocktix.com

 

 

So Long, Hi
David Tewasart (Sticky Rice, Side Chick, Matcha Matcha, Monkey Bar and the upcoming RBTA) and Bryan Sharafkhah-Sharp (White Guy Pad Thai) are bringing a taste of Thai street food to the heart of downtown LA. The menu is a combination of Thai bar food and traditional comfort food. Menu highlights of the 30 select dishes include Thai jerky served with a spicy tamarind dipping sauce; green curry with deep fried roti (their version of chips and dip), and traditional pad Thai. 11 a.m.-midnight. Happy hour from 3-7 p.m. features $2 beer, $3 bar food and $5 pad Thai. 518 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.537.0333.

 

 

Tasty Tunes at Union
March 27. Get your groove on while you dine on a three-course prix-fixe dinner at Union. Chef/owner Bruce Kalman and owner Marie Petulla tee up the Tasty Tunes event that features the dinner and dessert paired with select music via wireless headphones, in partnership with silent disco production company HUSHconcerts. Kalman, who moonlights as a member of chef cover band foie grock, curates the playlist that complements the flavors of the dinner dishes and synchronizes the senses. $65/pp., $25/pp option wine pairing. Seatings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Email for reservations: info@unionpasadena.com. 37 E. Union St., Pasadena, 626.795.5841. unionpasadena.com

 

 

The BoardRoom
The new speakeasy concept within recently redesigned Kendall’s Brasserie at The Music Center in downtown Los Angeles celebrates an era of post-war French artistry, invention and imagination. Discover a sleek, dark interior, decadent Parisian bites and literary-inspired cocktails. They also will feature live music on select nights. 135 N Grand Ave., downtown. theboardroomla.com

 

 

The Ponte
Now you can fully take advantage of one of LA’s best patios during brunch at the new restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Scott Conant teams up with Stephane Bombet of Bombet Hospitality Group. Look forward to dishes like polenta and eggs in purgatory; citrus-cured trout and spelt pancakes with espresso syrup and whipped ricotta. Make day drinking a priority with  Head Bartender Ryan Wainwright’s cocktail menu that includes drinks like his award-winning Lucano Correcto with coffee-infused Amaro Lucano, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum, Café Moka, cream, chocolate bitters and shaved bitter chocolate. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 8265 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.746.5130. thepontela.com

 

 

The Mar Vista
The new westside spot moves into high gear with its new brunch from the culinary team of executive chefs D. Brandon Walker, Jill Davie and Jorge Rivas. Dine on signature morning dishes like Egg Hot Pot with applewood smoked bacon; Spanish tortilla with chorizo; and goat cheese chilaquiles (vegan alternative available). Also indulge in house sangrias and Mar Vista mimosas. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 12249 Venice Blvd., L.A., 310.751.6773. themarvista.com

 

 

GETAWAY
Palm Desert Food & Wine
March 24-26. The 7th annual culinary getaway offers tastings, demonstrations from an all-star chef lineup and more. LA chef and recent Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson hosts a reception at the Ford Estate on Friday; you can mix and mingle with her and author Gail Simmons while you get an inaugural tour of Gerald and Betty Ford’s iconic house alongside bites and cocktails. $35-$200+. The Gardens on El Paseo, 73545 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 888.596.1027. palmdesertfoodandwine.com

 

 

THEATER
An American in Paris
Through April 9. Based on the 1951 Oscar-winning film of the same name, this Broadway musical earned four Tonys. Follow Jerry and Lise’s post-WWII love story, set to songs by George and Ira Gershwin. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com