From spectacular Mother’s Day brunches to hot, new restaurant openings, check out the top LA weekend events for May 10-13.
Edited by Christina Wiese.
EVENTS
May 11-13. Dress up as your favorite character and celebrate the Spielberg classic with a private screening at Universal CityWalk’s all-new, state-of-the-art cinema. After the film, guests will receive exclusive after-hours access to all things Jurassic including the theme park ride, original props, costume displays, live entertainment and themed food. $69. Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. universalstudioshollywood.com
May 11-13. Founded by artists/designers Beatrice Valenzuela and Rachel Craven in 2009, EPCF has evolved from a backyard event to a biannual extravaganza at the Mack Sennett Studios in Silver Lake. Some of the county’s coolest female artists and makers participate, including Block Shop, bag maker Agnes Baddoo and the collective of women behind boho-clothing brand Dôen, which supports Room to Read in its efforts to promote literacy and gender equality in developing countries. May 11 preview party $25-30, May 12-13 tickets $10-$16. 215 Bates Ave., L.A. echoparkcraftfair.com
May 11-June 3. At Goya Studios in Hollywood, a “magical secret garden,” created by L.A.-based artist Greg Ito, awaits inside a customized cube. During two seatings per evening, up to 56 guests dine on a four-course meal prepared by chef Richard Blais (Top Chef All-Stars), which takes inspiration from the surrounding installation. The result is a synergistic art and culinary experience that promises to be both immersive and delicious. 21+. $189-$235. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. artcubedla.com
Starts May 11. Grab your dancing shoes and head downtown to soak in the sounds of L.A.’s best salsa and Cuban bands. The concert series, hosted every second Friday of the month through September, kicks off with Echo Park Project. A dance floor, limited seating, and food and bar service will be available. Upcoming musical performances include Latin Sol (June 8) and La Verdad (July 13). 6 p.m. Free. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main St., downtown. lapca.org
BoldPas: An Art Takeover of Old Pasadena
May 12. Experience Old Pasadena with new eyes during one day of playful art in surprising urban spaces! BoldPas showcases 13 large, temporary art installations mounted throughout the historic alleyways, three live painters, 30+ art stops, and art activities all day long. Grab a map, explore the district, meet artists, snap photos, and connect with Pasadena’s creative community. All ages. Free. Start at Mercantile Place, Old Pasadena. oldpasadena.org/boldpas
May 12. Sample over 100 craft beers with the downtown skyscrapers as your backdrop. Alien Ant Farm, Mickey Avalon and Dirt Nastyl are set to headline the fest with multiple food vendors slinging up tasty bites. 6-10 p.m. $35-$50. Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., downtown. Tickets
May 12. Enjoy live art demonstrations and musical performances alongside local food trucks and a beer garden at this 2nd annual event. Musical guests include The Harmony Project, DJ Battlecat and the G-FunkAll-Stars with special guest Warren G. Noon-7 p.m. Free. Washington Blvd. between Rimpau Blvd. and Vineyard Ave. Tickets
May 12. Hear never-before-told multimedia stories as Magik*Magik Orchestra scores the evening. Contributors for this show include actor Joy Bryant (Parenthood); writers Bess Kalb (Jimmy Kimmel Live), John Jeremiah Sullivan (The New York Times bestselling author, Pulphead; The New York Times Magazine) and Helen Rosner (The New Yorker), among others. The night ends gathered around the bar. $39-$49. 7:30 p.m. The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 933 S. Broadway, downtown. popupmagazine.com
May 12-13. Find gifts for everyone—including last-minute items for mom—at one of the largest curated marketplace in the country. Meet and shop directly from 250 independent designers, artists and emerging brands, plus try bites from over 20 artisanal food vendors. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $15 GA; $35 VIP; Free for kids under 12. California Market Center, 13th floor, 110 E. 9th St., downtown. uniquemarkets.com
May 12, 19, 26, 27. Watch films projected on a mausoleum wall during this popular Amazon Studios-sponsored film series at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Also on hand are pre-movie DJs and themed photo booths. The Neverending Story kicks off this summer’s lineup; other May highlights include Casablanca. See website for full schedule. Doors 6:45 p.m., movie 8:30 p.m. $16, parking $15. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 877.435.9849. cinespia.org
Mother’s Day
May 13. Steps away from the ocean, show mom the love with a three-course lunch or dinner. Start your experience off with spring pea soup with Maine lobster and burrata; then indulge on entrees like whole roasted cauliflower with green tahini and sesame seeds and prime filet mignon and eggs with blistered cherry tomatoes. End on a sweet note with halva pot de crème with orange blossom syrup and an earl grey panna cotta. All meals include a complimentary Nicolas Feuillatte bellini or mimosa. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $110. 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.587.1717. shuttersonthebeach.com
May 13. Savor a Mother’s Day brunch poolside with everything from fresh seafood to barbecue and sweet treats. Also on deck for the day are sushi stations, oyster stations and a cookie decorating area. All moms will receive flowers in honor of the day. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $81 adults, $38 children. 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.274.7777. beverlyhilton.com
May 13. The cathedral-turned-event-venue plays host to a two-course Mother’s Day brunch, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. For starters choose from the likes of cornmeal waffles, burrata salad, salmon pastrami and more; second course highlights include lobster cavatelli, halibut, huevos rancheros and rack of lamb, among others. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $48, $19 children 10 and under. 114 E. 2nd St., downtown, 213.788.1191. redbird.la
May 13. Posted up just off the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, dip into Tallula’s for their first-ever brunch offering. New dishes and drinks include turkey chilaquiles, brioche French toast, potato flautas, fried green tomatoes and tasty blood orange mimosas, among others. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 118 Entrada Dr., Santa Monica, 310.526.0027. tallulasrestaurant.com
FOOD + DRINK
Now Open. Rooted in authenticity, this new eatery focuses on regional fare from Fukuoka, Japan, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. While noodles take center stage on the menu, other offerings include hand rolls featuring seaweed purchased directly from Japan, plus Blockheads Popsicles in green tea pistachio and triple berry white chocolate flavors. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. 5168 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. jinya-ramenbar.com
Now Open. Bask in sweeping, panoramic views of the Valley at the newly remodeled dining destination in Burbank. Chef Perri Pollaci (The Royce at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena) offers a seasonally-inspired, steak-forward menu with vegetable sides and build-it-yourself charcuterie boards. Guests also have the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the chef himself at a coveted 10-top Chef’s Table. Other amenities include an in-house dry aging room, a wooden wine cellar and a multi-level patio. M-F 5-11 p.m.; Sa 4-11 p.m.; Su 4-10 p.m. 1250 E. Harvard Road, Burbank, 818.848.6691. castawayburbank.com
Now Open. One of the most storied pubs in L.A. has added an all-new patio, just in time for perfect al fresco dining weather. In addition to new menu bites and cocktails, expect a relaxing ambiance of twinkling string lights and a fireplace that bookends the expansive deck. Also new: a side garden area will play host to bocce games. 2980 Los Feliz Blvd., L.A. lawrysonline.com
May 12. The iconic Beverly Hills dining destination toasts to 80 years of culinary excellence with a celebratory lunch and panel. Four of the city’s most beloved chefs—Nancy Silverton, Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo and Sang Yoon—will reinvent Lawry’s most recognizable dishes, while Jonathan Gold and Lawry’s CEO and executive chef explore Lawry’s influence on the L.A. dining landscape. All net proceeds from the lunch will be donated to The Midnight Mission, which offers paths to self-sufficiency for homeless individuals in Los Angeles. Noon. $150, includes wine pairings, tax and gratuity. 100 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills. Tickets
Through May 31. Local favorite ice cream purveyor gives a big nod to springtime with its latest monthly collection of bloom-inspired flavors. New flavors include the Wildflower Honey with Ricotta Walnut Lace Cookies, Orange Blossom Sorbet with Edible Flowers and the Chocolate Rose Petal. Available at all Los Angeles locations. saltandstraw.com
Ongoing. Nestled at the foot of Beachwood Canyon, a new coffee club has rolled out within the Kimpton’s all-day eatery Jane Q. For only $25, guests can join the restaurants annual mug club which grants members unlimited, free LAMILL drip coffee from the restaurant, valid one year from the date of purchase. Members also have the option to upgrade to a latte, nitro cold brew or other specialty coffee drink for just $3. 6 a.m.-9 p.m. 1800 Argyle Ave., Hollywood, 213.279.3534. janeqla.com
ARTS + CULTURE
May 12, 14. Returning to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, beloved Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman (who’s the subject of a new documentary, Itzhak) performs works by Schubert, Beethoven and Dvorák. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown. laphil.com
May 12-June 3. Giuseppe Verdi’s tragic masterpiece of betrayal and revenge takes center stage in Los Angeles this month. Conducted by Matthew Aucoin and directed by Mark Lamos. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown. laopera.org
“Rick Bartow: Things You Know Bu
May 12-Jan. 6. Transcending the notions of Western and Native art, explore the first major retrospective of contemporary artist Rick Bartow. The American artist, and member of the Mad River Band Wiyot tribe, worked in a range of mediums and is well-know for his role in pushing contemporary art in directions both cultural and inclusive. Tu-F 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sa-Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See website for admission pricing. Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, L.A. theautry.org
Through May 13. One of the most influential American artists of the 20th century, Jasper Johns (born 1930) 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. View the first full survey of the artist’s work in more than 20 years in the United States, opening at the Broad museum downtown—the exhibition’s exclusive U.S. venue. See website for ticket entry and pricing. thebroad.org
Cinespia photo by Kelly Lee Barrett © Cinespia.org. EPCF photo by Kelsey Weller. Pop Up Magazine photo credit Jon Snyder. Tam O’Shanter Patio photo by Christina Wiese. Lawry’s photo by Danielle Adams for BeccaPR Jane Q Mug Club photo courtesy of Bread and Butter. Salt & Straw photo courtesy of Salt & Straw. Itzhak Perlman photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco. “Rigoletto” photo by Robert Millard / LA Opera. Rick Bartow photo courtesy of the artist and Froelick Gallery, Portland, OR © Rick Bartow. Jasper Johns at The Broad photo by Christina Wiese.
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