Los Angeles

Weekend roundup

March 6-9

Events

Nowruz Celebration at UCLA

March 9. Farhang Foundation’s 15th Annual Celebration of Nowruz, one of the world’s largest Iranian New Year festivals, returns to L.A. with a daylong program welcoming spring. The event features traditional music, dance, arts and crafts, food, children’s activities, stilt walkers and the signature Grand Haft Sîn display. Nowruz, meaning “new day,” marks the vernal equinox and symbolizes rebirth and renewal, celebrated by over 300 million people worldwide. Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 10745 Dickson Court, Los Angeles. farhang.org

Carnaval Hour

Until March 30. Golden Hour at Level 8 transforms into a month-long Brazilian Carnaval celebration, bringing the energy of Rio to Downtown LA with live music, dance and bold flavors. Executive Chef Richard Archuleta serves up flame-grilled skewers, churrasco cheesesteaks and griddled mortadella, while the poolside carousel bar glows with golden pineapples and chandeliers. Elevate the experience with cabana reservations and cocktail pitchers. Wednesday, Thursday, 5–11 p.m. Friday–Sunday, 6 p.m.–midnight. 1254 S. Figueroa Street Eighth floor, Los Angeles. level8dtla.com


NHM First Fridays AMPLIFIED – “Healing Sounds”

March 7. The 2025 First Fridays season at NHM kicks off with Healing Sounds, an exploration of music’s impact on our lives. The evening features live performances by VÉRITÉ and Kelcey Ayer, DJ sets from Les The DJ and Que Madre and a discussion with AZA Allsop, MD PhD and Dr. Yewande Pearse in the new Commons Theater. Guests can also enjoy sound bath micro-sessions by Tesha Smith, interactive art at the Sounds Artsy! Creative Station and more. Friday at 5 p.m. 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. nhm.org


Festival of the Kite

March 9. The annual kite festival brings a colorful spectacle to the sky with hundreds of kites soaring over the beach. Attendees can bring their own or purchase one on the pier and compete in contests for the biggest, longest and best handmade kite, as well as awards for the youngest and most spirited flyers. The day includes a group kite-flying session on the sand, plus non-kite activities like a hot-dog-on-a-stick-eating contest, dance performances, martial arts demos, face painting and live music. Sunday at noon. Redondo Beach Pier, Torrance Blvd., Redondo Beach. redondopier.com


Food + Drinks

Firstborn Pop-Up

March 8-9. An upcoming Chinatown dining spot from chef Anthony Wang, will preview its menu with a takeout-only pop-up during the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker race. The menu reflects Wang’s Chinese American upbringing and classical French training, featuring dishes like country fried Chongqing chicken, a shaobing sandwich with sliced beef shank and pickled mustard greens, marinated fennel with cracked cumin and almond tofu with osmanthus syrup. Orders can be placed in person during the pop-up hours. Saturday-Sunday at 11 a.m. 978 N. Broadway, Los Angeles. More Information

Children’s Hospital LA x Sushi Roku

Until March 31. Renowned for its innovative fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine with contemporary accents, is partnering with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) for the 10th annual Make March Matter campaign. Throughout March, for every dessert sold, they will donate $2 to support CHLA’s mission of providing top-tier pediatric care. ​Indulge in delectable desserts like their chocolate volcano—a rich, molten chocolate cake.  By treating yourself, you’re also contributing to a worthy cause. For more information about locations and hours visit https://www.sushiroku.com

Wine & Friends Gather – Fire Benefit at Arden

March 9. West Hollywood’s Arden hosts Wine & Friends Gather, offering an evening of fine wine, expertly paired bites and community support. In partnership with Grape Awakening, the event features exclusive tastings from Duclot and gourmet small bites, with proceeds benefiting the United Sommeliers Foundation to support wine professionals impacted by the LA fires. Guests can also participate in a silent auction with rare magnums, including Château Pichon Baron, Château Lynch-Bages 2012 and Château Cheval Blanc 2006. Sunday, from 6–9 p.m. 8289 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. Get Tickets Now

Sofia Vergara’s TOMA Empanadas Launch

Now Serving. The Hideaway in Beverly Hills is teaming up with TOMA, the handcrafted empanada brand by Sofia Vergara and her son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, to bring a selection of savory and sweet empanadas to its menu. Enjoy four varieties: beef, cheese & onion, vegan and a chocolate hazelnut option for dessert, adding a delicious touch to the restaurant’s offerings. Hours vary. 421 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. More Information


Arts + Culture

Last Call: Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends 

Through March 9. Tony Award winners Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga lead a tribute to Stephen Sondheim in Old Friends, now in its final week at the Ahmanson Theatre, with the last performance this Sunday. This West End production, devised by Cameron Mackintosh and directed by Matthew Bourne, marks Peters’ CTG debut and Salonga’s return to the stage where she last appeared in Flower Drum Song. Don’t miss this celebration of Sondheim’s legacy before it takes its final bow. Hours vary. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: The Musical

Through March 16. In its final two weeks, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: The Musical brings humor, heart and up beat tunes to the Colony Theatre in Burbank. Presented by Pasadena Playhouse in partnership, this musical adaptation follows Lyle and his friends as they face their fears and find their voices. Featuring songs from the recent film along with new compositions by EGOT-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land), the production is based on Bernard Waber’s beloved books. Showtimes vary. 555 N. 3rd. Street, Burbank. pasadenaplayhouse.org

The Nowruz Concert

March 9. In collaboration with UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music, this special Nowruz Concert celebrates the long-standing partnership between UCLA and Farhang Foundation, which helped establish the only academic degree in Iranian music outside of Iran. The evening will feature vocalist Mahdieh Mohammadkhani and counter tenor Cameron Shahbazi, honoring the rich tradition of Iranian culture. Sunday at 6 p.m. 10745 Dickson Court, Los Angeles. Get Tickets Now

Manila International Film Fest

Until March 7. The 2025 Manila International Film Festival returns to the TCL Chinese Theatre, celebrating Philippine cinema with a lineup of screenings, Q&A sessions and networking events. Highlights include Hello, Love, Again, (the first Filipino film to gross over P1 billion), Love Hurts, (Fil-Am director Jonathan Eusebio’s Hollywood debut starring Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose), Nurse Unseen ( documentary on Filipino nurses during the pandemic) and a 25th-anniversary screening of The Debut (a landmark Filipino American film). Hours vary. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. Get Tickets Now

A Pop Art Revolution: Honoring Activism, Justice and Bold Expression

March 8. Corita Art Center opens in the Los Angeles Arts District, honoring the legacy of artist, educator and activist Corita Kent, known as the “Pop-Art Nun.” The debut exhibition, heroes and sheroes, marks the first full Los Angeles presentation of Kent’s groundbreaking 1968–69 print series, celebrating figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King and Cesar Chavez. A pioneer in postwar American art, Kent transformed advertising aesthetics into activism, leaving a lasting impact on civil rights, anti-war and feminist movements. Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
‍Admission is free but appointment is required. 811 Traction Ave. #3a, Los Angeles. corita.org

Photo credit: Kite flying courtesy of Jeff McLain. Sister Mary Corita pictured with her artworks at Immaculate Heart College, 1965, courtesy of  Corita Art Center. Norwuz, Iranshahr Orchestra Royce Hall courtesy of Vafa Khatami. Cori Jaskier, Max Antonio Gonzalez, and McKenna Michael Bisaha Photo by Jeff Lorch. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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