Events
Tequila Sunset on the Sunset Strip
May 1–5. The Strip transforms into a tequila-fueled runway of cocktails, mariachi processions, rooftop fiestas and fashion-forward fiestas. Expect day-to-night specials like BOA’s tropical cocktails, tequila flights at Cavatina and a full Mariachi kickoff on May 1. Snap, sip and tag your way to prizes using #TequilaSunset as The Strip rewrites the Cinco playbook. Thursday-Monday, hours vary. For more information on specific locations visit thesunsetstrip.com
First Fridays at NHM: “Experiencing Sound.”
May 2. The First Fridays 2025 season, AMPLIFIED, continues with Experiencing Sound—a multisensory night at the Natural History Museum exploring how music resonates within the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Highlights include a garden performance by LA trio Automatic (Stones Throw Records), a discussion on inclusive sound design with DJ Kurs and Dr. Yewande Pearse, DJ sets by Doris Anahí and January, sound baths by Doe Paoro, hands-on art by Sounds Artsy and a voguing arthropod Drag Arts Lab in the Grand Foyer. Friday, 5-10 p.m. 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles. nhm.org
Lucha VaVOOM’s Cinco de Mayo Spectacle at The Mayan
May 2. Liz Fairbairn—now solo at the helm—revives the wild spirit of Lucha VaVOOM for a one-night-only Cinco de Mayo blowout at The Mayan. Expect the signature collision of masked lucha libre, Aztec dancers, striptease, aerialists, live music and irreverent comedy that made the show a cult sensation. Fueled by tequila and tamales, this unapologetically over-the-top celebration of sexo y violencia delivers a riotous homage to Mexican culture through its most flamboyant, physical and fabulously absurd expressions. Friday at 8 p.m. 1038 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles. luchavavoomdelaliz.com
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour Gallops into SoFi Stadium.
Starts May 1. The moment “Ya Ya” hit your headphones, it was clear: Cowboy Carter was born to be performed live. Now, the most Grammy-awarded artist in history returns to the stage for a limited run, bringing her genre-defying country project to life. Beyoncé will take over SoFi Stadium for five electrifying nights, blending country soul, powerhouse vocals and stadium-scale storytelling. Opening night starts Thursday at 7 p.m. SoFi Stadium, 1001 Stadium Drive, Inglewood. Get Tickets Now
Pureology DreamHealer Pop-Up
May 3. Step into a sanctuary of scalp science and style at Pureology’s one-day immersive pop-up, where innovation meets glam. Guests will receive complimentary hair consultations from expert stylists, including celebrity hair artist Gregory Russell, microscope hair health scans and deluxe product gifting of the new Strength Cure Dream Healer Serum. Expect high-gloss moments and Insta-ready activations from the TikTok-famous haircare brand, all designed to explore the future of restorative hair rituals. Free admission. Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 8006 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. More Information
Food + Drinks
Rooftop Dining Reimagined at La Lo La
Now Serving. Perched 34 stories above the city’s rhythm, La Lo La Rooftop at Moxy & AC Hotel DTLA unveils a refreshed menu of globally inspired comfort food with a refined twist. Highlights include karaage chicken with citrus togarashi aioli, shrimp tacos and sliders—each effortlessly paired with signature cocktails like the Sandia Picante (tequila, watermelon, habanero) and It’s A Vibe (gin, St-Germain, lavender). The weekend brunch lineup elevates daytime dining with Spanish-style chicken and waffles, chilaquiles layered with black bean purée and fruit cups dusted with Tajín. Hours vary. 1260 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. lalolarooftop.com
Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Hotel Amarano.
May 3. Mint Juleps, fascinators and a race-day celebration await at the luxe yet laid-back FYC Bar + Kitchen inside Burbank’s Hotel Amarano. This festive watch party includes a Derby Hat Contest, bourbon drink specials and a standout Caprese & stone fruit salad. Grab a cocktail, place your bets and watch the “most exciting two minutes in sports” unfold among film studio neighbors and equestrian flair. Saturday, 12–5 p.m. (Race at 3:57 p.m.)
322 N. Pass Ave, Burbank. hotelamarano.com
Pitfire Pizza x Sonoratown “Chivichanga Pizza” Collab
May 4-5. Back for another year, this bold Cinco de Mayo collaboration reimagines Sonoratown’s legendary burrito as a pizza. Topped with guisado chicken, monterey jack, cheddar, taco radish, onions, lime and served with avocado crema and fiery Chiltepin Salsa, it’s a tribute to culinary cross-pollination. $5 from every pie sold benefits No Us Without You. $6 margaritas all day seal the deal. Sunday, all day. For specific locations and hours visit pitfirepizza.com
Prêt-à-Portea: Red Carpet Collection at The Maybourne
Now Serving. Afternoon tea gets a couture makeover at The Terrace Tea Room in Beverly Hills. Imported from London’s famed Berkeley Hotel, this edible homage to fashion icons includes a pavlova swan for Björk, lychee-strawberry rosettes for Zendaya and biscuit heels à la Taylor Swift. A nine-dessert lineup brings Oscar glam to every teacup. Dress the part—paparazzi encouraged.
Friday–Sunday, seatings at 2 p.m. & 3 p.m.
225 N. Canon Dr, Beverly Hills. maybournebeverlyhills.com
Cinco de Mayo at Alma Cocina at The Grove.
May 3-4. Celebrate Mexican culinary heritage with a modern SoCal edge at Alma Cocina’s two-story temple of tacos, tortas and terroir. Grab street food and sundries downstairs or head upstairs for a full-service fiesta honoring time-honored techniques with a luxe twist. Come hungry—and curious. They will also have mariachi this weekend at Saturday-Sunday 3-5 p.m. 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. More Information
Arts + Culture
Beethoven & Dessner with Esa-Pekka Salonen
May 2-4. Esa-Pekka Salonen returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall to lead the LA Phil in Beethoven’s Eroica, a towering symphony of rebellion and resilience that reshaped classical music. The program opens with Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, a dreamlike meditation in contrast to Eroica’s defiant spirit. Violinist Pekka Kuusisto, a longtime Salonen collaborator, joins for Bryce Dessner’s Violin Concerto—a bold, kinetic work he calls “super energetic and athletic,” anchored by sweeping shifts that feel cinematic in scope. Friday-Sunday, hours vary. 111 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laphil.com
Ainadamar at LA Opera.
Now Showing. In a sweeping blend of memory, music and political tragedy, Ainadamar follows actress Margarita Xirgu as she recalls her exile and the haunting loss of her friend, poet Federico García Lorca. Resident Conductor Lina González-Granados helms this major company premiere of Osvaldo Golijov’s flamenco-infused opera, with a libretto by David Henry Hwang. Ana María Martínez stars as Xirgu and Daniela Mack embodies Lorca in a lyrical retelling of brilliance cut short by Franco’s regime. Next showtime is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org
Museums of the Arroyo Day
May 4. Step back into early Los Angeles life with free entry to six historic sites across Northeast L.A. and Pasadena during the annual Museums of the Arroyo Day. Explore architectural icons like the Gamble House, Heritage Square and Lummis Home, plus fascinating glimpses into the city’s past at the L.A. Police Museum, Pasadena Museum of History and South Pasadena Historical Museum. Shuttle service connects all locations, though visitors are encouraged to explore up to three stops for the richest experience. Starts this Sunday at 12 p.m. For specific locations and information visit museumsofthearroyo.com
Baryo HiFi
May 3. Celebrate the start of AAPI Heritage Month with the second edition of Baryo HiFi, L.A.’s first festival dedicated to Filipino history and culture. Held beneath the Historic Filipinotown arch, this street fair features food from local favorites like Dollar Hits, Lasita, the Park’s Finest and Same Same Dumpling. Expect live sets from Filipino DJs, dancers and performers, along with an art exhibit curated by Kristofferson San Pablo and a marketplace of Filipino American vendors selling everything from plants and apparel to candles and collectibles. Presented by the Historic Filipinotown Coalition with support from Jo Koy, Nike, SoundCloud and more. Saturday, 1-8 p.m. 1660 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. More Information
Photo credit: Ana María Martínez as Margarita Xirgu photo courtesy of Cory Weaver. Luchador courtesy of Andres Mejia. La Lo La courtesy of JOSEPH DUARTE. Baryo courtesy Historic Filipinotown Coalition.The Gamble House courtesy of MOTA. First Friday’s Natural History Museum courtesy of NHMLAC. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
