Events

BeachLife Festival

May 5-7. Experience the ultimate beach party at this three-day event bringing together world-renowned musicians and the coastal views of Redondo Beach. Dance the day away to classic rock, reggae, and alternative music, featuring headliners like The Black Keys, Gwen Stefani, and The Black Crowes. Try the flavors of the South Bay from local food vendors, while enjoying artisan cocktails, craft beers, and wine on the beach. Friday-Sunday, times vary. 239 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach. beachlifefestival.com

LA Taco Madness 

May 6. Join L.A.’s premier taco-tasting event, TACO MADNESS at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. Ten celebrated taco chefs will showcase their signature tacos, and the winner of the month-long online bracket-style voting competition will be announced. In addition to the taco tastings, immerse yourself in the culture of L.A. with live artwork, tattoo booths, celebrity judges, and musical performances. Saturday, 5 – 11:59 p.m. 501 N. Main Street Los Angeles. Get Tickets Now

Cinco de Mayo Celebration with 818 Tequila

May 5. Affinity Nightlife partners with 818 Tequila to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style at Skybar Hollywood. The festivities include live music by Skam Artist Latin DJ Sensation, Model “DJ Doji,” and DJ Twee, two photo booths featuring 360 video or still photo options, and of course, signature cocktails made with 818 Tequila. Friday, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Get Tickets Now

World of Barbie

Now Open. Explore the whimsical wonderland of Barbie at Santa Monica Place’s latest pop-up and experience 20,000 square feet of immersive space. Take a tour of the life-size Barbie dreamhouse and Barbie Camper Van, visit the salon, fashion studio, TV studio, and movie theater – all in Barbie’s signature pink-and-purple style. Times vary. 395 Santa Monica Pl, Los Angeles. theworldofbarbie.com

Food + Drinks

ALK Mother’s Day

Starts May 14. Treat Mom to a relaxing weekend this Mother’s Day at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood. Indulge in a champagne brunch at About Last Knife, featuring an elevated brunch menu by French Chef Olivier Rousselle, a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, long-stem roses, and live jazz. Whether you prefer a pampering staycation or a healthy Mother’s Day brunch, you’re ready to relax, reset, and renew. Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1400 N Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles. Get Tickets Now

Mon Ami

Opens May 5. A new Mediterranean fusion restaurant and lounge has opened in Santa Monica. Try a variety of Mediterranean dishes with a SoCal twist, including Calabrian chili prawns, prosciutto-wrapped tomatoes, and burrata toast with gazpacho. Enhance your meal with signature cocktails, such as the El Rey (mozzarella-washed vodka, clarified tomato-basil cordial) and Count Camillo (mezcal, amaro ramazzotti, salers aperitif). Tuesday- Saturday, starts at 5 p.m. 1541 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. Reserve Now

Cheers to the New King

May 5-6. Ye Olde King’s Head will host an exclusive Coronation Afternoon Tea in honor of King Charles III’s coronation. Enjoy a freshly brewed pot of tea and a selection of tea sandwiches, scones and pastries. To make the occasion even more memorable, each guest will receive a glass of bubbles or a special Pimm’s cocktail to toast to the new monarch. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. yeoldekingshead.com

DineLA

Until May 12. It’s the best of LAs culinary scene with DineLA’s biannual restaurant week. Over 300 eateries offer special prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner at great price points, ranging from $15 to $65-plus. Whether you’re craving new adventures or want to try signature dishes from renowned restaurants, DineLA has something for everyone. For specific restaurants and times, click here

Arts + Culture

US Premiere of Romeo & Juliet Suite 

Starts May 12. In a dazzling new production by L.A. Dance Project, choreographer Benjamin Millepied offers a bold and contemporary vision of Shakespeare’s masterpiece.  Each performance features a different cast – male/female, male/male, female/female – making this version of Romeo & Juliet a true universal celebration of love. May 12 & 13. Segerstrom Center for the Arts.  600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787.  scfta.org

The Wallis presents Masterworks for String Orchestra

May 6. This specially curated program by LACO Concertmaster and Director of Chamber Music, Margaret Batjer features a repertoire spanning over 800 years. The program includes the 12th-century German abbess Hildegard von Bingen’s “O Virtus Sapientiae,” Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony, Felix Mendelssohn’s 10th String Symphony in B minor, Paul Hindemith’s Five Pieces for String Orchestra, and Edvard Grieg’s Holberg Suite, which combines Baroque-style dances with Nordic treatments and harmonies. Saturday, at 7:30 p.m. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org

Last Chance to See 1776

Until May 7. What will it take to get two dozen powerfully passionate, exceedingly complicated, and all-too-human individuals to settle their differences while they hold the very future of a nation in their hands? This Tony Award-winning Best Musical is tuneful, witty, and surprising in a new production from directors Jeffrey L. Page (Violet) and Diane Paulus (Waitress). The cast reflects multiple representations of race, gender, and ethnicity. Time vary. 601 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org

Tom Wesselmann: Intimate Spaces 

Now Open. Discover Tom Wesselmann, one of the defining artists of US Pop art, at Gagosian’s new exhibition, “Intimate Spaces”. The exhibition showcases his innovative mixed-media paintings that capture the energy of commercial culture through still life, interiors, landscapes, and nudes. With a focus on his primary subject, the female nude, the exhibition features key works from his acclaimed series, Great American Nudes (1961-73) and beyond. Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 456 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills. gagosian.com

Photo credit: Barbie Lot by The World of Barbie. Tom Wesselman’s piece by Gagosian Gallery. Mon Ami, Won Ho Lee. 1776 by Joan Marcus. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.