Food Bowl
May 1-31. The Los Angeles Times’ new, citywide food festival celebrates LA’s dynamic and influential food scene throughout the month of May while promoting social awareness about food waste and hunger. The Bowl hosts hundreds of events, but the centerpiece is Night Market, May 10-14 at Grand Park (200 N. Grand Ave, downtown), which features 50 restaurants, bars and food trucks, plus live entertainment. lafoodbowl.com
The Bodyguard
May 2-21. In this award-winning musical, based on the 1992 film of the same name, a Secret Service agent-turned-bodyguard is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron, played at nighttime performances by Deborah Cox. Hollywood Pantages, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
Rooftop Cinema Club
May 2-31. The U.K.’s “Number One Outdoor Cinema Series” returns to the rooftop of the historic Montalban Theatre for its third season in L.A. Enjoy street food and drinks while you take in Hollywood views and watch classic (Sunset Boulevard), cult (The Big Lebowski) and contemporary (Moana) flicks. See website for full lineup and schedule. Ages 18 and above. Most films start at 8:15 p.m. $19-$29. 1615 Vine St., L.A. rooftopcinemaclub.com/la
WPChef’s Series Featuring Chefs Massimo Bottura, Nancy Silverton, Roy Choi and Wolfgang Puck
May 3. As part of the LA Times Food Bowl, chef Wolfgang Puck gathers a culinary dream team of chefs for his #WPchefseries at Hotel Bel Air. Joining him are Massimo Bottura (Osteria Francescana), Nancy Silverton (Mozza), Roy Choi (Kogi BBQ). Expect a multi-course dinner showcasing the chefs’ culinary talents paired with fine wines from Ca’ del Bosco. Menu highlights include Italian risotto with aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Moroccan lamb, Alaskan salmon and Snake River Farms beef. $500. Part of the proceeds will be donated to non-profit organizations Food for Soul and Chefs to End Hunger. 6-9 p.m. Reservations required. Wolfgang Puck At Hotel Bel Air, 701 Stone Canyon Rd., 310.909.1644. lafoodbowl.com
First Fridays
May 5. This year’s foodie-themed First Fridays series at the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum continues. The provocative event offers discussions from top scientists, prestigious food writers and farm and garden experts, along with live music and DJ tunes. Drop by this month for cutting-edge science and musical performances by Buyepongo and Chico Mann & Captain Planet, and DJ performances from KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez and Subsuelo. 5-10 p.m. 900 Exposition Blvd., L.A., 213.763.DINO. nhm.org
Street Food Cinema
May 6, 13, 20, 27. Outdoor summer film series hosts screenings every Saturday night at various locations across L.A. Features live music and food from the city’s top trucks. Highlights this month include Singin’ in the Rain and Back to the Future. See website for a full schedule and door times. Band 6:30 p.m.; movie 8:30 p.m. $6-$21, under 6 free. 323.254.5068. streetfoodcinema.com
Angel City Brewery Heritage Music & Arts Festival
May 6-7. What started as a grand opening party in 2012 has now turned into a two-day celebration festival of craft beer and Downtown LA’s culture. Each day will feature a different line-up of live music, cultural performances, food trucks, a live mural painting by Cali native street artist Young Mer and specialty Angel City beers. A portion of each day’s beer garden proceeds will go to the Los Angeles River Artists and Business Association. 216 Alameda St., downtown. angelcitybrewery.com
Ocean Avenue’s Day at the Races
May 6. Restaurants and hotels along Santa Monica’s premier oceanfront street come together for a culinary walking tour to celebrate the Kentucky Derby and raise funds for the Surfrider Foundation. Dress in your Derby best and receive complimentary tastings from Ocean Avenue restaurants including Herringbone, Del Frisco’s Grille, Red O, Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, Chez Jay, O+O Sicilian Kitchen & Bar, Shore Hotel and Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Also enjoy complimentary mint juleps, food and drink specials, hat contests and watch the most exciting two-minutes in sports, all while helping to protect the world’s oceans and beaches. $40/pp. Noon-5 p.m. Tickets. derbyonocean.eventbrite.com
Fefu and Her Friends
May 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 26-28. The pioneering play marks the first time a production has ever taken place at the UNESCO-nominated Hollyhock House at Barnsdall Art Park. Set in 1935—a little over a decade after Hollyhock House was built for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall—the play provides a unique reference point to the period and will take place inside the Hollyhock House, transitioning throughout the historic quarters and ending in the central courtyard. The play touches on culturally relevant topics to the period and today like gender wage gaps, sexist political rhetoric and women in leadership roles. $60. Hollyhock House, Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. circlextheatre.org/fefu/
Masters of Taste
May 7. Luxury food and beverage festival lets you stroll the 50-yard line at Rose Bowl Stadium while feasting on fare from some of L.A.’s top chefs and restaurants (including Alexander’s Steakhouse, Miro and Redbird), sipping signature cocktails by the city’s master mixologists, tasting offerings from eclectic California wineries and local craft breweries and listening to live entertainment. All proceeds benefit Union Station Homeless Services. 4-7 pm; VIP 3-7 p.m. $105-$185. Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. mastersoftastela.com
Los Angeles Times Night Market
May 10-14. The first annual Los Angeles Times Night Market will be a bustling outdoor street food market that takes over Grand Park for five consecutive nights. Night Market will feature 50 diverse and exciting food booths from LA’s favorite restaurants, food trucks and bars as well as a selection of artisanal vendors. Expect a variety of tastes from khao soi, pad kee mao, dim sum to pupusas, encased meats and izakaya. The event is free but you have an option to take it to the next level by purchasing tickets to the Super Market, which offers access to curated food vendors, additional seating areas and food booths, bars, premium lounges and entertainment. lafoodbowl.com
May Mix-Off
May 10. The Mixing Room at JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE gathers Los Angeles’ best bartenders to compete in the May Mix-Off in collaboration with William Grant and Sons. The three-week competition takes place Wednesdays through May 24. Each night includes live mixology demonstrations, a sampling of cocktails from each participant of the week and a hand in selecting the city’s most talented bartender to receive a grand prize trip to Tales of the Cocktail. Kicking off the competition, guests are invited to participate in a complimentary mixology class featuring tastings of Milagro Tequila on Wednesday, May 3 at 6 p.m., as part of the bar’s ongoing Liquid Intelligence series. 900 W Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.8600. lalivemarriott.com
Echo Park Craft Fair
May 13-14. This popular homegrown arts and design event showcases the wares of talented local artisans. Shop jewelry, ceramics, perfume, clothes and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. One day $10; weekend pass $16. Mack Sennett Studios, 1215 Bates Ave., L.A. echoparkcraftfair.com
Cinespia
May 13, 20, 27, 28. Watch cult 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. Chinatown kicks off this summer’s lineup; other May highlights include Boogie Nights and Clueless. See website for full schedule. Gates open 6:45 p.m.; movie 8:30 pm. $16. Parking $12-$15. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 877.435.9849. cinespia.org
Extreme Mammals
Opening May 14. The new exhibit at the Natural History Museum explores evolutionary standouts and oddities in the 200-million-year history of mammals, the exhibition includes some memorable fossils and content from NHMLA’s own collection—specimens from the La Brea Tar Pits, a rare dwarf mammoth fossil from the Channel Islands, and footage of L.A.’s own P-22, the Griffith Park mountain lion. 900 Exposition Blvd., L.A., 213.763.DINO. nhm.org
Jersey Boys
Opening May 16. The award-winning musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons makes a stop in L.A., bringing hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and more. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
EEEEEATSCON
May 20. New “food festival for the next generation” from the Infatuation plays off the company’s popular “#EEEEEATS“ hashtag. Expect a lineup of the hottest restaurants—Chi Spacca, Shake Shack, Jon & Vinny’s, Badmaash, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse and Salazar, plus the first-ever appearance of Mario Batali’s Eataly in L.A. before it opens in Westfield Century City—as well as live music and panels with food-industry pioneers. Noon-9 p.m. $40-$100. Food not included in price. Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave., Suite 203, Santa Monica. theinfatuation.com/eeeeeatscon
U2
May 20-21. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the album, U2 performs the 1987 album in its entirety at Rose Bowl Stadium. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, 626.577.3100. rosebowlstadium.com
Beverly Hills Artshow
May 20-21. This long-running outdoor art showcase displays artwork from some 240 exhibitors twice a year. A wine and beer garden and food trucks are also on-site. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Beverly Gardens Park, along Santa Monica Boulevard from Rodeo to Rexford drives, Beverly Hills, 310.285.6830. beverlyhills.org
Venice Art Walk & Auctions
May 21. Google’s L.A. headquarters hosts the Venice Family Clinic’s annual fundraiser, where a silent art auction and street festival help raise funds to provide primary health care to people in need (ticketed artist-studio tours also are available for $50). This free community celebration includes gourmet food, live music and family-friendly activities. See website for details. Noon-6 p.m. 340 Main St., Venice, 310.664.7916. theveniceartwalk.org
LA LA Land in Concert
May 26-27. See the beloved Los Angeles-set musical (see left) at an iconic L.A. locale: the Hollywood Bowl. Hear the Oscar-winning score performed live-to-film, followed by a fireworks show. 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. hollywoodbowl.com
Fiesta Hermosa
May 27-29. This semiannual festival features some 300 artists and crafters, as well as food, live music, a “kiddie carnival,” a charity beer and wine garden and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. See website for free bike valet, parking and shuttle information. Downtown Hermosa Beach on Pier Plaza, Hermosa Avenue and lower Pier Avenue, 310.376.0951. fiestahermosa.net
Topanga Days 2017
May 27-29. Enjoy music, a parade (May 29, 8:30 a.m.) and old-fashioned fun at this 44th annual fair. Spend Memorial Day weekend listening to live music and participating in games like sack races, an egg toss and horseshoes. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $15-$25 per day; $40-$60 three-day pass, under 6 free. 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, 310.455.1980. topangadays.com
MAINopoly: Taste of Main Street
May 28. The fun, interactive community event that mirrors the classic board game, and gives you a culinary walking tour of Main Street’s finest restaurants, bars and more. Activities include the VIP Lounge with hosted food and drink from local restaurants, Go To Jail photo booth, DJ, games and more. All participants are encouraged to dress in “Monopoly”-inspired or patriotic attire, and those who hit all of the locations on their game board will be entered to win a “Taste of Main Street” prize package. Main Street (Between Bay St. & Navy St.), check in at Areal Restaurant, 2820 Main St., Santa Monica. mainopolysm.com
The Book of Mormon
Opening May 30. The irreverent, nine-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy from the creators of South Park and the co-creator of Avenue Q returns to the Pantages. Contains explicit language. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
Bjork
May 30. Last month, Walt Disney Concert Hall kicked off a celebration of the musical creativity of Iceland’s capital with its Reykjavík Festival. The celebration of the country continues when the inimitable Björk takes the stage, accompanied by an orchestra. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 323.850.2000. laphil.com
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Museum of Ice Cream
Through May 29. The second outpost—four times as large as its New York sister—of the sweetest museum of all opens in the Arts District this weekend. Dive into the iconic swimmable sprinkle pool filled with one hundred million sprinkles, and enjoy other interactive highlights like a banana split room comprised of 10 thousand bananas, a mint grow house, a melted popsicle jungle and more. The museum has also curated ice cream for you to enjoy, which includes a “scoop of the week” from popular shops like McConnell’s, Salt & Straw and Cream. $29/pp adults, $18/pp children (3-12) and seniors (60+), includes two ice cream tastings and other edible treats. Wed.-Mon., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 2018 E. 7th Pl., downtown. museumoficecream.com
OUE Skyspace Los Angeles
California’s must-see attraction, nearly 1,000 feet above downtown Los Angeles, boasts entertainment and excitement for audiences of any age. The unobstructed 360-degree view compliments the two open-air observation terraces where guests can see iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign to the Catalina Island plus everything in-between. Experience the thrill of the world’s first ever Skyslide and engage with an array of interactive technology. $19+. 633 West Fifth St., Downtown, 213.894.9000. skyspace-la.com
Tosca
Through May 13. Electrifying Sondra Radvanovsky returns to reprise her acclaimed portrayal as fiery prima donna Tosca in one of opera’s bloodiest, most intense dramas. The production is a revival of the John Caird staging, conducted by James Conlon. (April 22, 27, 30; May 2, 5, 7, 13.) (Photo courtesy of LA Opera.) Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.0711. laopera.org
Into the Woods
Through May 14. This reinvention of James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s fairy-tale musical about the power of wishes finds the acclaimed Fiasco Theater ensemble revisiting classic songs like “Children Will Listen” and “Giants in the Sky.” Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Block Party
Through May 21. This celebration of the Los Angeles theater scene spotlights three recent productions from local theater companies, each of which plays for two weeks. Citizen: An American Lyric runs through May 7; Dry Land runs May 12-21. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org