From a smorgasbord of foodie events to hotly anticipated spring art exhibitions, here are the top Los Angeles things to do in March.
Edited by Christina Wiese
PPLA Food Fare
Mar. 1. This thirty-ninth annual food event—started as a cooking demonstration with Julia Child—features tastings from more than 150 restaurants, caterers, vendors, wineries and breweries. Participating venues include AR Cucina, Baltaire, Lucques, Michael’s Santa Monica and Salazar. Salt’s Cure’s Chris Phelps is being recognized as chef of the year. Proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. Daytime session 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; evening session 6:30-9:30 p.m. $150-$350. Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica, 213.284.3300. pplafoodfare.com
CHANEL Beauty House
Mar. 1-4. Pucker up for a colorful, self-guided experience at one of Hollywood’s most iconic addresses. The house celebrates the launch of CHANEL’s new @welovecoco Instagram account for user-generated content, and offers a mix of high tech moments and traditional applications from top makeup artists. Instagrammable moments abound with secret doorways, a tub brimming with pearls and more. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free, must RSVP. CHANEL Beauty House, 9169 Sunset Blvd., L.A. beautyhouse.chanel.com
Dog Haus x No Kid Hungry
Mar. 1-Apr. 30. Gourmet hot dog connoisseur Dog Haus continues its 2018 collaborative chef series with No Kid Hungry. Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Stephanie Izard dishes up a sweet and smoky lap cheong sausage alongside mayo, sweet and spicy pepper relish, scallions and King’s Hawaiian rolls. Dog Haus will donate $1 from each collaboration item directly to No Kid Hungry, in addition to adding a round up for charity line on each check. See website for all Dog Haus locations. doghaus.com
‘Chamber Magic’
Mar. 2-3. New York’s acclaimed Chamber Magic show from Steve Cohen lands on the West Coast a special two-night engagement. Limited to 75 guests per show, don your best cocktail attire for the intimate occasion that re-creates close-up parlor entertainment popular to high society during the early 20th century. Showtimes at 7 and 9:30 p.m. $75-$125. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, 9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 866.811.4111. chambermagic.com
Food Book Fair
Mar. 2-4. Part festival, part conference, New York-based Food Book Fair has teamed up with Ace Hotel DTLA for its first West Coast event celebrating all things food and food media. Most events free with RSVP. foodbookfair.com
Lyrics to Life Pop-Up
Mar. 2-5. Genius—the world’s largest encyclopedia of music—joins forces with Dropbox to create a four-day art exhibition dedicated to song lyrics. Visual artists will transform lyrics from Nicki Minaj, Notorious B.I.G., The Weeknd and more, into physical art attendees can see and touch. See website for entry times. Free. 2138 Violet St., downtown. Tickets
Candytopia
Opens Mar. 2. With its newly secured location at Santa Monica Place, there’s a new Instagrammable sweetheart in town. Explore the sugarcoated dreamworld, from the mind of celebrity candy stylist Jackie Sorkin, through larger-than-life installations and a dozen themed rooms inspired by pure, sugary bliss. And of course, all while nomming on candy samples. $30 adults; $23 children ages 4-12; Free for children 3 and under. 395 Santa Monica Place, Unit 142, Santa Monica. candytopia.com
Brouwerij Second Anniversary Celebration
Mar. 3. South Bay brew haven marks its second anniversary with an outdoor concert headlined by L.A. punk band X, with support from rockers mike watt + the missingmen and L.A. Witch. An exclusive anniversary can will also be released for the occasion to complement a selection of one-off beers and food trucks. $20 pre-sale; $40 day-of; $75 VIP. 110 East 22nd St., Warehouse 9, San Pedro, 310.833.9330. brouwerijwest.com
Air + Style
Mar. 3-4. This snowboarding, skateboarding and music festival returns to L.A. with a full lineup of athletes including Shaun White and Louif Paradis, action sports—including Streetstyle Snowboarding and new skateboarding competitions—and musical headliners like Phoenix, Zedd and BadBadNotGood. One-day pass $79; VIP $129. Two-day pass $149; VIP $239. Exposition Park, 700 Exposition Park Dr., L.A. airandstyle.com
L.A. IPA Fest
Mar. 3-4. This fifth annual festival organized and hosted by Echo Park’s Mohawk Bend celebrates the most dominant player in L.A.’s craft beer scene: the India Pale Ale. Taste top IPA offerings from over 60 breweries; Saturday is the main event and beer competition, and the tasting continues Sunday. Sa 9:30 a.m., $5 per 8-ounce pour; Su $15 build-your-own flights. 21+. Mohawk Bend, 2141 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 213.483.2337. laipafestival.com
‘Swan Lake’
Mar. 3-17. Closing out the Los Angeles Ballet’s 12th season is a return of the critically acclaimed production with choreography by artistic directors Christensen and Neary. The performance makes three stops in the greater L.A. area: Glendale, Redondo Beach and Westwood. See website for showtimes, dates and ticket prices. losangelesballet.org
90th Oscars
Mar. 4. All eyes are on Hollywood this weekend as the entertainment community celebrates achievements in motion pictures from the past year. Dolby Theatre plays host to the affair once again, with red coverage starting at 2 p.m. Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. oscars.org
Imagine Tea
Mar. 4. Stop by the iconic Langham Huntington in Pasadena for an extra magical day with your child. Designed specifically for children, guests will dine on a special menu of whimsical sandwiches, desserts and teas while junior performers from the famed Magic Castle perform up-close tricks. Part of the proceeds will benefit local children’s nonprofit organizations. First seating 10-11:30 a.m., second seating 1:30-3 p.m. 1401 South Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, 626.585.6480. langhamhotels.com
‘Ironbound’
Through Mar. 4. This moving work by award-winning playwright Martyna Majok spans 22 years to tell the story of Darja, a Polish immigrant who gets by with a cleaning job and her sheer will. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.org
All-Star Chef Classic
Mar. 7-10. This fifth annual culinary experience showcases over 40 award-winning chefs from across the globe, including José Andrés, Ludo Lefebvre, Michael Voltaggio, Nyesha Arrington and Jose Garces. See them cook in the venue’s Restaurant Stadium, then taste the results in the Chefs’ Tasting Arena. This year’s American Masters Dinner spotlights America’s exemplary immigrant talent, and new events include a Vegetable Masters Dinner, All-Star Women Masters Dinner and more. See website for schedule. Tickets start at $125. L.A. Live Event Deck, 1005 W. Chick Hearn Court, downtown. allstarchefclassic.com
Terrace Hours at The Belvedere
Mar. 8, 15, 22, 29. Luxury 5-star hotel The Peninsula Beverly Hills rolls out a new weekly happy hour this month in partnership with Casamigos. Take a seat on the newly refreshed terrace for an evening of live music and tasty bites like shawarma tacos, charred grill octopus and roasted cauliflower flatbread. Cap the night off with a choice of four exclusive tequila-based cocktails including a Mexican Negroni and a spicy blood orange margarita. 5-8 p.m. Bites $9-$12, cocktails $10. The Belvedere at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. beverlyhills.peninsula.com
‘Romeo & Juliet’
Mar. 9, 11, 17. The Joffrey Ballet reimagines Shakespeare’s classic tragedy as a story of love, dance and violence in Mussolini-era Italy. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown. musiccenter.org
Getty Center’s 20th Anniversary
Mar. 10. Bring the whole family for a special celebration inspired by The Getty’s current exhibitions. Snap a picture in a photo booth, create wearable accessories, show off your dance and hula moves, build your own piñata and much more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. The J. Paul Getty Museum, 1200 Getty Center Dr., L.A. getty.edu
‘Orpheus and Eurydice’
Mar. 10-25. The LA Opera season continues this month with Christoph Willibald Gluck’s landmark masterpiece. Conducted by James Conlon, this special presentation also features the full company—43 dancers—of world renowned Joffrey Ballet. See website for showtimes. $16+. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.8001. laopera.org
Cochon555
Mar. 11. This “nose-to-tail” culinary tour celebrating heritage-breed pigs and family farms returns to Viceroy Santa Monica, where attendees can dine, drink and vote for their favorite bite of the day. Chefs Sammy Monsour of Preux & Proper, Hugo Bolanos of Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air and Thomas Bille of Otium are among the five chefs participating in a culinary competition that involves cooking an entire heritage-breed pig. 5-7:30 p.m.; VIP entrance 4 p.m. $130; VIP $200. 21+. Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. cochon555.com
Festival of the Kite
Mar. 11. One of the longest running festivals in Southern California returns for another year of breezy, beachy fun at the Redondo Pier. Expect prizes for best-in-class kite-flyers, live music, dance performances and more. Noon-5 p.m. Free. 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach. redondopier.com
Nowruz Festival
Mar. 11. Celebrate the Iranian New Year at this 10th annual family-friendly festival. Festivities for the day include a colorful Spring Walk parade, Iranian Tea House, dance performances, children’s activities, musical performances and more as you explore one of the oldest cultures in the world. Iranian folk legend Sima Bina is also slated to perform in a rare U.S. performance. Festival noon-5 p.m., musical program 6 p.m. Free for festival, $35 Musical Program including Sima Bina performance. UCLA’s Royce Hall & Dickson Court, 10745 Dickson Court, L.A. farhang.org
Pizza Making Classes
Mar. 11. Put on your chef’s hat and create your very own tasty pizza under the direction of Baldoria’s executive chef Duke Gervais. Cheers to your new-found culinary skills with a complimentary glass of beer or wine. Bon Appetit! 6-7 p.m. $30. Baldoria, 243 S. San Pedro St., downtown. Tickets
‘Water by the Spoonful’
Through Mar. 11. The second in Quiara Alegría Hudes’ (In the Heights) Elliott Trilogy of plays, Water by the Spoonful follows the four disparate members of an online chat room for recovering addicts. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Uncorked Italy at Officine BRERA
Mar. 13. Sommelier Francine Diamond-Ferdinandi (Factory Place Hospitality Group) guides guests through 13 wine pours as well pairings for a four-course dinner overseen by executive chef Angelo Auriana. Menu highlights include dishes like carnaroli risotto mantecato with spit roasted California quail matched with a 2015 Pelissero Nebbi. 7-10 p.m. $145 per person. 1331 E. 6th St., downtown. Tickets
Nuit Blanche
Mar. 13, 27. Step into the roaring 1920s of Paris for an immersive evening of dining, libations and theatrical wonder. Welcome cocktails, a premium open bar, dancers and a pianist set the tone before revelers indulge on a five-course dinner. 8 p.m. $300. 627 S. Carondelet St., L.A. nuitblanche.me
‘Rembrandt and the Inspiration of India’
Mar. 13-June 24. The Getty’s latest exhibition shines a light on Rembrandt’s surviving drawings composed in the style of artists working for the Mughal court in the seventeenth century. Juxtaposing the exhibition will be Indian paintings and drawings as well as Mughal paintings featuring European rulers. Free. The J. Paul Getty Museum, 1200 Getty Center Dr., L.A. getty.edu
Between River and Rim: Hiking the Grand Canyon
Mar. 15-16. The final event in the National Geographic Live series at The Broad Stage brings together photographer/filmmaker Pete McBride and writer Kevin Fedarko to share insights about the National Park as well as the myriad of threats it faces. 7:30 p.m. $65+. The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, 310.434.3200. thebroadstage.org
Film Series: Behind the Scenes
Mar. 16, 23, 30. Explore the world of dance performance through a trio of three documentaries helped by women filmmakers. In the Steps of Trisha Brown jumps starts screenings, with First Position and One Day Pina Asked… to follow. The series coincides with The Norton Simon Museum’s exhibition Taking Shape: Degas as Sculpture. Films start at 6 p.m. $15 adults; $12 seniors; Free for Museum members, students with I.D., 18 and under. Museum admission included. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.449.6840. nortonsimon.org
PaleyFest
Mar. 16-25. The Paley Center for Media hosts this annual event—celebrating its 35th anniversary this year—with screenings and panels featuring creators and stars from top TV shows. This year’s lineup includes The Handmaid’s Tale, Riverdale and Stranger Things, plus a conversation with PaleyFest’s 2018 Icon, Barbra Streisand. Visit website for schedule and tickets. Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 310.786.1000. paleyfest.org
Casey’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival
Mar. 17. This annual all-day street festival enlivens downtown L.A. with Irish food, drink specials (green beer, anyone?) and sets by live DJs. Headquartered at Casey’s Irish Pub, the street festival—now bigger and open later than ever before—takes place in front of the pub; enter at Wilshire Boulevard and Hope Street. 6 a.m.-2 a.m.; festival starts at 11 a.m. Free entry to festival before 1 p.m. 21+. 613 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.629.2353. caseysirishpub.com
The Hollywood Crawl of Fame II | Hollywood
Mar. 17. Drink your way through some of L.A.’s most popular mixology hotspots. Each venue on the The St. Patrick’s Day Crawl, hosted by MiniBar Hollywood, will feature a signature whiskey cocktail created especially for the occasion. Live Irish music and a blow out bash await participants at the end of the crawl. Participating venues include Ever Bar, Sassafras, Sunset & Vinyl and more. 3:30 p.m. $25. 6141 Franklin Ave., L.A., 323.798.4939. minibarhollywood.com
Jigs, Rainbows, Bagpipes and Drums | Pasadena
Mar. 17. Kick up your ghillies at this family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Learn the jig yourself, craft the day away with little ones and enjoy a bagpipes and drum performance by the Pasadena Scots. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena. onecolorado.com
Garden Dinners
Mar. 17. Tucked away in the scenic Santa Monica Mountains, Saddlerock Gardens kicks off its annual Farm-to-Table Garden Dinner series with a five-course meal created by resident chef Alina Harden. Enjoy al fresco dining, wine pairings with appetizers, as well as a stroll through the organic garden to talk with gardeners and learn more about the produce featured on the menu. 18 Garden Dinners are set for 2018 and will run through October. 4:30 p.m. $130. saddlerockgardens.org
L.A. Marathon
Mar. 18. Established in 1986, the city’s famed race is still going strong, attracting thousands of runners from around the world who take on the “Stadium to the Sea” course. 6:30 a.m. Registration $220. Starting point: Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., L.A., 213.542.3000. lamarathon.com
WESTWEEK 2018
Mar. 21-22. The West Coast’s definitive showcase for global design debuts an array of luxury furnishings and interior resources crafted by today’s foremost design innovators. This year’s “Design Is Global”-themed event features keynote programs, product introductions and showroom happenings, plus presentations from the nation’s leading shelter publications, editors and tastemakers. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.657.0800. pacificdesigncenter.com
¡Latin Food Fest!
Mar. 23-24. This sixth annual Hispanic culinary celebration consists of a festival kickoff party, “Chefs Night Out,” and its signature event, “Gran Tasting,” featuring food, wine, spirits and beer tasting tents; demos by chefs Aarón Sánchez, Marcela Valladolid and Enrique Olvera; live music; a michelada bar; and a spirits expo. F 6:30 p.m.; Sa noon, VIP entry 11 a.m. Tickets $19-$99; VIP $149. 21+. Santa Monica Beach, Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica. latinfoodfest.com
‘New Money’
Mar. 23-25. Bitcoin. Zdash. Litecoin. With cryptocurrency on the tips of everyone’s tongue, artist Andy Bauch’s new exhibition sparks conversation on the value of art and money. The exhibition features over 12 works comprised of LEGO bricks, all infused with secret keys to bitcoin wallets. F 7-10 p.m., Sa-Su noon-6 p.m. Castelli Art Space, 5428 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City. andybauch.com
‘KING TUT: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh’
Opens Mar. 24. The California Science Center welcomes the largest King Tut exhibition ever in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the tomb discovery. Boasting more than 150 artifacts from the pharaoh’s tomb, 40 percent of the items will be traveling outside of Egypt for the first time, offering SoCal a rare cultural experience. See website for entry times. $19-$30. California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Dr., L.A., 323.724.3623. californiasciencecenter.org
Waffles & Beer Festival
Mar. 24-25. Spice up your weekend plans with sweet and savory waffles, cold brews, mimosas and live music in downtown’s Pershing Square. All ages welcome. Noon-8 p.m. GA $5 pre-sale, $7 day-of. 532 S. Olive St., downtown. wafflesandbeerfest.com
YoungArts Los Angeles
Mar. 24-29. Enjoy multidisciplinary performances, a cinematic arts screening and a visual arts exhibition from rising stars who were selected by the National YoungArts Foundation to receive mentoring and national awards (Viola Davis and Nicki Minaj are among the program’s esteemed alumni). See website for public performance schedule and tickets. Most events take place on UCLA’s campus. UCLA, 445 Charles E. Young Drive E, L.A., 800.970.2787. youngarts.org
‘City and Cosmos: The Arts of Teotihuacan’
Mar. 25-July 16. The arrival of spring ushers in a fresh LACMA exhibition highlighting over 200 new archaeological discoveries from the city’s pyramids and residential neighborhoods. M, Tu, Th 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; F 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sa-Su 10 a.m.-7 p.m. See website for museum admission. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6010. lacma.org
Guest Chef Burger Night
Mar. 27. Back by popular demand, Santa Monica’s Esters Wine Shop & Bar brings a refreshing spin to its regular Tuesday Burger Nights with a local, chef collaboration. On board for March is chef Craig Thornton, known for his artistic, innovative dinners at Wolvesmouth. 6 p.m. until burgers sell out. $19, includes chips. Esters, 1314 7th St., Santa Monica. esterswineshop.com
L.A. Dodgers
Mar. 29-31. The Boys in Blue are back, taking on the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium
in the home opener. 1000 Vin Scully Ave., L.A., 323.224.1507. mlb.com/dodgers
‘Block Party’
Opens Mar. 29. This celebration of the L.A. theater scene spotlights three encore productions from outstanding local theater companies, with Bloodletting opening March 29. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Train Travel-Inspired Cocktail Menu
All Month. Tucked into downtown’s vibrant Arts District, Westbound invites locals and visitors alike to journey around the world through a new cocktail menu. Highlights include the Golden Spike—named after the ceremonial final spike that created the First Transcontinental Railroad—as well as the Left at Albuquerque, inspired by the Bugs Bunny line “I knew I shoulda taken that left turn at Albuquerque!”, among others. 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown. westbounddtla.com
Sell/Buy/Date
Through Apr. 15. In her new solo show, Tony Award-winning writer/performer/comedian Sarah Jones brings to life characters who provide commentary on gender, sex and modern times. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.org
Jasper Johns at The Broad
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
LA Opera photo by Todd Rosenberg Photography.
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