If you're already going broke on Valentine's Day ideas, you'll be happy to hear there are plenty of free things to do in February. From a Chinatown parade to a science lecture in a brewery, these are the best ways to make the most of your month without breaking into your wallet.
Feb 2
Daybreaker L.A.: Morning of Champions; Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Party and work out with Olympic gold medalists at this early morning dance party and LA 2024 bash.
Feb 4
Golden Dragon Parade & Chinese New Year Festival; Chinatown Central Plaza
Participate in one of L.A.'s oldest traditions as the 118th parade steps off in Chinatown.
Feb 4-10
Street Art House; The Hängar
Wander around a pop-up art gallery where more than a dozen street artists from L.A. and around the world have each been given an area to design.
Feb 7-28
All About Almodóvar; The Standard, Hollywood
Catch free screenings of the acclaimed Spanish filmmaker's works with specialty snacks provided by chef Ari Taymor of Alma at the Standard.
Feb 9
Citizen Science + Suds; Angel City Brewery
Find out how harnessing the power of people can have a serious impact on science at this beer and lecture series.
Photograph: Jakob N. Layman
Feb 12
Broken Hearts Circus; Angel City Brewery
Make a circus out of L.A.'s dating scene with acrobats, dancers and professional clowns during this afternoon of beer and amusements.
Feb 14
DIY V-Day; Upstairs
Spend a crafty Valentine's Day atop Ace Hotel with a make-your-own ice cream station from Smitten Ice Cream and a corsage and boutonierre workshop with guidance by Black Leaf Flower Shop.
Feb 14
Tango in the Train Station; Union Station
Learn how to tango in Union Station's handsome ticketing hall with a free lesson followed by a milonga, or tango social dancing.
Feb 14
Valentine's Day Dinner & Dance; Grand Central Market
Swing your partner around at the 100-year-old food hall's first Valentine's Day party, with live swing music and dinner specials.
Feb 18-May 22
Jason Rhoades: Installations, 1994-2006; Hauser Wirth & Schimmel
Roam around six immersive installations, strewn with wooden contraptions and neon signs, from the late California artist.
Photograph: Courtesy the Virgil
Feb 19
Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction; The Virgil
Try not to squirm as 10 comics read their own erotica based on improv and audience suggestions.
Feb 22
The Slurring Bee; The Virgil
Slur your way through tricky vocabulary words at this drunken spelling bee.
Feb 23-26
L.A. Art Book Fair; The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Peruse books, catalogues, monographs, periodicals and zines from more than 250 international presses.
Ongoing
Free concerts; Various locations
Listen to some tunes without breaking the bank with free shows at the Echo, the Satellite and more.
Ongoing
Free museum days; Various locations
Make the most of free days at LACMA, the Natural History Museum and more, plus always-free museums like the Hammer, Getty and Broad.
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