As L.A. starts to pick up the pieces after the wildfires—which are finally almost at 100% containment, thanks to the tireless efforts of the city’s firefighters and the weekend rainfall—our collective focus has shifted to helping those who were directly impacted and rebuilding what was lost. To that end, benefits with truly amazing lineups have been popping up left and right in recent weeks. And while we wish they were happening under better circumstances, they’re nevertheless a bright spot after the bleakness of the past few weeks, offering a way to support a great cause while still having a great time.
Here are eight ways to get out and give back this week, from an indie-rock showcase tonight and heavy hitter FireAid to shopping and dining options that are doing their part to give back. (Note: Many of these shows have been selling out right away, but we’ll keep you posted as more are announced.)
Benefit Concerts
For Los Angeles: A Benefit For Those Impacted by the Wildfires
Tuesday, January 28
This concert for wildfire relief is a must for indie-rock fans. All proceeds from For Los Angeles—which popped up at the Troubadour last week and is coming to the Lodge Room tonight—will go directly toward the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery and Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Fund. Catch stripped-back sets from Lord Huron, Stephen Sanchez, Magdalena Bay, Madi Diaz, Zinadelphia and more. (Tickets are $110 and are currently sold out.)
LA Gives Back: Fire Relief
Wednesday, January 29
Produced and curated by IHEARTCOMIX, this fundraiser—the seventh installment of LA Gives Back—is backed by some of the city’s coolest promoters. This time around, 100% of the funds raised will go to charities supporting victims of the wildfires, first responders and animals in need. Alice Glass, Chrome Sparks, Corey Sizemore, Emo Nite DJs, Falcons, GODDOLLARS, SuperNova, Thee Mike B, Tech Grl, Vhex, Walker & Royce and many more make up the lineup for the one-night-only concert that will showcase the city’s music scene. Those who can’t make it out can donate for access to the livestream, which will be hosted by Reggie Watts, Hannah Rad, Jesse Camp, Avital Ash and Samantha Urbani and feature a pre-show with talent including Marc Rebillet, Aaron Frazer, Sylvan Esso and the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. (Tickets are $60 to $65.)
FireAid
Thursday, January 30
FireAid, the first benefit concert announced after the fires started, boasts a truly jaw-dropping lineup—as in, it’s hard to picture all of these artists in the same place. Taking place this Thursday simultaneously at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, the show has been split into two bills. Alanis Morissette, Anderson. Paak, Dave Matthews and John Mayer, Dawes, Graham Nash, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, P!nk, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks and the Black Crowes will play at the Forum. Meanwhile, Billie Eilish, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Sting and Tate McRae will take the stage at the Intuit Dome. All proceeds from the event will go toward “rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families and advancing fire prevention technologies and strategies to ensure L.A. is better prepared for fire emergencies.” We can’t think of a worthier cause. (All venue and ticketing service fees have been waived for the event. That being said, remaining tickets for Intuit Dome start at $1,195, and tickets for the Kia Forum are a bit more affordable, starting at $575.)
More Picks
Giorgio’s Discotheque: Grammys Week Party
Thursday, January 30
The ultra-exclusive, A-list favorite Giorgio’s Discotheque is popping up at West Hollywood hotel nightclub Sunset at EDITION for a public party celebrating the Grammys and raising money for MusiCares Disaster Relief. Proof of a $30 donation, which will support members of the music industry impacted by the L.A. fires, will get you in to dance underneath 400 disco balls and bid on celeb photographer Greg Gorman’s portraits of music luminaries including Debbie Harry, Grace Jones and David Bowie.
Alt Comedy All-Stars: A Benefit Show for Comedy Gives Back
Friday, January 31
Just about every alt comedy icon is coming together for this Comedy Gives Back benefit at the intimate Fonda Theatre. The lineup of stand-ups and improvisers includes Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis, Bob Odenkirk and the cast of Mr. Show (including Brian Posehn, Doug Benson, Laura Kightlinger and Mary Lynn Rajskub), with special guest Jon Hamm and more surprise guests to be announced. All ticket sales will go to the nonprofit, which provides a safety net for the comedy community in the form of mental health support and financial relief—including grants for comedians who have been impacted by the fires. (Available tickets range from $87.50 to $125.)
15th Street Block Party
Saturday and Sunday, February 1–2
Shop goods from local, Black-owned businesses at this community-centered market from racial equity nonprofit the Fifteen Percent Pledge. Dozens of brands including Diotima, Brown Girl Jane, Christopher John Rogers, L’Enchanteur, Bernard James and many more will set up shop on the Paramount backlot alongside authors signing books and DJs spinning. Black-owned food trucks will also be on hand, serving up everything from cheesesteaks to shaved ice. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to businesses that have lost inventory, storefronts, warehouses and more due to the fires. (Tickets are $25 for one day and $40 for a weekend pass.)
Beyond the Streets Art Bazaar: Honoring L.A.’s Creative Spirit
Saturday and Sunday, February 1–2
A portion of gift shop sales will support fire relief at this free market being held at popular street art show-turned-permanent gallery Beyond the Streets. Over 30 local creatives—including Alex Pardee, Blue Hill Studios, Born X Raised, John Doe Gallery, Juice Magazine, Kill Your Idols, Trust Records, Under The Radar Records and Big Bell Ceramics—will be on hand, selling clothing, books, ceramics, fine art, zines, prints and more.
Dine L.A. Restaurant Week
Through Friday, February 7
The winter edition of Dine L.A. is back from January 24 to February 7, with hundreds of restaurants participating in the two-week blitz of bang-for-your-buck set menus. Scattered among the prix-fixe tradition’s dizzying full list of menus are some of L.A.’s best restaurants offering their signature fare at a more budget-friendly price point. Before you make a reservation, check out our list of the best lunch and dinner deals the event has to offer. In light of the recent fires, L.A. Tourism is donating $5 per reservation made to the American Red Cross, which will be matched by Banc of California for a total of $10 for each booking.