Things to do in L.A. this weekend

Sleepy-voiced Colorado alt-folk troubadour Nathaniel Rateliff has long been turning heads with his handsome word-spinning and warm, lived-in melodies. A former support act for Mumford & Sons, Bon Iver and Delta Spirit, Rateliff & the Night Sweats have continued their steady rise and are now headlining the Forum. Opening for them are special guests Waxahatchee and Iron & Wine, making for an immaculate indie-folk lineup.

The New York export lands in L.A. for its sixth art fair in February. After first debuting in the surreal setting of the Paramount backlot and then decamping to a space next to the Beverly Hilton, the event has since settled on a site-specific tent in the southeast corner of Santa Monica Airport. Frieze’s massive tent is packed with impressive galleries—and its surrounding grounds with lounges and local favorite food—but the price of admission will likely keep out most casual art fans. Thankfully, Frieze is about more than just the fair: Its arrival attracts major openings at free gallery shows all across the city in the days surrounding the event.

The Los Angeles Art Show is one of the longest-running venues for contemporary, modern, historic and traditional art in the country—there’s something for everyone here, from art history majors to avant-garde gallery owners. The show dedicates space to global galleries, a mix of modern and contemporary exhibits, historical works and more. This year’s 30th anniversary event begins with a benefit opening-night premiere party hosted by actress Jenna Dewan, during which artist Robert Vargas will create a massive live mural, Heroes, as a tribute to the city’s first responders. Throughout the run, explore art from over 100 top galleries, as well as LA Art Show’s DIVERSEartLA, which has been advocating for inclusivity in the arts for 10 years. 

Founded 30 years ago as a group of independent filmmakers’ response to Sundance, Slamdance Film Festival is heading to Los Angeles from Park City, Utah, beginning a new era of the fest. With a mantra of “by filmmakers, for filmmakers,” Slamdance focuses on emerging artists and counts the Russo brothers, Christopher Nolan, Gina Prince-Bythewood, the Safdie brothers, Rian Johnson, Sean Baker and more of today’s most notable directors as alums. A lineup of over 150 shorts, experimental films, features and documentaries—including several made here in L.A.—will play all week at the Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood Blvd), Quixote by Sunset Studios (1011 N Fuller Ave), the Landmark Sunset (8000 W Sunset Blvd) and the Directors Guild of America (7920 W Sunset Blvd). See the full lineup here.

Beloved Chinatown dive bar Hop Louie will come alive again for just one night at this Frieze afterparty cohosted by Bel Ami, Hannah Hoffman, Eckhaus Latta and more. Expect DJ’s and a see-and-be-seen art world crowd.

Discover the next big thing at this accessible art fair, which joins L.A. Art Week at a new venue in Atwater Village this year, displaying works from 140 up-and-coming and independent artists. The more “bizarre, unexpected” sibling of L.A. art shows places an emphasis on experiencing art, offering immersive installations, performances and DJs. This year’s guest artists are Judy Baca, who will mount a new mural as part of her ongoing “The Great Wall of Los Angeles,” and Anna Marie Tendler, who’s returning with her “House of Self” photobooth. The fair runs all weekend, and will be donating 100% of its late Friday ticket sales to the L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund.

Scope out poolside cabanas stocked with top-notch showings from 69 international galleries (including several based in Los Angeles) when this contemporary art fair hits the Hollywood Roosevelt as part of L.A. Art Week. Grab a drink from Tropicana Bar and a sandwich from Uncle Paulie’s and peruse the booths. A single-day pass will cost you $75, while a run of show pass (valid for all days of the fair) is $100.

Enjoy live music and good vibes for free on select Sunday afternoons at the United Theater on Broadway (formerly the Theatre at Ace Hotel). The shows take place in the lobby of the theater—but luckily the three-store lobby is one of the ornate 1920s theater’s most beautiful spaces. This time around, hear the stylings of acclaimed Indian jazz guitarist Pritesh Walia. Food and brunch cocktails will be available for purchase, and all attendees will have a chance to win a pair of tickets to any upcoming United Theater show. 

Attention, Westside literature lovers: The Culver City Book Festival is back, popping up at the Wende Museum earlier than last year’s summertime edition. Organized by Village Well Books & Coffee, the free fest spotlights the work of local authors, publishers, journals and literary nonprofits. Shop from local presses including 826LA, What Books Press, Heavy Manners Library, Angel City Press and more. There are also creative activities for kids, and zine-making for all ages. Stick around for enlightening panels on immigration, genre and a timely conversation on Altadena’s history as a community for Black artists. 

This now-closed, critically acclaimed Laotian cuisine pop-up is back again in Hollywood for a few weeks. (Back in 2023, we gave Yum Sະlut a glowing four-star review.) After decamping back to his hometown of Washington DC, chef-owner Tharathip Soulisak is visiting L.A. and serving a menu of familiar favorites like crispy rice salad, sukiyaki and khao soi out of Hollywood’s My Lai Kitchen for two weekends, with his last day of service falling on March 3. Yum Sະlut will be open inside 7501 W Sunset Boulevard on Mondays and Fridays (3:30–9pm) and weekends (11am–9:30pm).  

Westwood is now home to the largest pedestrian-only plaza in the city of Los Angeles, and it’s hosting a grand opening this Saturday to celebrate. Head to Broxton Avenue between Weyburn and Kinross Avenues (where you’ll find Broxton Brewery & Public House) for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. All afternoon, attendees can take advantage of perks: The first 100 people will receive free boba from ShareTea; the Skate Hunnies are offering free roller skating and rentals; and Mighty Pilates will host free mat pilates classes. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy free activities from Splatterz Studio and Let’s Be Creative.

One fateful afternoon in 1924, Lionel Sternberger contemplated the hamburger he was cooking up at Pasadena’s Rite Spot and thought it needed a little something extra. A simple slice of American cheese later and the cheeseburger was born, spawning hundreds of variations across the country and inspiring Pasadena to celebrate its prodigal son with a week dedicated to all things cheeseburger.

Choose from a few dozen Pasadena restaurants to take advantage of burger deals and special creations and vote in the Cheeseburger Challenge. The annual week-long celebration only confirms what Sternberger knew all along: Everything tastes better with cheese.

Public radio station LAist’s (née KPCC) weekly show “FilmWeek” records its yearly preview of the Academy Awards in front of a live audience. Gain expert insight into the upcoming Oscars and hear critics debate who’s likely to take home a statuette. Host Larry Mantle will talk to the show’s in-house film critic cast. Watch clips on the big screen at the historic Alex Theatre, and hear the pros’ opinions on this year’s nominated films.

The Los Angeles–based conceptual artist and now-retired CalArts educator is back with his first L.A. solo exhibition since 2019, debuting new works from his Numbers and Trees series. The colorful and complex works combine Plexiglas, watercolors and his signature numeric grid systems to depict the baobab trees Gaines photographed on a recent trip to Tanzania. 

Austrian-born Helmut Lang walked away from fashion 20 years ago to focus solely on art. Now, thanks to the MAK Center for Art and Architecture, his first solo institutional exhibition is opening in Los Angeles—in the historic Schindler House, no less. Curated by Desert X founding artistic director and Frieze Projects curator Neville Wakefield, the show consists of a series of fist-like freestanding sculptures made with found or discarded materials that “both imagine the future and materialize the past.”

Tyler, the Creator owes much of his current success to the controversy that he generated as the sophomoric figurehead of Odd Future, the anarchic local hip-hop collective that introduced Earl Sweatshirt and Frank Ocean to the world. But Tyler’s latest records have moved beyond the shocking and often problematic rhymes of his past, taking a more open and confessional tone about the artist’s own sexuality to make some of his most beautiful work to date. On the heels of his latest Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival this past November, he’s playing six shows at Crypto.com Arena. Lil Yachty and Paris Texas will open the Chromakopia: The World Tour shows.

Want to get away? Indulge your wanderlust and get a head start on planning your summer vacation at this travel trade show. Learn pro tips, trends and advice from travel celebrities Rick Steves, Peter Greenberg, Josh Gates and Pauline Frommer, and discover the hottest new destinations. Take advantage of travel deals exclusive to the show, and enter giveaways for a chance at a free trip.

Feeling like you and your four-legged friend are attached at the hip? Spend even more quality time together during this dog-friendly series at Palos Verdes’ South Coast Botanic Garden. One Sunday a month (usually the last), you can roam the gardens’ 87 acres with your fur baby. Nearly all of the paths are open to pups, except for the rose garden and a couple of other small areas. You’ll find plenty of water stations set up across the grounds, as well as an optional obedience class for purchase. You—the human—will need a reservation, while your best friend—the pup—will need to remain on their leash at all times, including in the parking lot.

You’ve heard of Schoolhouse Rock, but are you familiar with School Yard Rap? Founded by educational rap artist Brandon “Griot B” Brown, the organization brings Black history to life, celebrating the impact of Black leaders, innovators and changemakers through hip-hop, live music, cultural dance and storytelling. And this Black History Month, he’s hosting a family-friendly performance at YouTube Theater in Inglewood—where Brown started off as a public school teacher.

For the Record, a live production company known for transforming the soundtracks of favorite filmmakers into immersive musicals, is back with its most impressive display yet: CineVita, the world’s largest Spiegeltent, will be FTR’s new home in Hollywood Park, next to SoFi Stadium. And it’s kicking things off with Tarantino: Pulp Rock, which celebrates 30 years of Pulp Fiction and re-creates memorable musical moments from the director’s Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, Inglourious Basterds and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

The Boy Who Lived lives on in a wizardly spectacle. As though it had cast a Shrinking Charm on itself, the formerly two-part epic is now a single show, albeit a long one—and one that our New York critic awarded five stars.

On the 50th anniversary of the Norton Simon Museum, look back to when Simon took over management of the Pasadena Art Museum in 1975, then ahead to the museum’s exciting future at this retrospective exhibition. See rare photos from the museum’s archives, and learn about the history of its major acquisitions, exhibitions, building and gardens—which are currently undergoing a transformation.

After popping up at D23 and Long Beach shopping center 2nd & PCH, themed mini-golf experience Pixar Putt has landed at its most logical home: the Pixar Place Hotel, close to California Adventure and its Pixar Pier. Putt your way through 18 themed holes and step into the stories of Pixar favorites including Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Coco, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E and Inside Out. Opening weekend is sold out, but don’t worry: The course will remain open through June 1.

Westfield Culver City is celebrating Black History Month with a full lineup of free art, culture and community programming. From February 8 to 23, the first floor of the shopping center will be filled with art by emerging local Black creators including Christen Austin, Mike Norice and Tyris Winter. On February 8 from 1pm to 3pm, a Community Kickoff Celebration will offer musical performances, dance showcases, book signings, storytimes and more. And February 15, from 1pm to 3pm, is Creative Expressions Day, where kids can get creative with arts and crafts. Entry to all events is free, but signing up online ahead of time is recommended.

Welcome the Year of the Snake amid the lush greenery of South Coast Botanic Garden every weekend this February. Enjoy an afternoon of festive Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions, with hands-on activities including kite-making and puppet-making or a Zodiac Stroll through the grounds. You’ll also find storytelling, a wishing tree, live music, a 360-degree photo booth and specialty food and cocktails (available for purchase). Admission is $15, but for $8 more, you can catch a performance by lion dancers, martial artists, drummers and folk dancers (Sat, Sun at 9:30am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm).

The historic theater is putting on eight distinct cultural events to mark the Lunar New Year during this multi-week festival. Highlights include a performance of Patsy, a play about the first Asian American congresswoman, on January 25; a screening of the first-known Chinese American film, The Curse of Quon Gwon, on January 31; a live lion dance performance by the East Wind Foundation and a dragon puppet-making workshop by Bob Baker Marionette Theater on February 1; and, that evening, a program of new classical works inspired by the moon called “Lunar Harmonies.” Plus, from February 14 through March 9, Master Class finds Tim Dang directing Terrence McNally’s Tony-winning play about opera icon Maria Callas. See the full lineup of events here.

The beloved puppet theater’s new show is actually a throwback to its beginnings. Something to Crow About was first created in 1959 for the Laguna Beach Festival of Art and gave Bob Baker Marionette Theater its signature style before the theater officially opened in 1963. The satirical show, which has been revitalized, uses farm animal characters to tell a story about Broadway. 

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House—centerpiece of Barnsdall Art Park and Los Angeles’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site—just might be the most stunning backdrop for an art exhibition. And, in this case, the home is the subject itself, too. L.A.-based photographer Ireland captured the intricate details of the Hollyhock House in 21 photographs on display throughout the onetime residence.

See over 50 garments from Diane von Furstenberg, best known for her iconic wrap dress, during this career-spanning exhibition at the Skirball. Alongside artwork and fabric swatches, the show will also focus on her philanthropic work as well as how her life was shaped as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor.

Pasadena’s USC Pacific Asia Museum hosts this exhibition based on the Getty’s scientific research into Cai Guo-Qiang’s gunpowder art. The show fills up nearly the entire museum with a vast selection of the artist’s work alongside scientific imagery exploring the nature of gunpowder and Cai’s process in using it.

After its fall debut at Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of PST ART, artist Doug Aitken’s multimedia collab with the L.A. Phil and L.A. Master Chorale makes the jump to the Marciano Art Foundation. The free museum mounts the multichannel video piece in its massive theater gallery, which you can see during routine opening hours (Tue–Sat 11am–6pm). But look out for separate reservations for weekly (typically on Saturdays) live performances organized by both musical ensembles.

This exhibition of 21 soundstage-sized installations has floated its way into L.A. Don’t expect mere bundles of birthday balloons: Instead, these pieces range from room-filling ball pits to reflective LED tunnels to giant grabbable bubbles, all inspired by air in some way. The “Let’s Fly” edition of this touring show is a more fun experience than your run-of-the-mill made-for-Instagram attraction: Whether you’re bonking the bouncy “Ginjos,” pushing a charcoal-tipped sphere or getting swept up in a staticky whirlwind of balloons, there are some undeniably entertaining—and yes, very photogenic—hands-on scenes here.

You can’t seem to get more a stone’s throw away from a huge festive light display in Los Angeles come holiday season. Well, except for this new entry to the scene, which is making its L.A. debut all the way at Raging Waters. If you feel like making the trek out to San Dimas, though, Luminosa looks like quite the impressive display, boasting over 1,000,000 LED lights and larger-than-life lanterns through miles of illuminated trails. Adding to the experience are acrobatic performers, artisan vendors, food trucks and even some stone-carving.

This first-floor exhibition at the Broad features hundreds of German artist Joseph Beuys’s “multiples,” editioned objects (with a focus here on environmentalism) that stretched the meaning of sculpture. But the most notable aspect of this show extends beyond the gallery walls: Inspired by Beuys’s 7000 Eichen (7000 Oaks), the concurrent Social Forest: Oaks of Tovaangar will plant 100 native trees (primarily coast live oaks) in Elysian Park and at Kuruvungna Village Springs.

A collaboration with the Carnegie Observatories and the Griffith Observatory, this LACMA exhibition brings together a global collection of pieces, from the Stone Age to today, that reflect humans’ ever-evolving attempts to explain the origins of the universe. Alongside pieces of sacred artwork and architecture, you can expect some heady, scientifically minded contemporary works. 

“Color in Motion” features close to 150 objects—pieces of technology, costumes, props and film posters—from the 1890s to today. Broken up into six themes, the exhibition looks at the connection between color, music and movement, like in early dance and animated shorts; decades of color technologies, from Technicolor processes and Disney’s women-led Ink & Paint Department to contemporary digital tools; monochrome silent films; the narrative role of color; and experimental works. The final gallery in the show is dubbed the Color Arcade, an interactive, neon-hued space that includes a corridor inspired by the trippy stargate from 2001: A Space Odyssey.

This spectacular exhibition from the Icelandic-Danish artist brings a new series of optical installations to MOCA’s Little Tokyo location. Don’t let the reflective, colorful pieces fool you into thinking this is some run-of-the-mill “immersive” exhibition: Olafur Eliasson’s works invite you to admire the everyday miracles of physics that shape how we see the world. 

The Natural History Museum’s taxidermy dioramas turn a century old this year, and to celebrate the museum is reviving an entire hall of displays that’ve been dark for decades. Expect some fresh approaches to these assembled snapshots of the wilderness, including alebrijes made of recycled materials, a crystalline depiction of pollution and a tech-driven display of the L.A. River.

Study the technical and cultural background of colorful clay vessels, textiles, bark-paper pages and sculptures in the Indigenous Americas—and how their significance has been downplayed among colonialist histories—at this LACMA exhibition. 

More than 50 works on display at the Autry showcase how Indigenous artists have crafted visions of alternative futures in the face of enduring colonial trauma, with surreal spacescapes from Wendy Red Star, pop culture commentaries by Andy Everson and a site-specific space odyssey created by Virgil Ortiz.

It’s more than just the low clearance: This exhibition at the Petersen explores the custom paint, engraving, upholstery and, of course, the gravity-defying suspension of the lowrider scene. In addition to iconic cars, influential artists in the Chicano lowrider art scene are spotlighted.

A true multihyphenate, Carver was a painter in addition to a pioneering agricultural scientist. CAAM will display seldom-seen paintings, as well as his lab equipment, alongside contemporary works that were inspired by his foundational work in modern conservation—ideas that started to spread with his “Jesup Wagon,” an early 1900s movable school.

This year’s M3GAN has arrived in this wickedly fun AI horror.