The best things to do in Los Angeles this week

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, D.C., 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 Blvd on Mondays and Fridays (3:30–9pm) and weekends (11am–9:30pm).

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Heart are stopping at the Crypto.com Arena to perform their classic hits, including catchy “Magic Man” and “Barracuda.” The hard rock band, one of the first of its kind to have a frontwoman, has been going strong for half a century and still puts on a terrific live set. Brit new wave rockers Squeeze (“Cool for Cats,” “Up the Junction”) open the show.

K-pop fans can get a chance to meet LISA—of superstar girl group BLACKPINK and, now, White Lotus Season 3 fame—at this pop-up celebrating her debut solo album, Alter Ego. Just 50 lucky guests will be selected randomly for an exclusive meet-and-greet with the rapper/actress/model. But even if you don’t make the cut, the pop-up should still be worth a visit, as it brings the new LP to life with immersive visuals, exclusive merchandise (including some only-in-L.A. items) and giveaways.

Artisan doughnut chain Sidecar officially ushers in its new Pasadena location with this community celebration. Swing by the Arroyo Parkway shop on Tuesday, March 4 (4–7pm), to shop from local vendors impacted by the Eaton Fire, pose for a custom caricature and participate in raffles (proceeds benefit fire relief). Of course, you can also stock up on some doughnuts, including Sidecar’s limited-edition strawberry rose flavor (named in honor of the City of Roses); a portion of proceeds from each sale supports fire relief organizations.

While we don't have the luxury of indulging in Bourbon Street’s hot mess of a Mardi Gras, we have the next best thing: the Mardi Gras Feast at Little Dom’s. For three nights leading up to Fat Tuesday, chef Brandon Boudet is serving up a sumptuous menu from his native New Orleans with all your favorite Cajun and Creole temptations. Think shrimp, chicken and andouille gumbo, oyster po’boys and jambalaya rice balls with creole mustard. For dessert, indulge in raspberry beignets or a slice of king cake from pastry chef Ann Kirk.

It’s best known here as Mardi Gras, but in many places around the world, Fat Tuesday is better known as Pancake Tuesday. SoCal’s iconic diner chain Norm’s is getting in on the action, offering those who sign up for their rewards program a short stack of signature hotcakes for just $1 all day long at all locations—perfect for getting your fill if you prefer breakfast food to Cajun fare. 

Best known as the brother of pop sensation Billie Eilish, Finneas Baird O’Connell is his sister’s most trusted collaborator, serving as a producer and cowriter of much of her music. While he doesn’t have the voice of Eilish, Finneas does have a self-aware music persona that he employs on his solo catalog of jaunty pop anthems and moody ballads. Catch him at the Palladium this week.

In the weeks since we lost David Lynch, there have been several screenings of his inimitable films at theaters across the city. But almost as integral to Lynch’s work as his trippy visuals are his dreamy, otherworldly soundtracks. To that end, the Lodge Room is hosting a musical tribute where two dozen local performers will take the stage to perform their takes on Lynchian favorites alongside a house band. Expect the eponymous Roy Orbison track “In Dreams” (as heard in Blue Velvet) to be on the setlist, and Twin Peaks’ “Falling” by Julee Cruise is a safe bet as well.

Did you resolve to read more this year? Enter Reading Rhythms, a happy alternative for the literary-inclined. Billed as a “reading party,” the event series started in NYC and got noticed by The New York Times and Good Morning America for its refreshing spin on book clubs: You bring a book of your own choosing to a central location, then alternate between peaceful reading time and chatting with fellow readers about what you’re reading. Reading Rhythms is popping up again at Espresso Cielo, so bring your current read and head to the popular coffee shop.

Now under the stewardship of only one of its cofounders, Liz Fairbairn, the former Lucha VaVoom brings its unique mix of sexo y violencia to the Mayan with this exuberant spectacle. Fill up on tequila and tamales while you watch Aztec dancers and luchadores. This time around, it’s a March Madness edition of masked Mexican wrestling, burlesque stripteasing, amazing aerialists, live music and comedic commentating. 

Crack open a cold one for a good cause at Common Space Brewery this week. Over 190 breweries have pitched in to the We Love LA campaign—crafting their own special brews to support the city—with over $275,000 committed so far to the United Way of Greater Los Angeles’ Wildfire Response Fund. Come try Common Space’s new We Love LA Wildfire Relief Lager, which will be available both canned and on draft, as you shop limited-edition merch and bid on exclusive items and L.A. experiences in the silent auction. Live DJs and food trucks will be on hand to keep the both family- and dog-friendly party going.

Stay past closing time to see a new side of the Central Library at this after-hours festival presented in part by LAist and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. The halls will come to life with art, music, storytelling and poetry in the form of live performances, interactive installations and hands-on activities. The art deco landmark will host a dance opera, contemporary dance in the rotunda, a puppet show by Bob Baker Marionette Theater, sound installations by dublab, a photo booth, drawing classes, tarot readings, a screen-printing class, artist talks and more. You can even pick up some books to bring home with you at pop-ups from Angel City Press, Golden Apple Comics, Heavy Manners Library and Braille Institute. All in all, it sounds like a quintessentially L.A. night.

Welcome in spring at this traditional Indian festival of colors with an L.A. twist; pelt those around you with colored powder while enjoying the surf and sand (just make sure you’re not attached to what you’re wearing). The event, located at Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach, also serves as a fundraiser for the L.A. chapter of the Association for India’s Development, which works on grassroots projects in India.

This beautiful, free festival celebrates the history and whimsy of the kite. Watch as hundreds take to the sky—you can buy a kite on the pier or bring your own. There will be contests for biggest kite, longest kite, best handmade kite, youngest kite flyer and youngest at heart. The fest culminates with a group kite-flying session on the sand. There’s also a slew of non-kite-related activities on the pier all day, including a hot-dog-on-a-stick-eating contest, a dance performance, martial arts demo, face painting and live music.

Participate in a 5K or 10K run or walk, a 2K dog walk, a kiddie run or a 20- or 50-mile bike ride that will take you along the L.A. River and through Griffith Park during this weekend-long Lunar New Year tradition in the heart of historic Chinatown (rescheduled from February). All courses start and end at Chinatown Central Plaza, which will host a concurrent, free family-friendly festival with a beer garden and live entertainment, if you want to celebrate without breaking a sweat. Don’t miss the weekend opening ceremony, with lion dancers and the traditional lighting of 100,000 firecrackers. Check the website for a detailed schedule of events.

In partnership with the Firecracker Run’s Paw’er Dog Walk, this second annual Lunar New Year celebration specifically caters to dogs and their owners. The Blossom Plaza event includes Year of the Snake–themed pet photography sessions and portraits, plus shopping, cultural activities and pet adoptions thanks to the Lovejoy Foundation. Entry is free, but if you opt for a PASS (Pawsitive Action Supporting Shelters), you get a swag bag and can help support local animal rescues.

The desert-spanning biennial is back, with premieres of site-specific works from about a dozen artists. For its fifth iteration, Desert X will once again stage outdoor installations across about 40 miles of the Coachella Valley from March 8 to May 11, 2025.

Mark the annual gray whale migration from the shore with this festival, now in its 54th year, which offers a full weekend of marine-themed activities, educational exhibits, family-friendly entertainment, whale-watching excursions, marine conservation talks and a cardboard-boat-building contest and Dinghy Dash in Dana Point. Things kick off Friday with a sunset welcoming ceremony by members of the local Acjachemen Nation, followed by a reception with live music and food trucks. This year, instead of the traditional Festival of Whales Parade, there will be an inaugural Festival of Whales Carnival, complete with carnival rides, games, food and a beer garden with an ocean view. Park at Dana Hills High School (33333 Golden Lantern) and take a free shuttle to Lantern Bay Park.

Disneyland’s already the happiest place on earth, but throw in a massive parkwide food festival—and now it’s somehow even happier. Running nearly two full months, the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival takes over the state-themed park with about a dozen different culinary marketplaces with themes such as garlic, local breweries and wineries, peppers and food-truck fare. Just be sure you don’t forget the rides in all of the culinary whirlwind—fan-favorite Soarin’ will temporarily bring back its California-themed version just for the occasion.

Level 8’s Miami-meets-Copacabana rooftop bar, Golden Hour, is going all out this month, celebrating the spirit of Brazil through music, dance, cuisine and performances that bring the country’s Carnival celebration to Los Angeles. The poolside carousel bar will be decked out with lights, golden pineapples and chandeliers, and executive chef Richard Archuleta will be serving up a bold menu of flame-grilled steak, pork belly and mushroom skewers, churrasco cheesesteaks and griddled mortadella and picanha. Finish with something sweet: a churro from the interactive station. If you’re coming with a group, you can live large and book a cabana, complete with a pitcher of cocktails, for a 90-minute slot. Stop by for an opening-night party on March 1, where capoeira martial artists, samba and fire dancers, a live band and Brazilian DJs will all make an appearance.

The iconic Hollywood Roosevelt hotel is honoring the spirit of L.A. with poolside screenings of some favorite films featuring the city. Tickets are super reasonable ($12), and all proceeds from sales will go toward wildfire relief efforts, specifically Baby2Baby, which provides essential resources to families in need. And don’t worry if it’s a chilly night: Towels, blankets and heaters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Find the series running every Thursday night through the end of June.

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 magical show, albeit a long one—and one that our New York critic awarded five stars. The Tony winner for best play is finally bringing its touring production to Los Angeles, casting a spell over the Pantages Theatre through June.

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.

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.

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. 

There’s nothing innately wintry about this hour-long Palos Verdes trail, yet its nine stellar installations are the most cosmically mesmerizing of the budding seasonal after-dark botanical garden shows that’ve come to blanket L.A. Astra Lumina, which debuted in 2022, returns to South Coast Botanic Garden with the same array of celestial-inspired, experiential displays.

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.

Everyone’s favorite murder mystery parody of true crime podcasts makes the jump from TV to IRL with this Only Murders in the Building escape room. Part of the Westfield Century City has flipped into a faux movie set, where you’ll be tasked with tracking down a missing film reel. You can expect hidden bookcase doorways and secret passageways mixed in with easter eggs from the Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez series.

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.”

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.

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. The show opens February 19 with a conversation between the artist and LACMA’s Naima J. Keith, followed by an opening reception (6–8pm). The event is free, but reservations are recommended.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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” exhibit: Olafur Eliasson’s works invite you to admire the everyday miracles of physics that shape how we see the world.

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, the show spotlights influential artists in the Chicano lowrider art scene.

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—during this LACMA exhibition.

Director Bong Joon Ho’s post-Parasite return is a spectacular if uneven sci-fi romp offering two stellar Robert Pattinson performances for the price of one.

A story of persistence in Palestine finds voice in a deeply personal documentary, which just won the Oscar for best documentary feature.

A beautiful woman transfixes everyone she encounters—including director Paolo Sorrentino.