Danielle Torres

’Tis the season for Christmas shows, festive holiday lights and, most of all, shopping, shopping and more shopping. Back to tempt your wallets this winter are a number of holiday markets and craft fairs featuring local, handmade goods for extra special gifting. Find everything from apothecary goods and handwoven handbags to artisan jewelry, candles, prints and more. Even if you’re not sure what to get family and friends on your gift list this season, these Christmas events are a treasure trove of inspiration—you’ll likely walk away with more goodies than you ever knew you needed. Support small businesses and head to the best holiday markets in Los Angeles. RECOMMENDED: See more Christmas in Los Angeles

Christmas events in Los Angeles are back in full swing—from holiday markets to light shows—and there’s no better way to get in the spirit than with a ticket to one of these festive plays or concerts. Now through December, performing arts companies are bringing lively holiday cheer to L.A. theaters across the city—think theatrical renditions of A Christmas Carol, a memorable Nochebuena with live mariachi-infused ballet and imaginative takes on The Nutcracker. You may even get to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy after the show (a major win for the kiddos). Whether you’re looking for an epic Secret Santa gift or a festive experience with family and friends, the best Christmas shows in Los Angeles are a great way to celebrate the season. RECOMMENDED: Find more things to do in our December events calendar

Looking to pick out the perfect pumpkin? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re looking for a quaint patch where you can pick up your squash and go or a massive farm featuring family games, tractor rides, corn mazes, petting zoos and Halloween events, there are plenty of patches in L.A. to suit your fancy. Every October, tiny parking lot patches sprout up all over the city and local farms bring out their best orange squash—from tiny little fellas to massive twenty-pounders. The next time you’re looking to carve with family and friends or perhaps whip up some tasty pumpkin desserts (hello, pumpkin pie), check out our guide to the best pumpkin patches in Los Angeles.  RECOMMENDED: Halloween in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is known for its surfer-clad beaches and sun-kissed beach towns, but the ocean isn’t the only place to dip your toes and unwind. Natural hot springs near and far make a strong case for a day trip or weekend getaway. There’s nothing quite like taking a soak in the soothing mineral waters of Southern California. Picture sweeping geothermal pools at luxury hotel spas and resorts (hello, Desert Hot Springs) or tucked away oases like a mirage in the natural open air. Soak in the bath after a massage treatment or make it a main event and book a day pass for access to the waters. For a truly unique experience, make it an outdoor adventure and go au naturale in a secluded desertscape with far-off views of mountain silhouettes. Whether you’re looking for a solo dip or relaxing respite with friends, these hot spring havens—including both secluded and resort-like options—are just a drive away. From arduous hikes through the Los Padres National Forest to a mineral water spa in the center of L.A., here are some great escapes to heal your mind and body.

Want to learn how to chop, sauté and bake like the Julia Child’s of the world? Lucky for you, the best cooking classes in Los Angeles can help you improve your skills in the kitchen—and thoroughly impress your next dinner guest. Whether in-person or virtual, these diverse lessons can teach you how to master everything from the basics (knife skills, searing meat) to more advanced dishes that give the best restaurants in Los Angeles a run for their money. Case in point: A 6-hour course on the intricacies of crafting the perfect Neapolitan pizza. Need we say more? From baking sweet treats to preparing sophisticated pro-approved dishes, you'll hone all the skills you need for tasty meals to come. It's the gift that keeps on giving (and a great flex if you're having people over).  These days, you can find just about any how-to on the Internet, but we've narrowed down the best cooking classes in the city from culinary schools and restaurants that know good food, and offer quite a bit more insight than that trending TikTok. Even if you’ve never put on an apron before, you’ll be chopping, braising, roasting and baking like a pro after finishing one of these courses. Learn how to replicate your favorite dishes from L.A.’s best Italian restaurants, seafood restaurants and vegetarian restaurants at home. Plus if you're looking for date night ideas, getting messy in the kitchen and tasting delicious food along the way is a memorable way to break the ice. Food is the way to the heart, rig

Among the many perks of living in Los Angeles? The list of things to do is as vast and varied as the L.A. food scene (and perhaps the number of med spas). From world-renowned museums and serene outdoor retreats to trendy wellness spots and movie theaters, there’s truly something for everyone. And if you’re already frequenting these local haunts, you might as well reap the benefits of a membership for regular indulgence. Sure, L.A. memberships probably conjure images of Alo-fitted gym junkies, cult spin classes and schmoozing over cocktails at Soho House, but this isn’t that kind of roundup. Instead, these memberships are a mix of iconic L.A. institutions and local hubs that offer major perks for you, your friends or even the whole family to enjoy. Maximize your urban experience, support the city’s cultural landscape, and hang with like-minded people through the best memberships in Los Angeles. Heck, you could even give these as unique gifts.

Nothing says luxury like a hot bath filled with soothing spa jets, especially when said bath is just steps away from your cozy hotel bed – some might call it the ultimate vacation. So, after you've spent the day gallivanting around L.A. to see its greatest attractions (and trust us, there are plenty) or you've treated yourself to a late-night dinner at one of the best restaurants in L.A., slipping into your own personal whirlpool of relaxation is exactly what you need to wash off the day. Whether you’re looking for a tricked-out standard hotel room or a honeymoon-worthy suite, we’ve made a list of the best L.A. hotels offering those highly coveted spa-like amenity. RECOMMENDED: The best boutique hotels in L.A.The best Airbnbs in L.A. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Malibu: the home of sun-kissed surfers, and a celeb or two. The gorgeous sunny city is known for its serene beaches and a high-end dining scene, causing many Angelenos to make the trek up Pacific Coast Highway for a slice of coastal bliss and turning it into a weekend staycation. While the surfer-clad beach town stretches for just 21 miles of coastline, you’ll find a small but mighty range of hotel options to satisfy your budget. From luxurious waterfront suites and rustic bungalows to boutique inns and even a Japanese-style ryokan, the best hotels in Malibu make a tempting case for an overnight stay. During your stay, be sure to check out the waves at some of L.A.’s best beaches, dine at oceanfront restaurants, hike to waterfalls, sip wine at local tasting rooms, and soak up all that “the ’Bu” has to offer. For the early risers, be sure to catch the morning surf for some of the best waves on the West Coast. We've also recently added a shiny new listing to the deck of best Malibu hotels, for its dreamy beachfront views. Here's to a happy vacay! RECOMMENDED: 🇺🇸 The best things to do in Malibu☀️ How to spend a perfect day in Malibu🏠 The best Airbnbs in Malibu🍔 The best Malibu restaurants and bars🏖️ The best beaches in Los Angeles Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities, and in-depth research to find you the best

Looking to catch the live taping of your favorite talk show or competition? Lucky for you, there’s a pretty good chance it’s filmed in Los Angeles, and if there’s a live studio audience you can bet that there’s a way to get free tickets for a filming. We’ve rounded up TV shows to watch live in studios from Hollywood to Culver City, along with tips for procuring free taping tickets. (We’ve also got you covered on the best hotels in Los Angeles if you’re visiting from out of town.) Some shows permit day-of standby lists for any last-minute planners, but it’s always best to try and reserve tickets in advance. Tickets are typically non-transferrable, so make sure to bring your ID. Many shows ask for audience participation in the form of cheering and clapping, so don’t be surprised if your involvement is bigger than that of a seat filler. Depending on the series, audience members may be able to bring cell phones into the studio, but some will direct you to leave your devices behind. On the flip side, for some programs you may have an opportunity to interact with the host—so come camera-ready. Snag a seat on the set of Jimmy Kimmel or American Idol with our guide to getting TV show tickets in L.A. Be sure to check the ticket websites for updates on hiatus schedules and more. RECOMMENDED: Los Angeles attractions for tourists and natives alike 

Break out the aprons at these festive cooking and baking classes for kids, where tiny chefs can learn how to whip up sweet confections and savory feasts. In preparation for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, sign up your tot for these stand-out cooking classes for kids.

Looking to add some friendly scrimmages to your routine? If intense contact sports aren’t your speed, these laid-back leagues may be a better fit—and a surprisingly easy way to make new friends. Discover your hidden athleticism with these unusual intramural sports in Los Angeles, scattered across parks and facilities throughout the city.

Next time you find yourself in Redondo Beach, you won't have to venture far for finger-licking grub or refreshing cocktails. Sure, the laid-back beach town isn’t exactly the pinnacle of fine dining or brimming with buzzy oceanfront bars like neighboring Manhattan Beach, but you can bet you’ll find some of the best poke, crab legs, fish tacos, Basque tapas and chicken tikka masala in all of the South Bay. And what's a genuine, surfer-clad beach town without a local craft beer bar to top off a day at the beach? RB has you covered. So next time you're browsing the town's best shops or walking along the marina, be sure to check out this list of the top restaurants and bars in Redondo Beach.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Redondo Beach

Can’t resist a fresh plate of oysters? Neither can owner of the Oyster Gourmet and shellfish master Christophe Happillon, who’s curating a mouth-watering tasting at the DTLA Oyster Festival, back this month after a five-year hiatus. Slurp your way through briny, fresh varieties sourced from coast to coast, meet the farmers, score plenty of oysters, try special oyster-themed dishes from market vendors, and sip on French wine from 11am to 6pm each day.

If ever there were a place to indulge in luxurious self-care, this is it. The high-end wellness club, a hot commodity in both WeHo and New York’s Flatiron District, is a dimly lit sanctuary of cryotherapy, vitamin IVs, infrared saunas and holistic treatments to recharge and reset. At a cool price of $300 per month (on par with that of luxury gyms), you can access two ice baths, two tech remedies, unlimited cryo, all classes (breathwork, sound baths) and more. Take advantage of 15 percent discounts on rejuvenating treatments which include acupuncture, cupping, chiropractic movement and the like.

Looking for an excuse to get out town this weekend? Jazz aficionados and music lovers can flock to the San Jacinto Mountains for the Jazz in the Pines music festival—which enters its 30th and final year. Nestled in the charming mountain village of Idyllwild, the outdoor summer concert kicks runs from June 30 to July 13 at the Idyllwild Arts Academy (52500 Temecula Rd). Grab a picnic blanket, score a spot on the open field and lend your ear to performers set against a backdrop of pine trees. All festival proceeds will go towards the Idyllwild Arts.

Looking to spend a night at the theater? Tucked inside the hills of Coldwater Canyon Park, the rustic S. Mark Taper Foundation Amphitheatre hosts a series of diverse, open-air performances spanning comedy, theater, music and more. The summer performance series, dubbed “Once Upon a Canyon Night,” supports TreePeople’s Coldwater Park. Bonus? Packed picnics and bottles of wine are not only welcomed, but also encouraged.

The worlds of surfing, music, dance, food and skating will come together at this two-day fest full of ocean sports and beach vibes. At the Santa Monica Pier deck, live Polynesian bands and hula dancers will take over the stage, while an all-day lineup of music will soundtrack an obstacle course, roller rink and beer garden.

The sunglass-donning, peace-sign-flashin’ former Beatle returns to L.A. with his All Starr tour, in which a bunch of veteran rockers take turns singing their hits and jamming out in unison as one star-studded band. This time around, Ringo Starr is joined by Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Edgar Winter, Warren Ham, Hamish Stuart and Gregg Bissonette.

We Angelenos go gaga for flea markets in this city like tourists for L.A. landmarks. Adding to the throng of artisanal havens, Phillip Dane continues one of the best with this monthly night market called Odd Nights at the Autry. Think of it as dance party meets happy hour meets shopping extravaganza. With live local bands, a full bar, more than 20 food trucks, a slew of vendors, a bunch of inflatables and more, you might want to start reserving third Fridays in your calendar.

Looking for cooking classes that fit your vegan lifestyle? Sisters and co-owners Heather and Jenny Engel founded gourmet vegan food company Spork Foods in West Hollywood over a decade ago and have been bringing fun, tasty recipes to plant-loving Angelenos ever since. Sautéed kale benedict, sesame ginger miso soup and lemon cheesecake are just some of the recipes that prove organic, vegan living can be simple and delicious. Sign up for one-hour virtual classes via Zoom for $30, including holiday-themed coooking lessons. 

Looking for fun ways to get your kids involved in the kitchen? From cupcake wars-themed private parties to hands-on courses on all the basics, this Studio City cooking school has all the tools to teach your tiny chefs. But the fun isn't just for kids, adults can take classes on everything from world cuisine to preparing foods that help heal our bodies. Cook LA also offers personalized meal planning, budgeting, and recipe options for a wide range of diets like gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, etc. You can also book virtual classes, cooking-themed birthday parties, private events and summer cooking camps for kids and teens.

Now offering interactive virtual classes, Hancock Park's EATZ has been showing Angelenos how to prep, cut, sauté and bake since 2008. Chef and owner Niki Tehranchi and culinary instructor Marita De La Torre have curated a wide variety of courses to suit your fancy. Often a two-hour course, you can learn how to whip up handmade ravioli, chocolate panna cotta, French macarons, pad thai and so much more. (Be on the lookout for themed online cooking events like "An Italian Christmas Dinner.") For classes focused on technique, sign up for the Virtual Condensed Culinary School series where you can learn how to cook like a pro, ask questions and interact with the chefs. Once you book, you'll get a list of ingredients and tools to have on hand.

Whether you're a beginner or professional chef, the Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories has the resources and tantilizing recipes to bring you to the next level (and impress your dinner guests). Hands-on cooking classes and series are offered mornings, afternoons and evenings at their kitchen on the third floor of Santa Monica Place shopping center. Chinese dumplings, sushi 101, croissant workshops, gluten-free cakes, Spanish tapas and Thai favorites all make appearances on the class calendar, along with baking fundamentals, knife skills workshops and cooking 101. Be sure to check out the live, interactive online classes, buisness of food/consulting workshops and classes for kids and teens.

RH West Hollywood, The Gallery (formerly known as Restoration Hardware) isn't your average furniture store. Stepping inside this retail concept is much like walking through a perfectly curated home; one that's impeccably polished and, well, could probably pass as an art gallery. A gold mine for luxury midcentury-inspired furnishings, lighting fixtures, interior/exterior decor and more, the Melrose Avenue post stages its offerings residential style. Think bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms and more merging as they would in an actual home. Plus, architect James Gillam topped off the retail space with a rooftop park that overlooks the surrounding Hollywood Hills and Pacific Design Center.     

For the Instagram-obsessed, this upcoming exhibition is the closest thing to paradise. Sure, you've had your fun at the Museum of Ice Cream and plunged into a pool of sprinkles, but now it's time for a new interactive experience to take over your social media feeds.  After three successful years in Brooklyn, the creative team behind online lifestyle destination Refinery 29 is bringing its unapologetically bold exhibition, 29Rooms, to Downtown Los Angeles this December.  The interactive fun house is touching down at ROW DTLA (777 S Alameda St) with a three-day pop-up made of technicolor dreams. Composed of 29 different rooms, the large-scale exhibition will bring together the worlds of style, culture and technology in visually stunning installations curated by a mix of artists, brands and even celebrities.  Photograph: Courtesy Getty Images/Refinery 29   Photograph: Courtesy Getty Images/Refinery 29     This year's theme, "Turn It Into Art," will explore art's powerful impact on emotions, perspectives and culture. Each room will tell its own story via playful and sometimes provocative installations. Though no specifics have been released yet regarding the type of installations (or which L.A. celebrities will be lending their curatorial eye), we know that the West Coast debut will showcase some of the most popular installations from the New York edition this year, along with a line-up of new collaborations.  “Los Angeles’s art scene mixed with a burgeoning tech sphere and H

In case you didn’t already know, you can score a lot more than just books with your L.A. County and L.A. Public Library cards. That glorious piece of plastic can grant you access to tons of money-saving perks (your L.A. library card can literally save you thousands of dollars). In addition to free subscriptions and, of course, access to a vast and ever-evolving collection of books and films, you can also gain free entry into some of the best museums in Southern California. The next time you’re planning on soaking up a rich dose of arts and culture, head to the Discover & Go website first. You’ll find separate sites for both the L.A. County Library (with branches in spots like Culver City, West Hollywood and East L.A.) as well as the Los Angeles Public Library (your neighborhood branch within the L.A. city limits). Then simply reserve a date to book your free passes (some museums allow up to four), print them out and bring them with you—it’s that simple. You can make reservations up to three months in advance and have up to two active reservations at a time. See everything from pre-historic mammals and Ice Age fossils to Native American artwork and historic Japanese prints for free at these SoCal museums. Just a note, though: While the city and county libraries offer a similar selection of museums, some are unique to only one type of library card, which we’ve noted below. Autry Museum of the American West Battleship Iowa* Catalina Island Museum Chinese American Museum Claremo

If you want to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing the luxury of plush beds and temperature-controlled rooms, this is for you. While there’s plenty of places to go camping near Los Angeles, the new Conestoga wagons at Yosemite Pines RV Resort and Family Lodging make a fair case for traveling up north. Located just a 30-minute drive from the entrance of Yosemite National Park, the campgrounds’ newest glamping experience offers the trimmings of a hotel room with a pioneer spirit. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, these Conestoga-style covered wagons make you feel like you’ve escaped to the American Wild West. Of the six lodgings available to book, you can choose between a smaller unit that sleeps up to four guests and a larger one that sleeps up to six. Inside, you’ll find a plush king-sized bed and a set of either one or two bunk beds as needed.  Photograph: Courtesy Yosemite Pines The room is equipped with heating and air conditioning units, a microwave, a refrigerator and even a Keurig coffee maker for those wanting a quick cup of joe before hitting the early morning trails. You won’t find a shower and bathroom inside, but those are conveniently located in an indoor facility nearby. As for the outdoors, you can still sit around the campfire and sing “Kumbaya” under the stars. Just outside of each wagon, you’ll find picnic tables and a fire pit, fit for warming up at night or whipping up some good old-fashioned barbecue. Also available at Yosemite

Summertime in Los Angeles means outdoor movies, beach days and—for those Joshua Tree-loving stargazers out there—a chance to catch the most incredible meteor shower of the year. While the closest thing to stargazing in Los Angeles is often a celebrity spotting, for one fantastical weekend in August, the city sky illuminates with countless shooting stars for the annual Perseid meteor shower. Starting around 10pm on Sunday, August 12 through early Monday morning, you can look to the skies and expect roughly 60 to 70 meteors to soar through the atmosphere every hour. The incredible streaks of light occur as the Earth passes through a tiny debris trail from Comet Swift-Tuttle. This year is predicted to be especially spectacular with less illumination from the new moon. Want to take things up a notch? Head to a spot void of city lights or haze from nearby wildfires and make sure to look northeast towards the constellation Perseus where the meteors appear to descend. For prime viewing, here are the top five places to catch the best meteor shower of the year in and around Los Angeles.  1. Joshua Tree Experience the celestial event in all its glory in the wilderness of Joshua Tree. The lack of city lights, unique landscapes and open skies will provide the perfect viewing location for a night under the stars—er, meteors.  2. Mount Wilson Head up to the San Gabriel Mountains in the Angeles National Forest for a view above the clouds. The high vantage point should get you above the haz

Expect the unexpected whenever Yuval Sharon is at the helm of an opera. The Industry founder’s groundbreaking, unorthodox productions—including Invisible Cities (2013) at Union Station, which audiences experienced through wireless headphones, and Hopscotch (2015), an oeuvre that took place in moving cars—are a testament to his ability to look beyond the traditional. The same mentality is behind his new boundary-breaking performance piece, War of the Worlds, at Walt Disney Concert Hall. As part of his three-year stint as artist-collaborator with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Sharon has joined creative forces with composer Annie Gosfield to resurrect and reimagine the infamous 1938 broadcast by then-23-year-old radio host Orson Welles. It was through this nationally aired “fake news” piece—an adaptation of H.G. Wells’s 19th-century novel, The War of the Worlds—that millions of listeners became convinced that aliens were invading planet Earth. The nationwide havoc and hysteria that ensued marked that late-October evening as one of the most memorable moments in U.S. radio history. In the forthcoming opera, conducted by Christopher Rountree, Sharon looks to Welles’s original radio script to create an immersive, realistic production that will be performed beyond the confines of the concert hall. While LA Phil musicians conjure Gosfield’s radio sounds inside the iconic venue, singers will be stationed at three defunct WWII-era sirens in Downtown L.A. (Olive and 1st Sts; Winston and

For Then and Now, we hunt through the archives of amazing vintage photographs of Los Angeles to find historic images—and then do our best to go out and recreate those same photographs today. We're curious about how far we've come and what's stayed the same in this constantly-changing city we love. Photograph: Courtesy USC Libraries, Los Angeles Examiner Photographs Collection   Griffith Park Zoo, 1961 Tucked into a hillside on the edge of the park, the Griffith Park Zoo drew crowds for its exotic tenants such as monkeys, bears and lions. Founded in 1912, the attraction opened with 15 animals and quickly amassed more than 1,000 wild inhabitants. The zoo closed in 1966 due to poor conditions and financial troubles. However, thanks to a multimillion-dollar bond from the city, a new location opened that same year, known today as the Los Angeles Zoo. Photograph: Michael Juliano   Old Zoo, 2017 The Old Zoo’s abandoned, iron-barred enclosures and graffiti-embellished caves are now an eerie highlight on a popular trailhead. Picnic tables and benches within the ruins accommodate those who wish to monkey around after an open-air meal. While the surrounding hills are serene, there’s something unsettling about stepping through the all-too-tiny cages where lions once roared. Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

No matter where you reside in L.A. or how many yoga classes you take, you can always count on a bounty of anxiety-inducing situations to keep you high-strung throughout the day. (No doubt, about 99% of them are parking related.) It's part of the beauty of living in the big city—and maybe it even gives us character. While our paths may differ from day to day, there's one thing that unifies us all: The following 30 cringe-worthy happenings trigger our anxiety like no other.  Parking. Always. At this point, good parking karma doesn’t exist. Running into your coworker at a Korean spa. Can’t wait for our awkward encounter at work tomorrow and every day after that.  Being forced to repeat back the affirmations at Café Gratitude. I don’t want to get emotional; I just want my vegan nachos. Walking past the characters and CD hawkers on Hollywood Boulevard. Back off, Spiderman!  When your co-worker invites you to his improv show. It’s never a good idea. Waking up and realizing you're already too late to avoid the brunch lines. There goes my whole Sunday. Driving next to a bus. Driving behind a bus. Driving between two buses. Jesus, take the wheel. Any time you have to drive west on a day with good beach weather. You and three million people have the same idea.   Photograph: Courtesy Aldric Rivat         Not being sure where you’ll end up in the Hollywood Bowl’s stacked parking lot. It’s the difference between 10 minutes and two hours. When an earthquake jolts you awake. The Big One

Plan out your month with the city's best concerts, culture and cuisine. THINGS TO DO Through Nov 4Halloween Horror Nights; Universal Studios & CityWalkNavigate eight mazes, scare zones and the "Terror Tram" with tie-ins like The Walking Dead, The Shining, Ash vs. Evil Dead, American Horror Story and more. Through Oct 31Los Angeles Haunted Hayride; Old ZooEmbark on a clown-themed hayride and navigate your way through scare zones and pitch-black mazes filled with "demons and maniacs" at every corner. Oct 3Werk It: A Women's Podcast Festival; The Theatre at Ace HotelThe all-female fest lands in L.A. for the first time with live tapings, workshops, bootcamps for entry level producers, mentoring sessions, and cocktail parties.  Oct 6-8IndieCade Festival; Little TokyoPlay through the year’s most innovative independent releases at this juried video-game festival featuring up-and-coming game developers and artists. Oct 7Los Angeles Dragon Boat Festival; Whittier Narrows Recreation AreaWatch as teams paddle their way across the river in the annual race, which also features lion dancers and an extravagant costume competition. Oct 8CicLAvia: Heart of L.A; DTLAPedal your way through DTLA, Chinatown, Westlake, Little Tokyo, the Arts District and Boyle Heights during the bike-friendly fest. Oct 13-31Halloween Ghost Train; Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum All aboard this family-friendly ride through a sort-of-frightening stretch of track in Griffith Park. Oct 14Veuve Clicquot Polo

Couldn't nab tickets to this multi-sensory dreamscape before it sold out? You weren't alone. Due to incredibly high demand, New York's interactive, adult fun house 29Rooms has extended its first-ever run in Los Angeles to two full weekends of art, play and imagination.  In addition to the initial dates (December 7 to December 10), the grown-up fun house is now opening its doors from Thursday, December 14 to Sunday, December 17 at ROW DTLA (777 S Alameda St). More tickets for the art-filled event will officially go on sale Wednesday, September 27 at noon. (If it's anything like last week, we suggest having your mouse at the ready before they sell out.)  The extended run will mirror the first weekend with three sessions per day and "Art After Dark" packages at night on Saturday and Sunday. General admission tickets cost $19, while "Art After Dark" tickets are $85, which gets you cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and an exclusive tour led by the curators of the installations. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will go towards 29Room's non-profit partners.   Composed of 29 different rooms, the large-scale exhibition will bring together the worlds of style, culture and technology in visually stunning installations curated by a mix of artists, brands and even celebrities.  Photograph: Courtesy Getty Images/Refinery 29 Photograph: Courtesy Getty Images/Refinery 29     This year's theme, "Turn It Into Art," will explore art's powerful impact on emotions, perspectives and culture. Each room

Plan out your month with the city's best concerts, culture and cuisine. THINGS TO DO Sept 1-24L.A. County Fair; FairplexBring your appetite for all things deep fried at the perennially popular event. Sept 6-16PaleyFest Fall TV Previews; Paley Center for MediaGeek out with fellow TV nerds during premieres of panels for shows like El Chapo, Berlin Station, The Mindy Project and more. Sept 15Roaring Nights at the LA Zoo; Los Angeles ZooRoam the zoo after hours at this late-night bash, featuring live bands, food trucks, boozy drinks, a dance party, zookeeper talks and live animal encounters. Sept 15-November 4Halloween Horror Nights; Universal StudiosGet an early start to Halloween with this big-budget terrifying tradition, with mazes themed to The Walking Dead, The Shining, American Horror Story and more. Sept 16Glendale Open Arts & Music Festival; Glendale Central ParkGet to know Downtown Glendale at this free community festival with music performances, arts and craft markets, beer and wine gardens and more. Sept 16Tarfest; La Brea Tar PitsPay tribute to L.A.'s bubbly asphalt pools with this annual afternoon of live music, DJs, dance and live artwork. Sept 24Surf City Surf Dog; Huntington Dog BeachStart teaching your pooch how to carve waves for this annual K-9 surf competition. Sept 24Abbot Kinney Festival; Abbot KinneyTake every artsy street fair you’ve ever attended and add in innumerable food trucks plus all the stereotypes about Venice. Find more things to do in our Septem

If you've ever walked into a public restroom at your local park—even the best parks in L.A.—and thought “NOPE,” you're not alone. Hence, why it isn't so surprising that Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin issued an overall “C” grade for park bathrooms on a first-of-its kind report card that was released earlier this week. The review evaluated factors such as graffiti, maintenance and drinking fountains in 40 community parks across the city. The assessment comes from a survey of more than 3,700 park users, along with results from professional reviewers that include KH Consulting Group, USC faculty and the RAND Corporation.  “Our parks are so important to our quality of life, providing recreational outlets for all ages, much-needed green space and venues for community-building,” said Controller Galperin, according to the official press release. “I hope city leaders will use my report card to drive improvements at city parks to better serve all Angelenos.” While categories such as playgrounds and athletic fields received high marks, restrooms and cleanliness scored lowest overall. Sixteen parks individually received a staggering “D” or “F” grade for bathrooms, including MacArthur Park in Westlake and North Hollywood Park. (Yikes.) In addition to restrooms, safety and hygiene were also major points of concern for many an Angeleno, according to the survey.  The results certainly shed light on growing issues such as lack of funding and a rise in homelessness—both of which a

Looks like Angels Flight wasn't quite ready to depart the station. The historic Downtown L.A. railway, which had its grand reopening just five days ago, officially shut down again on Labor Day for maintenance and will continue to be closed "for the next several days," according to the Angels Flight website.  "Due to the recent extreme weather conditions, we have experienced some mechanical issues that will take several days to fix," reads two paper signs taped to the archway entrance of the bright orange funicular. "It will likely be Thursday [September 7] before we are operating again."  Needless to say, the unexpected shut down is awkward considering all the hype surrounding the long-awaited reopening, which took place on Thursday, August 31, and drew officials like Mayor Eric Garcetti for a "first ride" up Bunker Hill. The iconic funicular's highly anticipated restart came four years after its temporary closure in 2013, but, of course, the railway's history dates long before that.   Billed as the world's shortest railway, Angels Fight first opened in 1901, saving residents from a steep climb up and down the slope between Hill and Olive street. Later, in 1969, the train temporarily shut down to make way for a new development, and didn't end up reopening until the mid-1990s—this time, just a half-block south of the original location. The two railcars, affectionately known as Olivet and Sinai, transported commuters up and down the 298-foot stretch until 2013, when it was aga