A summer walk at the Getty Villa. Photo by Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.
Looks like the rain is going to clear up just in time for a weekend off BIG events in SoCal.
On tap this February 20-22 in Los Angeles, you’ll find the 127th Annual Golden Dragon Parade, Mardi Gras at Benny Boy, the African American Festival at AoP, Chinese New Year Festival at The Huntington, Drunk Black History at the the Elysian, a SoCal Museums Free-For-All day and more.
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Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
New Orleans Groove Masters – > This Friday, experience an electrifying night of rhythm as the New Orleans Groove Masters make their BroadStage Santa Monica debut. Led by world-class percussionists Herlin Riley, Weedie Braimah, and Jason Marsalis, this ensemble celebrates the vibrant jazz and drumming traditions of the Crescent City. Arrive 45 minutes early for a free pre-show performance by the Sam Smylie Trio on the Plaza. Tickets start at $56. Show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. More info here.
What A Wonderful World: An Audiovisual Poem – FA > The Julia Stoschek Foundation has taken over all six floors of the Variety Arts Theater with What A Wonderful World: An Audiovisual Poem, marking the first U.S. presentation of the renowned collection. The immersive exhibition blurs the boundaries between art and cinema, pairing major video works by artists like Marina Abramović, Doug Aitken, Paul McCarthy, and Wolfgang Tillmans with silent and classic films by pioneers including Alice Guy-Blaché, Georges Méliès, Luis Buñuel, and Walt Disney, turning viewers into active participants in a sensory journey. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to midnight, it’s free to attend—with complimentary popcorn. Runs through March 20. More info here.
Gimme Gummy Bar at Westfield Century City -> Pinterest and NYX Professional Makeup team up for a two-day (Friday-Saturday), candy-colored pop-up inspired by Pinterest Predicts’ 2026 “Gimme Gummy” trend. The immersive experience lets guests snag complimentary Jelly Job gloss, a lightweight, glassy K-Beauty–inspired formula, customize it at a Chewy Charm Bar, and explore a playful, ASMR-tinged space packed with glossy, gummy-inspired moments. More info here.
The Solitude of Memory / Songs My Brothers Taught Me – FA > Explore the emotional landscapes of memory and resilience at the Billy Wilder Theater with a double feature from the UCLA Film & Television Archive. this Friday. The evening begins with the short film The Solitude of Memory, an intimate excavation of grief, followed by an in-person Q&A with director Juan Pablo González. The program concludes with Chloé Zhao’s lyrical debut, Songs My Brothers Taught Me, which captures the quiet beauty and hardship of life on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Admission is free, with tickets assigned at the box office starting one hour before the show. Starts at 7:30 p.m. More info here.
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Compagnie Hervé Koubi: Sol Invictus -> This Friday to Sunday, witness “fierce and weightless” dancers at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts as choreographer Hervé Koubi presentsSol Invictus. Drawing on his French-Algerian roots, Koubi fuses classical dance with capoeira, hip-hop, and martial arts to create a breathtaking Mediterranean dreamscape. The performance features a driving score by Mikael Karlsson and Steve Reich, celebrating human resilience through raw, muscular movement. Tickets start at $42.90. More info here.
127th Annual Golden Dragon Parade – M FA > The vibrant centerpiece of Chinatown’s Lunar New Year celebration is the 127th Annual Golden Dragon Parade, which winds through the heart of the neighborhood this Saturday. This historic proecession features spectacular lion and dragon dancers, marching bands, cultural troupes, and elaborate floats traveling north on Hill Street and south along Broadway. Streets begin closing at 10 a.m. and the main event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Steep LA Lunar New Year Market – M FA > Join Steep LA for a curated celebration of food, tea, and community at Chinatown’s Mandarin Plaza. This festive marketplace gathers local AAPI vendors and artisans to ring in the Year of the Horse. While you shop, enjoy specialty tea service and seasonal bites from Steep’s kitchen. The event aligns with the historic Golden Dragon Parade on Saturday, making it the perfect hub for your Chinatown festivities. Runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Mardi Gras at Benny Boy – FA > Experience a slice of New Orleans in Lincoln Heights at Benny Boy Brewing this Saturday. Expect a five-piece live jazz band, king cake, and a crawfish boil by Crawdaddy Boiler. And don’t miss the 2 p.m. puppy parade where pets compete for the best float. The event also features Zef BBQ and plenty of beads and feathers in the beer garden. Free admission. 21+. More info here.
Samy’s Sonic Immersion Audio Event – FA > This Saturday, explore cutting-edge audio gear and signal processing at Samy’s Camera’s flagship Fairfax location. This hands-on showcase allows content creators and sound engineers to test an array of microphones and monitoring systems from industry giants like Shure, DJI, Tascam, and Zoom. Specialized workshops run throughout the afternoon, including a deep dive into wireless microphone benefits and mobile content creation setups. Plus: fuel your networking with a complimentary on-site espresso bar. Runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Drunk Black History -> The critically acclaimed comedy series returns to Los Angeles to celebrate a century of Black Hollywood and Excellence at The Elysian Theater this Saturday evening. Host Brandon Collins (New York Comedy Festival) welcomes a panel of “skunked” comedians and writers—including Yassir Lester (HBO) and Jamilah Lemieux—who attempt to recap the lives of unsung Black pioneers while hilariously inebriated. It’s a high-energy history lesson that blends The Daily Show with Drunk History. Tickets are $20 plus fees. Starts at 9:30 p.m. More info here.
Marianne’s Pop-Up at Our Place Venice -> Marianne’s, the premium pantry brand that offers 100% pure, seed oil–free Avocado Oil and Beef Tallow, hosts a live demo at Our Place in Venice on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. Guests can sample golden, crispy tater tots made with the brand’s signature fats, learn about its high-performance approach to everyday cooking, and score perks along the way. The first 10 attendees receive a complimentary Marianne’s tote filled with merch, and one lucky guest will win a year’s supply of Avocado Oil, Beef Tallow, or both. More info here.
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Lunar New Year Celebration at Santa Monica Place – FA > Santa Monica Place kicks off the Year of the Horse this Saturday with a free Lunar New Year celebration. Guests can watch lion dances, enjoy live music, Chinese dough art, and calligraphy, while kids get creative in the craft area. Happening from 2 to 5 p.m. More info here.
Broxton Plaza Lunar New Year – FA > Ring in the Year of the Horse at Broxton Plaza this Saturday for a festive afternoon in the heart of Westwood. This free community event features a traditional Lion Dance, zodiac-themed photo ops, and red envelope giveaways. Kids can enjoy hands-on crafts and cultural activities while supplies last. Runs noon to 5 p.m. More info here.
African American Festival at AoP – > This Saturday and Sunday, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s annual African American Festival celebrates African American and African culture through a two-day affair featuring dance, music, storytelling to historical displays. All activities included with general admission, which starts at $44.95 for adults. More info here.
Chinese New Year Festival at The Huntington -> On Saturday and Sunday, celebrate the Year Of The Horse in and around The Huntington’s gorgeous Chinese Garden, alongside of an array of traditional entertainment during this two day celebration.. Enjoy lion dancers, mask-changing performances, martial arts demonstrations, live music, arts and craft demos, and dining specials throughout the two-day event. Tickets go on sale February 5. More info here.
SoCal Museums Museums Free-for-All – TP FA > This Sunday, discover the best of Southern California’s arts and culture during this region-wide tradition. Over 30 area institutions open their doors for free general admission. While the event is gratis, many popular spots like LACMA, the Autry, and the La Brea Tar Pits require advance reservations. It’s the perfect day to explore natural history, science, or contemporary art from all the way from Santa Barbara to Orange County! Keep in mind Parking fees still apply at most locations. More info here.
JazzAntiqua: The Stories We Tell – FA > Celebrate Black History Month with the City of West Hollywood at the Pacific Design Center this Sunday with an immersive 90-minute “jazz-theater” production. Directed by Pat Taylor, this multimedia work blends modern dance, live music, film, and spoken word to explore themes of cultural legacy and Black Joy. The performance features the award-winning JazzAntiqua Dance & Music Ensemble alongside special guests, including poet V. Kali and actor Charles Reese. Admission is free, but an RSVP is required for the Silver Screen Theater. Starts at 4 p.m. More info here.
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Neighborhood Garage Sale at Open Market -> Clean Slate, an experimental mutual aid organization, hosts a community-minded garage sale this Sunday at Koreatown’s Open Market. Vendors will contribute 10 percent of sales, with Open Market matching another 10 percent to benefit Hester Vendor Care and support local street vendors through mutual aid and social spotlighting. While you browse, grab a cast iron bibingka fresh from the kitchen alongside the shop’s standout sandwiches. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
A snap shot of Maydan’s spread of spread of mezze, fire roasted dishes and more. Photo courtesy of Maydan Market.
A Ramadan Tawle Menu at Maydan (February 17-March 19) -> For those observing Ramadan, Maydan at Los Angeles’ Maydan Market offers a special Ramadan Tawle menu designed for gathering after dusk. The $70 per person family-style feast channels the spirit of communal dining, with dishes cooked over the restaurant’s dramatic central hearth. Created by Lebanese chef and owner Rose Previte, Maydan celebrates foodways stretching from Tangier to Tehran and Batumi to Beirut, drawing on the bold flavors of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus. The entirely halal spread includes vibrant salads and dips, seasonal vegetables, grilled kebabs, halloumi, and fresh baked tone bread, all meant to be passed, shared, and savored together. Everything carries a subtle sweetness from the white oak–fired hearth, which gives the meal its signature smoky depth. The Ramadan Tawle menu is available Tuesday through Sunday from 5 PM to 10 PM throughout the month of Ramadan. Reservations can be made through Open Table.
Lunar New Year Brunch at Firstborn (February 21–22) -> Chef Anthony Wang’s Chinatown spot Firstborn temporarily steps away from its new prix fixe format this weekend in favor of a special à la carte Lunar New Year brunch. The lineup leans playful and savory: cornmeal and mochi pancakes with salted buckwheat cream, Mapo tofu layered over pommes rösti, and smoked salmon with crème fraîche, cucumbers, herbs, and scallion pancakes. Seating runs Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with reservations available on OpenTable.
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