Tomorrow is the monthly Downtown Art Walk, which happens on the second Thursday of every month. It's a free, self-guided tour of various arts venues including private galleries, nonprofit arts organizations and many of Los Angeles' major museums.
Park at Athena Parking, a garage at 415 S. Main Street, for only $5 (flat rate, no in and out). Then hop on the Hippodrome, the free shuttle sponsored by Esotouric, those wacky folks who do the crime bus tours. It's a retrofitted 1940's school bus that doubles as a performance venue, entertaining art walk patrons.
Hours are noon to 9 pm. Click here for a map.
The weekend of April 18-19 is the semi-annual Brewery ArtWalk. The Brewery, located in downtown Los Angeles, is the world's largest art colony. Over 100 resident artists participate in the event, opening their homes and studios to the public.
Hours are 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Click the link above for more information and directions.
Showing posts with label downtown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label downtown. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Oscar season freebies
This post is long overdue, what with the Oscars less than a week away. Even if you can't attend the award ceremony itself, you can still take advantage of the many Oscar-season events that are open to the public.
Every year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gives awards for achievement in filmmaking, commonly known as... the Oscars! OK, so you knew that already. But did you know that the Academy also puts on a whole slew of free public programs related to the Oscars?
"Oscar Week" kicks off with “Shorts!” on Tuesday, February 17, featuring screenings of all the 2008 Academy Award-nominated films in the Animated and Live Action Short Film categories. The program includes an onstage discussion with the nominated filmmakers.
Other programs this week include the Animated Feature Symposium, the Foreign Language Film Nominees Symposium, and the Makeup and Hairstylist Symposium. Admission is free but all events are already sold out.
According to the Academy website, a standby line will form at the theater’s west doors on the day of the event. Standby numbers will be assigned at approximately 5:30 p.m. Any available tickets will be distributed shortly before the program begins. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.
The American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood also offers two Oscar-week programs this Saturday, February 21. At 10:00 am, "Invisible Art, Visible Artists" Editors’ Seminar is an open discussion with all of this year's Oscar-nominated film editors.
The Oscar-Nominated Art Directors Seminar, a panel discussion with this year’s Academy Award-nominated art directors and set decorators, follows at 2:30 pm. Art Directors Guild President Thomas A. Walsh will moderate the event, which will include screenings of excerpts from the five films nominated by the Academy.
Both programs are free, and tickets will be available at the theater box office on the day of the event. No online ticketing. The Egyptian Theater is located at 6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Finally, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising hosts an exhibition of all the Oscar-nominated costume designs each year. This year, The 17th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design is open through Sunday, March 29.
Hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Free and open to the public. FIDM is located at 919 South Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles.
Every year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gives awards for achievement in filmmaking, commonly known as... the Oscars! OK, so you knew that already. But did you know that the Academy also puts on a whole slew of free public programs related to the Oscars?
"Oscar Week" kicks off with “Shorts!” on Tuesday, February 17, featuring screenings of all the 2008 Academy Award-nominated films in the Animated and Live Action Short Film categories. The program includes an onstage discussion with the nominated filmmakers.
Other programs this week include the Animated Feature Symposium, the Foreign Language Film Nominees Symposium, and the Makeup and Hairstylist Symposium. Admission is free but all events are already sold out.
According to the Academy website, a standby line will form at the theater’s west doors on the day of the event. Standby numbers will be assigned at approximately 5:30 p.m. Any available tickets will be distributed shortly before the program begins. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.
The American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood also offers two Oscar-week programs this Saturday, February 21. At 10:00 am, "Invisible Art, Visible Artists" Editors’ Seminar is an open discussion with all of this year's Oscar-nominated film editors.
The Oscar-Nominated Art Directors Seminar, a panel discussion with this year’s Academy Award-nominated art directors and set decorators, follows at 2:30 pm. Art Directors Guild President Thomas A. Walsh will moderate the event, which will include screenings of excerpts from the five films nominated by the Academy.
Both programs are free, and tickets will be available at the theater box office on the day of the event. No online ticketing. The Egyptian Theater is located at 6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Finally, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising hosts an exhibition of all the Oscar-nominated costume designs each year. This year, The 17th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design is open through Sunday, March 29.
Hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Free and open to the public. FIDM is located at 919 South Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Happy Lunar New Year!
Today is the Lunar New Year, celebrated in many Asian cultures. Today also marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac. There are several New Year celebrations taking place in the Southland this weekend, the major ones being the Chinese New Year festival in downtown L.A. and the Têt Festival in Little Saigon.
Los Angeles' Chinatown marks the event with the annual Golden Dragon Parade, scheduled for 2:00 pm this Saturday, January 31 along North Broadway. The parade is part of a two-day Lunar New Year Festival taking place all weekend.
Also this weekend, Southern California's Vietnamese community celebrates Têt, the Vietnamese New Year, with the largest Têt Festival in the U.S. This three-day cultural festival in Little Saigon includes food, live entertainment and something called a "Culture Village."
There is another Têt Festival the following weekend, February 6-7, in South El Monte. The program includes a lion and dragon dance, a beauty pageant, martial arts demonstrations, traditional music and dance performances, orchid and bonsai exhibits and carnival rides.
Golden Dragon Parade and Lunar New Year Festival, Chinatown. Saturday, January 31, 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday, February 1, 10 am to 5 pm. Free. Click here for more information and directions.
Têt Festival, Garden Grove Park. Friday, Jan. 30, 2-10 pm, Saturday, Jan. 31, 10 am to 10 pm, and Sunday, Feb. 1, 10 am to 9 pm. Admission $5. Free for children under 4' tall. Click here for more info.
L.A. Têt Festival, Whittier Narrows Regional Park, South El Monte. Saturday, Feb. 6, 11 am to 11 pm and Sunday, Feb. 7, 11 am to 10 pm. Admission $5 for adults and $3 for children. Click here for more info.
Los Angeles' Chinatown marks the event with the annual Golden Dragon Parade, scheduled for 2:00 pm this Saturday, January 31 along North Broadway. The parade is part of a two-day Lunar New Year Festival taking place all weekend.
Also this weekend, Southern California's Vietnamese community celebrates Têt, the Vietnamese New Year, with the largest Têt Festival in the U.S. This three-day cultural festival in Little Saigon includes food, live entertainment and something called a "Culture Village."
There is another Têt Festival the following weekend, February 6-7, in South El Monte. The program includes a lion and dragon dance, a beauty pageant, martial arts demonstrations, traditional music and dance performances, orchid and bonsai exhibits and carnival rides.
Golden Dragon Parade and Lunar New Year Festival, Chinatown. Saturday, January 31, 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday, February 1, 10 am to 5 pm. Free. Click here for more information and directions.
Têt Festival, Garden Grove Park. Friday, Jan. 30, 2-10 pm, Saturday, Jan. 31, 10 am to 10 pm, and Sunday, Feb. 1, 10 am to 9 pm. Admission $5. Free for children under 4' tall. Click here for more info.
L.A. Têt Festival, Whittier Narrows Regional Park, South El Monte. Saturday, Feb. 6, 11 am to 11 pm and Sunday, Feb. 7, 11 am to 10 pm. Admission $5 for adults and $3 for children. Click here for more info.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Party like a Barack-star
Looking for somewhere to go on Tuesday to watch--and celebrate--the Presidential Inauguration? I just found out about this super-cool party happening downtown. Admission is only $10.
Tuesday, January 20. The West Coast "Art of Change" Inaugural Ball, featuring The Mutaytor with extra special guests The Crystal Method, at the Mayan Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
Doors open at 7:00 pm, with a reshowing of the Inauguration on a giant screen at 8:00 pm. At 9:30 The Mutaytor will take the stage, followed by DJs spinning until midnight.
The Mayan Theater is located at 1038 South Hill Street. For more information, click here.
Tuesday, January 20. The West Coast "Art of Change" Inaugural Ball, featuring The Mutaytor with extra special guests The Crystal Method, at the Mayan Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
Doors open at 7:00 pm, with a reshowing of the Inauguration on a giant screen at 8:00 pm. At 9:30 The Mutaytor will take the stage, followed by DJs spinning until midnight.
The Mayan Theater is located at 1038 South Hill Street. For more information, click here.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Ice skating in downtown L.A.
Yes, that's right! You can actually go ice skating in Los Angeles... on real ice! Who knew?
Well, I guess I didn't, since this post is a little late to the party. Downtown on Ice, sponsored by our professional hockey team, the Los Angeles Kings, has been open since last month. But it's open for another month, until January 19, 2009, so there's still time to get down there and lace up your skates!
Admission is only $6.00 and skate rental is another $2.00. For those who don't skate (maybe your kids or friends do?) there are free lunchtime concerts during the week, on Friday nights, and during the day on Saturday and Sunday. On select Thursday nights in December and January, Spaceland will present the best of L.A.'s alternative, hip hop and world beat music.
Downtown on Ice, located in Pershing Square, 532 South Olive Street in downtown L.A. Open 7 days a week. Check schedule for hours.
Well, I guess I didn't, since this post is a little late to the party. Downtown on Ice, sponsored by our professional hockey team, the Los Angeles Kings, has been open since last month. But it's open for another month, until January 19, 2009, so there's still time to get down there and lace up your skates!
Admission is only $6.00 and skate rental is another $2.00. For those who don't skate (maybe your kids or friends do?) there are free lunchtime concerts during the week, on Friday nights, and during the day on Saturday and Sunday. On select Thursday nights in December and January, Spaceland will present the best of L.A.'s alternative, hip hop and world beat music.
Downtown on Ice, located in Pershing Square, 532 South Olive Street in downtown L.A. Open 7 days a week. Check schedule for hours.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Holiday Arts Celebration on Christmas Eve
Since 1964, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission has produced a free, annual holiday show--the biggest in L.A.--at the Music Center. The best-kept secret in town happens on Wednesday, December 24 from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Forty-seven performing arts groups - totaling about 1,200 artists - will appear in the 49th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Acts include handbells, choral performances, ballet, mariachi bands, klezmer music, taiko drums, and well-known groups like Dengue Fever and Celtic Spring.
The celebration is a gift to the people of Los Angeles County from the Board of Supervisors, so admission and parking under the Music Center are FREE.
No reservations are necessary. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. You can come and go as you please throughout the afternoon and evening. For those who can't make it downtown, the show is broadcast live on KCET.
For more information, and to download a take-along schedule and program, click here.
Forty-seven performing arts groups - totaling about 1,200 artists - will appear in the 49th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Acts include handbells, choral performances, ballet, mariachi bands, klezmer music, taiko drums, and well-known groups like Dengue Fever and Celtic Spring.
The celebration is a gift to the people of Los Angeles County from the Board of Supervisors, so admission and parking under the Music Center are FREE.
No reservations are necessary. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. You can come and go as you please throughout the afternoon and evening. For those who can't make it downtown, the show is broadcast live on KCET.
For more information, and to download a take-along schedule and program, click here.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Put on your dancing shoes!
Two opportunities to learn some new moves and try them out this week:
Tonight! Wednesday, December 3: Salsa Night @ J Restaurant and Lounge
Free salsa class with Laura Canellias from 8:00 to 9:00 pm followed by live DJ sets until 1:30 am. No cover. 1119 South Olive Street (at 11th Street, downtown). For more info, click here or call (213) 746-7746.
Tomorrow! Thursday, December 4: "Keeping it Country" Night @ The Casting Call Lounge
Free country line dance lessons at 7:00 pm, followed by Justice Daniels and the Blue Lightnin' Band at 8:00 pm! Located in the Holiday Inn Burbank, 150 E. Angeleno Ave. (between San Fernando and 1st Street). No cover and free parking across the street on Angeleno Ave.
Tonight! Wednesday, December 3: Salsa Night @ J Restaurant and Lounge
Free salsa class with Laura Canellias from 8:00 to 9:00 pm followed by live DJ sets until 1:30 am. No cover. 1119 South Olive Street (at 11th Street, downtown). For more info, click here or call (213) 746-7746.
Tomorrow! Thursday, December 4: "Keeping it Country" Night @ The Casting Call Lounge
Free country line dance lessons at 7:00 pm, followed by Justice Daniels and the Blue Lightnin' Band at 8:00 pm! Located in the Holiday Inn Burbank, 150 E. Angeleno Ave. (between San Fernando and 1st Street). No cover and free parking across the street on Angeleno Ave.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Depression-era cocktails at 1930's prices
OK, so I've been neglecting this blog for a couple of months. I toyed with letting it go entirely, but on second thought, I've decided to keep it going a while longer. It would help me stay motivated if I knew someone besides me was reading it! So feel free to leave comments and feedback :)
Tonight is the weekly Soup Kitchen happy hour from 5 to 7 at The Edison. Here's the deal:
At the door, you are handed a postcard that asks you to check a box saying whether your 401(K) is Half Full or Half Empty, and a buffalo nickel. You hand the bartender your card to get your one 35-cent cocktail: either a 401(K), a gin drink, or a Bailout, a bourbon drink. There's space to write something about the state of the economy, and the best quote wins 2 VIP tickets to the Wednesday-night Lucent Dossier show.
You redeem your nickel for a tiny cup of tomato soup and a postage-stamp size square of grilled cheese sandwich. Cute, but not very filling. I suspect the giveaway is designed to encourage you to order the real grilled cheese and tomato soup from the Edison's very extensive bar menu, to the tune of $14.
Wear a vintage dress, fishnets and heels, if you're a lady, or a snappy waiscoat and fedora, if you're a gent. The Edison, a converted 19-century power station, is all about atmosphere and attitude. There's no street parking from 4 to 6, so park in one of the lots nearby, or use the valet.
The Edison, in the basement of the Higgins Building at the corner of 2nd and Harlem Place (between Spring and Main), 108 W. 2nd Street #108, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Tonight is the weekly Soup Kitchen happy hour from 5 to 7 at The Edison. Here's the deal:
Financial markets in crisis; $700 Billion bailout of Wall Street; Global Financial Meltdown!
The Edison Lounge responds to the crisis with a meltdown of its own. FREE Grilled Cheese Melts and tomato soup as well as Depression Era cocktails at the Depression Era price of 35 cents. The Edison brings a much needed respite to those in need. In an effort to restore confidence in the community and its businesses, The Edison introduces The Soup Kitchen, Friday from 5-7 PM: to remind everyone to maintain perspective through this financial crisis and to support those truly in need.
25% of net proceeds from the night go to local food banks and charities. Additional donations are welcome and will be passed along to those who need our support the most.
At the door, you are handed a postcard that asks you to check a box saying whether your 401(K) is Half Full or Half Empty, and a buffalo nickel. You hand the bartender your card to get your one 35-cent cocktail: either a 401(K), a gin drink, or a Bailout, a bourbon drink. There's space to write something about the state of the economy, and the best quote wins 2 VIP tickets to the Wednesday-night Lucent Dossier show.
You redeem your nickel for a tiny cup of tomato soup and a postage-stamp size square of grilled cheese sandwich. Cute, but not very filling. I suspect the giveaway is designed to encourage you to order the real grilled cheese and tomato soup from the Edison's very extensive bar menu, to the tune of $14.
Wear a vintage dress, fishnets and heels, if you're a lady, or a snappy waiscoat and fedora, if you're a gent. The Edison, a converted 19-century power station, is all about atmosphere and attitude. There's no street parking from 4 to 6, so park in one of the lots nearby, or use the valet.
The Edison, in the basement of the Higgins Building at the corner of 2nd and Harlem Place (between Spring and Main), 108 W. 2nd Street #108, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Friday, July 4, 2008
A Hawaiian 4th of July
Looking for a different kind of Independence Day celebration? Tonight, there will be a special free concert at Levitt Pavilion in Macarthur Park. One Hawaii is a gathering of top musical acts from the 50th state, including Keali'i Reichel and Na Leo, performing along with guest hula dancers.
Levitt Pavilion will host free concerts throughout the summer, every night of the week except Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday is Musica Latina, Thursday is World Music, Fridays are Night Rhythms, Saturdays are American Roots, and Sunday is Children's Night. Click here for the full schedule.
Fourth of July celebration with One Hawaii. Friday, July 4, 7:00 pm. Macarthur Park. Free. Click here for more info.
Levitt Pavilion will host free concerts throughout the summer, every night of the week except Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday is Musica Latina, Thursday is World Music, Fridays are Night Rhythms, Saturdays are American Roots, and Sunday is Children's Night. Click here for the full schedule.
Fourth of July celebration with One Hawaii. Friday, July 4, 7:00 pm. Macarthur Park. Free. Click here for more info.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Chinatown Anniversary Party
Los Angeles' Chinatown was founded 70 years ago this week. Back then it was called "New Chinatown" because it replaced the original settlement, which was displaced by the construction of Union Station.
This weekend, Chinatown celebrates the 70th Anniversary of its birth with a free celebration in Central Plaza, located at 951 N. Broadway Street. There will be live 1940's style Big Band music, dancing, a costume contest, vintage cocktails, martial arts demos, lion dances and more.
Saturday, June 28, 7:00-11:00 pm. Chinatown. For more info, visit the Chinatown web site.
This weekend, Chinatown celebrates the 70th Anniversary of its birth with a free celebration in Central Plaza, located at 951 N. Broadway Street. There will be live 1940's style Big Band music, dancing, a costume contest, vintage cocktails, martial arts demos, lion dances and more.
Saturday, June 28, 7:00-11:00 pm. Chinatown. For more info, visit the Chinatown web site.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Little Tokyo FunFest
There's a lot going on this weekend in Los Angeles' historic Japanese neighborhood, located downtown near the civic center. On Saturday, May 17, it's the 2nd Annual Nikkei Community Day and the San Tai San Youth Basketball Tournament (for boys and girls ages 7-12).
"Nikkei" is the Japanese word for Japanese people living abroad: in other words, Japanese nationals in America and Japanese-Americans. The event will include community information booths, live stage performances and workshops.
"San tai san" means "3 on 3". However, registration for the youth basketball tournament is already closed. More information is available here.
Sunday, May 18, is the 25th Annual Children's Day Celebration. (Children's Day is a national holiday in Japan and is celebrated on May 5.) Activities include a kids' fun run and cultural discovery workshops. An Asian Pacific Arts & Crafts Fair will run both days.
JACCC Plaza, Center Building and San Pedro Street downtown, 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. For more info, click here.
"Nikkei" is the Japanese word for Japanese people living abroad: in other words, Japanese nationals in America and Japanese-Americans. The event will include community information booths, live stage performances and workshops.
"San tai san" means "3 on 3". However, registration for the youth basketball tournament is already closed. More information is available here.
Sunday, May 18, is the 25th Annual Children's Day Celebration. (Children's Day is a national holiday in Japan and is celebrated on May 5.) Activities include a kids' fun run and cultural discovery workshops. An Asian Pacific Arts & Crafts Fair will run both days.
JACCC Plaza, Center Building and San Pedro Street downtown, 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. For more info, click here.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Cinco de Mayo
This weekend is the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration at the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument in downtown Los Angeles. Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is the Mexican holiday commemorating an important victory against the French in 1862.
Festivities will take place around Olvera Street, the oldest street in Los Angeles, from 10 am to 10 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 2-4. There will be live entertainment, educational activities, storytelling and crafts for children. Free.
Festivities will take place around Olvera Street, the oldest street in Los Angeles, from 10 am to 10 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 2-4. There will be live entertainment, educational activities, storytelling and crafts for children. Free.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Giant outdoor pillow fight
Sorry for the delay between posts. We've been experiencing technical difficulties here at Affordable Los Angeles. (My hard drive crashed last week and my computer has been in the shop until today.)
My friend Alissa told me about this event taking place on Saturday in Pershing Square: International Pillow Fight Day. Yes, that's right: a giant pillow fight, held simultaneously in cities across the globe. As far as I can make out, you just show up at the appointed time and place, pillow in hand, and join the mayhem. It's free (minus any costs to your dignity) and starts at 3:00 pm.
For more information about the Los Angeles pillow fight, click here.
My friend Alissa told me about this event taking place on Saturday in Pershing Square: International Pillow Fight Day. Yes, that's right: a giant pillow fight, held simultaneously in cities across the globe. As far as I can make out, you just show up at the appointed time and place, pillow in hand, and join the mayhem. It's free (minus any costs to your dignity) and starts at 3:00 pm.
For more information about the Los Angeles pillow fight, click here.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A day for (art) lovers
Well, tomorrow's Valentine's Day, and depending on how you feel about that fact, you're either trying to figure out what to do with your sweetheart to commemorate the occasion, or hoping that something will come along to distract you from its existence.
Luckily, I have just the thing--in either case! For the couple looking for an alternative to inflated Valentine's Day menu prices at upscale restaurants, and for the single (or couple) looking to escape the hearts, flowers and cupids, an evening of art appreciation could be the perfect answer.
As it turns out, Thursday happens to be free admission day at many local museums. Downtown, the Museum of Contemporary Art and its satellite location, The Geffen Contemporary, are free every Thursday from 5 to 8 pm, as is the Japanese American National Museum.
On the west side, both the Skirball Cultural Center and the Hammer Museum at UCLA are free and open until 9 pm every Thursday. The Fowler Museum, also at UCLA, and the Getty Museum's two locations (in Brentwood and Malibu) are always free.
Best of all, the Downtown Art Walk is the second Thursday of the month, which happens to be February 14th. Print out the map of participating museums and galleries, hop on the free DASH shuttle, and take this free self-guided tour of the downtown art scene between 12 and 9 pm. "DASH shuttles will be hosted by local historians Matt Goulet, Richard Schave and Mike the Poet, providing fascinating information on the history of downtown Los Angeles."
Best of all, the only cupids you're likely to see will not be the Hallmark variety.
Luckily, I have just the thing--in either case! For the couple looking for an alternative to inflated Valentine's Day menu prices at upscale restaurants, and for the single (or couple) looking to escape the hearts, flowers and cupids, an evening of art appreciation could be the perfect answer.
As it turns out, Thursday happens to be free admission day at many local museums. Downtown, the Museum of Contemporary Art and its satellite location, The Geffen Contemporary, are free every Thursday from 5 to 8 pm, as is the Japanese American National Museum.
On the west side, both the Skirball Cultural Center and the Hammer Museum at UCLA are free and open until 9 pm every Thursday. The Fowler Museum, also at UCLA, and the Getty Museum's two locations (in Brentwood and Malibu) are always free.
Best of all, the Downtown Art Walk is the second Thursday of the month, which happens to be February 14th. Print out the map of participating museums and galleries, hop on the free DASH shuttle, and take this free self-guided tour of the downtown art scene between 12 and 9 pm. "DASH shuttles will be hosted by local historians Matt Goulet, Richard Schave and Mike the Poet, providing fascinating information on the history of downtown Los Angeles."
Best of all, the only cupids you're likely to see will not be the Hallmark variety.
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