Best Activities In Los Angeles This Weekend - April 29
Don't be overwhelmed when it comes to figuring out how best to spend your time this weekend. It's pretty obvious that in Los Angeles, there is never a shortage of things to do. The key here is always narrowing down the options and maybe getting away from the familiar go-tos. We have cruised the calendars to make sure you have a concise list of cool places that will make sure you get back to work on Monday well-rested and feeling like the weekend was recreation time well-spent. Here is your weekend itinerary.
Pepper In-Store Performance
420 E. 4th Street
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 433-4996
www.fingerprintsmusic.com
The trio from the big island of Hawaii is taking some time to get reacquainted with Southern California in a very cool way. Ahead of their latest record release, Ohana, the band is not only playing a couple of sold out shows at Alex's Bar in Long Beach, but the band is also doing a very intimate record store performance. Typically reserved for destinations like Amoeba, Pepper is sticking with the familiar coastal territory and taking to the stage at Fingerprints in Downtown Long Beach. The double duty effort for a veteran band is further proof of not only how in touch the guys are with their fans, but really how committed to their live performance Pepper still is. A wildly entertaining group of dudes, be sure to get to Long Beach this weekend and find a way to see this.
TCM Classic Film Festival
Various Locations
Hollywood, Ca 90028
filmfestival.tcm.com
The Turner Classic Movie Network is a living archive of some of the most important works of film. At any time, for those of us with cable television anyway, viewers can access the kind of films that laid the groundwork for what modern cinema has become today. Now in its 7th year, the same folks behind the network's programming are hosting a full itinerary of timeless films being screened across Los Angeles. The TCM Classic Film Festival ranges from Humphrey Bogart in "The Big Sleep" to John Singleton's pivotal "Boyz N The Hood." In much the same way the network functions, each film will have an introduction that discusses the context of the film with appearances from stars, screenwriters, directors, and other key players. A great way to delve deep into the rich culture of cinema in Los Angeles, this is a festival not to be missed.
Visit Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 255-4100
www.sixflags.com
Though it's outside the city limits of L.A. proper, it's tough to imagine Southern California without Magic Mountain. As much a fixture locally as any of the other amusement parks, Six Flags in Valencia is best known for it's collection of mega roller coasters designed to appease the thrill-seeker of the group. Offering nearly 20 different high-flying coasters including Tatsu, The Riddler's Revenge, Goliath, Full Throttle, and at one time the world's tallest coaster, Superman: Escape From Krypton, Magic Mountain is ideal for a full day of fun. With attractions for the all ages, the park makes sense for all dynamics, from families to first dates. Usually offering some kind of discount or promotional admission fee, the park is almost always the more budget friendly option in SoCal.
Ports O' Call Village
425 South Palos Verdes St.
San Pedro, Ca 90731
(310) 732-7678
www.portoflosangeles.com
Built to model a New England seaside village, Ports O Call lines the Los Angeles Waterfront with a bit of blue-collar charm in the form of small trinket shops and plenty of delicious seafood to eat. Home to destinations like the San Pedro Fish Market and Ports O Call Restaurant, this is the place to come sit by the water, watch the ships roll into port, peel shrimp and knock back big beers without a care in the world. With the historic USS Iowa docked just a short walk away, there is plenty to see after you dine by the water. A weekend destination that doesn't need a ton of bells and whistles to be entertaining, Ports O Call is essential LA.
Museum of Latin American Art
628 Alamitos Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 437-1689
www.molaa.com
Approaching the museum's 20th anniversary, the Museum of Latin American Art has become another focal point in the rich cultural landscape of Greater Los Angeles. Boasting a sculpture garden, a film screening room, and a research library, MoLAA also offers a collection of 1,500 pieces of contemporary art. The collection is strong enough to warrant an affiliation with the Smithsonian as an affiliate museum. This weekend in particular, the museum is free for guests on Sunday and volunteers will be teaching a piñata workshop for kids. In addition to exploring the beautiful grounds and important works, kids can create something of their own to take home for Cinco De Mayo.
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