What You're Doing This Week: Feb. 24

LA is getting ready for Oscar week and film buffs have plenty to look forward to. Screenings are taking place around the city, and the red carpet is nearly ready to roll out. Not a movie fan? There is still plenty to do this week from concerts to wine tasting to a unique opportunity to see the Dalai Lama. Let's get ready for March, Los Angeles.

Monday, February 24

The Wind Rises
El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
(818) 845-3110
elcapitan.go.com

Japanese film master Hayao Miyazaki's Academy Award nominated animated feature, "The Wind Rises" is playing for a short engagement at the famous El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. The sad story of a little boy who dreams of building airplanes is beautifully told and an amazing experience for audiences of all ages. Before the show, browse through a collection of art on display from Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki. Through February 27th.

Dalai Lama Lecture
The Forum
3900 W Manchester Blvd
Inglewood, California 90305
(212) 465-6741
www.thelaforum.com

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, will visit Los Angeles this Tuesday as he continues a tour speaking on Non-Violence and the Effects of Compassion in the 21st Century. The event is organized by The Lourdes Foundation. The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the nation of Tibet and a self described simple Buddhist monk. As one who has postponed his own nirvana and chosen rebirth to serve humanity, the Dalai Lama has dedicated his life to enlightening the world, including this local Los Angeles audience.

Wednesday, February 26

Tchaikovskyfest: Shakespeare Fantasy
111 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 850-2000
www.laphil.com

Since Tchaikovsky himself adored Shakespeare and his plays so much (even thinking of learning English just to read Shakespeare's works in the original language), it is only fitting that this performance of Tchaikovsky, part of the LA Phil's 2014 Tchaikovskyfest adds in actors performing key scenes from Shakespeare's work before each scene. Don't miss this amazing blend of both Shakespeare and Tchaikovsky's finest works. The performance starts at 8pm.

Thursday, February 27

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Presents: Oscar Concert
Royce Hall, UCLA
340 Royce Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 247-2677
www.oscars.org

For an inside look at the songs and scores nominated in this year's 86th Academy Awards, be sure to visit Royce Hall at UCLA on Thursday evening. Although ticket prices start at $75 for the general public, this is a one-of-a-kind chance to not only hear the acclaimed songs, but to also watch as the original composers conduct their own music. Nominated scores include "The Book Thief" composed by John Williams, "Gravity" composed by Steven Price, "Her" composed by Owen Pallett, "Philomena" composed by Alexandre Desplat, and "Saving Mr. Banks" composed by Thomas Newman. Song nominations include "Happy" from "Despicable Me 2," "Let It Go" from "Frozen," "The Moon Song" from "Her," and "Ordinary Love" from "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom." The concert begins at 8pm.

Friday, February 28

Oscar Nominated Live-Action Shorts
Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 461-2020
www.americancinemathequecalendar.com

Continue the road to Sunday's Academy Awards Ceremony by watching all of the 2013 Oscar-nominated live-action short films. The non-profit American Cinematheque will be presenting the following short films: "Helium" (23 min.), "The Voorman Problem" (13 min.), "Avant Que De Tout Perdre / Just Before Losing Everything" (30 min.), "Aquel No Era Yo / That Wasn't Me" (24 min.), and "Do I Have to Take Care of Everything" (7 min.). Films not in English will have English subtitles and a showing of the nominated animated shorts will follow with separate admission.

Saturday, March 1

Temecula Valley Wine Country World of Wine Barrel Tasting
34567 Rancho California Rd.
Temecula, CA 92593
(800) 801-9463
www.temeculawines.org

This weekend, head to SoCal's wine country as Temecula Valley wineries open their doors for the first passport event of 2014. Passport holders can enjoy a self-guided tour through the regions 30+ wineries where they can sample varietal wines and exceptional wine pairings. Visitors can also vote on dozens of cork-art creations on display throughout the vineyards. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4:30pm and advance tickets are recommended.

Sunday, March 2

Pentatonix
Orpheum Theatre
842 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(877) 677-4386
www.ptxofficial.com

Since tickets to the Oscar bleachers were given out months ago, set your DVR to record and head out to a live show by Pentatonix, the American a cappella sensation from Texas. Numerous tickets are still available on StubHub for this "sold-out" event where you'll find the lack of instruments completely surprising. Fans will enjoy Pentatonix hits, including a likely "Eye of the Tiger" rendition, from the famed "The Sing-Off" competition that brought them a recording contract and a massive amount of fame.

View What You're Doing this Week: February 24, 2014 in a full screen map

Katie Bodell is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo, the largest family travel website in the U.S. She is also a freelance writer, a happy wife to her best friend, and a mom to three sweet California girls. See more on: Trekaroo | CheapOair | Google+ | Twitter.