Best Activities To Do This Weekend In L.A. - August 19
With most of the kiddos already a couple of weeks deep into their new school year, just about everyone is still adjusting to the change in rhythm. So, weekends are especially needed to get rest and hit your Monday morning with the kinda gusto you will need. For us Angelenos, there's never a dull moment and that requires some skillful planning to ensure you spend your every minute away from the grind in a productive way. It's time to plan your weekend and we have got a quick list of who, what, when, where, and why.
Concert: Guns N Roses
Dodger Stadium
1000 Vin Scully Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(866) 363-4377
www.gunsnroses.com
Any time a concert rolls into the Chavez Ravine, there is some built-in historical importance. Not just anyone can drop anchor at the house of Vin Scully and perform. Closing out the summer, the band no one thought would reunite is returning to Los Angeles in grand fashion. Axl and Slash will attempt to shake Dodger Stadium with songs from their classic catalog as they continue on their Not In Your Lifetime World Tour. After their impressive showing at Coachella, the band has marched along without a hitch building momentum for what promises to be a spectacular homecoming show. With rumors swelling about a secret special guest, there really is no hotter ticket for this weekend. This one really doesn't need much selling. While the show is sure to be sold out, there are ways to still get tickets through third-party resellers. You won't want to miss this show!
Echo Park Rising
Various Venues / Echo Park
www.epr.la
Taking some cues from the annual music industry festival ala South By Southwest in Austin, Echo Park Rising is a four-day affair showcasing more than 300 musicians and comedic acts across various stages and clubs with Sunset boulevard functioning as the pivot. With sets from the likes of Bleached and Chicano Batman, there is an LA-centric lean to the showcase, but the free ticket reiterates the sense of community the festival promotes. Celebrating it's sixth year, music, food, art, and localism will all meld together as visitors can spread across the hub of Echo Park to find music they know and love as well as discover new stuff they never expected to come across.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 542-6200
www.lapca.org
Part of the unique Southern California experience is the melting pot of culture around every corner of the city. It would be impossible to overlook the cultural influence that Mexico has on L.A. in particular. La Plaza De Cultura Y Artes is a creative haven dedicated primarily to chronicling the historical importance of Mexican culture and how the development Los Angeles is linked. The various exhibits paint a vivid picture of how the genesis of Los Angeles is linked with our neighbor to the South. Located on the same 2 and half acres that are close to El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, there is a tangible history here that lends itself to a new appreciation for this place we call home. This Saturday La Plaza is hosting a celebration of Luis Valdez' 1981 film Zoot Suit. The film is showcase of fashion, classic cars, and a subculture that helped shaped LA as we know it.
Art Deco Festival
Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy.
Long Beach, CA 90802
(877) 342-0738
www.queenmary.com
The brainchild of the Los Angeles Art Deco Society, this is the 12th annual event dedicated to an era that inspired the opulent design of the Queen Mary itself. The three-day extravaganza includes a bazaar, a vintage car show, and daily events including the Passion for Painting exhibit dedicated to the art of Sir Winston Churchill. Combined with the extensive art and iconic memorabilia housed on the Queen Mary, the event will culminate with a formal gala where guests dress to the nines befitting a gala aboard the historic vessel. Food, art, fashion, automobiles, even smoking and radio transport way back to the Art Deco era for the complete experience for those familiar and those just looking for a unique weekend.
Family Fun Night
Moonlight Rollerway Skating Center
5110 San Fernando Road
Glendale, CA 91204
(818) 241-3630
www.moonlightrollerway.com
There aren't too many of them left, but a sure fire way to get that heart rate up and have a good time doing it is to strap on some skates and hit the rink. The Moonlight Rollerway has been servicing LA County's roller skating needs for decades and hard wood shine of the rink is loaded with nostalgia and charm. Every Sunday night is family fun night, opening the doors with discounted rates for the entire family. Cranking some good tunes and following the spin of the mirrored disco ball, guests get an old school experience that proves the classics never go out of style.
