Best Of LA: Week Of February 16

A week for celebrations, Angelenos can start their week celebrating our nation's history and line of presidents and end the week with an all-American Bloody Mary throw-down and world-class snowboarding competition, right in Los Angeles county. In between, don't miss the premiere of two hot SoCal plays, a decadent wine tasting event, and Mardi Gras celebrations.

Monday, February 16

Celebrate President's Day: Battleship IOWA
Battleship IOWA
250 S. Harbor Blvd.
San Pedro, 90731
www.pacificbattleship.com

The USS Battleship IOWA celebrates its 72nd birthday along with President's Day this year with a day long celebration for the entire family to enjoy. Attendees will snag a piece of free cake after the ceremonial cake cutting by local dignitaries and local veterans. The pierside event features exhibits on the history of the IOWA, community booths, and food trucks for a festive day. Tours of the Battleship will be open to the public as well.

Tuesday, February 17

Celebrate Mardi Gras
various locations including
Union Station
800 North Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90046
www.metro.net

Aside from our list of great Mardi Gras Events in Los Angeles, head to Union Station for a special free jazz concert (part of the Metro Presents Series) by Louisiana-rooted & L.A. based band "The Mudbug Brass Band, " who draws their traditions from New Orleans jazz, R&B, funk, and Mardi Gras itself. The procession will parade throughout the station in true Mardi Gras spirit, encouraging locals and travelers to join in the revelry.

Wednesday, February 18

"The Price"
Mark Taper Forum at the Music Center
135 North Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.centertheatregroup.org

Arthur Miller's "The Price," a story of two estranged brothers coming together to settle their late father's estate, takes the Center Theater Group stage this week, running now through March 22. Directed by Tony-Award winner Garry Hynes with a cast led by Kate Burton, John Bedford Lloyd, Alan Mandell, and Sam Robards, this production of one of Miller's most challenging and enthralling dramas is sure to be a best bet.

Thursday, February 19

"Road to Appomattox"
The Colony Theatre
555 North Third Street
Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 558-7000
www.ColonyTheatre.org

The Colony Theatre is presenting its West-Coast premiere production of the historically inspired play, "Road to Appomattox," by playwright Catherine Bush, directed by Brian Shnipper. The classic Civil War story of Robert E. Lee's "final retreat" and evacuation of the capital Richmond blends with a modern day search for family place in history and interpersonal battles as the past and present collide in this drama. The cast is led by Shaun Anthony, Brian Ibsen, Bjorn Johnson, and Tyler Pierce.

Friday, February 20

50 Tastes: A Night of Hidden Desires
Flemings Steakhouse
various locations including
800 West Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 745-9911
www.flemingssteakhouse.com

A post-Valentine's day reminder of epicurean bliss, 50 Tastes: A Night of Hidden Desires offers a select number of guests at Flemings Steakhouse in the Southern California area the chance to enjoy an evening of pleasure and decadence while discovering 50 carefully-selected wines and appetizers. The exclusive event requires reservations, and at just $40/person, the wine and appetizer pairings are an incredible bargain as well.

Saturday, February 21

Shaun White's Air & Style
Shaun White's Air & Style
Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103
www.air-style.com

It may be hot in Southern California, but Shaun White and his crew of snow-loving friends will be in Pasadena this weekend for a two day festival of music, alternative sports, and snow/skate fashion, the first ever Air & Style event taking place in the United States. Visitors will enjoy snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding, and BMX exhibitions and competitions, including a centerpiece 16-story-high snow jump ramp that launches skiers out with a 70 foot jump. Three music stages boasting over 18 live band performances including Kendrick Lamar and The Flaming Lips, vendors, and hands-on-demonstrations round out the event.

Sunday, February 22

Sunday Bloody Funday
Abigaile
1301 Manhattan Ave.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 798-8227
www.abigailerestaurant.com

Abigaile, the church turned artists gallery and South Bay brewery, is hosting its first annual Sunday Bloody Funday Bloody Mary throwdown this weekend only. South Bay's top bartenders are facing off head-to-head in a competition to name the best Bloody Mary maker in town. Guests of the event can enjoy unlimited appetizers and small bites including Triple Threat Gougères, Breakfast Cuban Sando, meat skewers (including beef, salmon, and chicken), and more. The contestants will have 20 minutes to create their Bloody Marys, which will be judged by a panal of judges including bar manager Dave Keenan, an ambassador from Tito's Vodka, and even guests.

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.