Watch CBS News

Best Things To Do This Weekend In LA - December 18

Photo by Daniel Hong
(Credit: Daniel Hong)

It's official. The holiday season is here and though office hours are still in effect, everyone is on autopilot. It's time to get your social calendar in order. If you are in LA, here is a rundown of some of the people and places you need to go and see. Let's get started.

Friday, December 18
Lightsabre Battle LA
(Credit Dave Bledsoe)

Lightsabre Battle LA
Pershing Square
532 S Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
www.newmindspace.com

The mania around the new J.J. Abrams' version of the space saga "Star Wars" has consumed every aspect of pop culture imaginable. It's impossible to avoid. With the film being released this weekend, people that don't have tickets have plenty of options to celebrate just the same. The creative collective, NewMindSpace, is hosting their second Lightsaber Battle after the success of their New York installment. This free event will take place just outside of Pershing Square and is as simple as it sounds. Bring your Lightsaber and chose a side. Think of the battle as a flashmob in a galaxy long ago and far away.

Saturday, December 19
HollyHock
(Credit: Blink Creative Group)

Hollyhock House
Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
www.barnsdall.org

Considered visiting an architectural treasure specific to Southern California today, Hollyhock House is Frank Lloyd Wright's very first Los Angeles project. Now part of the 36-arce Barnsdall Art Park complex, that includes galleries and theatres, in addition to Wright's architectural achievement. Restored to its original brilliance in February of 2015, Barnsdall is another compliment to Los Angeles' rich cultural landscape in the same vein as The Getty, The Broad, LACMA, and Moca.
 

Korean_Friendship_Bell_Roof_-_Los_Angeles
(Credit: Wiki Commons)

Korean Friendship Bell
Angel's Gate Park and Recreation Center
3601 S Gaffey St
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-7705
http://www.laparks.org

Anyone remember the final scene of almost every episode of the 90's kids' show "Mighty Morphing Power Rangers"? The Red Ranger would find a place to clear his mind and reflect on his most recent battle and that place was the scenic Korean Friendship Bell. A gift from the Republic of Korea to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States in the late seventies, Angels' Gate of San Pedro overlooks scenic Point Fermin and houses the massive bronze bell. An ideal place to have a picnic and watch the sun set over the Pacific, a Saturday afternoon on the lawn with a sandwich from Busy Bee's is an essential LA experience.

Sunday, December 20
Venice Canals
(credit: Getty Images)

Visit The Venice Canal Historic District
Between Ocean/Pacific Ave.
and Washington/Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90292
www.theatricum.com

While Venice is synonymous with the appeal of Muscle Beach, the quirk of the Broadwalk, and hipster area of Abbott Kinney Blvd., one of LA's most unconventional tourist destinations are the Historic Canals just east of the madness. The west coast's answer to the riverwalk of San Antonio, the suburban landscape along the water makes for a serene walk and gorgeous photo ops. With gondola rides available on the cheap and plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops just a few skips away, this is a side of Venice not to be missed.
 

SeinfeldLive
(credit: Pantages)

See: Seinfeld: The Apartment
8445 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, California 90069

For one weekend in Los Angeles, superfans of the most successful sitcom about nothing can celebrate the non-existent holiday of Festivus with a stroll through the apartment of Seinfeld. The pop-up gallery of sorts, is presented by Hulu and gives people a chance to step foot on same grounds (kind of) that Jerry, George, and the gang exchanged Seinfeld-isms for nine seasons. Complete with additional interactive elements and gallery items, like a Jerry-seum of sorts, the exhibit runs through December 20th for fans.

Article by Ramon Gonzales.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.