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37 Great Things to do in Los Angeles this Weekend

things to do in Los Angeles this weekend

On the lookout for the perfect things to do in Los Angeles this weekend? In this article, we have picked 37 things to do in Los Angeles this weekend with the easiest way that L.A. beacons travelers.

Whether or not you’re a traditional vulture, outdoorsy kind, or just a lover of our positive metropolis, there’s greater than sufficient right here to maintain you busy.

Even lifelong Angelenos will discover one thing new so as to add to their to-do checklist, between the town’s landmark attractions, ever-changing stock of the best restaurants in Los Angeles, important L.A. museums, and even some off-the-beaten-path secrets and techniques. How lots of the finest issues to do in Los Angeles will you attempt?

Great Things to do in Los Angeles this Weekend

1. Stare into infinity at the Broad

What’s it? A free, up-to-date artwork museum in Downtown L.A., which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Three phrases: Infinity Mirror Rooms. The persistently in-style museum has two of Yayoi Kusama’s immersive, mirror-laden rooms.

Elsewhere within the museum, Eli and Edythe Broad’s assortment of two,000 postwar works consist of artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha, Cindy Sherman, Barbara Kruger, and Jeff Koons.

Don’t miss: Free tickets can be found on the primary day of the earlier month. In the event, you miss out on reservations, monitor the Broad’s wait time on Twitter.

2. Have tacos and egg sandwiches at Grand Central Market

What’s it? A European-style meals corridor that’s been working in Downtown L.A. since 1917, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Even if you happen not there for the meals, it’s priced a visit; individuals from all corners of L.A. combine and mingle amongst rows of spices, produce, and classic neon signage.

After all, if you happen hungrily it’s a terrific place to get low-cost pupusas, carnitas tacos, and Aguas Frescas, in addition to meals from good-looking, fashionable eateries like Sticky Rice, Belcampo, Sari-Sari, Horse Thief BBQ, Eggslut, McConnell’s and G&B Coffee.

Don’t miss Tacos Tumbras a Tomas serves the corridor’s go-to taco, notably the carnitas and al pastor.

3. Gaze at the stars from the Griffith Observatory

What’s it? An Artwork Deco observatory that dates again to 1935, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend

Why go? The vista from this hilltop landmark is gorgeous, notably in the evening when Los Angeles twinkles under. Inside you’ll discover a bevy of displays, together with a Foucault pendulum, Tesla coil, and planetarium present.

Don’t miss: Give yourself loads of time earlier than the 10 pm closing to gaze via the 12-inch refracting telescope on the roof, in any other case you possibly can look via the far much less crowded fashionable, reflecting telescope on the entrance garden.

4. Pose in front of streetlights at LACMA

What’s it? Chris Burden’s City Mild, a chunk made up of 202 cast-iron avenue lamps gathered from around L.A. and restored to working order, stands outdoors in the large museum, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Sure, snag your streetlight selfies. However, you’d be promoting yourself quickly if you happen to don’t enterprise past the photo-friendly setup.

LACMA’s collections boast modernist masterpieces, large-scale date works, conventional Japanese screens, and by far L.A.’s most constantly terrific particular exhibitions.

Don’t miss: Be looking out for restricted runs of “Rain Room” and a Jame Turrell mild setup, each of which has been added to LACMA’s everlasting assortment.

5. Explore the twisted exterior of the Walt Disney Concert Hall

What’s it? A live performance corridor and residential of the LA Philharmonic designed by famed native architect Frank Gehry, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Cruise alongside Grand Avenue and you may miss the Walt Disney Live performance Corridor, a twisted metallic explosion of Frank Gehry’s creativity.

Whilst you’ll want to purchase a live performance ticket to see the gorgeous auditorium, we expect the outside to be simply as beautiful.

Don’t miss: Climb up the staircase on Grand Avenue, close to 2nd Avenue, and also you’ll discover a garden hidden behind the hall. Convey a bagged lunch or a climb alongside the construction’s lustrous exterior.

6. Have an oceanfront, roadside meal at Neptune’s Net

What’s it? A postcard-worthy seafood shack on the Pacific Coast Freeway towards the western fringe of Malibu, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? The fried ocean bites and weekend biker crew make Neptune’s Internet a distinctive vacation spot. Alternatively, dine up the coast with locals at Malibu Seafood, the place the lengthy line is well worth the anticipate contemporary fish and seafood.

Don’t miss: The doors patio affords views of surfers, kiteboarders, and fellow diners, a lot of whom shall be giant, furry, and leather-clad.

For a fair nearer ocean view, take your meals throughout the road and sit on a clifftop boulder.

7. Picnic at the Hollywood Bowl

What’s it? An attractive and immediately recognizable out of doors amphitheater that’s been internet-hosting concert events for the reason that LA Philharmonic first performed there in 1922.

Why go? Nestled in an aesthetically blessed fold within the Hollywood Hills, the 18,000-seat venue can convey out the romantic within the terminally cynical.

It’s the summer season residence of the LA Phil and boozy picnics, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Don’t miss: So long as there’s no efficiency occurring which is most days within the winter and spring, it also doubles as a public park.

8. Stand below a space shuttle at the California Science Center

What’s it? An area shuttle, Endeavour, that’s completely homes on the California Science Heart, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? The ultimate ship to be in-built NASA’s area shuttle program, Endeavour conjures up a reach-for-the-stars ambition not like another exhibit within the metropolis.

And its story is distinctly rooted in L.A.: Endeavour was in-built Palmdale and, nearly 123 million miles later, rolled alongside our streets to its everlasting resting place within the museum.

Don’t miss: Timed tickets are required for Endeavour on weekends and through vacation intervals, however, you possibly can freely go to in the course of the week.

9. Unpack a picnic at the Getty Center

What’s it? A free hilltop artwork museum with a rolling garden overlooking the ocean is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? From the ocean to the mountains northeast of Downtown L.A., the panoramic views from this acropolis greater than compensate for its relative inaccessibility that you must trip a tram to the museum.

Don’t miss: You’ll discover correct picnic tables down the hill on the tram station, however, we extremely recommend sitting in the garden adjoining the Central Backyard.

10. Pedal around Echo Park Lake

What’s it? A former reservoir turned public recreation space in the middle of one of L.A.’s most buzzing neighborhoods, is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? The historic Echo Park Lake has lastly changed into a family-friendly vacation spot worthy of its daring backdrop: the Downtown skyline amid the lotus flower blooms, fountains, and the Woman of the Lake statue.

You’ll be able to push your manner via the lake in a pedal or swan boat ($11–$25 per hour) or stroll across the path that hugs its borders.

Don’t miss: Make certain to cease on the revived boathouse and its breakfast pit cease Beacon.

11. Walk along the Venice Canals

What’s it? A collection of small canals that run via the beachfront neighborhood—therefore the identify, Venice, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Tucked between the dirty Venice Boardwalk and the luxury Abbot Kinney, the Venice Canals provide a very totally different aspect of the famed beachfront neighborhood.

Take a stroll via these three canal-lined blocks and also you’ll uncover an idyllic scene: arching pedestrian bridges, charming seaside homes, bunches of ducklings, and the occasional paddle-boarding bulldog.

Don’t miss: Although you find discover boat leases wherever alongside the canals, you possibly can convey your individual non-motorized vessel to tour the neighborhood at water degree, entering by way of the launch ramp at Venice Boulevard.

12. Fly a kite by the Korean Bell of Friendship

What’s it? A mighty metallic bell and pavilion in San Pedro was donated by South Korea in 1976, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Perched over the Pacific, this grassy spot overlooking the ocean is understood for its namesake bell, with an ornately painted hipped roof.

The uncovered hillside is a perfect spot to fly a kite because of persistent winds coming off the ocean.

Don’t miss: The bell rings solely 4 instances annually: Fourth of July, International Liberation Day of Korea (Aug 15), New Year’s Eve throughout Structure Week in September.

13. Admire the coastline atop Temescal Gateway Park

What’s it? A Pacific Palisades hillside park with a number of viewpoints of the ocean, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? With a wide range of terrain, flora, and views of the Pacific and metropolis, Temescal Canyon Park is nice for path runners, hikers, and canine walkers.

You’ll expertise huge, breathtaking views that span from Catalina to Downtown and sufficient various terrain to maintain you and your furry good friend going—all the best way to the Valley, do you have to dare.

Don’t miss: The cease indicators. Severely. They’re photographed enforced, and also you’ll be despatched a $100 positive if you happen to roll via.

14. Scoot down the SkySlide at OUE Skyspace LA

What’s it? An all-glass slide connected to the aspect of construction, 1,000 toes above Downtown L.A., which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Skyslide, the glass-encased slide connected to the U.S. Financial Institution Tower’s exterior, shuttles guests from the 70th flooring all the way down to the 69th.

The slide isn’t as terrifying as you’d suppose—some squeals and expletives apart—largely as a result of it’s over and finished within fewer than 5 seconds.

Don’t miss: L.A.’s marine layer means views within the morning may be fogged in. Swing by later in the day; sundown is especially memorable from up right here.

15. Sneak a kiss at the Santa Monica Camera Obscura

What’s it? A century-plus–an outdated contraption that makes use of millennia-old know-how to mission a shifting picture, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Head to the Santa Monica Senior Heart (of all locations) to search out a tiny room containing camera obscura equipment that’s greater than 100 years outdated.

Sneak a kiss in the hours of darkness as tiny strangers stroll throughout the disk, oblivious to your PDA.

Don’t miss: Give the picket wheel a whirl to focus the picture—and to fake being a pirate.

16. Lookout on L.A. from Los Angeles City Hall

What’s it? A grand, white concrete tower that’s served as L.A.’s metropolis corridor since 1928, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? It’s the most cost-effective manner to absorb an elevated view of Downtown and the past.

In the event you’re ever passing via the Civic Heart throughout public hours (weekdays 9 am–5 pm), enter on Essential Avenue—you then owe yourself a go-to to the 27th-floor observation deck.

Don’t miss: Search for the 1984 Olympic torch close to the Spring Avenue exit.

17. Hike the Silver Lake Stairs

What’s it? Dozens of public, doors and stairways are scattered around Silver Lake’s verdant hillsides, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? These WPA-period staircases are well-suited for an exercise or a fitness-included tour of the realm.

Although some householders have tried to forestall open entry, make no mistake: These units of stairs are for public use.

Yow will discover an exhaustive checklist in creator Charles Fleming’s Secret Stairs.

Don’t miss: Highlights embody the heart-painted Micheltorena Stairs (Sundown Blvd and Micheltorena St) and the Music Field Steps (Vendome St and Del Monte Dr), of Laurel and Hardy fame.

18. Hike to Eaton Canyon Falls and back in less than an hour

What’s it? A 50-foot waterfall is situated in an easy-to-access canyon within the San Gabriel Mountains, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Los Angeles is a fantastic place, and it’s not afraid to flaunt it. Working example: Eaton Canyon.

The Pasadena-area park is among the most accessible and easygoing trails the place you’ll really really feel as you’ve slipped into the wilderness.

Don’t miss: On weekdays only, you possibly can minimize probably the most boring part of the hike and park simply barely over a mile from a waterfall.

19. Survey DTLA architecture on a Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tour

What’s it? Take a fuel-efficient strolling tour and cherish Los Angeles’ city architectural heritage, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? The Los Angeles Conservancy strolling excursions take within the metropolis’s high sights and most beautiful buildings, together with Downtown’s historic theaters and Art Deco buildings (on a weekly foundation) in addition to the fashionable skyline (bi-monthly).

Make sure to reserve a spot properly forward, as a result, the excursions are extremely in style.

Don’t miss: Every June, the Conservancy hosts basic movie screenings within the Broadway theaters throughout Last Remaining Seats.

things to do in Los Angeles this weekend

20. Have tea time in the garden at the Huntington Library

What’s it? A historic library, museum, and sprawling gardens that had been the bequest of entrepreneur Henry E. Huntington, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? The Huntington is a frightening vacation spot to deal with within a single day: between the artwork, the library holdings, and the spreadeagled doors areas, there are loads to see, and most of it’s best-loved at lingering leisure slightly than as a part of a mad day-long sprint.

Don’t miss: Sit down for a day unfold of tea, scones, and sandwiches on the pretty Rose Backyard.

21. Hunt for antiques at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

What’s it? A staggeringly colossal flea market is held outdoors of the Rose Bowl on the second Sunday of every month, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? The sheer measurement and scale of this flea market signify that it encompasses multitudes: new and outdated, hand-crafted and salvaged, a budget, and the pricey.

There are many duds, to make certain, however, come out early sufficiently and you might go residence with that excellent buy.

Don’t miss: Stray from the primary loop across the stadium; there are rows and rows of outdated furnishings, albums, and classic garments and equipment that fill the adjoining parking zone.

22. Tackle 282 steps at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

What’s it? A Westside lookout finest identified for its 282 steep, concrete stairs to the highest, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? The views from the highest provide a few of the finest views of the area, with the ocean on one aspect and the Downtown L.A. skyline on the opposite (set in opposition to a backdrop of snowcapped mountains within the winter).

When you attain the summit, sit on the lengthy park bench and take the 360-degree views.

Don’t miss: In the event, you’d slightly not beat up your knees, take a shortcut and drive as much as the highest of the hill and park in one of many many empty areas ($6).

23. Take a fresh look at the history of Philip Mershon’s Felix in Hollywood Tour Company

What’s it? Native Hollywood historian Philip Mershon’s tour of a history-filled quarter-mile space in Hollywood is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Mershon’s stroll facilities largely around Sundown and Gower and make no point out of the Stroll of Fame or the Hollywood Signal.

But by the top of the tour, you’ll have visited the origin of almost all the foremost Hollywood studios and their immortal works of popular culture. Now that’s a Hollywood tour we are able to get behind.

Don’t miss: The tour’s space has changed into a revitalized leisure business hub in recent times, with high-end public programming at screenings at NeueHouse Hollywood.

24. Tear into a top-notch croissant at the Manufactory

What’s it? A multi-concept area from the cooks behind San Francisco’s beloved bakery, Tartine, and Arizona’s legendary Pizzeria Bianco, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Consider the Manufactory as a warehouse inside ROW DTLA with a number of spots to go to and eat your manner via.

Along with baked items from Tartine, there’s additionally the dinner-only restaurant, Alameda Supper Membership, plus a walk-up window for pastries, ice cream, and low.

There’s even a market, the place you’ll discover a terrific curation of residence items and pantry staples and a close-by espresso roastery and lab from Espresso Manufactory.

Don’t miss: Discover the remainder of ROW DTLA whilst you’re within the space, together with design-minded boutique Poketo, hidden sneaker store Bodega and perfume provider Scent Bar.

25. Achieve your farm-to-table dreams at the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market

What’s it? A collection of 4 farmers’ markets is held each week year-round in Santa Monica, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? The following time you’re at a restaurant and tempted to ask the waiter the place your astoundingly contemporary beets got here from—don’t.

We’ll prevent the difficulty and reply to you: the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market.

Don’t miss: Whereas the market happens on a few days (Wed, Sat, and Solar) in varied elements of Santa Monica, the perfect day to go is on Wednesday alongside Arizona Avenue.

26. Become a pinball wizard at EightyTwo

Why go? If ever there was a bar to geek out in, this one is it, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

L.A.’s first arcade bar boasts greater than 40 basic arcade cupboards and pristinely preserved pinball machines—all mounted with cup holders for countless booze-fueled classes.

An homage to the golden age of arcade video games, cocktails right here have names like Princess Peach, Zangief, and Energy Up.

Don’t miss Swing by the final Sunday of the month for an open pinball match (or be a part of the L.A. Pinball League, which performs on Tuesday nights).

27. Brave the hot chicken—and the lines—at Howlin’ Ray’s

What’s it? A Chinatown walk-up restaurant that serves the town’s finest Nashville scorching hen, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? The previous pop-up turned everlasting Far East Plaza spot serves hen (white or darkish) with no matter degree of warmth you possibly can deal with, from “Nation Fried” to “Howlin’ Scorching.”

You’re speculated to be sweating. You’re speculated to get messy. You’re speculated to be consuming a few of the finest fried chicken on the town.

Don’t miss Your probability to really order some. The line commonly hits a two-to-three-hour wait on weekends; swing by on weekdays earlier than closing for a shorter wait, which you can track on Twitter.

28. Load up on records at Amoeba Music

What’s it? A warehouse-sized document retailer in the midst of Hollywood, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Certain, Spotify is nice, however, anybody searching for that arcane monitor off of that mid-’80s Tom Robinson album is aware of it isn’t excellent.

Neither is Amoeba, however, it’s the largest unbiased document retailer in the USA, and the number of music on provide is superb, the costs are honest and the employees actually know their music.

Don’t miss: The store hosts free reveals a few days per week, together with launch events from main artists (tickets for these are sometimes accessible with the acquisition of a document).

29. Step inside the sunny Wayfarers Chapel

What’s it? A glassy chapel designed by architect Lloyd Wright on an oceanfront highway is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Accessible by way of a dramatic oceanfront drive—irrespective of which route you strategy from—architect Lloyd Wright’s enchanting glass church drinks in tree-dappled daylight via its faceted shell.

All are welcome to admire the serene sanctuary’s intimate construction—although you will have to take action from the surface if there’s a marriage in progress.

Don’t miss: Throughout the road, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is the proper place to begin for beachfront trailheads.

30. Sip cosmic cocktails at a cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

What’s it? A boozy cantina in Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? The immersive new part of the basic theme park brings the Star Wars universe to life with a brand new planet—Batuu—transporting you to it with a whopping 14 acres of immersive, painfully detailed terrain.

The standout, although? Oga’s Cantina, a splendidly seedy-looking bar with a Droid manning the tunes and all kinds of colorful, effervescent cocktails—sure, they’re serving alcohol at Disneyland now.

Don’t miss: Attempt the Fuzzy Tauntaun, with a foam high that’ll make your lips tingle, or the Jet Juice, a bourbon-based shooter that’ll have you ever questioning whether or not you’re above the authorized restriction to pilot the Millennium Falcon.

31. See L.A. from 6,000 feet up at the Mount Wilson Observatory

What’s it? A mountaintop observatory, and a winding, scenic drive to get there, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Excessive up within the San Gabriel Mountains, the Mount Wilson Observatory affords terrific views of the encompassing area.

In the event you’re touring with a bunch, you possibly can book an after-dark session on the observatory’s 60-inch telescope.

Admission is free, however, you’ll want to purchase a Forest Service Journey Move as a way to go to the positioning and it is adjoining picnic space because it’s situated throughout the Angeles International Forest.

Don’t miss: Take a self-guided tour of the grounds or a seasonal docent-led tour ($15) of the observatory on weekends. The observatory typically presents ticketed, late-night stargazing occasions.

32. Raise your wand at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

What’s it? A Harry Potter-themed land at Common Studios Hollywood, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? This meticulously detailed land, which options outlets and edible delights in Hogsmeade village and an exhilarating trip inside Hogwarts Fort, ought to delight even these Muggles unfamiliar with the Potterverse—notably when you’ve got a mug of Butterbeer in your hand.

Don’t miss: Hogwarts Fort options mild reveals projected onto its exterior in the course of the summer season and holidays.

Additionally, if you happen to purchase your ticket online, you possibly can enter the land 30 minutes earlier than it opens.

33. Relax on the sand at Point Dume State Beach

What’s it? Considered one of Southern California’s most stunning seashores and a frequent Hollywood filming location on account of its iconic rock face, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? If you’ll find a free area alongside Westward Seaside Highway otherwise you’re keen to pay for parking, you’ll be rewarded with this huge and infrequently crowded patch of sand and surf.

As all of the parking spots are solely steps from the sand, Level Dume is the proper place to pack a picnic for a beachfront meal as seals and dolphins frolic throughout sundown—simply be careful with these hungry seagulls.

Don’t miss: An easygoing dirt path climbs from the sand to the highest of the purpose, with tons of yellow wildflowers in the winter and spring.

34. Step inside the precursor to Disneyland at Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn

What’s it? A mannequin practice workshop housed inside a purple barn that used to reside in Walt Disney’s Holmby Hills yard, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Walt Disney used to trip his personal 1/eighth scale live-steam railroad—the “Carolwood Pacific Railroad”—around his yard till he shifted his focus to a lot greater mission:

Disneyland. In 1999, the purple barn that he used as his workshop was moved to Griffith Park’s Los Angeles Reside Steamers Railroad Museum.

Each third Sunday of the month, you possibly can go to the barn to discover an assortment of practice fashions and memorabilia.

Don’t miss: Legendary Disney artists and engineers are identified to pop in throughout open hours.

35. Stroll through SoCal flora at Descanso Gardens

What’s it? A hillside botanical backyard in La Cañada Flintridge harbors a year-round assortment of native flora, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? This pleasant tribute to the horticultural magic of Southern California consists of greater than 600 types of camellia (finest seen between the center of February and early Might), in addition to groves and hillsides of native vegetation.

Don’t miss: Go in the course of the spring to see the cherry blossoms bloom within the Japanese backyard, or in the course of the holidays for the gorgeous Enchanted: Forest of Light.

36. Enter the grid at Two Bit Circus

What’s it? A technology-forward arcade hangout within the Arts District for youths and adults is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? The “micro-amusement park” combines digital actuality, escape rooms, motion-sensing carnivalesque points of interest, old-school–impressed arcade video games, and trivia, all wrapped up in a sort-of-steampunk aesthetic that’s as well-suited for a kitsch robotic bartender as it’s a digital battle area.

Don’t miss: The halfway video games are the clear standouts. The four-player Huge Prime Balloon Pop interprets the color-matching gameplay of Sweet Crush into a tactile motion-and-color–sensing ball toss whilst you cathartically swing a tetherball in the head-to-head Demolition Zone.

37. Find your zen at the Lake Shrine

What’s it? A meditation backyard within the Pacific Palisades, which is one of the great things to do in Los Angeles this weekend.

Why go? Get misplaced in your ideas at one of every of L.A.’s best-kept secrets and techniques: the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine.

Set on a 10-acre site that was used as a movie set in the course of the silent period, its pretty gardens provide some more and more uncommon property right now: peace and tranquility.

Don’t miss: Look out for the Dutch windmill chapel, the Mississippi houseboat, and quite a lot of gliding swans.

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37 Great Things to do in Los Angeles this Weekend

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