Labor Day in LA

Image From Pixabay.

Los Angeles is a great place to spend your three day weekend. Labor Day is quickly approaching and we can not wait to spend a nice relaxing weekend at home. However, you can still go out and enjoy the sun without traveling too far. There are so many great Labor Day events around Los Angeles it might be hard to choose just one.

The Taste

This entire weekend is your chance to try the Los Angeles Times’ annual food and wine festival. You will be able to taste test the best food in the city while experimenting with some new flavors you may not have tried. The festival is Sept 4th-6th, and the tickets cost between $100-175. 

E.T 

“ET Phone Home” Everyone knows this iconic phrase from the Drew Barrymore classic 80s film.  The Hollywood Bowl is adding this film to it’s live-scores for Labor Day weekend. You can watch the movie in HD while listening to the L.A. Philharmonic provide the live score. This movie will be shown all weekend. September 4-5 at 8pm and Sept 6th at 7:30pm.

Craft Festival

Maybe you want to do a little shopping during your long weekend. Sept 5th-7th is the Fiesta Hermosa, which is one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in the country. This fair is held in downtown Hermosa Beach. It features more than 300 artisans plus live food and entertainment. You can head to the fair this weekend from 10am-6pm. 

BBQ at Terrine

Get some of that last summer food in your stomach before fall starts. Sept 7th there will be an all day BBQ on Terrine’s back patio. You can enjoy everything from fried chicken to classic sides as you enjoy the California sun. Reservations are recommended and the BBQ costs $35 a person. You can call 323-746-5130 to get your spot today. 

These are just four of the many great Labor Day events happening in Los Angeles. Whether you want to lay in the pool at Palazzo Westwood or eat corn on the cob, we hope you have a great long weekend. 

Other Sources:

Where LA

Great Nights Out In LA

Image From Wikimedia

We all can all call ourselves “foodies” from time to time, but Los Angeles has so many events that are in the foodie mecca. Every type of food and drink you can imagine is served at various events through the year. We have found a few events that we think you should defiantly try on your next free weekend or free night. 

Wine Night

You still have a few more weeks to experience the Barnsdall Art Park Friday Night Wine Tastings. This event is hosted on Frank Lloyd Wright’s newly restored Hollyhock House, and the evening’s music is provided by KCRW’s DJ Dan Wilcox. For $30, you can sample four selections of artisanal wines and local gourmet cheeses. Also, for an additional $12, you can take a curator-led tour of the House. These Friday Night Wine Tastings are from 5:30pm-8:30pm until September 4th. 

Taco Festival

If you are looking for an event of the free variety, it is happening downtown Grand Park on August 22nd. This park is home to two great events; the L.A. Taco Festival and a series celebrating the LGBTQ community. The L.A. Festival features tacos from Kogi, Tacos El Gallito, Homeboy Industries, Danny’s Tacos, Los Ruizeñores, Zingo and more. Also, you can hear music from California-based Afro-Latin influenced Quinta Penas. After you grab your tacos, head to the PROUD Picnic which will feature food trucks, music and games from 1pm-5pm. The Taco Festival will be from noon to 7 p.m..

Mixology Dinner

The Queen Mary’s dinner series is adding a new addition to their popular date nights. They will feature a Mixology Dinner and Competition in the Barrel Dinner Series. Four mixologists will be on hand to impress guest tastes and a chance to win $2000. The challenge is to pair a cocktail with a select dinner course made by the Queen Mary’s executive chef. The evening also includes welcome cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, the main course and dessert. This special event will be held on August 27th at 6pm. You can purchase tickets here for $130. 

All of these great events are close to your home at Palazzo Westwood. We hope you can grab some friends or that special someone and check out all of these great events that Los Angeles has to offer. 

Fourth of July Festivities

Image courtesy Pixabay

Tomorrow, our country celebrates its 239th birthday, and no city knows how to celebrate quite like Los Angeles does! If you want to mix up your typical Independence Day routine and get out of your apartment home at Palazzo Westwood Village, plenty of events lie in store for you! Our area has celebrations including anything from the expected fireworks spectaculars to cemetery celebrations!

Hollywood Bowl 
"King of Motown" Smokey Robinson and the Los Angeles Philharmonic will serenade audiences Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM. Performances will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Tickets are available online, and children 12 and under are half price.

If you don't want to see the concerts beforehand, but would like to view the fireworks, the Hollywood Bowl Overlook in the Santa Monica Mountains. Be sure to get there early to snag a good parking spot!

Hollywood Forever Cemetery
If watching a screening of "Top Gun" outdoors at a Hollywood cemetery sounds like your ideal Fourth of July celebration, head over to Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Watching a film in the cemetery may sound strange on the surface, but it is one of the city's most popular summer events. Make sure you get there early!

The Queen Mary
If you have friends or family in Long Beach, the July 4th celebration on The Queen Mary is the perfect excuse to go and visit! Watch the fireworks from aboard a harbor cruise, enjoy a vintage family circus, dine on some barbecue at The Aquarium of the Pacific, and more! Haute Living calls Long Beach's fireworks display one of the best in Southern California.

Grand Park
Pack a picnic, gather your pets and head downtown for a huge summer block party! The event features food trucks, live music, and more. Best of all, this event is free to attend! 

What does your holiday weekend have in store for you? Whether you're hosting a cookout, lounging by the Palazzo Westwood Village pool with friends, or are attending one of these events, we want to know! Share you plans on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Beer Week is Back

Image courtesy Pixabay

Whether you have a love for all things craft beer or have just had a long, hard week at the office, relief is on the way - the 7th annual Los Angeles Beer Week is just about here! This year's LA Beer Week runs from June 20 through 28, and has a variety of events in store throughout the city during this time. Here are a few of this year's most notable events:

Kickoff Event

The LA Brewers Kickoff Event is tomorrow, June 20, on the south lawn of Exposition Park. More than 75 breweries will be in attendance, with 200 types of beer in tow. In addition to food trucks (including the Grilled Cheese Truck) and beer, there will be live entertainment for your listening pleasure. The event will be held from noon to 5 PM. Tickets are available online, but please be advised that VIP tickets for the event have already sold out.

Father's Day Vinyl Brunch

If you want to treat your beer-loving Dad to a nice Father's Day outing on Sunday, head to Phantom Carriage for brunch. Enjoy "Beermosas," Bloody Marys, Sangria and plenty of one-off beers as you listen to some old-school vinyl records. While some LA Beer Week events charge an admission fee, this event is free to enter and begins at 12:10 PM.

Vegan Cheese & Beer Pairings

Even if your diet does not include animal products, you can still participate in LA Beer Week. Join Golden Road Brewing at the pub for an evening of vegan cheese and beer pairings. Guests will enjoy vegan cheese from Follow Your Heart paired with some of Golden Road's favorite brews. The event takes place Monday, June 22 from 5-9 PM. 

Rarest of the Rare

Smog City Brewing's Rarest of the Rare event has taken a break for the past two years, but it will triumphantly return on Saturday, June 27. Smog City's three bars will serve retired beers, bourbon barrel-aged beers, sour beers and experimental beers. Don't feel the need to drink everything all at once - this event lasts from noon to 8 PM.

These are just a handful of the week's planned events. To view the full schedule, visit the official event website. If you have yet to come up with the perfect Father's Day gift idea, some of these events could be just the ticket! Please remember to travel safely and responsibly from your home at Palazzo Westwood Village to each of these events. Get ready to sit back, relax, and sip on a nice cold brew!

Have you attended any LA Beer Week events in the past 7 years? Which events are at the top of your list this year? Share your thoughts with us on the Palazzo Westwood Village Facebook and Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:

LAist

LA Pride 2015

June is National LGBT Pride Month, and this weekend Los Angeles is ready to celebrate! The 45th annual LA Pride begins today and lasts through Sunday, June 14! Get ready for three days parades and festivals in West Hollywood!

Pride Festival
The main events of the Pride Festival takes place Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 at West Hollywood Park. Hours on Saturday are noon to 1 AM, and 11 AM to 11 PM on Sunday. Both days of the festival include performances from some of music's most popular artists. While most of the pride fest activities are Saturday and Sunday, there is a festival tonight from 5 PM through midnight.

Festival experiences include the Main Stage, Art & Culture Exhibit, Country Pavilion, Erotic City, Hop-Hop Stage, Latino Carnivale, Sizzle, TranStation and Youth Space. There are also an area for food and beverages. Main Stage performers include headliners Ke$ha, Wilson Phillips (on Saturday) and Fifth Harmony (on Sunday).

Pride Parade
The Pride Parade takes place Sunday at 11 AM at the intersection of Crescent Heights and Santa Monica Boulevards. Activitsts the Rev. Troy Perry and Zoey are the parade's grand marshals, and the cast and crew of Amazon's Transparent are the community grand marshals. 

If you are interested in seeing the festivities in person, tickets can be purchased online. Ticket options range from $20 for a General Admission ticket to $115 for a Festival Door Multi-Day pass.

If you driving to the event, parking is available at the Kings Road Parking Structure, Hancock Parking Structure, La Jolla/Havenhurst Lot, La Peer Lot, Orange Grove Lot, Spaulding Lot and Pacific Design Center. If you park on the street, you do need to observe the parking regulations. "Pride Ride" will offer a continuous shuttle loop along Santa Monica Boulevard with shuttles scheduled to arrive every 15 minutes. 

Getting to LA Pride from your apartment home at Palazzo Westwood Village by car will take about 20 minutes.

Have you attended any of the previous Pride festivals? What are you looking forward to seeing this year? Share your thoughts on Palazzo's Facebook and Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:
Los Angeles Daily News

Memorial Day Weekend Events

As our country pauses on Monday to take time to honor the soldiers who lost their lives in defense of our country, we also have the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the freedoms obtained in those battles. If you are without plans over the long weekend, there are many ways to enjoy your time with friends and family throughout our area. 

Friday Night Wine Tastings
Barnsdall Park's Friday Wine Tastings are an annual hit in Los Feliz. At $30/person, tickets will earn guests a selection of four wines from Silverlake Wine. Bring a blanket to lay down on the grass and sip your samples among friends! The first tasting of the 2015 season is tonight! The drive from your home at Palazzo Westwood Village to Barnsdall Park is about 45 minutes.

Disneyland's 60th Anniversary
Starting tonight, Disneyland will celebrate its "diamond year" 60th anniversary with three new shows, and structures be adorned in diamond everything! One million lights will make the Disney Paint the Night Parade one of the brightest in Disney's history! It takes about 90 minutes to get to Disneyland from Palazzo Westwood Village.

Main Street Memorial Day Weekend Block Party
Located in Santa Monica's Circle Bar, the block party includes food and drink specials, live DJs and more! Tickets start at $10. The festivities run from 3PM through 2 AM on Sunday, May 24. For more information, please visit their official website. Circle Bar is a little under 30 minutes away from Westwood.

Fiesta Hermosa
Fiesta Hermosa, the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California, lasts May 23-25 from 10 AM through 6 PM. There are many reasons why this fiesta has been an annual event in Hermosa Beach since 1972 - aside from the arts and crafts, music, play areas for children, the wine and beer garden and more keep residents and visitors coming back! Hermosa Beach is about one hour away from Westwood.

Other Ideas
If none of these events appeal to you, there are many, many more going on this weekend. You could also get creative and take a drive up and down the coast or head to the beach! If staying closer to home suits you, take the time to walk around Westwood Village with friends or visiting family members!

Regardless of your plans, we wish you a safe and happy holiday weekend! Thank you to all of our servicemen and women!

Additional sources consulted: 
Time Out Los Angeles
CBS Los Angeles

Vegan Beer & Food Festival

Vegan diets have spread across the country, but many consider California the capital of the diet. For those of you who do not consume animal products, and even for those who do, there is an exciting festival coming up to celebrate vegans - the Vegan Beer & Food Festival! 2015 will be the sixth year for this event, which offers some of the best vegan bites and brews! 

This year's festival will be held on May 16 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Guests of the festival will have a selection of more than 100 beers from 50 breweries, and food from more than 40 food trucks, restaurants and vendors at their fingertips! Brewers include Ace Cider, Beach City Bell's, Dr. Jekyll's, Lagunitas, New Belgium and many, many more. Food that will be on site includes Anthem Vegan, Grilled Cheese Truck, Life is Sweet Bakeshop, The Rabbit Hole Cafe and more! To view the full list of food and beer that will be available, click here.

If the food and beer selection is not enough to convince you, there is also a stellar live music lineup. Participating artists include Jamestown Revival, The White Buffalo, The Drowning Men, Petty Cash, Joel Jerome and Lucy & La Mer! 

What are some things you should try at the event? LAist recommends Real Food Daily's "fauxnut," comparable to the cronut; Suncafe's chili fries; and Clean South's fried "chicken." To view all of their recommendations, click here. 

If you are interested in attending the event, tickets can be purchased online or the day of the event. Tickets are between $50 and $80. Please note, food is not included in the ticket price. If you are interested in buying tickets online, click here.

From Palazzo Westwood Village apartment homes to Rose Bowl Stadium, it is approximately a 45-minute drive, via the 405 and Hwy. 134 E. If you love vegan food and beer, it would make a fun day trip to take with friends!

Have you ever attended a vegan beer or food festival? What vendors do you look forward to trying at this festival? Share your thoughts on Palazzo Westwood Village's Facebook and Twitter pages!

Celebrate LACMA's 50th Anniversary

If you have never been to Los Angeles County Museum of Art (better known as LACMA), or even if you have, this weekend is your opportunity to visit this LA cultural staple for free! Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the museum's Miracle Mile campus for a day of art, culture and enjoyment!

This special event includes free admission to all of the museum's exhibits, including the new 50 for 50: Gifts on the Occasion of LACMA's Anniversary. This exhibit includes the gifts received by the museum from all over the world for its 50th anniversary. Some notable artwork that was donated to LACMA for the exhibit include Taddeo Gaddi's "Crucifixion with the Madonna and Saint John the Evangelist," Edgar Degas' "At the Cafe Concert: The Song of the Dog" and "Portrait of a Gentleman," a marble bust by Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini.

The day also includes 50 self-guided activities from various parts of the Miracle Mile campus. While you do need tickets for the 50 for 50 exhibit, tickets are still free of charge. Another aspect of the day is a concert at the Bing Theater.

If you're interested in attending, the LACMA's hours on Sunday are from 10 AM to 7 PM. Remember, as you walk through the museum, you may take pictures, but it is asked that you refrain from using flash photography. If you would like a more personalized experience, you can download the museum's app! 

LACMA is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd. It is approximately a 25-minute from Palazzo Westwood Village apartment homes. The drive will be well worth it for the chance to see such rare works of art. 

If you have visited LACMA in the past, what are your favorite exhibits? If you have never visited the museum before, do you plan on taking advantage of this weekend's free day? Share your thoughts with us on Palazzo Westwood Village's Facebook and Twitter pages!

Sources consulted:
LACMA
LA Times
Time Out Los Angeles

Brokechella 2015

You've probably been seeing a ton of posts on social media and stories in the news about Coachella, but every year on the second weekend of the music festival, something happens a little closer to home  - Brokechella! 

Brokechella began as a community arts and culture event from cARTel, which at one point in time was held in a black box theater right here in Westwood. The festival of comedians, bands, and artists kept growing each year. When organizers realized that it kept falling on the second weekend of Coachella, they changed the name to Brokechella, as tickets were only $5! 

Brokechella 2015 takes place this Saturday, April 18, at Sante Fe Studios in downtown Los Angeles. Also known as "a music fest for the rest of us," this is the 5th year for the event. While tickets are no longer $5, it's still a very affordable event, with this year's tickets ranging between $15 and $25. Online tickets are already sold out.

Who can you look forward to seeing at one of the event's four stages? Musical acts include: OYLS, Smoke Season, Hex Cougar, Anabot, and more. Stand-up comedians performing at the festival include Even Cassidy, Kyle Shire and Myke Wright, among others. To view the full line-up of performers, click here.

You can even bring your pooch along to certain areas of the festival. Yes, that's right, Puppychella is an event! Please note, there are rules and regulations to bringing along Fido to Puppychella, including registering them with the festival. For full rules, click here.

Are you interested in volunteering at the event? People are needed to assist with set-up, event execution and clean-up throughout the weekend. If you are able to donate your time, you can sign up through the Volunteer Form.

The festival is easily accessible from Palazzo Westwood Village apartment homes by taking I-10 for about 15 miles.

Will you be among the crowd at Coachella or Brokechella this weekend? Either way, both are a great way to check out live music!

Sources consulted:
Time Out Los Angeles
Brokechella

5 Can’t-Miss Upcoming Events

The upcoming weeks are filled with exciting things to do around LA. For UCLA students who need a study break or if you just need to get out of the house, all of these events, ranging from celebrity appearances to yummy food and musical performances, will entice you. There is something here for everyone happening in Los Angeles in the next few weeks. All of these events and festivals are within 30 minutes drive of the Palazzo Westwood Village apartment homes.

Kinfolks Soulfood Festival

The Kinfolks Soul Food Festival has has only grown since its inception in 2007. Bobby Brown, Salt and Pepa, Stephanie Mills and El Debarge will be making appearances at the festival. This year they will be holding competitions for the best soul food recipes, as well as appearances by award winning chefs, Chef Auntie Fee, Chef Robert Roberts and Chef Amadeus. Don’t miss out on this mouthwatering experience! April 11th at Exposition Park.

Mental Head Circus

Take in the modern-day Vaudeville circus show from small tables while contortionists twist themselves and aerialists perform feats so amazing that you won’t believe your own eyes. April 11th and 12th at King King in Hollywood.

Great Horror Campout Movie Night

If you didn’t have the opportunity to see this horror classic when it was in theaters, now is your chance! This screening of the Exorcist under the stars will include, prizes and giveaways, monsters, photo opportunities and merchandise available for purchase. Don’t miss out on the chance to see this classic horror flick at an old, abandoned zoo. This movie may not be suitable for children. Friday April 17th at Griffith Park Old Zoo.

Brokechella

For the 5th anniversary of Brokechella, they aren’t skimping out on the fun. With 4 stages worth of musical performances plus a comedy stage, giant Jenga, art galleries and ‘puppychella’, this is not something you want to miss. If you’re too broke for that other music festival, this is most certainly the place for you. Saturday April 18 at 590 Santa Fe Avenue.

LA Times Festival of Books

Bibliophiles rejoice! The Festival of Books has returned this year and is bigger than ever. Appearances from Billy Idol, Keegan Allen, Kate Mulgrew and musical performances by The Trojan Men, Trio Ellas and Ren Martinez. And stick around after hours for some extra events that you won’t want to miss! April 18th and 19th on the University of Southern California’s campus.

Can't Miss Spring Events in LA

As of today, spring is officially here! While we get to enjoy milder weather year round, this may not be that big of a deal, but there is still a lot to look forward to - from UCLA commencement to plenty of area events! If you're not staying in to watch the #MarchMadness this weekend, make some plans to attend these must-attend spring events, courtesy of Thrillist: 

MARCH 22
LACMA
Nowruz Festival
This free (FREE!) Persian New Year fest will have great food & an outdoor concert from a "groundbreaking Iranian rock band." Also, not sure if we mentioned this but... FREE!!!!!!

MARCH 25
Colony Palms
Micah Wexler @ Colony Palms
The crazy-lauded chef behind Wexler's Deli is popping up at one of Palm Springs' best hotels for a gin-paired dinner. Epic road trip, anyone?

MAR 28-29
Santa Anita
Ramen Championship
Noodlers from all over the place have a competition. No matter what, you win.

MARCH 29
5919 Franklin Ave.
UCB Search History
People combing through your search history? Total nightmare. The Upright Citizens Brigade basing an improv show off of strangers’ search histories? A damn funny Sunday, plus a rotating A-list cast member or two.

APRIL 1
Ace Hotel
The Music of David Lynch
Your favorite ultra-weirdo collabs with other weirdos like The Flaming Lips on a one-off performance of music from his movies/TV (including the Twin Peaks theme song, the Angelo Badalamenti score to Blue Velvet, andMulholland Drive's "Llorando").

APRIL 4
LA Center Studios
LA Beerfest
Unlimited pours. $40. You need no more info than this.

APRIL 6
Dodgers Stadium
Dodgers opening day
You're my boys, Blue!

APR 11-13
Empire Polo Field
Coachella Weekend 1
At this point, you're either going, or you're pissed you're not.

APRIL 18
Santa Fe Studios
Brokechella
50 bands, $15.

Park Plaza
LA Cocktail Classic
AYCD hooch from some classy cocktailers, for $65. Yup.

MAY 2
Literally everywhere
Pacquiao vs. Mayweather
You're watching this, somewhere -- a friend's house, a bar, a betting hall. You're watching this.

MAY 16
4900 Alhambra Ave.
Derby Dolls' first bout in their new venue
LA's premiere ladies on skates found a new spot. Help them devirginize it.

MAY 22-24
All over Las Vegas
Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival
Rancid. Bosstones. Bowling. Vegas. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

MAY 23
Regent Theater
Bootie Prom
The annual dress-up-and-dance-to-mash-ups-and-be-super-fun event returns.

JUNE 6-7
The Reef LA
CatCon
"It's like ComicCon -- for cat people." Seriously! That's how they describe it!

JUN 12-14
Ink N Iron
Queen Mary
"It's like ComicCon! For tattooed people!" Seriously. That's how we describe it.

JUNE 20
Hollywood Bowl
Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl
Journey is playing with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. And fireworks. Yep. Happening.

JUN 20-28
All over the city
LA Beer Week
It's June instead of September this year. Mark your calendars.

Saint Patrick's Day Weekend in LA

Saint Patrick's Day may not actually be until Tuesday, March 17, but many celebrations throughout Los Angeles will be held this weekend! Regardless of whether or not you're Irish, put on some green and pretend to be for a day or two, and have some fun this weekend! From block parties to music, there are events of all kinds to choose from, courtesy of Where LA:

Tom Bergin’s
Mar. 17. For 79 years, L.A.’s iconic Irish pub, Tom Bergin’s has been THE destination for St. Patrick’s Day revelry. This year, the action begins bright and early at 6 a.m. and includes Guinness truck pouring Guinness Blonde and Harp Lager, beer and Irish-inspired cocktails from four satellite bars, festive pub fare, a live band and DJ spinning popular tunes from a stage and more. 6 a.m.-2 a.m. 840 South Fairfax Ave., L.A., 323.936.7151. tombergins.com

Casey’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival
Mar. 17. This 42nd annual all-day street festival enlivens downtown Los Angeles with food (think: reubens and corned-beef sandwiches), games, Irish drink specials (green beer, anyone?) and sets from local DJs. Headquartered at Casey’s Irish Pub, the street festival takes place in front of the pub. Festival 11 am-11 pm; pub hours 6 a.m.-2 a.m. Free general admission until 3:30 pm, $10 after 3:30 pm. 613 S. Grand Ave., downtown. 213nightlife.com

Paddy O’ Party
Mar. 14. Head to the Marina to celebrate the raucous holiday on the waterfront patio at Whiskey Red’s. Fill your night with live music and DJ tunes, Irish jig contests, food and drink specials and more. Guests are encouraged to go green in their best leprechaun attire. $10 advance/$15 door. 13813 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, 310.823.4522. Tickets

Rock & Reilly’s 4th Annual St. Paddy’s Block Party
Mar. 14. The Sunset Strip’s Irish pub is the epicenter for early celebration. Spend your day tearing through kegs of beer, food truck fare and letting it all go in a bouncy house all to the beat of DJ tunes. 1-10 p.m., entry is not guaranteed after 3 p.m. Rock & Reilly’s Back Lot, 8911 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Tickets

The Bungalow Santa Monica
Mar. 17. The ocean-side hideaway in Santa Monica goes green to celebrate the holiday. Enjoy everything from green chocolate chip cookies and corn beef and cabbage sandwiches to green sangria and margaritas, along with live Irish Folk tune performances from The Bungalow’s resident band and Grammy nominated, The California Feetwarmers along with an opening set by Brianna Falcone. Reservations recommended. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.899.8530. thebungalowsm.com

Tam O’Shanter
Mar. 17. Head to one of L.A.’s oldest restaurants for one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the city. Tam O’Shanter opens at 10 a.m., with a special tent area in the parking lot opening at noon; music fires up at 2 p.m. and the party goes well into the night. Find entertainment from bands like The Ploughboys and Whiskey Sunday; dine on sweet and Irish-themed eats like sugar shamrock cookies, Bailey’s cupcakes and corn beef and cabbage; and celebrate with green beer, a mind-blowing assortment of ales and beers on tap, a world-class selection of scotch, and light-up shamrock necklaces for everyone who comes to the restaurant. 2980 Los Feliz Blvd., L.A, 323.664.0228. TamOShanter.com

Angel City Brewery
Mar. 16. The downtown brewery is getting into the Irish spirit by theming their monthly “Ale Academy” to feature Irish beers. Spend the evening discussing Irish beer styles from stour to the modern day Irish lager. $5. 7-9 p.m. 216 S Alameda St., downtown. Tickets

EAT + DRINK
Preux & Proper
Mar. 17. Celebrate the holiday spirit over Shepherd’s Pie, a special green punch bowl, green beer, themed cocktails and music from a bagpipe player and happy hour from 4-6 p.m. 840 S Spring St., downtown, 213.896.0090. preuxandproper.com

Salvage Bar & Lounge
Mar. 17. The celebration starts early at this downtown drinking den. Stop by starting at 11 a.m. for $4 green beer, $6 Guinness on draft, $4 baby Guinness shots and $17 Irish chocolate bombs. 717 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.688.7755. salvagela.com

Tavern
Mar. 17. Celebrate over holiday themed fare like corned beef & cabbage, bangers and mash, Guinness stew and more. 11648 San Vicente Blvd., L.A. tavernla.com

The Pikey
Mar. 13-14, 17. Celebrate the holiday for three nights over Irish-inspired specials like corned beef with pease pudding and dumplings; lamb stuffed cabbage purses, colcannon with pork sausage along with plenty of Guinness and flights of Irish Whiskey. 7617 W Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.850.5400. thepikeyla.com

Five0Four
Mar. 17. Hollywood Blvd. will undoubtedly be teaming with revelers, so take your spot at the Five0Four bar for specials on green beer, themed cocktails, green frozen daiquiris, happy hour from 6-8 p.m. and DJ tunes. 541 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.960.0224. five0four.com

The Fat Dog
Mar. 17. Celebrate the holiday over specials like Shepherd’s Pie, corned beef and cabbage and the Tipperary Tickle cocktail made with blood-orange infused Jameson, mandarin-quats and house made-infused pickle juice, along with Taps Irish red beer on draft and Red Breast 12 yr aged and 15 yr aged Irish Whiskey shots. 801 N Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood, 323.951.0030. thefatdogla.com

The Rockefeller
Mar. 17. Celebrate over $5 Guinness pints all day long and 99-cent burgers from 5 p.m. on. 422 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach; 1209 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach. eatrockefeller.com

Public School
Mar. 14-17. Try your luck with specials like the Dagwood Reuben sandwich, Dragoons Irish Stout short rib and Murphy’s Law cocktail. For locations around L.A., visit psontap.com

Napoleon’s Macarons
Celebrate the luck of the Irish with over new Whiskey Chocolate Macarons, whiskey-infused milk chocolate ganache surrounding pieces of crunchy dark chocolate, sandwiched in between two green and yellow almond cookies, debuting on Mar. 12. 608 Americana Way, Glendale, 818.291.9160; 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park, 818.704.1741. napoleonsmacarons.com

Rustic Canyon
Mar. 17. In addition to Executive Chef Jeremy Fox’s signature Clam Pozole Verde with Rancho Gordo hominy, poblano, scallion, radish, and tortilla, one will be seeing green with Pastry Chef Jun Tan’s Matcha Green Tea Chiffon dessert with poached rhubarb, strawberry, Bavarian cream, and white chocolate and Bar Manager Aaron Ranf’s Tink’s Revenge with Selvarey White Rum, Green Chartreuse, Saler’s Gentiane, Scrappy’s orange bitters, and housemade cinnamon bitters. 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.393.7050. rusticcanyonwinebar.com

Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood
Mar. 17. Celebrate over Irish-themed fare like Irish Ruebens and Irish Mules and more. 6801 Hollywood BLVD #105, L.A., 323.464.7625; 1000 Universal Studios Blvd. #99, Universal City, 818.622.7625. HardRock.com

Sweet Rose Creamery
Get in the holiday sprint with a special Lemon Mint Sundae featuring Lemon Chiffon ice cream with housemade mint syrup, whipped cream, cookie crumble, and garnished with a decorated Shamrock sugar cookie and a mint leaf. 826 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.260.2663; Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St #51, Santa Monica, 310.260.2663. sweetrosecreamery.com

Rock & Brews El Segundo
Mar. 17. Celebrate with free 20 oz. player’s pint upgrades on Guinness beer at the price of a 16 oz. pour for guests who wear green. 143 Main St., El Segundo, 310.615.9890. rockandbrews.com

Vertical Wine Bistro
Mar. 17. Toast over Barrel Aged Teeling Irish Whiskey on special for $10 instead of their usual $14. The whiskey is aged in-house for a month and a half in an oak barrel, adding depth and character. 70 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, 626.795.3999. verticalwinebistro.com

Weekend Plans: February 20-22

Happy Friday! We don't know about you, but we are glad it is the weekend! If you're scratching your head trying to come up with some plans, think no more. With a little help from LAist, we have an array of events for you! Where will we see Palazzo Westwood Village residents this weekend? 

FRIDAY, FEB. 20
XENA: The Official XENA Convention: The 20th Anniversary Celebration is at the Burbank Marriott Convention Center this weekend (Friday to Sunday). It’s the “absolute last official Xena convention” and it’s going to be a paaaartay. Join other fans who celebrate the strong women heroes—Xena and Gabrielle—of the beloved television show. There will be celebrity appearances, photo opportunities, signings, auctions, vendors and parties. Only Single day tickets available (at the door) and start at $25 (for Friday only).

FILM: The American Cinematheque and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in Los Angeles presents a John Boorman retrospective. The screenings begin on Friday night at 7:30 pm at the Aero Theatre with a double feature of Hope and Glory (1987) followed by Where the Heart Is (1990).

PPT COMEDY: Speechless begins its L.A. run on Friday at 8 pm at the Hollywood Improv. A hit in New York and San Francisco, the show puts puts “comedians, performers and audience members on the spot—with a PowerPoint presentation they’ve never seen. They’ll be given the task of coming up with a TED Talk, an app launch, product pitches and seminars. The contestants play for glory and prizes. Tickets: $10 ($15 at the door).

MUSIC: The Echoplex features a great lineup on Friday night with Cursive headlining and Beach Slang and Twinsmith opening. 8:30 pm. A limited number of tickets ($20) may still be available at the door.

FILM: The Nuart Theatre presents a new 4K digital restoration of Roberto Rossellini’s Rome Open City (Roma città aperta) in honor of the film’s 70th anniversary. The drama about the Nazi occupation of Rome is a “shockingly authentic, almost cinema verité experience, conceived and directed amid the ruin of World War II, with immediacy in every frame.” The film runs Feb. 20-26.

ANIMATION: The Egyptian presents Titmouse 5-Second Animation Night on Friday at 7:30 pm. The annual event gives Titmouse animators “the chance to bring to life whatever strange/beautiful/disturbing/funny ideas they've had all year as a short-format cartoon” and screen them for family and fans with a few of the studio’s rarities thrown in for good measure. General admission tickets: $11.

COMEDY: The Last Bookstore in DTLA presents a free standup comedy and variety show on Friday night at 8 pm. The Last Comedy Show with Anna Akana & Friends also includes performers Asif Ali, Beth Stelling, Jake Weisman, Sam Comroe and Christian Spicer.

HAMLET + DRINKING: The Hamlet Project is an adapted version of Hamlet staged in a bar—and features drinking games and some audience participation. After debuting at St. Nick’s Pub in 2012, The Loose Cannon Collective moves the show to the Park Plaza Hotel. Tickets: $10-$15, and runs Feb. 20, 26, 27 and March 5 at 8 pm.

SATURDAY, FEB. 21
ART: Red Pipe Gallery in Chinatown opens the solo exhibition As Above So Below, with works by artist Bobbie Moline-Kramer on Friday. Though she’s known for her photo-realistic paintings, she’s moved into the world of the abstract with the new show, which was inspired by Japanese snow monkeys (macaques). There’s a reception for the artist on Feb. 28 [next Saturday]. The works remain on view through March 21.

ART: Giant Robot 2 (GR2) presents the group exhibition Wavelengths, featuring new work by Stasia Burrington, Elliot Brown, Aaron Brown, Albert Reyes, Aya Kakeda, Jen Tong and Taehoon Kim. There’s an opening reception on Saturday from 6:30-10 pm. The works will remain on view through March 11.

ZOODIAC: Celebrate the “Zoodiac”—a Lunar New Year celebration this weekend at the L.A. Zoo, with dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations and a spotlight on animals that are connected to the Chinese Zodiac. Since it’s the Year of the Sheep, there will be special zoo keeper talks and feedings for animals related to the sheep and goat families. Food trucks will be on hand, too. Admission: $19; $16 for seniors (ages 62+), and $14 for children (ages 2 to 12). No ticket is required for children under 2.

ART: Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra presents the art show California Modernists featuring artist Chris Turnham's new silk screens and Loris Lora's paintings from her new book: Eventually Everything Connects, a hardcover that focuses on the history of California modernism. Opening reception is on Saturday from 7-10 pm, and the works will remain on view through March 1.

OPERA: The Industry and wild Up presentFirst Take—a showcase of six new experimental operas in development on Saturday at 1 pm at the The Wallis Annenberg Center of Performing Arts. Special guest Joan La Barbara performs concert readings of works-in-progress by Jason Thorpe Buchanan, Nomi Epstein, Jenny Olivia Johnson, Anne LeBaron, Andrew McIntosh and Paul Pinto. The program is free and open to the public and seating is first-come, first-serve. Doors open at 12:30 pm.

COMEDY: Comedy Dream Time is a live comedy show hosted by comedian/writer Joseph Scrimshaw that takes place on Saturday night at NerdMelt at 9 pm. Scrimshaw and guests James Urbaniak, J. Elvis Weinstein and Allie Goertz perform a mix of sketches, sets, songs and other shenanigans based on the guests’ unfulfilled comedy dreams. Free.

RAZZIES: For the first time ever, the general public can attend the infamous Razzie Awards, live on stage at The Montalban on Saturday night at 8 pm. You’ll never know who might show up to claim an award. Tickets: $25.

FILM: The suspense/thriller Treehouse—about a lost girl trapped in a treehouse and two brothers who try and free her—has a run at Arena Screen this weekend with a Q&A with director Michael Bartlett and cast after the 8 pm screening on Saturday night.

SUNDAY, FEB. 22
BIKE RIDING: The Bike Talk podcast and The Feminist Library On Wheels (F.L.O.W.) presentOpen Books “Lost Cyclist” ride with bicycle historian David Herlihy on Sunday afternoon. Join the group for a leisurely, social ride to three indie bookstores. Meet at noon at The Last Bookstore for a talk about the adventures of the first cyclists to travel around the world with Herlihy, guest curator of the exhibit Round Trip: Bicycling Asia Minor, 1891, currently on view at the Fowler Museum at UCLA. The group will then ride to Stories Books and Cafe on Sunset Boulevard, for browsing and treats. F.L.O.W.’s trike meets the group and rides along for the last part of the ride to Skylight Books in Los Feliz. If you’re in the mood, ride back to Stories at 5 pm for the program BUSted, featuring true tales from people who get around L.A. without cars. Bring a helmet (required for riders under 18), front and rear lights, a lock and to make sure the bike is in good shape.

ART: Barnsdall Art Park launches the 2015 arts season by opening two exhibitions, Robert Williams: SLANGAesthetics!, which showcases his new work, and 20 Years Under the Influence of Juxtapoz, a group show guest curated by Andrew Hosner of Thinkspace Gallery and Gary Pressman of Copro Gallery. These two exhibitions commemorate the 20th anniversary ofJuxtapoz magazine, which Williams founded in 1994. The exhibitions will be accompanied by programs including a film screening, curators talk, book signing and art workshops. The shows’ opening reception is on Sunday afternoon from 2-5 pm at the L.A. Municipal Art Gallery.

ART: Yarn Bombing Los Angeles (YBLA) presents a#BlackLivesMatter Pop-Up on Sunday from noon to 5 pm in the CAFAM courtyard. The afternoon includes activities for the entire family, including a mural-by-numbers activity, poster screen printing workshop, arts and crafts, story time, DJing, food and more. Free event.

PING PONG: Spin at The Standard in DTLA presents a OneKid OneWorld ping pong party and tournament from 12-3 pm to raise money for programs to benefit underserved communities in El Salvador. Tickets are $20 per person and will be sold at the door. Please RSVP via email to secure a spot.