Friday
Grab a seat in front of the California Plaza stage for another night of Grand Performances. Producer Mark de Clive-Lowe leads Classical Remix, a modern take on classical standards as performed by Colburn School alumni. We'll see you there—hopefully you were able to RSVP for our VIP party.
If you're more in the mood for a movie, head to Hollywood for a 20th anniversary screening of Empire Records. BuzzFeed, purveyors of all things '90s nostalgia, are inviting fans of the cult favorite teen movie to its office for a free screening and Q&A with cast members Ethan Embry, Robin Tunney, Rory Cochrane, Johnny Whitworth and Coyote Shivers along with director Allan Moyle.
Saturday
Echo Park Rising is back for its fifth year with over 80 handpicked local up-and-coming acts performing this weekend; Saturday's lineup includes Deap Vally and Hanni El Khatib along with Time Out favorites Paul Bergmann, RT n 44s and Maudlin Strangers—plus a headlining stand-up set from the hilarious Hannibal Buress.
Start twirling your stache into tip-top shape for the annual Beard and Mustache Competition. This brawny bout at Avalon features competitions across a dozen different categories, including "whiskerinas" for the ladies and a kid's competition (think magic markers and fake hair).
Bring those stylish whiskers over to the Millennium Biltmore for the Labyrinth Masquerade Ball. As the name suggests, this costume party and live performance is inspired by the 1986 fantasy film and its Jim Henson's Creature Shop puppets—except to see plenty of Jareth the Goblin King costumes.
Don't feel like dressing up? Head to NerdMelt instead for the Best Friends Show. You know how you're particularly hilarious around your friends? That's the theory behind this comedy show, where two BFFs tell a story together; tonight's lineup includes the married pair of Lauren Cook, one of our favorite storytellers, and Kurt Braunohler, one of our favorite comedians.
Stay up all night with a Slumber Party at Cinespia. A trio of '90s favorites—Can’t Hardly Wait, Scream and Cruel Intentions—will screen throughout the night at Hollywood Forever. Tickets for all three together are sold out, but you should be able to grab a spot for the midnight Scream screening. Speaking of outdoor movie screenings, you can also catch The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, The Big Lebowski and The Princess Bride tonight across the city.
Sunday
Venture down to Anaheim on Sunday for the final day of the D23 Expo. Take a look at what magic Disney has been conjuring up, from theme parks to movies, at this biennial fan fest. Today's highlights include a concert celebrating the old Silly Symphony shorts, a panel with some of the animators behind Disney's latest short films, a discussion about the Disneyland of yesteryear and a performance of Frozen music with the film's songwriters.
While you're in OC, scope out the second annual Beserktown at the Observatory. Expect a mix of punk rock, new wave and otherwise rage-filled, headbanging acts at this mini music fest, including Royal Trux, Dead Moon, Screaming Females and more.
Back in LA, head into Little Tokyo for the Nisei Week Japanese Festival. The two-weekend event celebrates Japanese culture with displays of martial arts, tea ceremonies, flower arranging and, today only, the Grand Parade, a procession of shrine, performers and floats.
Wrap up your weekend with Rib Fest at Lucques. Suzanne Goin's charming, upscale West Hollywood restaurant isn't known for its down-home BBQ menu, so we're curious to see what unique twist the eatery brings to the table. Pig out on plates of pork, beef and lamb ribs, in addition to all sorts of delectable sides served by a staff that's dressed straight from a rodeo.
Find more things to do this weekend by clicking each day or by heading over to our weekend calendar.