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California has officially declared September 25 to be Dolly Parton Day, which is perfect because we typically leave work on Friday afternoons quoting Parton in 9 to 5: "I need a drink, Roz. I'm takin' the rest of the day off." And we'll have plenty of options on 9/25 (get it: nine two five?), because the only thing unifying this country is our deep love for Parton and all she did.
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Start your Dolly Day downtown with a lunchtime concert from Grand Performances and the DTLA Alliance. From noon to 1pm, Leslie Stevens and Andy Keathley will perform at 350 S. Grand Ave., with giveaways and a chance to learn more about bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Los Angeles. And while you're down there, pay homage to the exterior of Charlie's Bar in 9 to 5, located at 507 W. 6th St.
Then head to Amoeba Music in Hollywood, where a portion of the store’s September 25 proceeds will benefit Dolly’s Imagination Library. Used books will be 30 percent off, and there’ll be a Dolly-inspired photo op.
Schmitty’s in West Hollywood will also have a Dolly-themed photo booth, as well as her greatest hits playing throughout the day and Tennessee Tea drink specials. Guests are encouraged to dress as Dolly or embrace their best Western looks, so now you have a reason to commit to the fringe. Or at least ask someone if they're auditioning for Oklahoma! later.
Parton's filmography also gets the tribute treatment throughout the day, with V Wine Room showing her movies throughout the evening while her greatest hits provide the soundtrack. And Precinct DTLA is screening 9 to 5 starting at 6:45pm, with Dolly-inspired drinks on the menu.
The Aviator Melrose, the retro airline-themed bar, will be serving up Parton tunes and $9 drinks from 5pm to 9pm, with the night's special a vodka and pineapple juice, with a splash of cranberry topped with a cherry. And The Prince in Koreatown gets in on the action as well, adding Parton-themed drinks to its menu when it opens at 4pm.
For a more immersive experience, head to Micky’s West Hollywood for a Dolly-themed edition of its Cirque du So Gay drag show at 8pm, complete with tribute numbers and themed drinks. Down the street, GYM Bar WeHo screens 9 to 5 throughout the day while serving Dolly-inspired food and drinks, including the Jolene and Dolly Rita cocktails.
Art lovers can get their Dolly fix at The Other Art Fair in Santa Monica, where “Self Made Icon: A Life in Rhinestones” brings together artist tributes to Parton with works priced under $500. The September 25 festivities also include Dolly songs from the DJ and a Dolly Partini at the bar.
And if you want to turn Dolly Parton Day into a full-blown Dolly Parton weekend, consider a trip to El Encanto in Santa Barbara, where a portrait of Parton is on proud display as part of “The Playlist,” photographer Andy Gotts’ exhibition of 40 large-format black-and-white portraits of music legends, on view through November 30.
Dress accordingly. Drink responsibly. And remember: This is Dolly Parton Day. Subtlety can wait till Saturday.