Seems like this weekend is full of second anniversaries. And since getting past that first year is usually the toughest in this day and age of short attention spans, I’d say that’s reason enough to celebrate. Check out all these fun things worth woohooing.
Friday, November 16
Fridays Off the 405: Free Blood and DJ Spun (Rong Music)
Enjoy the unseasonally warm November evening while mellowing out to experimental soul artists Free Blood and slo-mo disco/house DJ Spun in the Getty Center courtyard. As this FO405 is brought to you by online culture mag Flavorpill, the crowd is sure to be youngish and hip.
- Free, no reservations required. 6–9pm. Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles (map).
Beowulf in 3D at the Arclight Hollywood
Beowulf was one of those great works of literature that I had to read when I was an English major. Of course I totally forgot what it was about but, hey, Robert Zemeckis’ version might refresh my memory! I know, for shame! Anyhoo, that weird animation/live action epic is opening this weekend and the best way to watch it has gotta be at the ArcLight Hollywood whilst wearing 3D glasses. There will also be an exhibit of costumes from the movie for movie-goers to check out. And, no, they’re not animated.
- $11-$14. ArcLight Hollywood, 6360 W. Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood (map).
Director Gregg Araki in Person at the Nuart
I’m not a big Gregg Araki (Mysterious Skin, The Doom Generation) fan but the cast in his new movie, Smiley Face, sounds intriguingly funny. Anna Faris (the Scary Movie series) stars with Danny Masterson (That ’70s Show) and John Krasinski (The Office) in this film about a long, strange trip in L.A. Araki will be at some of the screenings but I don’t know why as no one seems to know whether he’s there to present the film and/or do Q&A but there you have it.
- Tickets: $9.50. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 & 9:50pm shows. Nuart Theatre, 11272 Santa Monica Boulevard, West L.A. (map) (310) 281-8223.
Saturday, November 17
Franklin Avenue’s 2nd Annual Great Walk LA
Just when you thought no one walks in L.A. Join a group of strollers as they make their way west down 16 miles of Pico Boulevard from the Coca Cola Bottling Plant downtown to the end party at the colorful Cha Cha Chicken right off the beach in Santa Monica. Since you’ll definitely get hungry along the way there are also several places to chow as recommended by the great Jonathan Gold. Fancy. For more info, check out the FAQs. The cool thing is you’re not required to walk the entire length if you don’t want to but can join in at any point in the route.
- 9am. Coca Cola Bottling Plant, Pico Boulevard and Central Avenue, Downtown (map).
Rock & Republic’s Fall Sample Sale
Celebutantes and rock stars flaunt their R&R gear and now you can get what they got for 50% to 80% off. High-end, edgy rock-n-roll designer jeans, tops, outerwear and accessories get drastically discounted at this sample sale. Sure it’s last season overstock stuff but pricing starts at $10. Just think, you’ll probably find goods that used to fill the racks at Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods and Saks Fifth Avenue.
- Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Sony Studios Stage 9, 10202 W. Washington Boulevard, Culver City (map).
Gama-Go 2nd Annual Holiday Sale at the Bigfoot Lodge
On the other end of the fashion spectrum, San Francisco clothier Gama-Go is having its 2nd annual shopping event in L.A. Cutie-cute Gama-Go T-shirts, hoodies, accessories and gifts will be discounted 75% off. And the best thing is that the sale takes place at the Bigfoot so you can enjoy a cozy Toasted Marshmallow cocktail while you browse.
- Free. 12-5pm. The Bigfoot Lodge, 3172 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).
Hit + Run 2-Year Anniversary Party
These T-shirt guys seem to be everywhere. You’ve probably seen them at every hot party screenprinting T-shirts for all the nightlifers in attendance. Now throwing their biggest shindig ever for their two-year anniversary, they’ll treat their guests to six hours of djs, dancing, art installations and full bars. With the price of admission, you get a blank shirt to get customized at the event. Or if you happen to already have a Hit + Run T-shirt, flash it at the door and get in for free.
- $10. 9pm-3am. Crash Mansion, 1024 Grand, Downtown (map).