Squee! So many fun things to do this weekend, that is, unless of course, the Rapture foils all plans.
Thursday, May 19
Free Cupcakes and Wine: SimonLA – Taste of the Nation LA Event
And why wouldn’t you want free wine and cupcakes? At this event benefitting Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation, which is dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America, there will also be bites from Chef Simon as well as cocktails. And when you purchase a TOTNLA ticket, discounted $15 off, at the event you’re entered to win a 2-night stay at the Sofitel! Just RSVP LACRSVP[at]nichemedia.com. The TOTNLA event June 11 features food from the likes of Comme Ca, Osteria Mozza and The Bazaar and normally costs $100 a ticket.
- 6-9pm. Simon LA at the Sofitel, 8555 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). RSVP: RSVP LACRSVP[at]nichemedia.com.
Friday, May 20
The Market in Santa Monica Place Opens
Even though the remodeled Santa Monica Place opened last summer, food enthusiasts anxiously awaited for the day the Market finally opened its doors. And that day has finally arrived. Doors open to the public Friday. Peruse organic, locally sourced ice cream from Beachy Cream, organic coffee and tea from Groundwork and freshly baked bread at Rockenwagner. The first 500 customers get goody bags!
- 10am. Santa Monica Place, Level 3, 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica (map).
Saturday, May 21
Pirate Festival: Celebration of Beer & Bacon
Kind of a random event with pirates, a bacon buffet, microbrewed beer and, naturally, rum but that’s what makes it a good time! Presale tickets for $30 end soon, it’s $50 at the door, so snatch ’em up while you can. Ticket price covers a souvenir glass mug and all you can eat and drink!
- 1-5pm. $30 presale, $50 door. Olympic Collection, 11301 Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).
The Shining Screens at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Next to a screening at the Overlook Hotel, a cemetery is the best place to watch this Stanley Kubrick classic featuring that scoundrel Jack Nicholson. Man, I’ve memorized all his lines. “You’ve had your whole FUCKING LIFE to think things over, what good’s a few minutes more gonna do you now?” Ha! Get a group of friends together, break out the Red Rum and have yourself a blanket party. You and your bff can be extra creepy by dressing up like the twins.
- Gates open 7pm, movie starts 8:30pm. $10 tickets online or at door. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).
Sunday, May 22
Beverly Hills’ Beer Festival
Who says that drinking beer can’t be fancy? At this rooftop beer fest, you can enjoy 360-views of the city while lounging poolside and sipping on brews from Lagunitas and Samuel Adams. General admission $25 gets you three beer samplings while $50 VIP is unlimited beering. There will also be food and live music.
- 2-7pm. Thompson Beverly Hills, 9360 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills (map).
Monday, May 23
Outdoor Screening of Back to the Future + Cocktails
Watching the Oscars on the outdoor patio of Big Bar was fun, can’t wait to check out one of my favorite ’80s movies here. Enjoy Back to the Future on a 12-foot-high screen along with Zaya Rum and Fernet cocktails. Those who go so far as to show up dressing up like Marty or Doc have a chance of winning a prize!
- 8pm. Big Bar, 1927 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (323) 644-0100.