7 Exciting Things To Do & Eat Between March 23rd-March 29th

This week marks the return of one of LA’s biggest cultural events, and no, we’re not talking about Americana At Brand’s Fall Festival. It’s officially Oscar weekend, and perhaps you couldn’t care less about actors giving themselves awards for being talented—that’s fine. There are plenty of other exciting events like various pop-ups, neighborhood block parties, street fairs, and more. 

THE EVENTS

CHECK OUT A POP-UP IZAKAYA

Thunderbolt in Historic Filipinotown is hosting a two-day pop-up with Budonoki this Sunday, March 27th and Monday, March 28th. Running from 5-11pm each day, the izakaya specialist will be serving a special menu filled with various snacks like jidori chicken skewers and kanpachi oshizushi, plus house-made cocktails that range from highballs and old fashioneds to gin and shochu drinks. This event is walk-in only. 

THROW AN OSCARS PARTY

Sure, LA hosted the Super Bowl in February, but everyone knows the biggest night of the year is this Sunday—The Academy Awards. Whether you’re hosting a big viewing party or showing up unannounced to your friend’s apartment because they have cable, you need to make sure you have the correct food in hand. For big meat and cheese spreads, check out our charcuterie guide or our favorite butcher shops if you plan on doing some grilling. Planning to do themed dishes based off of Best Picture nominees? Check out Mofongos (West Side Story), Casa Vega (Licorice Pizza), or anything from our Best Restaurants In Compton guide (King Richard).

photo credit: Stan Lee

EXPLORE COMPTON

Speaking of Compton, it’s a neighborhood teeming with history, cultural moments, and tons of incredible restaurants to check out. You’ll find everything from Mexican tortas and birria tacos to a truly perfect quarter-pound beef burger. We suggest making a full day of it, and using this guide as your road map. 

HANG OUT AT A STREET FAIR

The Vegan Street Fair is returning to North Hollywood this Saturday, March 26th and Sunday, March 27th from 11am-7pm. The festival will feature over 200 small businesses from across the country including food, beverage, and apparel vendors, as well as live performances, DJs, and karaoke. Entry is free, however, a variety of different passes are available for purchase that grants you front-of-the-line access, swag bags, and more. 

PICK-UP SOME FRESH PRODUCE

If you’re feeling bored with your local grocer’s produce section at the moment, head over to Windrose Farm and order a Farmer’s Harvest Box. The biodynamic farm uses only seasonal produce in their boxes so expect tons of greens, berries, and stone fruit this week. All orders are done through their Instagram with pick-ups this Friday, March 25th at various locations in West Hollywood, Chinatown, and Altadena. 

MAKE FRIENDS AT A BLOCK PARTY

Front Yard, the ground-floor restaurant at The Garland hotel in North Hollywood is throwing a block party this Sunday, March 27th from 2-5pm. The event will feature live music, pop-up shopping vendors, and samples from over 15 different wineries and breweries. Early bird general admission is $35, but a portion of all proceeds will be donated to The Village Family Services, a non-profit focusing on trauma-informed services for homeless youth and families.

GET IN SOME LAUGHS

This Tuesday, March 29th, The Venice West is hosting Comedy N’ Chill, a virtual comedy show that’s recently transitioned to in-person events. This week will feature a fantastic line-up of comics with credits ranging from Amazon and Netflix to Katt Williams, plus a full dinner menu with dishes like cauliflower wings, turkey burgers, and margherita pizzas. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.