By: Haley Bosselman By: Haley Bosselman | March 22, 2022 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle,
Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills
Spring is in the air and this means events are in full-force. From special pop-ups to food offerings, we’ve rounded up must-attend events and openings happening in Los Angeles.
From June 3 to 6, take part in the free-to-view, hybrid TV festival for four days of programming that highlights the diverse representation of LGBTQIA+ characters on screen. The lineup includes in-person events at Neuehouse, including an advanced look at the final season of Love, Victor; the world premiere of the first two episodes of Peacock’s Queer as Folk at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel and numerous virtual events, such as panels featuring talent from HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls and Sort Of. Full calendar
On May 20, Japan House Los Angeles and The Broad come together to present a conversation with artist Takashi Murakami and avid Japanese art collector Etsuko Price as part of The Broad exhibition “Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow.” Moderated by Japan House President Yuko Kaifu, the talk will explore how traditional Japanese painting has influenced and inspired Murakami’s creative practice. Tickets
For rejuvenation of the mind and skin, head to the Four Seasons and experience their new treatment options, including Garden Zen Body Renewal Treatment, Marine Algae Body Detox Treatment, Toning and Firming Body Sculpt Treatment, MBR Gentleman’s Facial and the re-emergence of MBR Liquid Surgery Facial. Book an appointment
Until May 25, visit Fred Segal’s flagship Sunset Boulevard store for the chance to catch the Highsnobiety Sports collection. The line comes as Highsnobiety announces its new flagship, Highsnobiety Sports, which explores the intersection of sport and style through original storytelling, exclusive product collaborations and special releases.
Whether you’re on the way to the airport or just looking for a fun Sunday, head to the 15th floor of the new Hyatt Place/ Hyatt House LAX hotel for rooftop brunch. The coastal-inspired menu is available on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers lemon ricotta stuffed French toast, corn cake eggs benedict and more. Alternatively, visit the hotel’s sprawling front lawn for morning yoga on Saturday or Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The complimentary classes also include a complimentary mimosa and are led by a certified YogaWorks instructor.
To celebrate the release of Bludso's BBQ Cookbook: A Family Affair in Smoke and Soul, the co-authors will hold a candid conversation at The Proud Bird, which will also feature a cooking demo and book signing/ meet-and-greet. RSVP
From May 5 to 23, join Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills for the La Playa experience. Featuring the latest LOEWE x Paula’s Ibiza capsule, guests can enjoy a complimentary manicure by La Par and custom cocktails at Bar 4 while shopping the vibrant, sensual collection on May 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Our customers are ready to travel again this summer, have fun with shopping experiences, and express joy in their personal style. As we continue our special partnership with LOEWE, we are creating an exciting, exclusive LOEWE x Paula’s Ibiza immersive installation that gives them the opportunity to explore the carefree playfulness of summer in Ibiza,” said Lana Todorovich, president and chief merchandising officer, of Neiman Marcus. The collection is also available online and in other select stores.
Website | 506 S Grand Ave
Following the success of The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel now invites Regency Era enthusiasts to afternoon tea. From May 7 through June 11, come dressed in your finest silks and step into the Bridgerton universe for a tea party fit for royalty. Tickets
Website | 101 Wilshire Blvd 90401
Beginning May 28, the Santa Monica luxury hotel welcomes back its summer movie series. Guests can enjoy family-friendly films like Coco, Despicable Me, Encanto and more right by the pool. In addition to complimentary popcorn, movie-goers are welcomed to indulge in a FIG Restaurant dinner at sunset. Runs through Labor Day weekend.
Website | 1518 N Cahuenga Blvd
Dedicate Mother’s Day to giving back! In support of Queensland residents who have lost their homes, loved ones and possessions due to recent unprecedented flooding, Grandmaster Recorders will be serving up Aussie BBQ classics, music from Australian DJs, raffle prizes and more on May 8. All food proceeds and 20 percent of bar proceeds will directly benefit those in need. Noon- 6 p.m.
Website | 8310 W 3rd St 90048
In April, West 3rd Street’s newest neighborhood wine bar experience kicked off Melanie Talks Wine. The series of intimate, conversational wine tasting classes continue through the spring and are led by Melanie Wine Bar’s wine director, Austin Ferrier, and welcomes wine novices and aficionados to learn the history and winemaking methods of wine varietals from around the globe. On May 13 from 4 to 5 p.m., curious minds can come learn more about Grenache, while May 27’s event will focus on Caveletti Vineyards. Tickets
Website | 1910 Ocean Way 90405
On May 14 at 6:30 p.m., revel in the sunset, sounds and sea with composer and meditation expert Murray Hidary. MindTravel invites you to enjoy Hidary real-time compositions while you relax in your favorite beach chair or blanket and let your mind wander. Warm layers are encouraged. Tickets
Website | Various
From Hollywood to downtown, NeueHouse welcomes the public to its excellent lineup of May events. NeueHouse Hollywood will screen the premieres of In Focus’ Bridge the Gap and Neptune Frost on May 6 and 9, respectively. It will also host a number of mental health awareness events, including Well Now: Navigating Mental Fitness in Entertainment on May 9 and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome presented by In the Cut and Everyday People on May 17. Across town, NeueHouse Bradbury celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Life & Thyme Presents: How The AAPI Community Crafted Los Angeles’ Culinary Character on May 10; AAPI in Web 3 with Lions Share on May 11; Wyman Workshop: performance by Trace on May 18 and Redefining Our Story: AAPI Culture & Identity through the World of Entertainment on May 25. Recurring music performances take place at both places throughout the month beginning May 5.
Website | 1310 E Franklin Ave 90245
Following its downtown counterpart, al fresco movie watching is back in El Segundo. Rooftop Cinema Club reopened its doors for the new season in El Segundo, inciting families to bring a picnic, play lawn games and take in wonderful views before enjoying The Goonies, 10 Things I Hate About You and a variety of other movie favorites.
Website | 118 Entrada Dr 90402
Rejoice! Weekend brunch is back at the beloved beachside Mexican restaurant. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, indulge in a Bloody Maria and breakfast burrito or opt for chilaquiles and Café de Olla. Tallula’s new executive chef, Juan Robles, is also cooking up new dishes, including Eggs in a Blanket and Ham & Cheese Quesadillas, alongside classics like Blue Corn Pancakes and Breakfast Tacos. Reservations
Website | 9040 Sunset Blvd 90069
Launched on April 22, The Spa at The West Hollywood Edition teamed with luxury ethical fashion retailer Maison de Mode for a one-month pop-up that features sustainable pieces and accessories fit for any guest’s stay. The pop-up coincides with the debut of the Sustainable Suite Stay package, which includes accommodations in one of the hotel’s suites, villas or penthouse and a selection of curated products from Maison de Mode (EDUN Pom Pom bag, Westward leaning sunglasses, La Gotta gemstone water bottle, Shashi bracelet). Book suite reservations by contacting [email protected] or calling 310.953.9899
From May 12 through June 11, the beloved Sushi Nakazawa is making its way to Los Angeles from the Big Apple. This exclusive pop-up will be at The Peninsula Beverly Hills and led by executive chef Wei Chen. The menu will feature a range of lavish dishes, like caviar and milk bread, wagyu with maitake puree and truffle, uni, yellowtail with thickened ponzu and so much more. With limited seating available make sure to reserve a spot for your chance to experience this once-in-a-lifetime pop-up.
Mexico City is coming to Los Angeles this May thanks to the grand opening of Alma Cocina. On the first floor, there will be a casual taqueria and bar, but once you make your way up to the second level, you will find their fine dining service. At the taqueria, the menu will feature a modern take on authentic savory Mexican dishes. Meanwhile, the fine dining section celebrates Mexico’s traditional culinary history through a range of mouthwatering dishes. Alma will undoubtedly become your new go-to spot for any occasion. The first-floor taqueria debuts on May 5, with second-floor dining to follow later in the month.
Coming to Third Street Promenade on May 7 and June 4, Fitness Fest and Conscious Market is finally back thanks to Downtown Santa Monica Inc and Fit Girl Club LA! The market will include a range of brands and sustainable products from local and minority-owned businesses. Free fitness classes will also be available, so make sure to bring your own yoga mat, towel, and water to get your workout on. Guests can enjoy complimentary snacks and health drinks while making new friends in the workout community. If you love everything fitness, don’t forget to register online to experience this fun event.
It’s time to make a splash at the new synchronized swimming classes at Hotel Figueroa’s iconic coffin-shaped pool. Aqualillies, the famous synchronized swimming performance company, will be hosting classes weekly on Tuesdays from April through August. Over your eight-week course, you will learn all about the art of synchronized swimming and get in a fun workout. Thanks to this unique opportunity, you can wow all your friends with your newfound synchronized swimming skills.
Take in spring down by the promenade. On April 9 and 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 16 from noon to 4 p.m., families can head to Seaport Way for Hoppin’ Photos with Bunny for spring-themed selfies, crafts and more. On April 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, support local artisans at the Creative Communal Makers Market. In addition to vendors, the open-air market includes kids activities, a photo op and live music from Ernando and the Nandos starting at 2 p.m. Come April 23, celebrate Earth Day from 10 a.m. to noon with some arts and crafts and live entertainment.
Before hitting Sacramento Las Perlas WeHo will welcome Ilegal Mezcal’s immersive pop-up tour on April 18 of Café No Sé, Guatemala’s infamous watering hole, music hub and the birthplace of the mezcal brand. The pop-up will include curated drinks, live music from DJs and SUSU and tattoo artists doing flash tats.
This April, The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood has you set for some fun weekends. On April 10, the hotel’s restaurant, ALK, will host its first-ever drag brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with performances from Carti G. starting at noon.
In addition to “Hollywoodland” becoming the museum’s first permanent exhibition, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is set to welcome upcoming exhibits that include galleries devoted to The Godfather, Agnès Varda, Boyz n the Hood, Lourdes Portillo, Casablanca, the history of Black Cinema and 1898-1971 and Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer. Starting this summer, these will roll out through 2023.
Extending their spring programming to the public, NeueHouse invites Angelenos to the premiere of Bad Thoughts at the Wyman Bat on April 7 and various screenings at their Hollywood location on April 12, 26 and 28 for its In Focus Series (Ukraine Atlantis, Women Under the Influence presents Ridley Road, Jodorowsky’s Dune, respectively). On April 30, you won’t want to miss “Pencils Down,” a discussion on purpose, power and equality among Rosario Dawson, Shepard Fairey and Jenny Dembrow. The Wyman Bar will also hold music performances and various tastings on April 1, 5, 8, 12, 13, 15, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 29. RSVP is mandatory.
Launching on National Pet Day on April 11, the Viceroy Santa Monica’s signature restaurant invites guests to bring their furry friends to also relax on the palm tree-lined outdoor patio. While you sip on mimosas, your pup can enjoy the Puppy Scramble, Salmon Stir Fry, and Snoop Doggy Dog, among other treats. Puppy brunch will be available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Launched on April 3, the Venice live music hotspot now has Hot Cakes every Sunday night, offering guests a special breakfast for dinner menu and vinyl listening. Menu highlights include pancakes, chicken & waffles, steak & eggs, a dirty vegan burger and soft serve sundae, among other choices.
Before setting up on your couch to watch the Oscars, enjoy the sunshine and a day of live music, shopping, gourmet samplings and beer and wine tastings from The Front Yard. Their spring celebration convenes on March 27 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Beverly Park and benefits The Village Family Services. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. 4222 Vineland Ave. 91602
On March 29, Andis Company will host three Andis barbers and stylists offering complimentary haircuts from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The pop-up barbershop coincides with the debut of its new hand-painted mural. As part of its Brighter Community series, the grooming tools brand aims to bring art and creative inspiration to Venice Beach. 1800 Ocean Front Walk 90291
See also: 13 Spring-Inspired Cocktail Recipes to Celebrate the Season
Say farewell to March with a full belly and satisfied palette. Bringing together the best of Culver City’s restaurants, this self-guided food tour will allow locals and visitors the chance to experience the city’s culinary scene all in one night (March 30). For $100 per person, each guest will be able to enjoy offerings from Piccalilli, Wise Sons, Maple Block Meat Co. and Pizzette. A percentage of ticket proceeds will support the Triumph Foundation. 9552 Washington Blvd. 90232
NeueHouse is letting the public in on some of its top-tier cultural programming and events in April, not to mention the downtown location’s Wyman Bar is a next-level hangout spot. On April 7 at the downtown Bradbury Building location, author Nada Alic and director Brandon Tauszik will celebrate the premiere of the short film Bad Thoughts with readings and performances by Anna Seregina, Aiden Arata, Allie Rowbotton, Jon Lindsey, Tea Hacic and DJ Starfoxx. Meanwhile, every Friday in April is dedicated to True Tones, NeueHouse’s new DJ residency. Jazz night also goes down at both the Hollywood and DTLA locations, bringing guests L.A.’s finest emerging jazz talents every Tuesday and every other Friday, respectively.
This list is periodically updated.
Photography by: Courtesy of John Daniel Powers