Rains keep coming down, so we’re easing into this first weekend of 2026 with just a few chill events to consider.
On deck from January 2-4 in Los Angeles, you’ll find Freak Scene at Sid the Cat Auditorium, the Oddities & Curiosities Expo at the LA Convention Center, David Lynch: The Art of Life at the Philosophical Research Society, an Udo Kier triple-feature at The Egyptian, a free Musical Improvisation Workshop at The Wende, and more.
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Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase -> Following the 137th Rose Parade, this Thursday to Saturday visitors will have a chance to view the detail and design of float entrants up close at Floatfest, a ticketed ($26.50) showcase taking place at select times in the afternoon. More info here.
Freak Scene with DJ Jenny LSQ at Sid the Cat Auditorium – FA TP > Kick off the new year in South Pasadena at Sid the Cat’s brand-new venue, a converted 1930s elementary school. Friday night’s “Freak Scene” takes place in Sid’s Bar—a cozy classroom-turned-lounge—where DJ Jenny LSQ will spin a curated mix of indie, punk, and old-school jams. The venue features historic WPA murals and even an indoor pickleball court, making it one of the most unique new spots in the L.A. indie scene. While the main auditorium hosts larger concerts, the bar area offers a more intimate, laid-back vibe for dancing and discovery. This event is all-ages and admission is free. Party runs 7 a.m. to midnight. More info here.
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GAME NIGHT – Just Friends – No-Pressure Vibes Social Mixer – FA > Skip the apps and meet new people in real life at Weary Livers in Santa Monica this Friday. This “just friends” social mixer is designed for low-pressure fun, featuring a huge library of board games, Jenga, shuffleboard, and darts to help break the ice. The bar will be decked out in holiday decor with winter-themed cocktail specials to keep the vibes cozy and festive. Whether you arrive solo or with a crew, it’s a great spot to find a community of like-minded locals in a relaxed dive-bar setting. Admission is free. Runs 7 to 11 p.m. More info here.
Oddities & Curiosities Expo – M > This Saturday and Sunday, the Oddities & Curiosities Expo returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center with an extraordinary showcase of over 150 vendors and artists providing a unique shopping experience for enthusiasts of the strange, offering rare and unique items such as antiques and handcrafted oddities. Beyond shopping, the immersive expo includes tarot readings, sideshow performers, and concessions throughout the day. Tickets start at $16.83. More info here.
David Lynch: The Art of Life -> This Saturday, the Philosophical Research Society kicks off its month-long “Night Blooming Jasmine” series celebrating director David Lynch. The program begins with an intimate screening of the 2016 documentary David Lynch: The Art Life, which offers a rare look into Lynch’s private painting studio and his formative years as an artist. Following the film, stay for a special Q&A with Sabrina Sutherland, Lynch’s longtime producer and collaborator of over thirty years. It’s a must-attend for cinephiles and Lynch devotees looking to understand the man behind the mystery. Tickets are $15 plus fees. Even runs 7 to 9:30 p.m. More info here.
Beat Battle LA – FA TP > Calling all local producers and sample-flippers! Audiospace is hosting its monthly Beat Battle this Saturday at Temple Grounds, a record store and coffee shop in Echo Park. The format is simple: show up at 9 a.m. to receive a mystery sample, then spend one hour building an original track before showcasing it to a jury of your peers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to sharpen your production chops, it’s an excellent space for collaboration and networking. Not a producer? You’re still welcome to grab a drink, “touch grass,” and enjoy the showcase. Just remember to bring your laptop and headphones—and your best vibes. Admission is free, though buying a drink to support the venue is encouraged. Event runs 9 a.m. to noon. More info here.
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‘Udo Kier Remembered’ at the American Cinematheque -> The American Cinematheque and Beyond Fest join forces this month to honor the legendary Udo Kier, a fearless performer whose sixty-year career bridged the worlds of transgressive arthouse and cult genre cinema. Spanning the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3, this career-spanning retrospective celebrates Kier’s “immortal legacy” with high-octane screenings of his most iconic works. The series kicks off this Sunday with a triple-feature at the Egyptian Theatre, including screenings of Blood for Dracula, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Miss Osbourne, and Mark of the Devil. Sunday’s screenings begin at 5 p.m. Tickets are $17 for general admission and $12 for members. More info here.
Musical Improvisation Workshop at The Wende – FA > Discover the spontaneous art of musical creation this Sunday at the Wende Museum in Culver City. Led by Alicia Byer, this structured workshop is designed for musicians of all skill levels—from total beginners to seasoned professionals—to explore free improvisation in a collaborative setting. The session begins with physical warmups and improv exercises, moving into large and small group performances where participants receive helpful feedback. It’s a unique, community-focused opportunity to sharpen your creative instincts and connect with other local artists within the museum’s historic Armory building. Admission is free, though an RSVP is required to secure your spot. Runs 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
ZEF BBQ Soupocalypse & Curry Calamity ( January 3) -> Rainy days call for comfort, and ZEF BBQ is leaning all the way in with a cheeky Soupocalypse & Curry Calamity. For a limited time, the Simi Valley smokehouse is offering pre-order-only soups built for peak coziness, including Singapore Seafood Curry, Cherry Stone Clam Chowder, Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup, and Spicy Beef Noodles in a deeply layered broth made from brisket, chicken, pork, and beef. A brisket grilled cheese rounds out the lineup for maximum cold-weather satisfaction. Saturday pre-orders are live now on Tock.
Sushi Kisen New Year Specials (January 2-3) -> Arcadia’s go-to sushi spot rings in the New Year with a tight lineup of weekend-only specials. Highlights include a $90 lunch omakase, a $36 sashimi plate, plus bluefin-focused options like a $43 tuna bowl and deluxe bluefin sushi plates.
Zoë Food Party at the Hollywood Farmers’ Market (January 18) -> Pita wizard Chef Zoë Komarin takes over the Hollywood Farmers’ Market for Biite’s first-ever family-friendly Food Party. Expect a live, improvised cooking show where Zoë and special guest Brandon Stanciell of Pizza Ananda transform the day’s farmers market haul into a pita pop-up, made in real time right before your eyes. Grab tickets for $35 now before they sell out. The experience will include a packed pita, a seat at the show, and a custom tote to stash your market finds.
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