2014-05-01

There’s never a dull moment in the City of Angels. On almost any given day, Los Angeles’ residents are blessed with an endless stream of awesome things to see and do.

As summer approaches, the month of May greets us with warm weather and glorious clear skies. There’s no better way to kick this month off then with Cinco De Mayo festivities.

This week celebrate the city’s vibrant art, music, film and Latino culture with these special events. Catch unique movie screenings, exhibits and outdoor festivals as you welcome another idyllic California summer.

MOVIES: TRUE ROMANCE FEST AT THE SAFARI INN

Kick-ass cult flick, True Romance, serves up quintessential Quentin in this classic Hollywood love story directed by Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino. The unforgettably wicked dialogue, gratuitous violence, and incredible cast, make this film a classic fan fave. This year, fans will be celebrating the film with “True Romance Fest”. The two day festival, hosted by Bronson Pinchot, takes place in Burbank at The Safari Inn where the film was shot.

VIP package includes a hotel stay and a Friday night kick off with themed cocktails, karaoke and special guest appearances by cast members. Celebrate in style with a True Romance photo booth, original movie props, production stills and a costume contest with giveaways. The festival wraps up with an outdoor screening of the film on Saturday, May 3rd followed by a Q&A with cast and crew. Tickets online.

Tickets  | Website 



(Photo by Joren Pollex//Getty Images)

EVENTS: CINCO DE MAYO PUB CRAWL HOLLYWOOD

There’s definitely plenty of party potential to be had when you’re rollin’ deep down Hollywood streets takin’ on the Cinco De Mayo Pub Crawl. Round up your crazy homies and go “loco” on ridiculous drink specials as you turn the Walk of Fame into the walk of shame and enjoy Cinco De Drinko on a dime.

Two for one margaritas, two-dollar cervezas and five-dollar tequila shots are offered up by several participating bars on May 3rd and May 5th. Individual and group tickets online.

Tickets

MUSIC: EN VOGUE AT THE SABAN THEATER

Catch funky divas, En Vogue, as they hit Southern California with their slick and edgy brand of sexy soul. Their sophisticated vocal harmonies and swag earned them a loyal following that has continued to support them despite several ups and downs.

For years, drama and “diva-tude” have plagued the group with a revolving door of members as original members have come and gone. Despite all the messy break-ups, En Vogue still ranks as one of the most successful female R&B groups in the United States and the girls are guaranteed to “bring-it” when they perform live at The Saban Theater on Friday May 2nd.

 Tickets | Website 



(Photo by Kevork Djansezian//Getty Images)

EVENTS: 84TH ANNUAL CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL AT OLVERA STREET

Celebrate Los Angeles’ official Cinco De Mayo Festival at the historic Olvera Street. The 84th annual celebration of Mexican heritage and pride is fun for the whole family. This iconic cultural street festival brings Angelenos together for a free weekend of mariachi music, carnival rides, traditional food and games.

Catch live music by groups like Los Mismos, Grupo Sin Nombre, and many more, across two musical stages. Local mix DJs and traditional folk dancers round out the live performances. The 84th Annual Cinco De Mayo Festival at Olvera Street takes place on May 3rd and 4th. Visit website for more details.

FREE | Website



(Photo by Jason Merritt//Getty Images)

MUSIC: ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS AND YOUNGBLOOD HAWKE

Oklahoma power-punk rockers All-American Rejects and Youngblood Hawke perform live on May 1st at El Rey theater as part of “Lyme Light: The Concert.” This charity event marks the official release of Natalie London’s memoir detailing her struggle with the tick-borne illness Lyme Disease.

The proceeds go towards supporting the efforts of non-profit organization, Tick Borne Disease Alliance, as they work toward prevention and early diagnosis of this life-altering ailment.

 Tickets | Website 

(Photo by Frederic M. Brown//Getty Images)

EVENTS: STREET MURAL BIKE RIDE

Take a bike-ride through Los Angeles’ downtown streets as you take in the exquisite artistry of the city’s grand murals. This curated bicycle tour, organized by C.I.C.L.E. (Cyclists Inciting Change Through Live Exchange), in cooperation with the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles, offers up the opportunity to catch a glimpse of those hidden treasures that are off the beaten path. Enjoy the warm weather and learn about these artists and how their work helps strengthen the community.

The bike ride starts off at Union Station on May 3rd in celebration of station’s 75th Anniversary. RSVP online.

FREE | Website

EVENTS: BRIT WEEK SANTA MONICA FESTIVAL

Put down your cup of PGTips English tea, step away from the Downton Abbey marathon, and get down on some “real” British appreciation at Brit Week Santa Monica Festival. Celebrate the United Kingdom and all of its remarkable art and culture with Shakespearean street performers, pipe bands, step dancers and more. May 3rd and 4th 10:00am-6:pm at theThird Street Promenade & Downtown Santa Monica.

FREE | Tickets

FOOD: PANCAKES & BOOZE ART SHOW LOS ANGELES

All you can eat pancakes? And booze? And art? Yes. The brilliant brain child of founder Tom Kirlin originated in Los Angeles and has since expanded to 14 cities. This showcase of over 100 local underground artists includes live music, brews and the highlight of the event, pancakes.

This infamously unique and quirky home-grown art exhibit continues to expand and its popularity is steadily growing. Check out the Los Angeles Pancakes & Booze Art Show May 2nd and 3rd at Lot 613.

FREE | Tickets

MOVIES: SPACEBALLS AT THE EGYPTIAN THEATER

Ok, its not a legit part of the franchise, but Mel Brooks’ 1987 Star Wars spoof Spaceballs is worth considering as part of your observance of “May The Fourth”, otherwise known as “Star Wars Day.” Spaceballs is a silly satire, and a guilty pleasure, full of playful puns and hilarious dialogue that holds its own in the sub-culture that sprung from George Lucas’ innovative 1977 film Star Wars. If you’ve never seen Spaceballs, you’ll get an opportunity to catch it on the big screen at The Egyptian Theater on May 4th.

 Tickets | Website 

(Photo by Amy Sussman//Getty Images)

MOVIES: BOOGIE NIGHTS HOSTED BY DOUG BENSON

Los Angeles’ beloved, and perpetually stoned funny-man, Doug Benson, hosts a screening of Paul Thomas Anderson’s award winning film Boogie Nights as part of Cinefamily’s 3rd Annual Wayne Federman International Film Festival. Put out the spliff and head to the historic Silent Movie Theater and pay homage to porno and pot with Benson on May 1st. Tickets Online.

 Tickets | Website 

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