Happy Friday! Savor every moment. The heat is likely to return next week. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know to have a wicked weekend in Los Angeles. (Pro tip: Avoid driving around DTLA Sunday if you're not biking Ciclavia.)
1. National Feral Cat Day Art
(Photo: Stray Art: Faces of Feral | Susan Weingartner)
These days it's cool to be a crazy cat lady. And Kitty Bungalowknows what's up. Come out and hang with the "coolest cat rescue in town" for National Feral Cat Day Friday. It'll host an opening reception for the exhibit:Stray Art: Faces of Feral where tons off artists will show of their best kitty pics. Pro tip: There will also be a "formally feral photo contest." Vote here.
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday
Where: Art District Downtown Photo Collective | MAP
Price: Free | RSVP here
2. Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs
Get your kids spooked this Halloween with mummified artifacts. The Natural History Museum is offering an up-close look at 20 mummies from ancient Egypt and Peru. This exhibition reveals burial secrets; plus, decorated coffins, sarcophaguses, mummification tools and mummies of birds, cats and crocodiles, oh my.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day
Where: National History Museum Los Angeles County | MAP
Price: Adult GA plus mummies $22 | Child GA plus mummies (Ages 3-12) $10
3. Santa Anita Races
L.A. Weekly is hosting a hearty brunch during live racing at Santa Anita Race Track on Sunday. Tickets are sold out online but you can grab one at the door. There will be food from over 20 restaurants around L.A. like Cassell's Hamburgers, Auntie Em's Kitchen, Sticky Rice and my new favorite Poppy + Rose. Pro tip: Looking for a cheaper option? Rain is expected Sunday but it'll be 83 degrees and partly sunny on Saturday in Acadia. Plus, general admission tickets are only $5.
When: Live racing at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Santa Anita Park | MAP
Price: $5 general admission both day| $65 for Sunday's brunch/admission
4. Annual L.A. Archives Bazaar
Check it outHere's one for the history buffs. Learn about L.A.'s past at the L.A. Archives Bazaar Saturday. Peruse 80 collections from organizations like the Writers Guild Foundation Library & Archive, The Baseball Reliquary and the Los Angeles Public Library. See a full list of exhibitors here. Pro tip: Don't just get lost in the past; check out the workshops on how to spark your own research.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Doheny Library at USC |MAP
Price: Free
5. Artists & Fleas
How cuteThe fall edition of Artists & Fleas is here. You'll find stuff like comic art, wooden planters, used books and steam punk jewelry at this indie marketplace. (There will even be real vintage clothes there.) Food trucks include Jenis Splendid Ice Creams, Zugo and Falasoph.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: 647 Mateo St, Los Angeles | MAP
Price: Free to enter
6. Crate Diggers L.A. Record Fair
Record fair by day. Dance party at night. That's what Crate Diggers is all about. The group is hosting its L.A. Record Fair this weekend. Record collectors and dealers will come together to sell hand-picked inventory. Dig through vinyls while listening to music from some great local DJs. Pro tips: This is only a six hour event; use your time wisely. Oh, and get a babysitter. This is a 21 and over event.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Lot 613 | MAP
Price: Entrance is free
7. Muertos Walk
L.A.'s historic Olvera Street will be bustling more than usual this weekend. Over 30 artists will come out to sell original artwork, clothing and jewelry. If you haven't been, Olvera Street is a great outdoor marketplace in the oldest part of DTLA. Here's a list of confirmed artists.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Olvera Street | MAP
Price: Free
8. Taste of Washington West
YUMOktoberfest pretzels, anyone? It might not feel like fall but we can pretend. Twenty-one businesses in Culver City are coming together Saturday to offer foodie specials and freebees. Highlights also include mac n' cheese and Oktoberfest beer. Bring the kids along; there will be face painting and drum circles to keep them engaged. Here's a full rundown of events.
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Washington West Business District | MAP
Price: Free to attend; happy hour specials and free food tastings
9. Weekend Splurge: Taste of Mexico
EAT MEIf it's food you live for (who doesn't?), get a taste of the best Mexican eats L.A. has to offer. This annual food event attracts over 5,000 of the city's cultural tastemakers. The restaurant lineup this time around includes Mercado, Mexicali, Guerrilla Tacos. See a full list here.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday
Where: La Plaza De Las Culturas y Artes | MAP
Price: $65 | Purchase tix here
What'd we miss? Let me know on Twitter @kristenlepore.