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Walk It Off! Discover DTLA’s Cultural Walking Tours

The holidays are coming, and you know what that means – scrumptious calorie-laden feasts, endless carbs, and heaps of tempting sweets! But before you dive off the deep-end of the dining table, take some preemptive steps with a walking tour! LA Conservancy has a slew of fascinating tours exploring the social, cultural, and architectural history of Los Angeles. Do you like craft beer with your graffiti – there’a s tour for that – courtesy of LA Art Tours. How about an in-depth tour of Chinatown and Little Tokyo – check. Art lovers rejoice – Downtown Art Walk, a self-guided experience of local galleries, is held on 2nd Thursdays every month.

So go ahead, indulge yourself this holiday season. But first walk it off, and discover DTLA’s cultural walking tours!

LA Conservancy Above the Skyline Walking Tour 633 West 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Saturdays November This special version of LA Conservancy’s popular Modern Skyline walking tour visits the OUE Skyspace LA observation deck and Skyslide, on the 70th floor of the iconic U.S. Bank Tower building. Enjoy the view of Los Angeles’ evolving skyline from almost a thousand feet in the air! Think skyscrapers aren’t historic? Think again! After seeing how downtown L.A. has evolved over the past century, you’ll see our beloved skyline in a whole new way. You’ll learn the fascinating story of Bunker Hill’s evolution, explore some of L.A.’s newest landmarks, and see how old and new architecture co-exists. At the end of the tour, take a trip down Skyslide, an exterior glass-enclosed slide high above Los Angeles, included with each ticket.

LA Conservancy Art Deco Walking Tour Meeting Location: Pershing Square

Everyone knows that L.A. is a glamorous city. But few know that true Old Hollywood glamour lies in the streets of downtown L.A.! Nothing evokes Jazz Age elegance like Art Deco. Its clean lines and geometric patterns proved a perfect style for L.A. in the 20s and 30s, and an extraordinary collection of these masterpieces still stands in the heart of the city. On this tour, you’ll marvel at the incredible detail of these structures, with their brilliant colors and lush materials. You’ll learn how Art Deco made its way to L.A., and why it became such a defining architectural style in the city.

LA Conservancy Broadway Historic Theatre & Commercial District Walking Tour

Broadway thrived for decades as the entertainment epicenter of Los Angeles. Massive department stores and magnificent movie palaces drew generations of Angelenos to the city center. Still a vibrant shopping street, the area is now a hub of adaptive reuse projects that have turned office buildings and department stores into housing, dining, retail, and nightlife destinations. Subject to availability, the tour visits the interiors of one or more of the following: the Los Angeles Theatre, The Theatre at the Ace Hotel (formerly United Artists Theatre), and the Orpheum Theatre. Reservations are required for this tour. Meeting and parking information will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

DTLA Art Walk

Downtown Art Walk is a self-guided art experience of local galleries, artist studios, and cultural events held on 2nd Thursdays every month. From its inceptions over 10 years ago as a monthly coordinated collaboration along Spring and Main Streets in downtown Los Angeles, today this vibrant community thrives, with art experiences beyond one day, two streets, and 12 blocks. The Downtown Art Walk nonprofit engages, educates, and informs through year-round programs and social media platforms connecting art lovers and enthusiasts to galleries, artists, city-wide art openings, cultural events, exhibits, art conventions, national and international art news and innovations, 365 days a year! Gallery Guide Map pick up locations HERE

DTLA Walking Tours Chinatown & Little Tokyo Chinatown Plaza 943 N. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

Walk into the two largest ethnic neighborhoods of Downtown and learn about their growth and history in Los Angeles. Understand how international issues, such as nationalism, World War II and segregation affected the Chinese and Japanese cultures, but have allowed each to retain their strong community neighborhoods. Tour requires a Metro Rail journey in the middle of the tour between Chinatown and Little Tokyo (rail fare not included).

LA Art Tours Craft Beer and Urban Art/Graffiti Tour Angel City Brewery 216 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Two guides, three beer stops, dozens of amazing urban art pieces! A collaboration between LA Art Tours and SoCal Brew Bus, this walking tour centers on the hottest spot in Los Angeles, the Downtown LA Arts District. Long a hotbed of the best graffiti and murals in Los Angeles, it is now also home to several great craft breweries. Two stops are made at the largest breweries in the Arts District. The third stop varies by availability, and will be one of two smaller craft breweries, or the craft beer garden of LA’s largest art gallery. The breweries have food options available, so you are welcome to order some bites while sampling beers. Between breweries, an awesome urban art guide will take you by a number of famous as well as hidden and lesser known works of urban art. All art guides are long time local artists with in-depth knowledge and experience in the local graffiti/mural scene.

Sidewalk Food Tours Downtown LA Food Tour Pitchoun Bakery 545 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Sidewalk Food Tours Downtown LA Food tour includes six unique stops showcasing the best of the growing, diverse DTLA food scene. The tour’s expert foodies have done extensive research to offer you a variety of delicious foods from the best specialty food stores, buzz-worthy spots, and ethnic eateries. The tour includes visits to famed landmarks such as the Bradbury Building, the Million Dollar Theater, the Biltmore Hotel, and a stroll through the historic Grand Central Market with tastings from some of its most well-known vendors. Flavorful food specialties are served from six of the following locations (subject to change): Pitchoun Bakery, Horse Thief BBQ, Berlin Currywurst, DTLA Cheese, Madcapra Falafel, Guisados (slow-cooked braised meat tacos), OkiPoki (Asian fusion spot serving sushi burritos) and Bottega Louie in the historic Brockman building.

A November to Remember! LA’s Best Food, Fairs & Festivals

There’s something about November that makes us want to celebrate! The weather is changing, and the air is crackling with anticipation for the busy season ahead. But before you dive down the holiday rabbit hole, take some time out for yourself. From wine and food events, to great music and immersive experiences, make this a November to Remember – with L:A’s best food, fairs, and festivals!

USA Today Wine & Food Experience LA Centre Studios 450 S Bixel St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Nov 9 The USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience presents rich and colorful moments for guests to taste, savor and explore the Los Angeles culinary scene, from local trends to regional traditions. Enjoy the Grand Tasting: a gourmet showcase by local chefs, emerging talent and nationally renowned culinary leaders who mix with patrons in a convivial setting. Lively cooking demonstrations, chef meet & greets, and seminars deliver unforgettable experiences for fans, connoisseurs, partners, purveyors, and industry personalities. Indulge in the VIP experience for an hour early admittance into the experience, plus a chance to mix and mingle with chefs. Elevate your experience even further with additional Meet & Greet opportunities with celebrity talent.

LA Coffee Festival Magic Box @The Reef 1933 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90007

Nov 8-10 Back for a second year and based on the highly successful programs in London, New York and Amsterdam, this caffeinated event is an unmissable show for all serious coffee lovers and key industry stakeholders. The Festival will feature live experiences from coffee, food and equipment suppliers. Visitors will enjoy endless free coffee tastings, interactive workshops, demonstrations from world-class baristas, delicious street food, intoxicating coffee cocktails, live music, art and so much more.

Dessert Goals Evolve Project LA 1921 Blake Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90039

Nov 9-10, 16-17 Don your tie-dye and tropical prints and gather your dessert-loving friends, because Dessert Goals is back in LA for the Tie Dye Tiki edition, presented by Chase Sapphire®! General Admissions ticket includes entrance into the event for 1.5 hours; access to a drool-worthy roundup of 20+ of the best dessert vendors in LA (+ a few from New York), with desserts available for purchase; a Candy Bar with free candy; a savory Salt Bar to cleanse your palate; complimentary Rise Brewing Co cold brew coffee, Boxed Water, Vita Coco, OLIPOP + Koia; one complimentary snack from My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream; and more. Share your fun in an Instagram Garden filled with custom Insta-friendly backdrops.

Fantastic Planet FIGat7th 735 S Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90017

Until Nov 10 Four giant, illuminated humanoid figures have taken over FIGat7th and are observing the human activity at this bustling retail center! These giants from afar are quiet and gentle, yet curious about our fantastic planet and its inhabitants. Created by Australian artist Amanda Parer, these edgy and ephemeral artworks explore the natural world, its fragility and our role within it. Inspiration for this light installation has been taken from the 1973 Czech/ French film Fantastic Planet (La Planète Sauvage). Fantastic Planet is free and open to the public as part of Arts Brookfield’s continued effort to bring the public spaces of Brookfield Properties to life through music, film, interactive experiences, and visual art.

Wisdome.LA Jam Week 1147 Palmetto St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Nov 7-10 Check the out immersive arts and entertainment park Wisdome in DTLA for four days of mind-bending 360 VR concerts featuring the music of Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, and Jerry Garcia. On Nov 7th & 8th, experience Dark Side of The Dome featuring the all-star band Think:EXP, which includes former members of Pink Floyd, Jane’s Addiction, Kid Rock and Fishbone as they perform Pink Floyd’s iconic album “Dark Side of The Moon” end to end, accompanied by custom Floyd inspired visuals. The weekend of Nov 9th & 10th, Wisdome transforms into a Dead Head’s virtual dream world as Melvin Seals and JGB perform live with special guests Steve Kimock and a DJ set by DJ Logic. The event is highlighted by an interactive and immersive Dead Head playground featuring a Shakedown Street with vendors, food and a microbrew beer garden!

Art at The Rendon // Rhythms of the City The Rendon 2055 East 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Nov 8-10 Art At The Rendon presents RHYTHMS OF THE CITY, an immersive, site-specific experience that will fuse various styles of live music and dance into a simultaneous, collaborative performance that transforms the building itself into a musical instrument. Following the success of HIDDEN ROOMS and STORIES in 2018, Art At The Rendon’s latest production will highlight the musical and cultural diversity of Los Angeles, while emphasizing the synergy of the city as a whole. 100% of proceeds will benefit Play with Music, a local nonprofit that provides music education to underserved schools in Los Angeles.

Get Together Music Fair The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA 152 North Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Nov 15-16 Spaceland and Other Music Present: The Get Together 2019 Label Fair and Music Festival, bringing together some of the most exciting independent record labels across genres, locally, nationally, and internationally, The Get Together fosters a vibrant music community of artists, fans, and industry alike. After three seasons programming the Come Together Label Fair at MoMA PS1 in New York, Other Music joins up with Spaceland to bring The Get Together to MOCA, with dozens of amazing labels selling vinyl and other merchandise. Meet and mingle with the teams behind the records you love and enjoy live performances, DJs, exhibits, and much more.

Get Spooked! LA’s Best Halloween Celebrations!

Have you ever wondered why we carve pumpkins and get dressed up for Halloween? Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. The Irish brought the tradition of carving jack-o-lanterns to America. But the original jack-o-lantern was not a pumpkin at all, because pumpkins did not exist in Ireland! Ancient Celtic cultures carved turnips and placed an ember in them to ward off evil spirits. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of fun activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes, and eating treats.

So let’s get spooked with LA’s best Halloween celebrations!

LA Opera Psycho Live Ace Hotel 929 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015

Experience Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Psycho, featuring the LA Opera Orchestra, on the big screen with live violins taking the shower scene to a whole new level of creep! You know the story: a secretary on the run, an isolated motel, and an awkward guy with some serious mother issues. Shown in the cavernous Spanish-Gothic Theatre at Ace Hotel in Downtown LA, LA Opera’s got the spooky vibes fit for your perfect Halloween. Norman invites you to a killer after-party on October 25th and October 31st, included with your ticket. Are you brave enough to enter our costume contest on October 31st? The top three winners will receive a prize (if you make it out alive).

The Hunchback of Notre Dame Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Organist Clark Wilson sets a haunting scene as he accompanies the 1923 silent film The Hunchback of Notre Dame, featuring a legendary performance from Lon Chaney. Get a guided tour of the evening’s music before your concert at Upbeat Live! Key thinkers and guest musicians – including members of the LA Phil – share their expertise and offer historical and cultural context for your program’s pieces, giving you a deeper understanding of the music. This free event is held in BP Hall, accessible after your ticket is scanned.

The Natural History of Horror Natural History Museum 900 W Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Just in time for Halloween, the Natural History Museum is presenting a spooky, homegrown Hollywood exhibition that reveals the science of the scary. Walk into the museum’s Grand Foyer, past a pair of dueling dinosaurs, toward the building’s northeast corner, and you’ll soon find yourself in a dark room flickering with hidden surprises. Your senses will tingle as you hear about the scientific experiments and discoveries that inspired filmmakers to create four of the world‘s most iconic movie monsters: the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Frankenstein, the Mummy, and Dracula. Whether these classics spotlighted sinister figures lurking in the shadows or creatures waiting unseen beneath the water, one thing is true: Each larger-than-life character had a surprisingly rich real-world backstory.

Hallows Masquerade Redbird 114 East Second St. Los Angeles, CA

Redbird is presenting a Halloween Masquerade featuring food & drink, dancing & reverie, and music & theatrics for an unforgettable Halloween night! Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems, inside the former rectory building of Vibiana. Set in the upper chambers of Redbird, the Hallows Masquerade promises to be elegant evening of mystery and delight. Each ticket includes hors d’oeuvres by Redbird/Vibiana chef/owner Neal Fraser and cocktails by bar director Tobin Shea (cash bar). Music by Adam Freeland (The Acid), Jessica Tonder, Jonny Cota, Little Dinosaur, Metal Mother, Sorne and more. Costumes and masks are highly encouraged!

House of Spirits 2218 S Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018

Step inside the House of Spirits — a haunted cocktail soiree that is unlike any other party in town! Freely roam a mysterious mansion and experience a night of themed cocktails, macabre magic, sinister séances, tarot readings, strange roaming specters, live music, hidden secret games, giant Ouija boards and so much more! Within the walls of a decrepit and decaying house, a mad man nearing the end of his life painted six disturbing portraits depicting peculiar figures. Those paintings have become known as the Spirit Paintings, and that mad man was famed artist Francisco Vega. According to fragmented notes scribbled in his journals, Vega believed these paintings were the key to opening a doorway to another world. Perhaps he was right, for when he completed the sixth Spirit Painting, Vega disappeared somewhere inside the house and his remains have never been discovered.

Dia de los Muertos Olvera Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

For over 30 years, the merchants on Olvera Street have celebrated Dia de los Muertos. The celebration has evolved to incorporate the pre-Columbian, Aztec, Mayan and Catholic rituals surrounding death. Dia de los Muertos at Olvera Street is the only celebration of its kind in Los Angeles – a nine day festival with altars on display, food, face painting, and entertainment throughout. Each night, a vibrant and colorful procession sets the stage for the ceremony. Dia de los Muertos is, in fact, a celebration of life – it is not a time to mourn our loved ones, rather it is a time to remember the lives they lead and the many things they enjoyed during that life.

Día de los Muertos Altars + Art Installations Grand Park 200 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Grand Park celebrates the traditions of Día de los Muertos with an immersive display of compelling installations and artwork.! Guests can experience, discuss and learn about the traditions of Día de los Muertos and stroll through 40+ altars, curated by Self Help Graphics located throughout Grand Park, as well as the newly renovated Music Center Plaza. At the Music Center Plaza, view colorful swags of papel picado designed by artist Maricela Sosa as they adorn the Grand Avenue stairs and welcome visitors to the Plaza. The newly-renovated Plaza fountain will be lit in orange and yellow for the week as a nod to marigold flowers, ubiquitous on altars and throughout Dia de los Muertos celebrations.

A New Día Wisdome.LA 1147 Palmetto St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Estrella Jalisco presents A New Día. Día de Muertos reimagined at Wisdome.LA, the world’s first immersive art park. As you make your way from dome to dome and travel through this immersive art experience, you’ll be surrounded by stunningly vivid, colorful recreations of Día de Muertos. Learn about this respected holiday and share an experience with those around you, and put a new spin on Día de Muertos. When you’re done exploring, head around the corner to Zinc Cafe & Market, and show your A New Día ticket for access to exclusive cocktails and discounted appetizers!

Creep LA ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Creep LA is back! Presented by Just Fix It Productions, you are invited into the dark-heart of downtown with their fifth installment: HAUS OF CREEP. The roughly 60-minute multi-sensory exhibit brings you into the world of Creep L.A., a darkly satirical and terrifying send-up of social media-driven culture. With the growing popularity of “grammable museums,” businesses and consumers are devouring art as a commodity. HAUS OF CREEP sets out to remind us that art is alive, and it can’t be restricted to a little square photo without dangerous consequences. HAUS guests will spend the hour roaming an avant-garde and nightmarish playground of over a dozen installations, witnessing grand shocking scenes as well as intimate scares. HAUS OF CREEP tells its story with a cast of 20 provocative characters and features a sultry lounge, small dark spaces, shadow plays, deranged puppet shows, and innovative analog installations by MEDIA POLLUTION.

Essential Guide to Downtown’s Grand Central Market

Located at 317 S Broadway in the heart of DTLA, Grand Central Market has been a downtown landmark since 1917. Bringing together the wealth of cuisines and cultures of Los Angeles, the Market provides a national-caliber eating experience that showcases California’s best ingredients, chefs, and entrepreneurs. The 30,000 square-foot arcade in the historic Homer Laughlin Building encompasses a food emporium and retail marketplace that continues to grow, by offering downtown a shared gathering place and a dynamic hub for public programming and events. With some 38 vendors, you’ll find everything from grocery essentials to prepared foods, sweets & treats, beverages, and even jewelry!

Here are a few of our favorites!

Eggslut Stall D-1

Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast at Eggslut. Founded in 2011, Eggslut is a chef driven, gourmet food concept inspired by a true love for eggs. The menu is a balance of comfort and innovation, celebrating food that appeals to both novice and extreme foodies through classic comfort fare with a twist, all encompassing the key ingredient eggs. No longer just a breakfast staple, Eggslut make eggs appetizing all day, everyday.

La Frutería

What’s more refreshing than a bowl of delicious watermelon, jicama, mango or cucumber! La Frutería brings the Mexican street-snack tradition of spicy and healthy fruit cups that beat the plain,old fruit routine. This authentic Mexican frutería from the team behind Villa Moreliana and La Tostadería offers a wide assortment of exotic fruit salads, licuados (fruit shakes) and more. A highlight of the La Frutería menu are Biónicos, tasty bowls of seasonal fruits, drizzled with a combination of yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and Mexican crema. La Frutería is also the place for the best aguas frescas in town!

Lucky Bird

The market’s first-ever stall dedicated solely to fried chicken and its accoutrements, Lucky Bird features their famous citrus-brined chicken recipe developed by Chef/ Owner Chris Dane. Everything is made from scratch, from the buttermilk biscuits to the house made hot sauce. Ingredients are locally sourced to ensure the freshest and highest quality product, from Mary’s Organic Free Range Chickens to their organic produce and spices. Beverages include local craft beers. Happy Hour takes place Monday through Thursday from 3 PM to close!

McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream Stall D-4

For 70 years, McConnell’s has been making dense and pure-flavored ice creams, with smooth, consistent texture and a rich, velvety mouth feel – all made from scratch with a few, simple ingredients. McConnell’s mission is to produce the finest ice creams in the world, in the most responsible and sustainable way possible. In the process, they aim to enrich and enliven the communities in which they operate, and leave the world just a little bit “sweeter” than they found it.

Ramen Hood

This ramen and pho shop by Chef Ilan Hall of The Gorbals is 100% vegan. The broth is made by simmering kelp and shiitake mushrooms to extract their maximum umami. Roasted sunflower seeds with white miso are combined with the kelp/mushroom stock, then the mixture is pressure cooked to release the natural oils and starches from the seeds. What’s left is a rich, creamy, broth that rivals it’s non-vegan counterparts flavor and texture. The “egg” is completely vegan, made in two parts using a little magic, so that the yolk pops just like the real thing!

DTLA Cheese and Kitchen Stall A-7

DTLA Cheese is Downtown’s first full-service cheesemonger, specializing in domestic and imported cheese plates, griddle sandwiches and seasonal salads. DTLA Cheese is the passion of Lydia & Marnie Clarke and Chef Reed Herrick, who opened their first store in 2010 in the historic downtown Claremont Village with the mission to bring something exciting to the culinary forefront.

Torres Produce Stall D-7

This is the perfect time of year to dust off your recipes for homemade soups, salads, snacks, and sides! Stock up on healthy ingredients at Torres Produce, a produce stand offering a bountiful selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables.

Wexler’s Deli Stall D-5

Wexler’s Deli stands for three things: tradition, craftsmanship, and quality. Born of a desire to serve classic Jewish deli food made by people who care, Wexler’s uses old-school methods to handcraft their pastrami and smoked salmon. After curing in a special blend of salt and spices, the meats and fish are slowly smoked in-house over apple wood and sliced by hand in front of your eyes. Wexler’s also serves breakfast sandwiches, and a selection of sides including coleslaw, potato salad, egg salad and tuna salad. Wash it all down with a good old fashioned Chocolate Phosphate or Chocolate Egg Cream.

Belcampo Meat Co., butcher shop and restaurant at Grand Central Market, Los Angeles, CA.

Belcampo Meat Stall F-9

Part country cafe and part full-service butcher shop, Belcampo Meat presents organic, grass-fed meats that have been raised on their own 10,000 acre ranch near Mount Shasta, and custom-butchered in house. Grab a seat at their modern-meets-retro counter service diner for breakfast or lunch. Indulge in the signature organic grass-fed burgers while people watching and enjoying a glass of beer or wine. Or stop by after work to pick up their ever-changing rotation of Grab & Go foods and convenient reheat & eat options to bring home for dinner.

The Oyster Gourmet Hill Street Platform

The Oyster Gourmet Kiosk is the realization of Christophe Happillon’s dream of creating a forum to share his passion for the oyster and the ocean. Designed by The Los Angeles Design Group, The Oyster Gourmet Kiosk was created to be a a hybrid restaurant and performance piece with Happillon on stage in the center, akin to the pearl within the oyster. The menu of the new Oyster Bar displays oysters, of course, but also clams, shrimp, sea urchin, and some raw fish. Most of the seafood is sourced from the West Coast, with each selection certified ecologically sustainable.

G&B Coffee Stall C-19

From champion baristas Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski, G&B Coffee serves up coffees, espresso drinks, and teas selected from the world’s top roasters and farms. If you’re craving a special treat, G&B’s coffee milkshake and hop-infused carbonated ice tea are instant Market classics. Stop by for weekly cuppings every Tuesdays at 2pm to taste the range of G&B coffees from around the world. Parking Tip: Miraculous free 5 minute parking in the drop-off lane in front of the G&B stall.

DTLA’s Best Coffee Shops & Breakfast Spots

Take a break for breakfast! A delicious, nutritious morning meal sets the tone and provides an energizing prelude to your busy day Whether you eating on the go, meeting with colleagues before work, or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch with friends, DTLA is a breakfast-lover’s banquet of cool coffee shops, sumptuous brunch spots, and even some hidden gems!

Best Girl 927 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015

Named after the first film screened at the United Artists Theatre in 1927, Best Girl is DTLA’s local haunt featuring rotating seasonal fare and classic favorites. In partnership with James Beard Award winner Chef Michael Cimarusti, Best Girl’s menu is keenly inspired by Los Angeles’ history, culture and cuisines – an eclectic mix of globally influenced eats, featuring fresh, market-driven veggies, fruit, seafood and meats. The extensive breakfast menu presents market fruit salads, yogurt & granola, buckwheat pancakes, bagels, pastries, and a selection of hearty egg dishes. Sunday brunch offers even more opulent options including oysters, crab cakes, potato latke, steak & eggs, pozole verde, and Tonkatsu chicken sandwich.

Café Gratitude 300 S Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Café Gratitude is an expression of a world of plenty. and the food and people are a celebration of our aliveness. Café Gratitude selects the finest ingredients to honor the earth and ourselves, as we are one and the same. The restaurant supports local farmers, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and environmentally friendly products. The breakfast menu includes a healthy selection of gluten-free muffins, donuts, rolls, cookies and cakes, along with chia seed pudding, avocado toast, buckwheat flax pancakes, and taco plate. If you really want to rev up your morning, try the açai superfood bowl, with crispy quinoa cashew granola, coconut, forest berries, banana, ginger syrup, and your choice of 2 additions, such as hemp seeds, almond butter, coconut yogurt, inca berries, cacao nibs, or raw honey.

Dekkadance 900 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Located on the 69th floor of InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, Dekkadance presents a unique farm-to-fork international dining experience. True to its name, Dekkadence offers a truly decadent à la carte breakfast menu featuring Venice Toast (turmeric black sesame toast, California avocado mash, sun-dried tomato, sliced egg, radish), Tiramisu French Toast (french toast served with Grand Marnier & Kahlua maple syrup, espresso infused cream cheese & berry compote), and Classic Two Eggs Any Style (with choice of bacon, pork sausage, black forest ham, or chicken apple sausage). Sparkling Sunday Brunch includes endless sparkling wine, Mimosas, Peach Bellinis, and Kir Royales.

Buddy’s 363 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Ready for some classic affordable diner-inspired grub? Buddy’s, from the team that brought you Bernadette’s (right next door) is located at the corner of Broadway and 4th in the heart of downtown LA’s Historic Core, just steps away from Grand Central Market, Angel’s Flight, and the Metro red line. Brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm, where you can feast on stick-to-your-ribs meals like French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, Tots Benedict (poached egg, breakfast sausage, spicy hollandaise, served on a bed of crispy tater tots), Egg & Cheese Sandwich, Breakfast Burrito, and Potato Hash. Lighter options include Bruschetta (tomato, avocado with white balsamic on a pair of small toasts), Overnight Oats, and a selection of seasonal fruit.

Nimbus Coffee 1115 S Hope St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

The self-proclaimed place for wizards, witches and muggles alike, Nimbus Coffee is a fantasy-inspired cafe with a heavy dose of Harry Potter vibes. Nimbus Coffee expresses the vision of its owners as a unique establishment where coffee meets culture, offering the urban community delectable food and beverage in a photogenic setting that interweaves wizardry and Afro-centric artistry. The whimsical decor features books and travel trunks, some quirky portraits of real-life celebrities reimagined as wizards and witches, and in the back, you’ll find a wall filled with magic wands displayed below a cryptic neon sign.

Paris Baguette 902 S Los Angeles St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Paris Baguette is an international, premium bakery-café specializing in yummy assortments of breads, pastries and cakes baked daily. Their mission is to bring happiness to everyone by adapting to people’s ever-expanding palates with decadent, unique and sophisticated baked goods. They serve a variety of treats ranging from coffee, tea, smoothies, and frappes, to appetizing snacks, delicious cakes for all occasions, and chef-inspired sandwiches and salads.

Nossa Familia Coffee 601 W 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Nestled in the historic lobby of the The CalEdison building, according to Eater LA, Nossa Familia might be the most gorgeous place to drink coffee in LA. Nossa Familia Coffee is a Portland, Oregon-based roaster founded in 2004 by Brazilian native Augusto Carneiro, whose family has been growing coffee in the highlands Brazil since the 1890s. Early on, all of Nossa Familia’s coffee was imported directly from his family’s farms, and today these Brazilian fazendas remain at the core of their direct coffee trade model. Over time, Nossa Familia has developed deeply-rooted relationships with coffee growers around the world, with excellent specialty coffees from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, Kenya, and beyond.

Bon Temps 712 S Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Set within the former Heinz testing kitchen in the DTLA Arts District, Bon Temps is an all-day restaurant from veteran pastry chef Lincoln Carson. Reimagining a modern French brasserie with industrial roots, Bon Temps’ menu is refined with an attention to detail that nods to Carson’s lineage working in internationally-acclaimed restaurants. Breakfast goodies include tantalizing pastries, croissants filled with cream cheese, kouign-amanns (Breton cakes) topped with caramel, and scones dotted with currants, or with cheddar spiked with flecks of jalapeño.

Get Your Gemütlich Game On! Oktoberfest is Here!

We’re all hopped up for Oktoberfest! But did you know that Oktoberfest in Munich actually starts in September and ends in early October? Here’s a bit of history: The first Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich on October 12, 1810 in honor of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. After such a spectacular party, the happy couple decided that the same type of festival should be continued annually. Eventually the date was moved forward into September, primarily because of the chilly Bavarian weather. So don your dirndls, lace your lederhosen, and get ready to oom pah pah! Oktoberfest is here!

Alpine Village 833 W Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90502

A little slice of Bavaria in sunny Southern California, Alpine Village was established in 1968 as a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, and has been the home of the oldest and biggest Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California for over 50 years. Traditional Bavarian fun is supplied by Oom Pah Pah party bands, your appetite will sated by traditional German fare, and your thirst quenched by frothy German beers brewed by Paulaner. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Alpine Village Imports Market, featuring a huge array of German foods and interesting alcoholic beverages like Goldschläger, a Swiss cinnamon schnapps with real gold flakes floating inside.

Wurstküche DTLA 800 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Enjoy the Oktoberfest zeitgeist all year around at Wurstküche! Known as a purveyor of rare and exotic grilled sausages – from rabbit to rattlesnake – this popular joint also offers more mainstream meats such as Bratwurst, Bockwurst, Hot Italian sausage, Polish Kielbasa, and Louisiana Hot Links. Other indulgences include Belgian Fries (topped with White Truffle Glaze, if you dare to go there), Double Dipped Fries with your choice of sauce, and a very naughty Toasted Apple Pie Ice Cream Sandwich on oatmeal raisin cookies. Expect an extensive selection of draft and bottle beers from Belgium Germany, US and UK, along with a nice wine list. For a special treat, try a palate-cleansing, digestion-promoting Eau de Vie, such as the German favorite Underberg, or some fruitier fixes such as Blume Marillen Apricot, Kirschwasser (dry cherry brandy) or Pear Williams Purkhart.

LA Oktoberfest Millennium Biltmore Hotel 506 South Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Hoist your steins and hightail it to LA Oktoberfest. This fun festival features traditional food, an assortment of craft beers served by dirndl-donning beer maidens. lively tunes, and sing-alongs of old time drinking songs. LA Oktoberfest offers a vareity of ticket choices, so you can participate however you want. You can choose a 2 or 4 hour pass that includes a Glass Stein and unlimited refills for the whole event. If you like to do it in style then grab either a 2 or 4 hour pass, get your souvenir glass stein and unlimited refills! The location also offers Pretzels for sale. Valet Parking is available and Overnight Accommodations are offered at a special rate. Overnight accommodations include 2 complimentary VIP tickets to the LA Oktoberfest.

Uberfest! Oktoberfest at Brouwerij West 110 East 22nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90731

The most entertaining Oktoberfest in America comes to San Pedro! Oompah meets rock n’ roll as you fill up on mouth-watering sausages, pretzels, desserts and of course, beer. Festmeister Hans & Die Sauerkrauts Oompah will take the stage with Heino & Gretel, along with amazing song and dance leaders. Brouwerij West is brewing up a special Überfest beer for this occasion – BOOM BRAU – which will only be available this one time. Brouwerij West will also be pouring a limited selection of some of their favorite beers during the fest!

CraftoberFest Rose Bowl Stadium 1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena, CA 91103

CraftoberFest Los Angeles is the premier Oktoberfest celebration of the season! With over 20 carefully curated craft breweries from the Southern California area, this food and drink festival will provide each guest with a delicious experience influenced by the world’s largest “Volksfest” (beer festival) in Germany. First-class restaurants will serve traditional and fan favorite foods influenced by this internationally loved holiday. Don’t miss out on your chance to spend the day on The Greens at the Rose Bowl Stadium, while delighting in some of the best beer and food Los Angeles has to offer.

Octubrefest Smorgasburg LA 777 South Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA, 90021

Move over Oktoberfest, Smorgasburg LA is bringing you Octubrefest on Sunday, October 14. Celebrate LA’s diverse craft beer scene, with a Mexican twist. Ditch the lederhosen and the brats because Octubrefest will feature a selection of Mexican inspired craft beer, Mexican food specials, a selection of different michelada flavors, live DJs, and popup shopping vendors. Popup food vendors will be serving chorizo, Oaxacan sausage and Mexican food specials from the weekly Smorgasburg LA vendors. DJs Metralleta De Oro and friends will be spinning cumbia, latin, funk, 90’s hip hop, r&b & more; a perfect pairing for the craft beer selection.

DTLA Breweries United Fest 101 Cider House 1700 Naud St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Now here’s a great deal for a good cause! On October 13th, DTLA Breweries United Fest brings together some of DTLA’s fave breweries including Mumford, Arts District, Boomtown, Indie, Dry River, Angel City, Karl Strauss, 101 Cider House, and Imperial Western. Your $45 ticket includes unlimited tastings and a commemorative glass. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Food is provided by A’s BBQ. For their safety, no pets or children are allowed.

Culture Vulture! LA’s Essential Music, Theatre & More

Circa residents are living at the epicenter of one of most exciting cities in the world! The fall season is firing up wth world-class live performances, rare exhibitions, and immersive experiences! So fire up your inner culture vulture and discover LA’s essential music, theatre and more!

LA Phil Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Gustavo Ignites the New Season! Don’t miss Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic as they fire up the 2019/20 season with Gershwin, Copland, Beethoven, Bruckner, Adams, Stravinsky, and more. The LA Phil takes audiences on sweeping musical journeys through electrifying performances, cutting-edge music education, and innovative community engagement programs. Each year, the LA Phil presents over 250 concerts at its two globally renowned venues: Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.

L.A. Dances L.A. Dance Project 2245 E Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90021

L.A. Dances is a six week festival that showcases nine new commissions performed by L.A. Dance Project between September 26th and November 24th. L.A. Dance Project is comprised of twelve full-time dancers based in Los Angeles and is led by Artistic Director, Benjamin Millepied along with Associate Artistic Director, Sebastien Marcovici. The company’s repertory features multidisciplinary collaborations with visual artists, musicians, designers, filmmakers and composers.

Light in the Plaza LA Opera Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

It doesn’t get any better than this: Renée Fleming, Dove Cameron and Brian Stokes Mitchell in a ravishing musical! The scene is set: Florence, summer 1953. American Margaret Johnson (Renée Fleming) and her daughter Clara (Dove Cameron) take in the wonder and awe of Florence. A fateful gust of wind whisks Clara’s hat into the hand of a local dreamer…and it’s love at first sight. But Clara isn’t quite what she appears, and soon they must all confront a secret kept in the shadows for far too long. Light in the Plazs is Adam Guettel’s enchanting Broadway musical, which won six Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations.

A Play is a Poem Mark Taper Forum 135 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

From the mind of celebrated playwright and filmmaker Ethan Coen comes an evening of short plays that will take you on an eccentric journey across America. The hillbilly hollows of Appalachia, a New York tenement apartment, a magnolia scented gazebo in Natchez, Mississippi, the executive suites of Hollywood, each stop reveals a unique glimpse at Americana as only Ethan Coen can deliver. Featuring live music composed and performed by Nellie McKay.

Angel City Jazz Festival Various locations

The Angel City Jazz Festival – LA’s most adventurous jazz festival – was founded in 2008 by music promoter Rocco Somazzi. Since then the festival has grown into an essential multi day celebration of cutting edge jazz at some of the most exciting and prestigious venues in LA, such as LACMA, REDCAT, Zipper Hall, the Bluewhale, the World Stage, the Lodge Room and Mr Musichead Gallery. The Angel City Jazz Festival consistently features the most innovative and original national and international jazz musicians working today, balancing established jazz artists with emerging talent, and focusing on west coast creative jazz, past, present and future.

29Rooms 1231 N Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

The makers behind Refinery29 have collaborated with visionaries and brands in the fields of art, activism, style, and technology to bring you 29 experiences under one roof that tap into the conversations of today and our hopes for tomorrow. 29Rooms was launched in 2015 on Refinery29’s 10-Year Anniversary as a way to bring their brand to life in the real world. Today, 29Rooms has become a vibrant community where culture, creativity and imagination are unlocked and celebrated year after year. Through multi-sensory installations, performances, and workshops, you will be presented with a new way to connect with creativity, culture, and community.

Latin History for Morons Centre Theatre Group Ahmanson Theatre 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Uproarious, uncensored, and undeniably entertaining, Latin History for Morons is the show we need right now – a night of eye-opening historical narrative courtesy of Tony® and Emmy® Award winner John Leguizamo. The self-professed ghetto scholar schools America on Cinco de Mayo—no, it’s not the Latino Fourth of July—and every other aspect of Latin history they’ve misunderstood and forgotten to create a heartfelt and funny tribute. From a mad recap of the Aztec empire to stories of the unknown Latin patriots who won American independence, Leguizamo breaks down the 3,000 years between the Mayans and Pitbull into 110 irreverent and incisive minutes.

Judy Chicago: Los Angeles Jeffrey Deitch Gallery 925 N Orange Drive Los Angeles, CA 90038

Judy Chicago created a remarkable body of work in Los Angeles and Fresno from 1965 – 72 that has been largely unseen for fifty years. Jeffrey Deitch, Los Angeles is presenting a full survey of these early works until November 2, 2019. The exhibition will feature paintings, drawings, sculpture, installations, and documentation of Chicago’s environmental and fireworks projects. Los Angeles was inhospitable to women artists during this period, but the city’s spirit of self-invention and the lack of art market pressure gave Judy Chicago the freedom to create an innovative and original approach to making art. Intent on learning more about industrial techniques that were not taught at art school, Chicago enrolled in auto body painting school, the only woman out of two hundred fifty men in her class.

Spa Spree! Relax, Revitalize, and Rejuvenate in DTLA

Now that we’re settling into autumn, with the busy holiday season looming ahead, the change of pace can wreak havoc on your equilibrium! It’s time to rev up your energy, calm your senses, and renew your ch’i. A day of pampering at the spa is the perfect prescription for wellbeing, whether it’s unwinding after a long stressful day at work, relieving post-workout aches and pains, or looking your best for a special occasion. So treat yourself to a spa spree – and discover the best places to relax, revitalize, and rejuvenate in DTLA.

Desuar Spa 220 W 5th St Basement Los Angeles, CA 90013

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, there is an oasis of calm exclusivity to balance the body and mind. Desuar Spa’s expansive state-of-the-art facility has been designed to deliver a fully immersive holistic health experience and unique atmosphere of well-being and relaxation. Guests have full access to the relaxation room and locker facility, and the spa provides bath robes and slippers for use in between services. Desuar also offers their special blend of herbal teas, along with other refreshments including complimentary wine. Beyond the usual massage and skin care treatments, Desuar offers the only Himalayan Salt Bed in Downtown LA, and exotic treatments such as the Cleopatra Soak (milk bath soak), Cannabis Soak, and Wine Soak. All soaks are done in a copper tub–the copper metal is bacteria and mold resistant, making it easy to maintain a clean and sanitary environment. Book appointment here.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa The Ritz-Carlton 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015\

At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles, wellness is infused with red-carpet style. From arrivals marked by a glass of champagne to spaces inspired by the golden age of Hollywood, this luxury spa captures the sophistication of LA. Encompassing 8,000 square feet, The Ritz-Carlton Spa is the largest in downtown Los Angeles and features a couple’s suite, a co-ed sanctuary, a hair salon, a boutique and separate lounges with eucalyptus steam rooms and cold-plunge showers. Other offerings, like poolside yoga, complement traditional experiences for a quintessentially Angeleno spa day.

Omni Spa at Omni Los Angeles at California Plaza 251 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Relax at the end of a long day with a massage or facial from the experienced professionals at the Omni Spa at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza. Couples massages, facials, corporate chair massage, spa packages and poolside spa parties are just a few of the offerings from the beautiful and cozy spa by Be Well Incorporated. Be Well is a full-service holistic wellness team that specializes in the creation of customized wellness experiences that empower clients to be well – to exist in a state of balance through awareness and integration of mind, body, and spirit.

Frais Spa at The O Hotel 819 S. Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Calling itself the first “connected spa,” Frais Spa’s mission is to educate its clients and help them progress to improve their quality of life. Mixing an authentic spa-care experience with therapeutic expertise, Frais aims to redefine the relationship between spa, health professionals, clients and patients to provide a complete health benefit. Services include an array of massages, such as Tech Neck and Couples; Hot Stone Service; Organic Salt Foot Soak; and a variety of Scrubs, Wraps, and Facials. Frais also offers a Chiropractic and Acupuncture treatments, performed by licensed professionals. Book with the Frais app.

Hotbox Infrared Sauna Studio 835 S. Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90014

Some like it hot! Developed in the 1970’s by Japanese health practitioners, Infrared saunas offer the same health benefits as the traditional Finnish variety, but provide a cooler, more gentle and soothing experience. Unlike Finnish convection saunas, which heat the body from the outside-in, infrared saunas heat the body from the inside-out, leaving the air more breathable and allowing for a longer sweat. According to the Mayo Clinic, no adverse effects have been reported with infrared saunas, and the lower temperature can make them accessible to people who can’t tolerate the heat of a conventional sauna. Infrared heat can also kill bacteria, creating a more sterile environment. During any Hotbox session, you can add Chromotherapy, the healing power of color. Choose a color based on your mood, such as Calm, Balance, Clarity, Inspired, and Optimism, and your private sauna will be filled with the electromagnetic flow of colored light.

Massage Envy 315 West 9th St. Suite 101 Los Angeles, CA 90015

Need to find the perfect place for customized, affordable and convenient Los Angeles facials and massages? It’s right in your own backyard at Los Angeles Massage Envy. Professional massage or skin care services are performed by licensed therapists and estheticians who care about helping you look and feel your best! Massage therapy can relax your muscles to help relieve common stress, boost overall energy, refresh your mental and emotional outlook and positively impact all aspects of your life. Professional skin care helps expose the skin to beneficial nutrients and improve the cellular regeneration process, so you’ll look and feel healthy. Open 7 days a week with late weeknight and weekend hours.

Explore DTLA’s Little Tokyo!

Founded in the late 1800s, Little Tokyo has grown into a bustling hub of delectable food options, great nightlife, world-class museums, and eclectic shopping. A major attraction is the restaurant and bar scene, but Little Tokyo offers so much more than just great sushi, saki and Japanese whiskey. Venture off the beaten track and you’ll find everything from historic cultural centers to a Buddhist temple, trendy Japanese fashion, sweet shops, and even a glitzy bowling alley! You’ll never run out of fun things to discover when you explore DTLA’s Little Tokyo!

Little Tokyo Koban and Visitor’s Center 307 E 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Need a map or have some questions? Start off at the Little Tokyo Koban and Visitor’s Center, where you can find brochures, maps, newsletters, and flyers about Little Tokyo and the Japanese community.

Japanese American National Museum 100 N Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Japanese American National Museum is the largest museum in the United States dedicated to sharing the experience of Americans of Japanese ancestry. Common Ground: The Heart of Community, their ongoing exhibition, incorporates hundreds of objects, documents, and photographs collected by the museum. The exhibition chronicles 130 years of Japanese American history, beginning with the early days of the Issei pioneers, through the World War II incarceration to the present. Among the many notable artifacts on display is a Heart Mountain barracks, an original structure saved and preserved from the concentration camp in Wyoming.

Union Center for the Arts 120 Judge John Aiso St. A Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Union Center for the Arts anchors the northwestern end of the Little Tokyo Historic District. Completed in 1923, The building was the former Union Church, the combined home of three Japanese American congregations. After suffering severe damage during the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the Little Tokyo Service Center Community Development Corporation completed a multi-million dollar renovation of the building in 1998 to house three arts organizations: East West Players, America’s premier Asian American Theatre; Visual Communications, a nonprofit with the mission to develop and support the voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander filmmakers and media artists; and LA Artcore, an art space dedicated to recognizing diverse artistic accomplishments and bringing innovative exhibits and events to the public.

Shabu-Shabu House 127 Japanese Village Plaza Mall Los Angeles, CA 90012

Locals line up at this no-nonsense spot for cook-it-yourself Japanese shabu-shabu, a Japanese hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables boiled in water and served with dipping sauces, such as ponzo. Choose from 10 pieces or 15 pieces of meat – your meal comes with raw veggies to cook, noodles to boil, and a bowl of steamed rice. Once the soup is ready, simply toss your veggies into the pot and dip your beef into the boiling soup. Lightly dip the cooked items in the ponzu sauce and eat with rice.

X Lanes LA 333 Alameda St. #300 Los Angeles, CA 90013

X Lanes is a splashy 50,000 square-foot venue equipped with state-of-the-art LED lanes, competition felt-quality billiards tables, private karaoke rooms, and retro to modern video games. You can expect to compete with players from all over the world with the high-performance virtual dart machines. X Lanes serves a great selection of American-style grub including appetizers, fresh pizzas, burgers, pastas and even steaks. Planning a party? The venue can accommodate special events up to 500 people!

Q Pop Shop 319 E 2nd St #121, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Q Pop is your one stop destination for unique artist made goods, vinyl toys, rare records, and Japanese funky street fashion. Located in the heart of historic Little Tokyo, Q Pop features beautiful interior design by Justin K Thompson, and two large murals by renowned artists Kevin Dart, Chris Turnham, and Elizabeth Ito. Q Pop is the exclusive southern California seller of Harajuku fashion label Algonquins, as well as the exclusive US seller of Super Lovers. Q Pop is also a mini gallery space where exhibitions, events, and performances take place regularly.

Japanese Village Plaza 335 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

No trip to Little Tokyo would be complete without a stop at this iconic destination. Japanese Village Plaza offers a unique shopping and dining experience in a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere. More than just a historic shopping center, it is a place where customers can come early and stay late for a variety of services, specialty markets, and gift boutiques. Abundant parking is available on Central Avenue, between 1st and 2nd Street.

The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA 152 N Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Located in a former police car warehouse in Little Tokyo’s Historic District, renovated by architect Frank Gehry, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA (formerly The Temporary Contemporary) opened in 1983. Originally established in 1979, MOCA houses one of the most compelling collections of contemporary art in the world, comprising roughly 7000 objects, and has a diverse history of ground-breaking, historically-significant exhibitions. With two distinct venues in Los Angeles—MOCA Grand Avenue, and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA—and Michael Heizer’s seminal artwork Double Negative (1969-70) in the Nevada desert, MOCA strives to engage audiences through an ambitious program of exhibitions, educational programs, and publishing.

Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple 505 E 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90013

Throughout its 2,500 years history, Buddhism has evolved over the years to meet the spiritual needs of the people. The Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple offers a spiritual environment that cultivates individual exploration based on the Buddhadharma. Through self-reflection, we are encouraged to strive for harmony with respect for the differences in our diverse community. The Little Tokyo Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple is an affiliate of one of the oldest and largest denominations in Japan, the Shinshu Otani-ha, with approximately 10,000 temples and 10,000,000 members. It espouses the teachings of Jodo Shinshu, also known as Shin Buddhism, a form of Pure Land Buddhism.

Fugetsu-Do Confectioners 315 East First St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Family owned and operated since 1903, Fugetsu-Do is the longest running mochi business in Little Tokyo. They are famous for their variety of hand made Japanese confections, from small sweet cakes to chocolate filled mochi – a Japanese confection found usually in the shape of a small, round rice cake which can be eaten with condiments such as kinako (roastedsoy bean flour), manju (sweet red bean paste), soy sauce dip, and seaweed. Traditionally, mochi is made by pounding steamed glutinous rice in a large wooden mortar, called the usu, with a wooden mallet called the kine. Mochi was originally made as offerings to kami (gods) at shrines, and eventually became an integral part of the Japanese New Year tradition..

Fun & Games! DTLA’s Best Festivals, Food & Frolics

We all know that Circa residents love to have fun! And downtown LA is bursting at the seams with amazing things to discover, taste and explore. From pop ups and immersive experiences to exotic food markets, a retro arcade extravaganza, and even a wacky video store in East LA – you’ll never have a dull moment sampling DTLA’s best festivals, food and frolics!

LA Fashion Festival PHYLM Studios 2230 S Main St. Los Angeles, CA, 90007

Sept 20-21 LA Fashion Festival @PHYLM Studios in DTLA is back for its second edition! Themed “Sustainability,” The LAFF 2019 program will include daily screenings of fashion films, workshops, masterclasses, pop-ups, lectures, and stimulating experiences. Located in the heart of DTLA, PHYLM Studios is a warehouse stage dedicated to film, photography, art, set builds and various event types. with 12,000 square feet, 3 stages and 13-foot ceilings.

Union Station Retrocade 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Sept 28 & 29 Retrocade is back by popular demand! Union Station guests can step back in time for the ultimate arcade rewind featuring over 50 cabinet games from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s including fan favorites “Pac Man,” “Donkey Kong,” “Mortal Kombat” and “Street Fighter.” In a spin on classic arcade food, ’80s candy and soft drinks will be available, as well as nachos, popcorn and churros from local favorite Mr. Churro along with beer, wine and specialty-themed cocktails.The arcade experience will be set to the sounds of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s” with retro tracks from a house DJ. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to experience the future of gaming with demos on four new Polycade cabinets featuring hit titles from both the past and present including “Asteroids,” “SpeedRunners,” “Centipede” and “Broforce.”

Upside Down Beer Festival Globe Theatre Los Angeles 740 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014

Sept 28 Summer is getting strange in Los Angeles with the Upside Down Beer Festival, inspired by the popular Netflix Show. Guests can enjoy samples of over 20 strange beers including the eggo waffle porter. Enjoy live 80s music from the Supernatural Boys and DJ Eddey Fresh. Explore the dark upside-down basement and beer gardens and try to beat the high scores at our complimentary arcade room. Eat at the waffle shop and wear your best 80s gear.

Everything is Terrible 754 S Atlantic Blvd. East Los Angeles, CA 90022

Ready for something really wacky? Everything is Terrible! is the video and performance collective responsible for some of the internet’s most hilarious and bizarre videos! Culled from the mountains of dead media that have been abandoned by humanity, Everything is Terrible has posted daily re-edits for 11 years. They have also collected over 26,000 Jerry Maguire VHS that will one day live in a permanent pyramid in the desert. Their Jerry Maguire Video Store immersive art installation in Los Angeles was praised by The New York Times, Vice, The Paris Review, and more.

Pinata District 1238 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90021

More than just a place to buy pinatas and party supplies for your next shindig, the Pinata District is a kaleidoscope of street food including birria from Jalisco, pupusas (stuffed flatbreads) from El Salvador, nieve (Mexican sorbet) from Oaxaca, guasanas (Mexican dish consisting of green chickpeas, water and salt) from Michoacan, along with spices, chiles, nute, and a tantalizing array of Latin American candy. While you’re there, make sure you meet some of the market’s more colorful characters, such as the El Churro Boy, El Chapo, the Abuelo of the Corn, and the Cheese Cowboys.

Hello Kitty Pop Up La Plaza Village 555 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

In celebration of Hello Kitty’s 45th Anniversary, Sanrio invites you on a special adventure with Hello Kitty Friends Around the World Tour – a fully immersive, multi-sensory, walk-through experience that takes you around the globe with Hello Kitty and her friends. Explore the 10,000 square foot pop-up as you transport into Hello Kitty’s supercute world and embark on a journey to London, Paris, New York, Honolulu and Tokyo! Finish off your trip at the Baggage Claim gift shop to pick up some souvenirs and commemorate your travels!

ULO Light Leaks ROW DTLA777 Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

ULO (Unidentified Landed Object) is landing at ROW DTLA with three debut “otherworldly” immersive experiences! First to land will be an adaptation of Light Leaks, a mesmerizing festival favorite by world-renowned technology artist Kyle McDonald and Jonas Jongejan, Creative Technologist at Google Creative Lab; curated and produced by NextArt. Light Leaks draws you in with millions of flickering reflections, offering total immersion and transporting you to an abstracted plane built from light, revealing a deeper experience. The secret behind this unique sensation and optical illusion is the artists’ technical wizardry—rather than using projection in its traditional sense, the work is designed by composing 3D functions that capture different properties of space and perception.