Game On: 9 Fun Ways to Play in LA

LA is full of surprises! From games and arcades to experiential entertainment, there’s always something new to discover. Did you know that some of your favorite bars and breweries host game nights? Or gather your friends to shoot some pool, book a bowling night in Little Tokyo, or get immersed in a futuristic escape room. No matter how you choose to play, you’ll always find a fun way when you make Circa your home!

Lucky Strike LA Live near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Lucky Strike LA Live 800 W Olympic Blvd. Ste. 250, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Nestled just steps away from the Crypto.com Arena, Lucky Strike LA Live is the perfect place to roll a few frames, shoot some pool, and enjoy delicious cocktails and tasty bites. Featuring 18 premium lanes, tons of screens to catch all the big games, and plenty of tasty cuisine to fuel your fun, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Check out the luxury suite that offers a private setting with four lanes, two billiards tables, and a private bar.

Angel City Brewery near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Angel City Brewery 216 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

You’ll find games galore at the spacious Angel City Brewery. Just walk to the back and locate the shelves behind the stairwell. There you’ll find many classic and nostalgic games, including Candy Land, Sorry, Clue, Uno, Taboo and dominoes. Every Tuesday celebrate all things “T” with tacos and trivia..Downtown Taco Co. will be serving up their grilled tacos, and you can exercise your brains with trivia from King Trivia. Gameplay is free. Check their website to see the current beer selection.

Rhythm Room L.A. near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Rhythm Room L.A. 206 W 6th St. BSMT, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Located in the basement of the Hayward Manor Apartments, Rhythm Room L.A. is an underground speakeasy bar & lounge offering a slew of games including chess, checkers, board games, darts, pool, foosball and more, along with regular live jazz performances. The Rhythm Room name was inspired by a turn of the century underground jazz speakeasy located in what is still today the heart of DTLA. The revival of Rhythm Room at the Hotel Hayward channels the same spirit from the 1940s – simply a great local joint where friends can congregate, catch up over light bites, and enjoy a drink or two. 

Two Bit Circus near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Two Bit Circus 634 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

The world’s first Micro-Amusement Park™, Two Bit Circus is an experiential entertainment company showcasing the future of fun and bringing people together through VR, escape rooms, re-imagined arcade games, immersive theater, and other new forms of entertainment. Get your whole body into the action with high-tech updates to Midway-style games. Pop balloons, race trains, and even demolish a building or two. Then fuel up at the Box Car cafe, because playing games is hard work!


Arts District Brewing Company near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Arts District Brewing Company 828 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013

If you’re ready for a lively game of Skee-Ball, then head on out to Arts District Brewing Company, where you’ll find an arcade with several lanes to enjoy this classic alley roller game. Play a couple of rounds while you enjoy a drink before or after you sit down for a meal. With a full bar of offerings, folks can enjoy a rotating selection of 30 craft beers, cocktails, and wine. INSIDER TIP: Be on the lookout for events like Free Skee Mondays and Taco Tuesday.

EightyTwo nightlife destination near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

EightyTwo 707 E 4th Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Part vintage arcade, part lounge venue, part nightlife destination, and part communal retail and recreational space, EightyTwo features over 55 vintage pinball and arcade machines, a full bar with 10 draft beers and seasonal craft cocktails, 3000 square feet of outdoor green patio space, and a listening bar with a full-time DJ program. Entry is always free of charge and on a first-come first-served basis. Reservations are not required.

XLanes LA near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

XLanes LA 333 Alameda St. Los Angeles 90013

Located on the third floor of the Little Tokyo Galleria, XLanes offers over 50,000 square feet of fun including 30 bowling lanes, over 80 arcade games, billiards tables, a full bar, restaurant, and karaoke. Explore, entertain, and take your party to the next level. 

The Spare Room at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Spare Room Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

The Spare Room is a luxe gaming parlor and cocktail lounge located in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Complete with two vintage bowling lanes and some unexpected touches, it is a place built on social interaction that brings groups together by their passion for innovative cocktails, music, design, and the camaraderie of gaming. The bar has a collection of more than 15 high-end, high-quality, classic games like Monopoly, backgammon, Connect 4 and Scrabble. Before you go, check the website to make sure the venue is not hosting a private event.

Hometown Brew Haus near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Homebound Brew Haus Union Station 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Homebound is a raucous Dodger-loving Brew Haus and beer garden stashed away in LA’s Union Station. Watch live sports, shoot some pool, play a game of shuffleboard, and enjoy beer from their extensive tap list, along with a full bar and tasty menu including brats, specialty sausages, burgers, pretzels, and shareable bites.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Rhythm Room L.A.

Photo #2: Lucky Strike LA Live

Photo #3: Angel City Brewery

Photo #4:  Rhythm Room L.A.

Photo #5: Two Bit Circus

Photo #6: Arts District Brewing Company

Photo #7: EightyTwo

Photo #8: XLanes LA

Photo #9: The Spare Room

Photo #10: Hometown Brew Haus 

Food, Festivals & Fun Frolics: What to Do in LA Now

Los Angeles is full of surprises – and this month is no exception! It’s time to branch out and discover some new neighborhoods, venues and experiences. Fun and frolics abound if you just know where to look. From delicious dining to immersive entertainment, craft workshops, art & cinema, and even a luscious rosé wine festival, here’s your curated guide to what’s happening in LA now. Circa residents, please check websites for reservations and hours.

Redbird LA near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Dine LA Restaurant Week  Various Locations

April 1 -15 Dine LA Restaurant Week showcases Los Angeles as a premier dining destination while highlighting the diversity of culinary experiences L.A. has to offer. Enjoy special lunch and dinner menus at hundreds of local restaurants. During the Spring 2022 event, in addition to dine-in, there are also menu options for take-out. No tickets or passes required for Dine LA Restaurant Week. Simply dine out at a participating restaurant, ask for the Dine LA Restaurant Week menu, and try a new dish or enjoy an old favorite. Advance reservations and ordering are strongly recommended. Pictured: Redbird 

Brewery Artwalk near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Brewery Artwalk 2100 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90031

April 9 & 10 The Brewery Artwalk is a twice annual open studio weekend at the worlds largest art complex. With over 100 participating resident artists, you will have the opportunity to see new works, discover new favorites, speak with the artists, and purchase artwork directly from the artists’ studios. Admission and parking are free.

Wisdome LA

Daft Punk Dome Experience Wisdome 1147 Palmetto St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

April 8 & 9 Daft Punk Pyramid Dome Experience takes you to a multi-sensory dance party meets immersive space opera inspired by the legendary duo. Under a 12,000 sq. ft. domed screen, take in the state of the art LED Pyramid stage, stunning 360 projection mapping, and transportive musical production featuring live sets from ONE MORE TIME. Wisdome is LA’s first and largest immersive art and music dome park with five domes, including three with 360-degree projection mapping technology.

Rose Wine Festival near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Rosé Wine Festival Rose Bowl Stadium 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. Pasadena, CA. 91103

April 9  Embrace the much-loved European culture of rosé. The greatest rosé wine event in Los Angeles arrives at the Rose Bowl this April. Uncork and unwind with over +30 samples of delicious rosé wines. gourmet food, and live music. Purchase includes a branded wine glass and pours of your favorite rosé. Food is available for purchase.

Rooftop Cinema Club near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Rooftop Cinema Club 888 South Olive St. 4th floor at Level Los Angeles, CA 90014

Come early to take in the views and play table games with the city as your backdrop. Select your seats, grab a drink and snack on classic cinema concessions, available with contactless order and pickup. When the movie starts, you’ll be able to live completely in those movie moments with state-of-the-art wireless headphones and an amazing view of the big screen. Concession stands offer popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, candy, movie snacks and soft drinks. Bar partner Hi-Lo brings the best of the local LA craft beer scene, along with regional wines, and fresh spritz and mocktail concoctions. 

Bridgerton Experience near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Bridgerton Experience Millennium Biltmore Hotel 506 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Amidst such sophistication, who shall rise as the diamond of the season? Find out at The Queen’s Ball, an immersive Bridgerton experience transporting you to the Regency era. Prepare to mingle with other members of the Ton, and partake in an evening of music and dance featuring acrobatic performances, interactive experiences, a stunning dance show, delicious cocktails, and much more, all accompanied by the iconic Bridgerton soundtrack. Get tickets HERE

Legally Blond The Musical near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Legally Blond: The Musical The Hollywood Majestic 671 N Berendo St. Los Angeles, CA 90004

Get ready to Bend and Snap to Cupcake Theater company’s Legally Blonde, the hit Broadway musical. This star-studded spectacle features a huge cast of Los Angeles theater veterans performing the story of a sorority girl at Harvard Law. But wait, there’s more! American Idol’s fan favorite, Margie Mays, will be starring as Elle Woods. After her phenomenal two-season run on the show, it will be Margie’s first time performing such an iconic role. 

Two Bit Circus near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Two Bit Circus 634 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Billing itself as he world’s first Micro-Amusement Park™, Two Bit Circus is an experiential entertainment playspace where fun-seekers of all ages can gather and play. The park promises an ever-changing landscape of immersive entertainment; including multi-person virtual reality, narrative-based escape/story rooms, indie arcades, and liberal use of lasers and robots. As a social playspace, the venues are also a launchpad for new technologies and aim to bring ideas from designers, inventors, makers, engineers, storytellers and more from concept to reality.

Smorgasburg near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

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

Smorgasburg LA is the largest weekly open-air food market in Los Angeles, open each Sunday from 10AM – 4PM. Discover dozens of exciting food vendors, plus sophisticated shopping from the realms of design, craft, style, vintage, wellness, and more. A parking garage for more than 4,000 cars is available at ROW DTLA with one hour free parking. Sorry, no pets allowed. 

The Pickwick Vintage Show near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Pickwick Vintage Show ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

The Pickwick Vintage Show is back at ROW DTLA. Presenting the best In vintage from all eras, they will be featuring a great assortment of vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, and inspiration from over 45 local vendors, They open at 10AM for early buyers, 12 noon for general admission, and will be open through 4PM. Tickets are available for purchase at the door. See show dates HERE

Makers Mess near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Makers Mess Workshops ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Grab a friend and come get crafty. Makers Mess is a creative art studio that offers art and design classes for kids and adults. They support artists by cultivating opportunities for them to share their knowledge with individuals, groups and companies. They not only deliver workshops, but also host events, parties, and anything that needs some added creativity. Workshops include dried floral wreath kits, wood burning kits, candle kits, and so much more.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Dine LA/LA Parent

Photo #2: Redbird LA

Photo #3: Brewery Artwalk

Photo #4: Wisdome LA

Photo #5: Rose Wine Festival

Photo #6: Rooftop Cinema Club

Photo #7: Bridgerton Experience

Photo #8: Legally Blond: The Musical

Photo #9: Two Bit Circus

Photo #10: Smorgasburg LA

Photo #11: The Pickwick Vintage Show

Photo #12: Makers Mess

Things to Do in DTLA: Fun Frolics & Hidden Gems!

Looking for something different to do in DTLA? Of course there’s the expected slew of restaurant openings, hot new shops, and cool brewpubs––and who’s complaining! But if you stray a bit off the beaten track, you’ll find that our city is teeming with unusual diversions, fun frolics, and hidden gems, just waiting to be discovered.

Two Bit Circus

Two Bit Circus 634 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Billing itself as he world’s first Micro-Amusement Park™, Two Bit Circus is an experiential entertainment playspace where fun-seekers of all ages can gather and play. The park promises an ever-changing landscape of immersive entertainment; including multi-person virtual reality, narrative-based escape/story rooms, indie arcades, molecular mixology and liberal use of lasers and robots. As a brand new type of social playspace (Two Bit Circus just opened in September 2018), the venues are also a launchpad for new technologies and aim to bring ideas from designers, inventors, makers, engineers, storytellers and more from concept to reality. Sounds like a blast? Make reservations here.

Escape Room L.A

Escape Room L.A. 120 E 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Imagine yourself in a real-life adventure game filled with mysterious puzzles and brain-teasing clues! Escape Room LA. immerses you in a choice of five extraordinary environments, from a 1940’s detective office to a mystifying underground cavern, an ancient Mayan pyramid, an old haunted theatre, or a medieval alchemist’s secret laboratory. Gamers have to solve a series of challenging clues and puzzles and escape before their time runs out! Before the game, friendly  Escape Room staffers will review the rules and answer any questions before your countdown to escape begins. Never fear, if you don’t make your way out before time’s up, the door will be unlocked. At the end of your game, the staff will recap your accomplishments and explain how to solve the remaining puzzles inside the room. Plan on spending a total of about 90 minutes from start to finish. Buy tickets here.

Smorgasburg LA

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

Launched in June of 2016, Smorgasburg LA has become the largest weekly open-air food market in Los Angeles, attracting 8,000 to 12,000 attendees every Sunday, year round. Located on the five-acre site of the weekday 7th Street Produce Market in ROW DTLA, Smorgasburg LA features over 90 food vendors, a beer garden offering local craft beer and micheladas, live DJs, cultural events, pop-ups, and sophisticated shopping including design, craft, style, vintage, wellness, and more. Sundays, 10 AM – 4 PM. Sorry, no pets allowed.

Velaslavasay Panorama

The Velaslavasay Panorama 1122 West 24th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Drawing on the illustrious history of the great panorama paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries, The Velaslavasay Panorama is an exhibition hall, theatre and garden dedicated to the production and presentation of unusual visual experiences, including those of the 360-degree variety. The Velaslavasay Panorama panoramic exhibition encircles the spectator within a fully enveloping atmosphere; a vast painting of a continuous surrounding landscape, accompanied by sound stimulation and three-dimensional elements, affords the viewer an opportunity to experience a complete sensory phenomenon.

Peace Awareness Labyrinth2

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens 3500 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018

Need to unwind your mind? Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens was established by the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness as a non-profit center dedicated to peace and spirituality. Called a “Spiritual Oasis in the City,” its purpose is to provide a place for people to take time out of their busy lives to visit, reflect, and be rejuvenated by the peace and solace of nature. The centerpiece of the property is an outdoor stone labyrinth, using the same design as the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth. The spectacular Asian-themed meditation garden presents sixteen water features, a koi pond, and intimate seating areas tucked away to reflect, repose, meditate, while a pergola and courtyard gardens offer additional areas to enjoy. Classes and workshops exploring topics focusing on personal growth and practical spirituality are offered weekly. Complimentary admission here.

Tunnel Tour

Underground L.A. Cartwheel Art Tours

Cartwheel Art Tours pulls back the curtain on LA’s “underground” past, from notorious Prohibition-era murders to infamous speakeasy haunts frequented by the Old Hollywood elite. Tours include a few stops under the busy streets of DTLA to discover a century-old tunnel and speakeasies, alongside more modern interpretations of the city’s hidden watering holes. Based in the DTLA Arts District, Cartwheel Art creates and produces immersive, neighborhood explorations and experiences designed by founder Cindy Schwarzstein, a hands-on active member of the Los Angeles arts community. The tours are offered as an opportunity to engage individuals and groups in art, food and historical adventure, with a focus on supporting local artists and artisan businesses. Buy tickets here.

Velveteria

Velveteria: The Museum of Velvet Art  711 New High St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Velveteria is a velvet painting museum located in Chinatown, curated by owners Caren Anderson and Carl Baldwin. The museum features over 420 paintings culled from the couple’s 3,000 piece collection, gathered from every corner of the world. An ancient technique, velvet painting is thought to have originated in Kashmir, the homeland of the fabric. Traditional paintings were generally religious and portrayed the icons of the Caucasus region. Marco Polo and others introduced black velvet paintings to Western Europe, and some of these early works still hang in the Vatican Museum. In 20th century America, black velvet paintings attained full-on cult status, depicting imagery from pop culture such as the classic “Velvet Elvis.”