February 13th, 2015 at 8:00 am
Usher in the Year of the Sheep with a number of events throughout Los Angeles’ sizable Chinese community. Chinatown in downtown L.A. is the hub of activities, but other neighborhoods will have their own celebrations and events as well.
The Midnight Temple Ceremony is where thousands gather to make offerings to the deities, set off firecrackers to awaken the spirits, and burn incense to usher in good fortune for the new year. Participants include lion dancers, Buddhist and Taoist monks, heads of family associations, and many others from the Southern California Chinese community. This tradition takes place on the eve of Chinese New Year’s Day and is typically followed by several days of return visits to the temple for blessings and public celebrations.
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February 11th, 2015 at 10:00 am
What:
If a sense of wanderlust has overtaken you, head to the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure show this month. You’ll find great deals, sweepstakes opportunities, and entertainment. The event is sponsored by Los Angeles Magazine and features experts like Rick Steves, Samantha Brown, Pauline Frommer, Peter Greenberg, and Phil Keoghan of “The Amazing Race.”
Where:
Long Beach Convention Center
300 East Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802
When:
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February 10th, 2015 at 10:00 am
What:
President’s Day coincides with the 72nd birthday of the USS Iowa, the West Coast’s only battleship open to the public. Celebrate the historic vessel’s special day pier-side with free cake after the morning opening ceremony featuring local dignitaries, veterans, exhibits, community booths, and food trucks. Then take an optional paid tour after the speeches wind up.
The family-friendly “Battleship of Presidents” in San Pedro combines history with food and beverages, a ’40s jazz band, dancing, a World War II shooting gallery, and other fun activities. See the cake while it’s shipshape, and then grab a slice before they all float away.
Where:
250 S. Harbor Blvd.
San Pedro, CA 90731
When:
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February 9th, 2015 at 10:00 am
What:
Take a free tour of Hollyhock House, one of the few Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the Los Angeles area. The night of Feb. 13 only, the city of Los Angeles and the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation will open the iconic house with a tumultuous past for self-guided tours for 24 hours.
Wealthy oil heiress Aline Barnsdall commissioned Wright to design the massive, almost medieval castle with a Mayan motif in the Los Feliz neighborhood, and construct began in 1913. Named for Barnsdall’s favorite flower, it had 17 rooms, seven bathrooms and a central garden court. But she detested the house so much, she arranged to give it away before it was finished.
Following its recent restoration, Hollyhock House will reopen for paid, self-guided day tours Thursdays through Sundays on Feb. 15. Photography not permitted.
Where:
Barnsdall Art Park Foundation
4800 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
When:
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February 3rd, 2015 at 10:00 am
What:
It’s all about bacon at the Third Annual Los Angeles Bacon Festival at the Paramount Studios New York Streets back lot. Sample bacon-themed dishes from participating providers, enjoy unlimited beer from the 20 onsite breweries, and revel in the festivities that celebrate perhaps the country’s favorite food.
Where:
Paramount Pictures
New York Streets Back Lot
5555 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
When:
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