Oh, hello there! I hope you’re well, and up for some wholesome family festivities this week that are a bit more PG for the little ones. There are, however, still plenty of 21+ events for you to enjoy as well, including most – if not all – of the holiday related events posted in the last 2 editions of TWA, with a promise of more to come. We also have arts and culture happenings, per usual, community stuff, and a pair of very cool and unique fundraising events that are sure to please – including a heads up for the highly anticipated, annual Larchmont Family Fair happening a week from now, on Sunday, October 29 in Larchmont Village. See you around!
Arts, Culture, and FUNdraisers
On Saturday, October 21, Grand Ave Arts: All Access, one of LA’s longest running free open house events for arts and culture exploration, returns for its seventh year of giving Angelenos a FREE Day of Arts Experiences along DTLA’s Cultural Corridor. Enjoy pop-up performances, workshops, tours, family-friendly activities, exhibits, sidewalk sales, and more, offered by 14 of LA’s world-class arts and cultural institutions, from the LA Phil to the LA Central Library. Choose your own arts adventure as you make your way through the corridor – stop to play an instrument, learn a craft, and even turn yourself into an Andy Warhol portrait—the sky’s the limit! The scope of events taking place showcases the broadness of offerings from DTLA’s museums, performing arts orgs, theatres, schools, civic institutions, and public venues. The event is FREE; RSVPs are appreciated. The day’s events take place from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. An info table will be located at the corner of Grand and 2nd. Click here for map.
Hindsight is 20/20, the elders say, and I realize now that I should’ve done a heads up for this one last week, but luckily tickets are still available! The annual FORT: LA Mosaic Mansion Fundraiser and Auction just happens to be happening this Saturday, October 21 from 4-7 p.m., and the folks at FORT would love for you to be a part of it. Come help The Friends of Residential Treasures celebrate the history and influence of LA residential architecture at a one-of-a-kind private residence tucked away in the Hollywood Hills. Guests will enjoy live piano performances in the grand salon (how swanky!), a silent auction with some amazing experiences to bid on, and colorful cocktails befitting of George Ehling himself. Tickets start at $150 (kids under 18 are $75). And don’t forget to check out FORT’s Haunted House Trails for Halloween – sign up here and receive your secret maps!
In addition to Halloween, it’s also fundraising gala season, so dust off your lipstick case, bowtie, and fancy wear for the Craft Contemporary’s Annual Benefit + Auction taking place this Saturday, October 21. Enjoy an extraordinary evening honoring Executive Director Suzanne Isken and celebrating the opening of CC’s fall exhibits. This annual fundraiser brings together contemporary craft artists and supporters to celebrate the museum’s mission to promote the potential of craft. The evening will include an intimate cocktail reception and auction, followed by a lively museum-wide party hosted by Coaxial Arts featuring artist activations, special performances, and more. Proceeds from the Benefit provide critical support for the museum’s exhibitions and educational initiatives. Reception and Auction from 6-8 p.m. It’s Party Time from 8-10 p.m. Tickets start at $75, but even if you can’t attend – donations are still welcome and appreciated.
“Mid-Century Matters – The Ebell in the 1950s – Who We Were, What We Wore” is the theme of this year’s Ebell Charter Day: Luncheon & Fashion Show happening on Monday, October 23 at 11 a.m. In the 1950s, The Ebell, a 2,300 member strong club at the time, was entering a phase of transition as “the members faced a changing world and a time of confidence and optimism built on a dynamic economy and a victorious peace.” Join the club this Charter Day, to share the accomplishments and learn more about the mid-century Ebell, with facts and photos from the archives and live modeling of fashions from its fabulous costume collection, accompanied by music, music, and more music. Tickets are $45 Members and $60 for Non-members. And this 129 years-young women’s club has even more tricks up its sleeve throughout the week, with additional offerings of Line Dancing, Charcoal Drawing, and an AALAO Music Recital.
So, you’ve made it to another hump day, and to reward this small victory, how does an an evening with iconoclast Werner Herzog in the beautiful lounge of the historic Ebell Los Angeles sound? On Wednesday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m., Writers Bloc presents World Renowned Visionary Werner Herzog in conversation with WGA award-winning author and screenwriter Tom Bissell, discussing his new memoir Every Man for Himself and God Against All. Herzog is considered one of the most thrilling directors of our time – whose own story of growing up in extreme poverty in post WWII Germany, could almost best that of his greatest films – who made his first feature film, Aguirre: The Wrath of God, at the tender age of 19 and which won him dozens of prestigious international awards. Tickets are $25 or $48 with book. Please note that pre-ordered books must be picked up at the event. The host also requests that you please wear a mask at the program. Thank you in advance.
Local Government, Community, and Seasonal Family Fun
Local runners, unite! The Larchmont Running Club officially started on July 8, 2023 and it just keeps on growing. This month’s run will leave from 100 N. Larchmont Blvd. (Bank of America Bldg) at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 21. The group runs on the second Saturday of every month at 9:15 a.m., leaving from the same spot at 100 Larchmont. Whether you’re a newb or training for a marathon, all levels are welcome. Following the run, the group meets for coffee – or your beverage of choice – for a little bonding sesh. So, come meet other runners in your community and make a new friend or two!
Next up is the 89th annual Original Farmers Market Family-Fun-Fall-Fest. Come one, come all to the OFM this Saturday and Sunday, October 21-22 for LA’s favorite harvest festival and The Market’s most beloved and oldest tradition, complete with its own pumpkin patch, petting zoo, fall themed games, live music, kids crafts, and the all-important photo opps! Live music will include old-time country, rockabilly, Texas blues, and rhythm and blues. There will also be pop-ups throughout the festival, including fan favorites Kaylin + Kaylin Pickles, and El Granjero Beer Garden. And not to be outdone, “the Market’s new Fall look will make a walk through the Market a picture-perfect delight.” Come for the down-home good time and stay for the food and shopping! Fest takes place from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Click here for flyer.
And courtesy of Boo at the LA Zoo, there’s even more family fun to be had this weekend and next, Saturday and Sunday, October 21-22 and 28-29. The Halloween spirit will be in full swing for two frightfully fun weekends at the LA Zoo, with trick-or-treating stations scattered throughout (offering wildlife-friendly candies made with sustainable ingredients); animal pumpkin feedings; “fang-tastic” photo ops; spooky story times; education stations; an extinct animal graveyard, where visitors can honor dearly departed species and learn how to help save at-risk wildlife today. And don’t forget to visit “The Lair,” where you’ll come face-to-face with rare snakes, poisonous frogs, and venomous lizards! Costumes are encouraged. Please check the website for a full schedule of events and times. Festivities are free with paid Zoo admission or GLAZA membership. And don’t forget to bring your own bag for all that candy!
Formerly known as the Westside Jewish Community Center (WJCC), the newly branded “J Los Angeles” is throwing its seasonal hat in the ring by hosting a Fall Fest all its own. On Sunday, October 22, The J is bringing the season of falling leaves and cooler temperatures to the public, via music, tasty treats, activities, sports, and more! Get ready for a day of laughter, games, fun, and food. Bring your friends and family on over for an exciting opportunity to celebrate the season with your community. This event is FREE; kindly Register in Advance. For questions or more info please contact Edana Appel, Director of Camp and Family Programs, at [email protected]. JLA is located at 5870 Olympic Blvd. The Fun happens from 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Your local NC, the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council, has just one meeting on the schedule this week and it’s for the Land Use Committee on Tuesday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marlborough School, Board Room (C115), 250 S. Rossmore Ave. Parking in the lot off of 3rd St. Check the website for cancellations, agendas, and full schedule here.
And closing out LG&C this week is the Mid City West Neighborhood Council, also back in action with a meeting for its Social & Racial Equity Committee on Monday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. and Transportation & Sustainability Committee on Wednesday, October 25 at 7 p.m. With the Executive Committee closing things out on Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m. Check Mid City’s calendar for details, agendas, and full schedule. All MCW meetings are held at the Pan Pacific Park Senior Center (lunch room) located at 141 S. Gardner St.
