LA's First Non-Alcoholic Bar Opens, and Everything Else to Do This Weekend in LA
There's lots of sober and wellness fun to be had this weekend, from cat art to rollerskating and beyond.
It’s winter in LA; you may not be able to tell from the weather, but at 4:30, long after the sun has set, there’s an unmistakable hush around the city. Things are calmer, with fewer tourists in town and every agent, manager, and development exec in the business pushing meetings and promising to circle back after Sundance. That means it’s a great time to get out of town, maybe for a quick drive up into the mountains or a cruise up the coast for wine tasting. It’s also a great time to stay in town, to explore a different neighborhood or hit some of the city’s all-time greats.
Where to Eat and Drink in Los Angeles
Now open
Chinatown, Prices vary
We mentioned it in our guide to non-alcoholic things to do in LA, and now, in plenty of time for the back half of dry/damp/ok-maybe-one-less-per-night January, STAY is officially open. LA’s first zero-proof cocktail bar has drinks from acclaimed non-alc beverage director Derek Brown, the author of the book Mindful Drinking. Drinks are based on the 12 Zodiac signs, with vegan bar bites and DJ nights to go along with your evenings of sober fun.
Opening January 19
Echo Park, Prices vary
You down with OPT (other people’s toppings)? If so, you’re gonna definitely want to hit this punny new Neapolitan pizzeria in the former Slasher space, which has been re-pied by the former pop-up Naughty Pie Nature. Check out nostalgically named pies like the Morty McFly (lemon ricotta, mozzarella, pistachio, chili flakes, mortadella, parmesan, and basil) and the egg-and-bacon-topped Wake And Bake.
January 19
Santa Monica, $75
The title says it all, but here are some more details on Grilled Cheese and Beer night at Andrew’s Cheese Shop in case that’s not enough for you to just go for it: the price includes a starter salad and four grilled cheese courses, each paired with a specialty beer; there’s also a dessert Imperial Stout Float with French Vanilla Ice Cream.
Fun Festivals in Los Angeles
January 19–21
Playa Vista, Free entry
If you’re a cat owner and you’re not excited about this kitty art show, you’re (fe-)lyin’ to yourself: this star-studded show highlights artists’ take on man’s second-best friend. Former participants have included the likes of Shepard Fairy and Norman Reedus. There will be over 60 exhibits, and all the art is for sale, with 10% of proceeds going to an animal-treatment charity,
January 21
DTLA, Free entry
LA's beloved weekly food stall extravaganza is back for 2024 with a slew of new vendors, including Battambong BBQ, a rising star in the Cambodian/Texas barbecue game, photogenic candied fruit skewers from HGG Tanghulu, insane burgers from Softies, and fried shrimp and grilled Korean short ribs from Taste of the Pacific. Of course there are tons of returning favorites like Goat Mafia and Lobsterdamus, and a bunch of themed dates with special vendors coming up as well.
More Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles
Friday, January 19
Downtown, $15 and up
If you made it uncuffed through cuffing season, now’s your chance to remedy that situation(ship)—it’s a bar full of self-proclaimed chaotic singles ready to meet each other and… that’s sorta it. There’ll be some icebreaker games and there are prize giveaways, though the rules to get them are sort of unclear in a fun way, so go nuts for your chance to win—prizes and hearts, that is.
January 19
Glendale, $20
Throw on your best Ziggy Stardust costume and head to the classic skate rink Moonlight Rollerway for this all-night tribute to the Thin White Duke. Rather than the usual jams, they’ll be DJing hits and deep-cuts, though, let’s be honest, “Let’s Dance” should be a rollerskating banger whether or not it’s a special themed night.
January 21
Location TBA, $66 and up
New Year, new woo-woo? That’s the deal with this one-day wellness retreat, which promises to help you get rid of painful memories and traumatic experiences through workshops, cold plunges, music, movement, yoga, and more. There’s also a tea ceremony from The Yummy Heart, and a plant-based potluck lunch for attendees, so bring your best dish.