3 Reasons to Head to the Desert This Weekend That Aren’t Coachella
Plus, things to do in LA for those staying in the city this weekend.
Spring is the best season in LA, or it’s at least tied for first. Yeah, it’s probably tied for best season with fall, summer, winter, Dodger, and mariscos. Days are warm and getting longer, nights are crisp and cool, and it’s the perfect time to get outdoors. Ring in the beautiful weather with a quick getaway, lounge poolside in the desert, and if you're staying in LA, the whole city feels alive, whether you want to hike up to the Hollywood Sign or try your luck at getting admission to one of the city's hottest, members-only clubs. And if you’re looking for something a little more timely, we’ve put together this handy guide to the best things to do in LA this weekend.
Food and Drink Events in Los Angeles
Opens this week
Koreatown, Prices vary
This new heart-of-Koreatown comfort-food restaurant can’t be visited without ordering their signature dish: a gigantic pork cutlet, tenderized and deep-fried for crispy meat nirvana. Also on the docket: spicy cold wheat noodles and a ragu spaghetti.
April 19
Thai Town, $45
Perennial best-Thai-food-in-LA contender Jitlada is next-leveling their dinner experience for one night only in this collab with fr_m_d, which is going to include not just a four-course meal but projection mapping, live drawing, and a gift bag (of course, the added bonus is being in the presence of chef Jazz Singsanong’s ultra-positive energy.)
April 19–20
Dana Point, $79–$225
This beachside celebration of all things grape-and-fermented returns to Dana Point with both the main event (with dozens of wineries presenting pours as well as bites and a Caribbean steel drum band) and a nighttime rare and reserve tasting with hard-to-find bottles. Plus, there will be artisanal cheeses, breads, olive oil, and chocolates to sample.
Music Events in the Desert
April 12–14
Indio, Prices vary
The world’s most influential music festival is back again in the desert, and there are still tickets for Weekend 2. Like the first weekend, the official lineup features headliners Lana Del Rey, Tyler the Creator, and Doja Cat (with a No Doubt reunion on the docket as well), plus hundreds of additional acts, from Blur to J Balvin, and can’t-miss up-and-comers including Chappell Roan, Jockstrap, and Blonde:ish. Keep in mind, the surprises for the first weekend included appearances from Olivia Rodrigo, Shakira, and Vampire Weekend, so we're in for some good stuff. Still the best festival in the world.
April 19–20
Palm Springs, $40–$75
If Coachella is out of the cards this weekend, Goldenvoice, the company behind the original Coachella, has you covered. This year, the company is debuting the Surf Club music festival, held at the massive surf club in Palm Springs. Weekend two is just $75 for two days ($40 if you only want to go one day) and features a bunch of acts including Jungle, Skream & Benga, and Neil Frances.
Cultural Events in Los Angeles
April 20
Los Feliz, Free
If you're feeling extra wholesome this 4/20, get yourself to the Bird Sanctuary at Griffith Park for this day of service to the earth, which includes not just bird watching but workshops on and planting of native plants.
April 20
West Hollywood, Free
If wholesome's not your style and you're leaning a bit more decadent, the Studio Lounge at the Artist’s Tree in WeHo is the place to be. The consumption lounge is throwing their two year anniversary bash with a menagerie of weed products: Canna-cocktails from PBR from 2–4pm, a bong bar and DJs all day, two different dab bars, a 4:20 toast, and tons more.
April 21
DTLA, Free
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is an LA cultural touchstone, and this one-day celebration of the institution brings out both fans and stars to celebrate the best puppet theater in the world. Appearing for sure this year are David Arquette, Kate Micuchi, and Sid Krofft (AKA the grandfather of puppetry); there’s also an all-day carnival with music and games and a pie fight to end the day.