Welcome back to GTFO LA!, your guide to the best stuff to do in Los Angeles every weekend, designed to get you out of the f*cking house. It's Memorial Day Weekend and if you haven't heard, traveling out of town is going to be a pain. We've got some metal mariachi, food fests and other events that won't make you want to leave L.A. anyway.
Friday, May 25
The People's Home Exhibition
Native Americans are often left out of many conversations happening across the U.S. When it comes to homelessness, the United American Indian Involvement (UAII), founded in 1974, has created a space that supports homeless Native Americans. The nonprofit was established to provide shelter and food for Native Americans living on Skid Row in downtown LA. UAII has become the largest one-stop human services provider for Native Americans and currently serves members from over 200 tribes. On exhibit now is The People's Home which shares the hope and resilience of the people the UAII has served as well as the early beginnings of the UAII itself. Polaroids and snapshots chronicle the UAII and its powerful story. More info here.
Lebowski Fest
It's been 20 years since Jeff Bridges brought the iconic character " The Dude" to life in the 1998 crime comedy movie,"The Big Lebowski". Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski, is just a dude that lives in Venice and loves bowling, weed and White Russians, but when he gets mistaken for a millionaire, his life gets turned upside down. The Wiltern is celebrating the cult classic's birthday with a concert featuring music by Kyle Gass Band (Tenacious D) and other special guests. The night will end with a huge screening of the movie itself and will feature a cast meet and greet. More info here.
Saturday, May 26
Eat Drink Vegan: The Vegan Beer & Food Festival
Feast on over 100 vegan restaurant and food vendor options as well as unlimited pours of over 250 drink choices this Saturday at Eat Drink Vegan. The food and beer fest will also have over 100 shops in the vegan marketplace plus yoga and wine. Looking for new food recipes or tips? Catch the culinary demos and wellness brands. A general admission ticket includes a 4oz tasting glass and unlimited pours of beer, wine, cider and more. Originally known as the Vegan Beer and Food Festival, the event was created so vegan beer lovers could enjoy a fest that was animal product free, so all you have to bring is an empty belly. More info here.
Revolutionario North African Taco
If you're looking for a food event with more variety ( we're talking meat) check out Revolutionario North African Taco's three-year anniversary celebration. As you might have heard, the former Taco Madness winners started a campaign to keep their doors open. Well, we've got good news! They have new lease and building to celebrate! Their new shop will feature a halal food cart in front of their restaurant on Saturdays. For the whole month of Ramadan, they are celebrating Indian food, so this Saturday join them for spiced egg and paneer cheese wrap, Tawa chicken fry, Lamb tawa and other Indian flavors. More info here.
Metalachi
We've never heard of a metal mariachi band, but tbh Metalachi sounds pretty badass. Metalachi is the world's first and only mariachi metal band. The six-piece band, formed in 1982, hails from Mexico and promises an insane stage show. They've built a following that includes some rock ' n' roll legends. Pantera's Vinnie Paul says the show is "absolutely a blast with great musicianship and awesome humor." Saturday is your chance to catch all the hair and sombreros live in Pasadena. More info here.
Sunday, May 27
The L.A. Zine Fest
Celebrate and support D.I.Y publishing at this year's L.A. Zine Fest. The fest has been happening since 2011 and this year is featuring 200 zine makers, writers, photographers, comic creators, illustrators and more in Pasadena. According to art website Hyperallergic, the zine scene is booming in L.A and the L.A. Zine Fest is the last zine fest of the year they recommend. If your looking for more than zines, the fest is also featuring readings, talks and workshops. More info here.
