What up L.A., It’s gloomy, I’m sick and fresh out of sass, but here is my weekly love letter to you! Here are some fun things to do, with events all over L.A., ranging from SFV to Downey to DTLA. A lot of these are free or low cost, so get out there and have some fun!
No Cruising - NAVEL LA
$5 suggested donation
[dropcap size=big]O[/dropcap]ne of the first LGBTQ+ uprisings against police actually happened right here in L.A. ten years before Stonewall. The Cooper Donuts Riot occurred in 1959 when a group of queer folks revolted against LAPD harassment. No Cruising is a multi-day event full of workshops, performances, discussions exploring queer histories, and strategies of resistance to the police in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Cooper Donuts Riots. No Cruising is the antithesis to corporate Pride celebrations and is raising awareness to the continual policing of queer communities, especially people of color, trans and non-binary people, and sex workers. A portion of the proceeds are going to the California Coalition for Women Prisoners. Get more details here.
When: Thursday, May 16
Where: NAVEL, DTLA
Chulita Vinyl Club at Novacane Bar
Free-$5
[dropcap size=big]C[/dropcap]VC is going to be spinning some bomb records at my favorite bar, The Novacane, which is named after the Frank Ocean song. They will be spinning funk, souldies, and more. The Novacane is a cool Latina owned bar in Huntington Park. There are dope murals on every wall and I really dig the “love fool” cocktail, which basically reminds me of a mangonada just with tequila. If you can’t make it out on Thursday, no worries, there are other opportunities to support your local DJs this weekend. CVC will be at La Cita for their monthly party this Sunday spinning all genres. You can also catch CVC taking over at the Grand Central Market from 6 to 10 pm this Saturday. Peep their IG page for more details here.
When: Thursday, May 16
Where: The Novacane, Huntington Park
Pop-Up Magazine
$39+
[dropcap size=big]S[/dropcap]ome things are truly better offline. The Pop-Up Magazine is basically a “magazine” designed for a stage, a screen, and a live audience. It will be a night of captivating narratives as told by some of the best storytellers in the nation, with contributors from the California Sunday Magazine, the New York Times, The Atlantic, and more. Stories are accompanied by illustration, animation, photography, and an original score by Magik*Magik Orchestra. Hear the tale of one man’s fight for free BK whoppers for life, elaborate Indian weddings, the rise and destruction of an architectural masterpiece in São Paulo, a wild car ride, life away from home for domestic workers, and more. Head over to the ACE Hotel this Friday night to experience Pop-Up Magazine. I went a few years ago and had a blast. I can’t wait to check it out this Friday. Get more details here.
When: Friday, May 17
Where: ACE Hotel, DTLA
Back From Taco Hell
[dropcap size=big]D[/dropcap]id you also miss out on the flan taco everyone loved at Taco Madness? In case you got a case of FOMO like me, here’s another chance to try it out. Join Evil Cooks at The Village Mart & Deli in El Sereno this Friday at 5 pm for chalupas and flan tacos. The Village Mart & Deli is a coffee, pastry, and beer shop located in El Sereno off of Soto street. I will more than likely miss this one, so check out the flan tacos for me? Get more details here.
When: Friday, May 17
Where: The Village Mart & Deli, El Sereno
Therapy for Latinx’s ~ ENLACE Mental Health Celebration
FREE
[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]n case you didn’t know, it’s Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s OK to not be OK and ENLACE is the festival to go to if you want to look into getting help within the community. It's a celebration of Latinx mental health and raises awareness on mental health resources. There will be panels, workshops, vendors, and food. Salvies Who Lunch will be presenting "Stories of Healing and Empowerment." There are some great discussions like Susana Marquez’s Depression Among Single Mamas and a panel about men’s mental health. Get more details here.
When: Saturday, May 18
Where: Plaza de la Raza Gallery, Lincoln Heights
Celebrating Words Festival
FREE
[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he Celebrating Word Festival is the longest running literacy and arts festival in the San Fernando Valley. Hosted by Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore, the Celebrating Words Festival is community space designed to foster expression and creativity. There will be free books for children toddler aged to 12th grade. Head over to Pacoima for poetry, dancing, art, food trucks, music, and more! L.A.’s beloved Salvadoran poet, Yesika Salgado, will also be speaking at the Celebrating Words Festival. Get more details here.
When: Saturday, May 18
Where: Pacoima City Hall, Pacoima
Taco Trucks at Every Mosque
FREE
[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]t’s the Month of Ramadan! Show support for the Muslim community and get some free halal tacos while you’re at it. Latino Muslim Unity is a group of Latinos and Muslim folks, led by Rida Hamida, that are working together to fight hate and white supremacy by uniting communities over tacos – a cause we can get behind. This event starts Saturday at sunset (7 pm) when the Muslim community breaks their fast (iftar). They will do so with halal tacos. Bring a friend and head over to Islah L.A. and learn something new. Full disclosure, I helped organize a lot of Taco Trucks at Every Mosque events last year. It’s really cool. I got to learn a lot about the Muslim community, and eat a LOT of halal tacos. Get more details here.
When: Saturday, May 18
Where: Islah LA, Hyde Park
Mercado Downey
[dropcap size=big]L[/dropcap]ooking for a cool spot to support local vendors? Head over to the Los Amigos Golf Course this Sunday for Mercado Downey. There will be 50+ vendors including XiCali Products, who will be there tonight selling herbal remedies. I’m a huge fan of her “chill pill tincture.” There will also be tacos, desserts, arts, music, and a Selena Costume contest. Get more details here.
When: Sunday, May 19
Where: Los Amigos Golf Course, Downey
