The second month of 2023 has already arrive and you may be wondering what to do? This year February in Los Angeles has many more options for you than just love and the Superbowl. We have a list of some of our favorites with a variety of awesome and interesting activities to choose from.
We will have some Valentines suggestions for you as well of course in later articles but for these February recommendations just prepare for fun, entertainment, and cultural activities. With another busy month of activities in Los Angeles you can look forward to free museum days, community gatherings, outdoor fun, and healthy activities, cool bars, and more. Hope you enjoy and show some love to the City of Angeles on Valentines month!
1 – Blockbuster Pop Up Bar
Description:
Did you know that not so long ago when you wanted to rent a movie you actually had to leave the house? Yes there was once a time when you climbed in the car with your friends and spent hours wandering the aisles to find the perfect movie at your local Blockbuster.
The home video and video game rental store giant once had shops all around the world. At its peak in 2002 the company was worth 5 Billion and had over 9,000 stores! It had a dramatic fall from there but Blockbuster video was the hot spot in the 90s and very early 2000s for at home movie nights, and it made its own appearances in several movie scenes, and TV shows too.
Because of its nostalgic place in our lives many people fondly reminisce about the good old days of a Blockbuster night. Well now only in LA for a limited time, you can recapture some of that with a speakeasy style Blockbuster Pop up Bar. Check it out before its gone! You will find a very cool storefront looking like the video store back in the days but with cocktail pictures instead of movies.
Below is from their website.
“We’re bringing back Blockbuster in this one-of-a-kind immersive Blockbuster drinking experience. It’s completely inspired by those days in the 90s when roaming Blockbuster’s aisles without aim was actually considered a pretty cool thing to do.
This new Blockbuster Pop Up Bar takes everything you remember about choosing a movie pre-streaming, but includes a full bar serving up delicious cocktails and more! Best of all? You won’t have to worry about returning any “rentals.”
You can roam around for your libation of choice. Instead of genres, aisles will be sectioned off by different kinds of cocktails and beers. And instead of grainy VHS tapes, you can choose from themed cocktails inspired by popular 90s and 2000s movies.”
Location: 7174 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Pic Credit: @bluckbusterpopup
2 – Pressure: James Cameron Into the Abyss
Description:
James Cameron, the legendary filmmaker and ocean explorer, made quite the splash in 2012 with his solo dive to the depths of the Mariana Trench, the earths deepest point, in the Deep Sea Challenger submarine. Known for his work on films like “The Abyss,” “Avatar,” and “Titanic,” Cameron also lent his expertise to the design of the Deep Sea Challenger.
Now starting this month, visitors to the Natural History Museum can check out the submarine and discover more about the thrilling challenges of deep sea exploration in the exhibition “Pressure: James Cameron Into the Abyss.” The exhibit also pairs well with “LA Underwater,” another NHM display that delves into the underwater world of prehistoric Los Angeles.
The exhibit of Cameron’s DEEPSEA CHALLENGER submersible and science platform, which he co-designed and co-engineered, is located right outside the Otis Booth Pavilion, and will be on display until February 20th.
It is free to visit this exhibit with your paid admission into the museum. For non-members the cost is currently $15 for adults and $12 for kids.
Location: 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
PIC Credit: @anniemulcahey
3 – Bob Baker Day
Description:
Get ready to puppet party! In honor of the beloved Bob Baker, the famous puppet theater is throwing a free bash at Los Angeles State Historic Park. From 10am to 5pm. The celebration will be packed with puppet shows all day long, as well as a variety of crafts and fun activities for all ages. Expect to see bubbles, balloons, music, and more!
Bob Baker Day is an annual celebration of art, music and puppets. Gather up for the one day only on February 25th at Los Angeles State Historic Park to participate in the celebration. The Bob Baker day celebration is free for all, however you must RSVP, and also a $20 donation is encouraged to help with covering the costs of this event.
The all day outdoor carnival includes food, music, and of course puppets. Grown ups and kids will have fun with marionet theater, friendly clowns and special guests at this fun carnival event.
Mark your calendar and don’t miss out on this annual event celebrating the legacy of Bob Baker.
Location: 1245 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
PIC Credit:Bob Baker
4 – Free Museums for All
Description:
The annual free for all event is back! Over thirty museums are participating in this great community event that we have been missing since 2020. You can choose from great museums all the way from Long Beach, to Los Angeles, to Santa Barbara.
This special one day only event is happening on Sunday February 5th. While we have lots of awesome free museums you can visit any time this is your chance to check these normally paid one for free!
Some of the museums participating include the:
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- Bowers Museum
- Descanso Gardens
- La Brea Tar Pits
- Lincoln Memorial Shrine
- Catalina Museum of Art and History
- and many more!
Special exhibits fee and parking fees are not included in this offer. You will need to make a reservation ahead of time and the early the better.
Here is a link with all the participating museums.
https://socalmuseums.org/annual-free-for-all-23/
Location: various
PIC Credit: MOCA Museum
5 – CicLAVia The Valley
Description:
This community event is inspired by the Ciclovía that started back 45 years ago in Bogotá, Colombia. It involves closing some streets to car traffic, so people can enjoy a day riding their bikes, walking, jogging, or skating.
The first Los Angeles version called CicLAvia was held on October 10, 2010, and now over a million people have participated in their fabulous low key events. Their goal is: “CicLAvia catalyzes vibrant public spaces, active transportation and good health through car-free streets.” There is no start point or finish line as it is meant for you to jump in and enjoy the event from anywhere in the participating path. The events are also free for all Angelenos and visitors alike.
Want to participate this month? CicLAvia for February 2023 is taking over the Valley by opening up Sherman Way connecting Canoga Park, Winnetka, and Reseda for a 5-mile stretch of open streets, on Sunday, February 26.
Rain or shine, this event welcomes everyone of all ages. Bring your bike, skates or skateboard and get ready for a fun day outside enjoying the scenery outside of your car.
Location: CicLAVia The Valley
PIC Credit: @arieesafari
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!