What’s heaven? I’m pretty sure it’s all the tamales you can eat, all the hip clothes you can buy and all the beer and wine you can drink. And don’t forget to throw chocolates and Jason Bentley in there as well.
Friday, November 9
3rd Annual Los Angeles International Tamale Festival
Mmmm, tamales. If you love tamales, have I got just the thing for you: the tamale festival! For three days, enjoy all things stuffed in corn husks at MacArthur Park. Not only will you be able to enjoy all the tamale vendors in one place but there will also be contests for the best tamale, who can eat the most tamales and who has the biggest tamale. Nudge nudge wink wink.
- Free. Friday 3pm-8pm; Saturday 10am-9pm; Sunday 11am-6pm. MacArthur Park, 653 S. Alvarado Street, Los Angeles (map).
Paper Magazine’s 24-Hour Shopping Marathon
You know how you have your favorite fashion boutiques sprinkled all over L.A.? Imagine all of them contained under one roof, where you can shop to your heart’s desire for 24 hours since they’re open all day and all night. And, oh yeah, there’s also art to ponder and music to dance to while you peruse the likes of FUCT, Undefeated, Kime Buzzelli’s Show Pony and Screaming Mimi’s. That’s the concept of Paper Magazine and sponsors Levi’s and M.A.C. Cosmetics’ temporary indoor market on La Brea. But take advantage while you still can cuz this dream department store will disappear when its 24 hours are up.
- Free, open to the public. Friday 6pm-Saturday 6pm. PAPER’s Cultural Storefront, 233 S. La Brea, Hollywood (map).
Saturday, November 10
Blueprint Furniture Parking Lot Sale
Want to furnish your apartment for a reasonable price but don’t want to go the Craigslist route? You might find something at Blueprint’s parking lot sale where the floor samples, remainders and slightly scratch and dented modern furniture are 25%-70% off.
- Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm. 8366 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (323) 653-2439.
KCRW Presents: Food, Wine, Music at the Barker Block
It’s a rooftop party downtown! KOOP, Mocean Worker and Alice Russell will be performing while you enjoy libations from 50 microbrew and wine vendors and a stunning view of Downtown. Jason Bentley will also be djing. But if you can, go VIP. For $100 you’ll get unlimited beer and wine tasting from 5-7pm, gift bags, a VIP after party with Jason Bentley and VIP parking.
- 5pm-12am. Concert: $30; Concert + wine lounge: $45; VIP: $100. Barker Block Lofts, 510-530 Hewitt Street, Los Angeles (map).
Pleasure Palate’s Chocolate Tasting at Compartes
Is your mouth watering already? If you count chocolate as one of your addictions, this chocolate tasting at Compartes, the 50-year-old chocolatier, is a must. Here, you get to make like Charlie and tour the chocolate factory as well as taste some of the confections within. Mmm, chili pepper truffles, dark chocolate dipped orange peels and homemade English toffee.
Sunday, November 11
Flights of Fancy: The Stairway Homes of Echo Park
The perfect way to end that indulgent weekend. Combine one helluva workout with a history lesson at this Echo Park historic tour. During the self-guided “Flights of Fancy: The Stairway Homes of Echo Park” walking tour, you’ll go up and down about 30 public stairways while taking in beautiful homes located on the steep hills of Echo Park, Angelino Heights and Elysian Heights. Yes, back in the day, people used to walk everywhere in L.A. You have to see it to believe it.