So I’m off to a cruise to Ensenada tomorrow! Yay! But I’m still a tad jealous of you staying in town cuz there’s so many fun things going on this weekend. BTW, any suggestions on what to do in Ensenada besides hang out at Papas & Beer all day?

Thursday, April 2

Free Origins Sample in Century City
In celebration of Earth Day (20 days from now) the first 100 folks to return their cosmetic empties to the Origin store in Century City will score a deluxe sample of A Perfect World Intensely hydrating body cream with White Tea. Just what you need to get your skin soft in time for the warmer weather this spring.

• 3pm. Origins at Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Century City (map). (310) 772-0272.

Four Nights of Absinthe, Wine and Gothic Dancing
Throw on your ballgown and head to the Electric Lodge in Venice for tragic ballroom ballet, “Astra von Berlifitzing,” which was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. Partake of the absinthe lounge while enjoying some harp music before and during intermission. And if you’re so inclined there’s a waltz lesson and ball after the show. So romantical!

• Thursday through Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 6pm. Tickets: $20 (show only), $30 (show, waltz lesson and ball), $40 (everything plus cocktails). Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Avenue, Venice (map). (310) 823-0710.

Friday, April 3

Yelp Culver City Art Walk at LA Art Weekend
Art, Kogi BBQ taco and Green trucks and Yelpers. Explore the Culver City art walk the fun way by meeting up with likeminded opinionated folk at KimLight/Lightbox where you can fuel up on alterna-taco truck food and then make your way through the art walk ending at the official Art Weekend afterparty at Royal/T! RSVP for the after party here at royalt[at]laartweekend.com.

• Meet at 6pm. Lightbox, 2656 S La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (310) 559-1111.

Saturday, April 4

Santa Anita Derby Race Day
I love this race! Not only do you get to finish on the actual horse racetrack (don’t worry, no horse dookie) but the run itself is scenic as it takes you through the LA County Botanic Garden. Afterward, you get to cool down with a refreshing brew at the beer garden and listen to live music while you stroll the expo area.

• 7:45am. $25. Santa Anita Racetrack, 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia (map).

LACMA’s Late Night Art: Berlin 1945-2009
Take in the stark contrast of art between East and West Germany during the Cold War at this LACMA late night event. Berlin’s DJ/VJ duo Safy Sniper and Christine Lang will set the mood with music and video. There will be a cash bar (and food) but I say just flask it.

• 8pm-12am. $10. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (323) 857-6000.

Sunday, April 5

6th Annual Thai New Year’s Day Songkran Festival in Thai Town
This Sunday, Thai Town in Hollywood comes alive for the Songkran Festival. Sample all kinds of Thai food, including those in the Curry Festival. And enjoy either a stroll through the Singha beer garden or a 5K run/walk. Take in the sites and sounds of Thai classical and folk dances, Muay Thai boxing, the Miss Thai New Year USA contest and a Thai traditional attire fashion show.

• 7am-8pm. Thai Town, Hollywood Boulevard between Western and Normandie, Hollywood (map).