Watch Disneyland's Fantasmic at 1am for Leap Day. (Disneyland's Facebook page)
There’s something about the infrequency of February 29 that makes you want to celebrate, no? And apparently, I’m not the only one as everyone from Disneyland to Tiki Ti is throwing up their specials just for the occasion.
Comme Ca and The Bruery’s Leap Day Beer Class and Tasting Menu
The combination of Comme Ca food with The Bruery beers is just so great that I fear my head will explode from so much awesomeness. Chefs Kuniko Yagi and Eric Samaniego created a special five-course menu that’s paired by The Bruery owner Patrick Rue and head brewer Tyler King, who will curate a beer class. Pairings include the Saison de Lente with cured hamachi, kimchi salad, compressed Asian pear and crispy pig feet as well as P.E.I. mussels, Sour in the Rye, saffron, piquillo peppers and fennel paired with, naturally, Sour in the Rye. 5-6pm beer class, 6pm dinner. $35 beer class, 5-course menu $65/$75 with beer pairings, beer class + dinner $90.
Tiki Ti’s $29 Cocktail for Two
Everyone’s favorite tiki bar is celebrating this extra day of drinking with its Tiki Ti Leap Year Special, a cocktail that’s made for two or more. Apparently, the bar hasn’t had “this large of a drink since the incident with the now defunct Lapu Lapu Senior.” M’OK.
Culver City’s Leap Year “Third Wednesday” Specials
On this special odd day, score deals in Culver City like getting an extra 6-ounce beer taster with the purchase of an entree at City Tavern, an extra alcoholic beverage with purchase of an appetizer at Culver Hotel and an extra shot in your mezcal margarita at Kay ‘N Dave’s Cantina.
Disneyland Opens for 24 Hours Straight
Ooh, Disneyland at 3 in the morning? I’d say that’s bucket list-worthy. Just for Leap Day, the Magic Kingdom will keep its gates open for 24 hours, starting at 6am on the 29th til 6am on March 1. It’s so weird that it’s a must. $99 a person.
Santa Monica Pier’s Leap Year Celebration
I had to post this for the oddness of what’s available: A special appearance by OVO from Cirque du Soleil, free Zumba lessons, free merry-go-round rides and special two-for-one admissions to the aquarium and Starline Tours.
Booze Events
OK, these aren’t technically Leap Day-inspired shindigs but I like to think they’re in celebration of the extra day of drinking.
LA Times’ Spirit of the Times Rum Tasting at La Descarga
Ah, one of my favorite places in LA to sip on rum. The dancing girls help, too. At this special event, guests will get to sample Carribean rums, sip on craft cocktails and partake of appetizers. I’m so there! Tickets are $30 a person and space is limited.
Steingarten LA’s Cocktail Dinner
This four-course meal will feature four cocktails paired with off-the-menu dishes. Spotlighted spirits include three varieties of St. George Gin, Bols barrel-aged Genever and Balcones Baby Blue Whiskey and True Blue Whiskey. Very limited seating so buy your tickets asap! $55/person.