The Votes Are In!
2023 Readers' Choice is back, bigger and better than ever!
View Winners → 
Live Dec 29, 2021
Photo by Antoine J. on Unsplash
by
share with
There is no shortage of fun ways to ring in the New Year. This week’s list of events have something for true crime aficionados, Swifties, jazz and Britpop fans, cosplayers and those who admire the craftsmanship of Rose Parade floats.
New Year’s Eve “Eve” Party With Dean Mora Orchestra
Cicada Restaurant and Lounge | 617 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90014 | Dec. 30 | cicadaclub.com
Dance in the new year (a little early) as Dean Mora and his orchestra play great dance music from the ‘20s through the ‘60s.
Britpop Night With Tributes to Radiohead & Oasis
The Mixx | 443 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 | Dec. 30 | themixxclub.com
Close out 2021 with a blast from the past. Supersonic LA and Body Snatchers pay tribute to Oasis and Radiohead, respectively. Indie Rock DJ Ané Uno helps pay tribute to Britpop’s best.
Tennessee State University Band and the Importance of HBCU Band Culture
California African American Museum | 600 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037 | Dec. 30 | caamuseum.org
Enjoy a live performance by the Tennessee State University band followed by a talk back with Band Director Reginald McDonald, Coach Melaneice Gibbs, and student leaders who will discuss the history of HBCU bands, their prevalence in popular culture, and what it’s like to be an HBCU student.
Arkham Asylum: NYE Break Out Cosplay & Karaoke
Westfield Santa Anita | 400 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007 | Dec. 31 | eventbrite.com
Get your favorite DC cosplay together and party it up like Gotham’s most villainous characters. In addition to live music, karaoke, and a private bar, each ticket receives a free unlimited game card to use on non-ticketed games.
The Boulet Brothers 2022: New Queers Eve
Globe Theatre | 740 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014 | Dec. 31 | newqueerseve.bpt.me
Mistresses of ceremony The Boulet Brothers will oversee three levels of queer magic. The stage show spectacular will starr Symone and Gottmik from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Boulet Brothers Dragula season 4 winner and House of Avalon. There will also be DJs, aerialists, stilt creatures, dancers and light show and, of course, a countdown.
Selena & Prince Tribute Show
Sage Restaurant and Lounge | 6511 Greenleaf Ave., Whittier, CA 90601 | Dec. 31 | eventbrite.com
The countdown to the new year begins at 7 p.m. with DJs playing reggaeton, hip hop, top 40s, ‘80s and Spanish favorites. You get your pick of three rooms with two dance floors and full bars in each. The Selena and Prince tribute kicks off at 10 p.m.
Gatsby’s Penthouse NYE
Capture Studios Penthouse | 59th floor at U.S. Bank Tower 633 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles, CA 90071 | Dec. 31 | eventbrite.com
Celebrate the new year like a guest at one of Jay Garsby’s notorious fictional shindigs. With a five-hour open bar, views of Downtown LA, live DJs and party favors, you’re bound to have a good time and, unlike Gatsby, hopefully you’ll be able to let go of the past.
Oro Solido & Sonora Dinamita
Quiet Cannon | 901 Via San Clemente, Montebello, CA, 90640 | Dec. 31 | ticketon.com
Merengue from Oro Solido, the group behind such hits like “Abusadora” and “El Baile del Beeper,” and cumbias from La Sonora Dinamita, the group behind “Amor de Mis Amores” and “Mi Cucu,” are sure to get you dancing and in a great mood to welcome in the new year.
Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase
E. Sierra Madre Blvd. & E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 | Jan. 1-2 | sharpseating.com
See up close the detail and craftsmanship that goes into a Rose Parade float. The two-mile showcase allows visitors to get within feet of each float. Be prepared to present proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event.
On The Fringe
The Hollywood Roosevelt | 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | Jan. 1 | eventbrite.com
The two-hour intimate, immersive performance explores different subcultures ranging from geishas to flappers to beatniks and more throughout the last century in an empowering and sexy manner. This high-energy, rock and roll, punk, cabaret-style show is a high-octane whirlwind that titillates as much as it inspires, with extraordinary dancers stomping on tables, hanging from ceilings, teasing and provoking both men and women.
Bottomless Bubble Brunch
Der Wolf | 72 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | Jan. 2 | eventbrite.com
Have your first brunch of the year at Der Wolf with live DJ and games like beer pong, Jenga, and cards. For $20, you get two champagnes, three juices (mango, pineapple, cranberry) and a fruit tray.
LA: Food, History, Design Tour
Union Station | 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Jan. 2 | eventbrite.com
Looking for a way to entertain guests from out of town? Or maybe you just want to learn more about this cosmopolitan city. This two-mile walking tour, lasting three hours, includes three to four food tastings, stops at historical landmarks like the Bradbury Building and the art nouveau lobby of a 1913 hotel.
Hollywood True Crime And Haunted Tales
Hollywood Pantages Theatre | 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | Jan. 2-3 | eventbrite.com
Explored the dark underbelly of Hollywood on this two-hour walking tour with stops at reportedly haunted hotels, theaters and landmarks.
“Dolores”
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Jan. 4 | academymuseum.org
Part of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ film program, “Dolores” explores Dolores Huerta’s activism in the Chicano Civil Rights Movement, labor movement and work with Cesar Chavez to establish United Farm Workers.
Neal Francis
Teragram Ballroom | 1234 W. 7th St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 | Jan. 5 | ticketmaster.com
Chicago singer-songwriter Neal Francis’ “In Plain Sight” spotlights the artist’s skill on piano. The album’s sound, reminiscent of folk rock artists from the ‘60s and ‘70s, reflects the cradle in which it was created, a “possibly haunted church in Chicago” while Francis dealt with heartbreak.
U.S. Comedy Contest
The Comedy Chateau | 4615 Lankershim Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 91602 | Jan. 5 | eventbrite.com
Get over those mid-week blues with some outstanding standup comedy, gourmet American cuisine and craft cocktails.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay
Immanuel Presbyterian Church | 663 S Berendo St., Los Angeles, CA 900005 | Jan. 6 | feverup.com
Enjoy a candlelit solo piano performance of Coldplay’s classics like “Clocks,” “Trouble,” “Fix You,” and “Yellow” in an intimate venue surrounded by stunning architecture.
Gina Apostol Discusses “Bibliolepsy”
Virtual on Crowdcast | Jan. 6 | vromansbookstore.com
Gina Apostol’s debut novel, “Bibliolepsy,” follows a young woman torn between a desire to escape into books and a revolution in the Philippines under the rule of Ferdinand Marcos.
The Underground Jazz Sessions
The Continental Club | 116 W. 4th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 | Jan. 6 | facebook.com/events/836737593905503
Featuring live jazz every Thursday hosted by Matthew Yeakle, enjoy some complimentary minis from Big Man Bakes while listening to world-class musicians and special guests.
Candi Pop (Taylor’s Version) Los Angeles
The Teragram Ballroom | 1324 W. 7th St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 | Jan. 7 | facebook.com/events/882586129114702
Calling all Swifties! This dance party promises to be littered with glitter, lollipops,rainbows and unicorns.
Orianthi
The Venice West | 1717 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291 | Jan. 7 | ticketweb.com
Influenced by Carlos Santana, guitarist and singer-songwriter Orianthi began wowing audiences with her guitar prowess at the age of 15. Best known for the hit “According to You,” Orianthi has worked with the likes of Alice Cooper, Michael Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Richie Sambora and even performed with Santana on stage.
Skate Into The New Year
Huntington Park City Hall | 6550 Miles Ave., Huntington Park, CA 90255 | Jan. 7-9 | hpca.gov
A skating rink is going up in front of Huntington Park City Hall to celebrate the start of 2022. For just $1 for children and $3 for adults, spend a few hours perfecting your triple axel triple toe loop combo.
The Next Stage Immersive Summit & Mini-Festival
Pasadena Playhouse | 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 | Jan. 7-9 | immersiveexperience.org
This three-day gathering draws together the fields of immersive & experiential arts from across creative and technical disciplines. In addition to talks, panels, and participatory salons, attendees will be treated to immersive performances and experiences.
“The Outsiders”
Autry Museum of the American West | 4700 W. Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Jan. 8 | eventbrite.com
Part of The Autry Museum’s “What is a Western?” film series, this special screening of Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Outsiders” will be introduced by the Autry’s vice president of research and interpretation, Amy Scott. “Set in 1960s Tulsa, Coppola’s coming-of-age classic speaks to the struggles and limitations of working class youth within a newly urban West,” explain event organizers.
Ave 26 Night Market
Pico Rivera Sports Arena | 11003 Sports Arena Drive, Pico Rivera, CA 90601 | Jan. 8 | instagram.com/ave26familynightmarket
Following a brief holiday hiatus, Ave 26 Night Market returns with a special event for the new year in addition to its food and retail vendors and music.
Candlelight: Aretha, Nina, And The Divas Of Soul
Candela La Brea | 831 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Jan. 9 | feverup.com
A Jazz ensemble will perform jazz covers of beloved classic songs like “Say a Little Prayer,” “At Last,” and “Respect.”
Snowglobe LA
The Frankie | 300 S. Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA 90033 | Through Dec. 31 | truvariety-entertainment.ticketleap.com/snow-globe-la
Snowglobe LA combines an immersive art experience, gourmet farm-to-table meals, roving entertainment, performances and a bar for the ultimate night out.
Dodgers Holiday Festival
Dodger Stadium | 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through Dec. 31 | mlb.com/dodgers
Open nightly from 5-10 p.m. weekdays and from 3-10 p.m. weekends, the Dodgers’ Holiday Festival features professional photos with Santa, an illuminated ice skating rink across the outfield, other photo opportunities, light displays, live musical performances, bounce houses, and seasonally-inspired foods, including grilled entrees, desserts, cocktails, craft beers, wines, and hot chocolate.
GLOW
South Coast Botanic Garden | 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 | Through Jan. 17 | southcoastbotanicgarden.org
The Garden Lights & Ocean Waters (GLOW) exhibit has been reimagined. Event organizers say visitors can expect a “better and brighter experience.” Grab a bite to eat, maybe a drink, and walk through thousands of lights as music plays throughout. This year’s exhibit also features interactive experiences and themed nights.
Enchanted Forest Of Light
Descanso Gardens | 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 | Through Jan. 9 | descansogardens.org
Live your fairytale dreams and enter the Enchanted Forest of Light, a one-mile walk featuring interactive light displays. New this year, Descanso Gardens has added an entire town of stained glass creations from sculptor Tom Fruin.
The Elf On The Shelf Magical Holiday Journey
Fairplex | 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768 | Through Jan. 2 | elfontheshelfjourney.com
Returning for the second year in a row, The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey is an outdoor experience featuring dazzling scenery, lights, ice skating, trolleys, walking paths, treats and a Christmas village.
Reindeer Road
Santa Anita Park | 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 | Through Jan. 2 | worldofillumination.com
Santa will have no problem finding this light display that puts even Rudolph’s nose to shame. From World of Illumination, producer of the world’s largest drive-thru animated light show, this display brings families face to face with elves, reindeer, the world’s largest animated toyshop and Santa himself.
The Obama Portraits Tour & Black American Portraits
LACMA | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Through Jan. 2 | lacma.org
Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of President Barack Obama and Amy Sherald’s portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama have become iconic since being unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in 2018. As part of the five-city tour of the portraits, LACMA will present Black American Portraits in conjunction at an adjacent gallery. The tour will feature teacher workshops, tours and an illustrated book.
Winter Frolic
Kidspace | 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103 | Through Jan. 9 | kidspacemuseum.org
Winter has arrived in Pasadena as Kispace transforms into a space where children and families can share the magic of the season. Winter Frolic features a no-ice sock skating rink, “ice fishing” in the Kispace Arroy Stream, and snowflake decorating.
Lightscape
LA Arboretum | 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007 | Through Jan. 16 | arboretum.org
Following a sold-out run in London, Lightscape will transform the LA Arboretum with a one-mile illuminated trail featuring thousands of lights in various attractions like the Cathedral of Light, the Star Tunnel and the Fire Garden.
Santa’s Speedway Christmas Light Drive-Thru
Irwindale Speedway | 500 Speedway Dr, Irwindale, CA 91706 | Through Jan. 2 | santasspeedway.com
This year, Santa is bringing five new displays, twice as many lights, three full light tunnels and his signature 110-foot Christmas tree to a whole new course at the Speedway.
Ahmanson’s ‘ A Christmas Carol’
Ahmanson Theatre | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through Jan. 1 | centertheatregroup.org
Tony Award-winners Jack Thorne and Matthew Warchus offer a new interpretation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale starring three-time Emmy-winner Bradley Whitford as Ebenezer Scrooge; Tony and Emmy Award-nominee Kate Burton as Ghost of Christmas Past; and Grammy, SAG Award, Critics Choice, and Hollywood Critics Association Award-nominee Alex Newell as Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Fezziwig.
Mixpantli: Space, Time, and the Indigenous Origins of Mexico
LACMA | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Through May 1 | lacma.org
LACMA is marking the 500th anniversary of the fall of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital and site of Mexico City. According to LACMA, the exhibition “subverts the traditional narrative of conquest by centering the creative resilience of Indigenous artists, mapmakers, and storytellers who forged new futures and made their world anew through artistic practice.”
More from Live
