Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes multiple art experiences all around town, LA Wine & Food Festival, and much more.
Frieze Art Fair: The four-day presentation of art features some of the most renowned galleries in the world, and also includes special activations and pop-ups from a few of LA’s most popular restaurants. Tickets start at $76. Thursday–Sunday, Feb. 29–March 3 at Santa Monica Airport. More info here.
LA Wine & Food Festival: The inaugural 3-day event welcomes 90+ chefs and 50 beer, wine, and spirits brands to the Pier with “unlimited food and drinks” along with a different headlining DJ on each day, live art installations, and themed rooms inspired by LA neighborhoods. One-day tickets start at $225 & $450 for the entire weekend, but Daily Press readers get 30% off with the promo code SMDPLAWFF. Friday–Sunday, March 1–3 at Santa Monica Pier. More info here.
LA Art Space – A Shoppable Art & Music Festival: Expect 50+ visual artists, live music, art workshops, & kids activities. FREE. Sunday, March 3 from 10am–5pm at 3rd Street Promenade Between Wilshire Blvd. & Arizona Ave. Details here.
Bergamot Weekend: Expect multiple open studios along with artist talks, receptions, food, and more. Saturday, March 2, 11am– 9pm More info here.
18th Street Arts Center Airport Campus Open Studios: Their artists are opening their studios to the public in their converted airport hangar at Santa Monica Airport which is home to studios for over 30 local, contemporary artists. Saturday, March 2, 1–4 pm at 3026 Airport Ave. More info here.
Santa Monica Police Activities League Charity Poker Tournament: Take a seat at the table or watch from the sidelines for Santa Monica Police Activities League’s 2024 Charity Poker Tournament to benefit Santa Monica youth. $150 player tournament entry that includes dinner, one drink ticket and two drawing tickets. Saturday, March 2 at Santa Monica Moose Lodge, 1600 Ocean Park Blvd. More info here.
18th Street Arts Center Olympic Campus Open Studios: Home to day and live/work studios for over 28 contemporary artists, Open Studios offer a rare opportunity to meet artists, learn about their practice and purchase work. FREE + complimentary pastries and coffee. Sunday, March 3, 2–5pm at 1639 18th St. More info here.
Annenberg Community Beach House Feature: Julia Morgan Legacy Day: The legacy of California’s first licensed female architect will be celebrated at the guest house and pool she designed. Sunday, March 3, 11am–2pm Details here.
What to Eat & Drink?
Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest: About two dozen food trucks are expected to line the street for the monthly event. Friday, March 1, starting at 5pm. More info here.
Triple Beam Pizza Update: The much anticipated Nancy Silverton pie shop is gearing up to finally open in late March or early April at 2905 Main St. They are hiring too and are having a job fair this Friday & Saturday, March 1 & 2 from 11am–4pm a few doors down at Vamos Vamos or visit their website to apply online.
Montana Ave. Getting Sweeter: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Coming Soon & Sweet Lady Jane Coming Back: The street is going to get sweeter as Van Leeuwen is about to bring signature artisan ice creams, vegan ice creams, sundaes, vegan chocolate chip cookies, and shakes to 1405 Montana Ave. (details here). And reader Steve R. noted that this “We are coming back!” sign is posted at their recently closed 1631 Montana Ave. storefront.
The Infatuation Reviews Isla on Main St: “When Isla is at its best, it feels like you’ve somehow managed an early retirement in Portugal. On a sunny afternoon or a warm night, this wooden shed on the sidewalk becomes an upscale cabana on some fictional Mediterranean coastline. You might even smell the spices and meat wafting out from the kitchen’s big domed oven.” 2424 Main St. More info here.
Further Afield: Madonna: The Celebration Tour lands at KIA Center March 4, 5, 7, 9, & 11. More info here.
Looking Ahead Around Town: L.A. Marathon (3/17), Museum’s Annual Free-For-All (3/23), CicLAvia West LA (4/21)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com