Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes Easter events and meals, Arts Month events and much more.
Aviator Nation Venice Presents Broken Zoo Comedy: It bills itself as “the nation’s wildest comedy show” and is bringing the crazy to Venice with complimentary drinks. Friday, March 29, 8–11pm at 1224 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Penmar Golf Tournament to Benefit Educating Young Minds (EYM): EYM is a non-profit educational institution that provides services to students from kindergarten through senior year in high school. President and Director of EYM, Angelese Echols-Brown founded this organization to provide holistic educational assistance to students of color, which was desperately lacking in the Los Angeles public school system. Saturday, March 30, 8am at 1233 Rose Ave.
2024 Arts Month Reception: Enjoy a reception celebrating the launch of Arts, Creativity and Culture Month in Santa Monica. Mingle with local artists and enjoy light noshes while showing your support for arts advocacy, culture and creativity. Saturday, March 30, 2–4pm at Annenberg Community Beach House. Would you like to know more?
Seguimos – Contemporary Art in Costa Rica: It features installation, video, photography, painting, works on paper and sculpture by an intergenerational group of 13 Costa Rican artists, the majority of whom are highly regarded in Central America, but have never exhibited in the United States. The artists in this exhibition reflect a spectrum of interests and concerns facing Costa Ricans today, five of the artists identify with the queer community and all position themselves within the broadest developments in contemporary art, with particular focus on the topics of body, identity and place. Opening Party & Artist Reception Saturday, March 30, 3pm at Craig Kroll Gallery, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Building B-3 More info here.
Stanley Clarke N•4EVER: Four-time Grammy winner Clarke, who is one of the most celebrated acoustic and electric bass players in the world and BroadStage’s new artist in residence, returns with his new band 4EVER, for a night of raucous jazz harmony, rock, funk, R&B, hip-hop, fusion and more. Saturday, March 30 More info here.
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt: Join the Fairmont Miramar for a delightful children’s Easter egg hunt in the Miramar Gardens, where the grounds transform into a playground of hidden treasures and giggles as kids search for the lucky golden egg. Sunday, March 31, 11am–12pm at 101 Wilshire Blvd. More info here.
Bergamot Comedy Festival: The festival will take place at The Crow at Bergamot Station Monday, April 1 – Saturday, April 6 with ticketed performer showcases and free educational panels led by industry leaders. Each of the 56 up-and-coming performers featuring at BCF was hand-picked from a thousand submissions across the US with a particular focus on highlighting female-identifying, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ talent. Would you like to know more?
Take a self-guided public art tour: The City has created a tour of selected works on the Beach, in Downtown and the Civic Center areas. The suggested route can be accomplished by bicycle/car, or on foot in sections and predominantly visits public artworks in the City’s collection, interspersed with a few public artworks by other entities including Metro and private developers. More info here.
What to Eat & Drink?
Easter Brunch at Esters: The “little kitchen that could” is firing up tortilla Española (with the option to add caviar) and waffles. Starting at noon, they’ll have a live jazz trio and Rosé Champagne flights ($35 for three wines). Sunday, March 31, 11am–3pm. More info here.
Easter Brunch at Fig: Hop on over to FIG Restaurant for a brunch experience unlike any other, featuring mouthwatering specialties such as slow-cooked eggs, wood-fire roasted whole branzino, and playful fruity pebble pancakes that’ll make even the grown-ups feel like kids again. Sunday, March 31, 11am–3pm Would you like to know more?
LouLou Easter Brunch: Easter specials include: “Le Gigot D’agneau,” a 7-hour roast leg of lamb, dauphine potato, flageolet beans, deviled eggs, and Easter-themed cocktails. DJs and live performances Sunday, March 31, 11:30am–4:30pm with a special brunch buffet at $69/person at 395 Santa Monica Place #300 More info here.
Sweet Rose Creamery’s Easter Egg Bon Bons: Hop into the Brentwood Country Mart and Main Street shops for these cute treats featuring cookies & cream ice cream dipped in pastel-colored white chocolate. They’re available for purchase individually or in boxes of four. Available March 27–31. More info here.
Chile Crisp Queen Jing Gao of Fly By Jing Lists Crudo e Nudo among her favorite LA restaurants: Describing the Main St. favorite, she said “I quite like Crudo e Nudo. I don’t know how consistent they are but the crudo has been outstanding.”
Restaurant Opening – Oasis: The former Wokcano space is now home to “a sophisticated, 7,000 sq.-foot restaurant and lounge opening in the heart of Santa Monica with a menu highlighting pristine seafood accompanied by local produce. This split-level location features two bars and a massive outdoor patio perfect for events. Keep your eye out for the official grand opening in April!” 1413 5th St.
Further Afield – Parks After Dark: PAD is back for the spring season, offering free activities across 34 LA County Parks. Families and friends are welcome to enjoy outdoor movie nights every Thursday and live music performances by local bands every Saturday, alongside a range of complimentary activities for all ages. The series runs from March 21 to April 13, with all movie screenings and concerts starting at dusk.
Looking Ahead Around Town: The Other Art Fair (4/4-7), CicLAvia West LA (4/21), MAINopoly (5/19)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com