Our list this weekend may seem short, but some of the happenings on it are multi-day and multi-venue opportunities, so you can definitely fill your days and nights.
No need to wait for Saturday this week…you can dive right in to the weekend today, Friday, January 29, with a huge estate sale at 617 N. McCadden. Â Highlights of the incredibly extensive list of items offered include collectibles, art, vintage clothing, yard and garden decorations, and many, many more. Â Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
After the sale, if you don’t have to go back to work or attend to other responsibilities, you can get a jump on several other multi-day events that either start or continue today.
First, the massive LA Art Show, which started on Wednesday and runs through Sunday at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  Founded in 1994, the show has grown from a small regional event featuring 14 galleries to more than 120 galleries representing 22 countries this year, with a special emphasis on contemporary and international artists. Hours are  11 a.m.- 7 p.m. today and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
This evening marks the opening night of the three-day RiotLA:  L.A.’s Alternative Comedy Festival, with more than 50 stand-up comedy shows at multiple venues in downtown Los Angeles tonight, Saturday and Sunday (check the event’s schedule for individual shows, times and venues).  Performers include big names (David Cross, Jeneane Garofalo, Patton Oswalt), not-so-big names and not-yet-known names. Tickets are available by the show, or you can purchase multi-show passes. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. tonight, 1 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
If you’re not in the mood for fine arts or comedy, you can also remember a recently departed legend this weekend, as Cinefamily unspools a big tribute to David Bowie. Â “Cracked Actor: Bowie on Film” presents multiple screenings of five different Bowie films (“The David Bowie Mixtape,” “The Hunger,” “Labyrinth,” “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence“) at various times tonight through February 2. Â Tonight’s show is “David Bowie Mixtape,” starting at 7:30 p.m.
Tomorrow (Saturday, January 30), we recommend just dropping everything else and dedicating the day to our amazing museums  participating in the 2016 Museums Free for All day. More than 20 local museums will open their doors free of charge on Saturday, showcasing our world-class treasure trove of art, cultural heritage, natural history, science and more.  Organizers have also partnered with Metro, encouraging visitors to take public transportation to explore the participating museums, many of which are a short walk away from Metro bus or rail.  Almost all our local museums, near and far, large and small are participating…so head off to your favorite(s) or take this opportunity to check out someplace you’ve never been but have always wanted to see.  Adventure and enlightenment await!  (Note: several of the participating venues are closed on Saturdays, and will have their free days on Sundays instead, so check the event link about before you head out.  Also, free museum admissions are for museums only and do not apply to specially ticketed exhibitions or parking. Consult individual museum websites for hours, directions, and other visitor information.  )
Museums do tend to close early, however, so if you want to turn your day on the town into a night on the town, Saturday night brings the latest installment of the periodic Night on Broadway festival, featuring free, innovative, multi-cultural entertainment programming in seven of Broadway’s historic theaters, an on-street festival of booths and pop-up shops from local DTLA businesses, a family-friendly kids area, and a main stage featuring live musical performances. Hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Broadway (of course), between 3rd Street & Olympic.  All ages are welcome, admission is free, and the festivities will proceed rain or (moon) shine.
Sunday events won’t be dampened by rain either, as the Westside Jewish Community Center celebrates the annual Birthday of the Trees with it’s family-friendly Tu B’Shevat Festival for preschool-aged kids, their families and the young at heart.  Trees love water, so rain or shine, the party will go on…with a carnival that includes tree planting, tree giveaways, food, games, crafts, a bounce house, organic farmers’ market,  silent auction, and pony rides and a petting zoo (weather permitting for the last two).  Hours are noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, and admission is free. In the event of rain, many activities will be moved indoors, where the organizers assure us there’s plenty of room for the little ones to run around and enjoy themselves. For more information, call 323.556.5250.
Finally, Sunday is also the last day of DineLA…so you can enjoy the possibly rainy day by settling in for your favorite comfort food at one of the many local restaurants offering special menus this weekend.
Happy Birthday to the trees…and enjoy your big weekend!
