The Best Special Events & Things to Do This Weekend in L.A. | May 16-18

Los Angeles is positively glowing this weekend—and not just because of the sunshine. The city is bursting with things to do, from intimate wine-fueled gatherings and once-in-a-lifetime concerts to inspiring conversations with hometown legends. Friday night, Fig Tree in Venice heats up with natural wines, bottomless wood-fired tapas, and DJ sets that’ll keep the vibes high all night. Over in Hollywood, the legendary Ebo Taylor takes the stage at The Ford for his final U.S. performance, joined by longtime collaborator Pat Thomas in a celebration of highlife and Afrobeat history. And on Saturday morning, Manhattan Beach hosts Chef Roy Choi for a heartfelt talk about food, culture, and community—plus free tacos from the award-winning Kogi truck for the early birds.

Of course, that’s just the beginning. We’ve rounded up plenty more ways to spend your weekend soaking in the best of LA—check out our full list of events happening all across town.

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Fig Tree Wine Night
Friday, May 16, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 
Fig Tree
431 Ocean Front Walk, Venice
COST: $45

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Jazz is Dead: Ebo Taylor and Pat Thomas
Friday, May 16, 8 p.m.
The Ford
2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E, Hollywood
The legendary guitarist, composer, and producer Ebo Taylor is responsible for some of the greatest music in Ghana’s history—and in history, period. With a career spanning over half a century, his influence on African music is undeniable, from his early days playing ticklish highlife with bands like The Stargazers to collaborating with Afrobeat innovator Fela Kuti. Taylor brought together traditional Ghanaian music with American jazz and funk, as well as the unstoppable groove of Afrobeat, on albums like Ebo Taylor & The Pelikans and Tower Nyame. With longtime collaborator Pat Thomas—himself one of Ghana’s most beloved singers—he presents a soul-stirring exploration of rhythms and melodies from throughout his storied career. Ebo Taylor and his family have decided to make this tour his official farewell to the Americas. This will be our final opportunity to honor the legendary maestro, the pioneer of highlife and father of Afrobeat, and give him his flowers.

Manhattan Beach Library Speaker Series: Chef Roy Choi
Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m.
Mira Costa High School
1401 Artesia Blvd., Manhattan Beach
FREE
Meet Roy Choi: Chef, Host, Food Truck Pioneer, and Author of the new book, “The Choi of Cooking” Join LA County Librarian, Skye Patrick, Manhattan Beach Library, and the City of Manhattan Beach as we host our spring Speaker Series! On Saturday, May 17 at 11am, Skye will be sitting down with Chef Roy Choi to discuss his journey as a chef, entrepreneur, award winning host, cultural pioneer, and author.  Food, culture, and community are deeply intertwined in Roy’s work. Whether he’s blending the flavors of South Korea and Southern California, uplifting the culinary magic of street chefs, exploring the role of gentrification in communities, or sharing his favorite recipes, Roy’s voice and artistry reveal to us the ways that we are all connected and all capable of contributing something great (and delicious!) to our communities.  Join for a talk and Q&A with Roy, followed by a book signing and reception with his award-winning Kogi Korean BBQ truck. The first 500 attendees to check in on the day of the event will receive a free taco! A vegetarian option will be available.

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Day of Black Docs
Friday, May 16 & Saturday, May 17, 12 p.m. to  6 p.m.
American Film Institute 
2021 North Western Ave., Hollywood
COST: FROM $21
The DAY OF BLACK DOCS opening reception begins on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Four veteran Black filmmakers will participate in an intimate panel discussion and audience Q&A on the topics of Love/Resistance/Power. Plus, clips from the filmmakers’ work will be shown and a reception will follow. This two-day mini film festival celebrating Black documentary filmmakers returns to Los Angeles this weekend only. DAY OF BLACK DOCS is “a celebration of documentaries that center the Black experience, both behind and in front of the camera.” Guests can enjoy Black documentaries, film screenings, panel discussions, and Q&As with filmmakers. The film festival is an annual fundraising event for BADWest now going into its 18th year. The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West (BADWest) was formed “as a collective of documentary filmmakers of African descendant working and residing on the West Coast.”

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Konamon Fest
Saturday & Sunday, May 17 & 18
Santa Monica Pier 
Santa Monica
COST: $10 IN ADVANCE, $15 AT ENTRANCE
Konamon Fest is designed to spread the creativity and deliciousness of ‘Konamon,’ a representative of Japanese street food, around the globe. For Japanese people, Konamon is a familiar dish known for its tastiness, convenience, and creativity. The event will showcase not only traditional Konamon dishes but also modern creative arrangements and new ideas, offering a new culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation. We hope to enhance everyone’s understanding and enjoyment of Japan’s food culture, both traditional and innovative.

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Sketching with L.A.: Creatures of the Garden
Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m. 
Fountain Community Gardens 
5620 Fountain Ave., East Hollywood 
COST: FREE
Join LA’s own sketch group for a weekly prompt-based drawing session where all skill levels are welcome and authenticity is power . This week’s meetup takes place in a beautiful community garden—bring your sketchbook and come be part of a creative, welcoming vibe!

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Venice Half Marathon
Sunday, May 18, 7:10 a.m.  
Venice Boardwalk
COST: $156.06 FOR THE HALF MARATHON, FREE TO WATCH
Welcome to the Inaugural Venice Beach Half Marathon and 5k! On May 18, 2025 runners like you will start and finish on the Venice Beach boardwalk for the first Venice Beach Half Marathon and 5k (VBHM). All finishers will receive the inaugural finisher medal and race t-shirt. Local musicians will set the beat on the course and the finish line party will include a Fitness Festival at Windward Plaza, more live music, and an ocean front view.

Enjoy the sunny weekend, Los Angeles!

Jacqueline Tager | DRE# 1476997
jacqueline.tager@sothebyshomes.com | (323) 697-3040
Sotheby’s International Realty – Los Feliz Brokerage
1801 N Hillhurst Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027

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