Los Angeles residents have a packed week ahead, with a free celebration of Rosa Parks’ birthday and a unique immersive theatrical experience among the highlights.
From data-driven discussions to captivating performances, here’s a look at what’s happening in and around L.A. from February 2–6.
- Transit Equity Day offers free rides on all LA Metro services this Wednesday.
- The Natural History Museum hosts its popular First Fridays event this Friday, celebrating 20 years with music and science.
- A new immersive theatrical experience, The Willows, opens Thursday, promising a chilling evening of psychological horror.
- LA Opera presents a free concert celebrating Black History Month at the California African American Museum.
- Woon Pasadena collaborates with Open Market for a one-night-only pop-up this Thursday.
Looking for ways to get around the city without spending a dime? This week, LA Metro is offering free rides across its entire bus and rail system on Wednesday, February 4, in honor of civil rights icon Rosa Parks’ birthday. This annual event, known as Transit Equity Day, commemorates the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and underscores the importance of accessible public transportation. Beyond free fares, riders can use code 020406 for free Metro Bike Share rides and code EQUITY26 for the on-demand Metro Micro service. Special edition Transit Equity Day TAP cards will also be available for $2 at customer centers and select stations.
A: It’s an annual event honoring Rosa Parks and advocating for accessible public transportation, with free rides offered on all LA Metro services.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, The Willows, a new two-hour theatrical production from Creep JFI Productions, opens this Thursday, February 5. Set in the historic Beckett Mansion near West Adams, the show limits attendance to just 25 guests, creating an intimate and unsettling atmosphere. The production blends dinner theater with psychological horror, relying on slow-burn tension and convincing performances to draw audiences into the story. Tickets are $250 per person, including hosted drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and engagements run through March 29.
This Tuesday, February 3, Doug Benson hosts a “your choice” version of his Movie Interrupted series at Dynasty Typewriter, featuring special guest Drew Carey. Attendees can bring a Blu-ray or DVD for a vote to determine the evening’s film, with live commentary from Benson and Carey. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Also on Tuesday, February 3, Data + Donuts presents a morning speaker series focused on civic change. Sabrina Davis of Metrolink and Cody Kraatz of SimplifyTransit will discuss the future of transit communication, including targeted text alerts and the GTFS-ServiceAlerts standard. The free event, which includes coffee and donuts, begins with networking at 8 a.m.
On Wednesday, February 4, the Aquarium of the Pacific hosts First Wednesdays at AoP, featuring climate scientist Dr. Daniel Swain discussing California’s shifting weather patterns and “hydroclimate whiplash.” The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m., with tickets available for $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Following the presentation, attendees can enjoy music, crafts, and cocktails.
Celebrate Black History Month this Thursday, February 5, with a free concert by LA Opera Connects at the California African American Museum. The performance will honor the contributions of Black composers and feature bass-baritone Cedric Berry and soprano Thalia Moore. The event begins at 7 p.m.
The UCLA Luskin Conference Center hosts a discussion on immigration enforcement this Thursday, February 5, featuring Attorney General Rob Bonta and experts from UCLA Law, CHIRLA, and the Center for Neighborhood Knowledge. The event will analyze ICE arrest data and California’s role in protecting immigrant rights. Admission is free with pre-registration, with doors opening at 5 p.m.
National Geographic Explorer Jaime Rojo presents a look at the monarch butterfly’s migration this Thursday, February 5, at BroadStage. The family-friendly presentation features never-before-seen visuals and stories of conservation efforts. Tickets start at $45, and the event begins at 7:30 p.m.
Beginning this Friday, February 6, the Julia Stoschek Foundation presents What A Wonderful World: An Audiovisual Poem at the Variety Arts Theater. The immersive exhibition blends art and cinema, featuring works by Marina Abramović, Doug Aitken, and others, alongside classic films. Admission is free, with complimentary popcorn, and the exhibition runs through March 20.
The Natural History Museum hosts its 20th anniversary First Fridays event this Friday, February 6, featuring music, science, and after-hours exploration. The evening includes performances by Jay Som and Georgia Maq, along with sets from KCRW DJs. Tickets are $30 for the public and $20 for members, with early entry at 5:30 p.m.
Bixby Knolls’ First Friday event returns this Friday, February 6, celebrating Black History Month and Bob Marley’s birthday with live music, art pop-ups, and themed food and drinks along Atlantic Avenue. Admission is free, running from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Woon Pasadena and Open Market are teaming up for a one-night-only pop-up this Thursday, February 5, featuring special collaboration dishes like smoked duck bánh mì and sinigang wings. The pop-up begins at 5 p.m., with Woon’s regular menu also available.
Gelson’s Hollywood Wine Bar hosts a Social Club event this Thursday, February 5, offering a grazing-style spread curated by Executive Chef Tony Dang, along with wine, craft beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are $50 per person, including two drinks, and RSVPs close February 3.
Endorffeine coffee bar in Chinatown will begin its annual March hiatus soon, giving coffee enthusiasts a final four weeks to enjoy rare espresso and single-origin pours.
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