Los Angeles has a way of making you feel simultaneously overscheduled and undercommitted—there's always something happening, yet somehow the couch still wins. Not this weekend.
February's first full weekend brings a genuinely spectacular collision of classical firepower, indie rock homecomings, dark wave triple-headers, and a Japanese pop legend making international history. DineLA wraps up Friday (your last chance to justify that $65 lunch), Mummies arrive at Exposition Park, and The Broad turns participatory with a Grammy-nominated collective. It's the kind of lineup that makes you actually want to put on pants.
Whether you're chasing high culture at Disney Hall, mosh-ready at The Regent, or simply looking to walk beneath giant furniture at a free museum, this weekend delivers. Here's your guide to what's actually worth doing—curated by humans who've done the homework so you don't have to scroll until 2 AM.
How this list works: We've sorted through hundreds of events happening across LA this weekend and pulled the genuinely interesting stuff—not just "things happening," but things worth rearranging your life for. Prioritized by cultural significance, timeliness, and that ineffable "only in LA" quality.
What it is: The superstar pianist joins composer-conductor Thomas Adès for an evening of Russian masterworks at Walt Disney Concert Hall, featuring Prokofiev's fiery Third Piano Concerto alongside Tchaikovsky's symphonic sweep and a US premiere of a new Adès work.
Why go: Yuja Wang doesn't just play the piano—she seems to argue with it, seduce it, and ultimately win. Her Prokofiev Third is legendarily athletic, and paired with Adès leading from the podium, this promises to be one of those concerts people talk about for years.
Who it's for: Classical music devotees, anyone who's seen Yuja Wang's Instagram reels and wondered if she's actually that good (she is), and Angelenos who want to experience Disney Hall at its finest.
When: Friday, February 6 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, February 7 at 8:00 PM
Need-to-know: The program includes Tchaikovsky's The Tempest and one of Adès's own works. If you've been meaning to experience the LA Phil, conductor Gustavo Dudamel's final season makes this a particularly poignant time.
Silversun Pickups – Tenterhooks Album Release Show
What it is: LA's own shoegaze-rock heroes celebrate their new album Tenterhooks with an intimate hometown release show at the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Why go: Silversun Pickups emerged from the Silver Lake scene to become one of the most enduring rock bands of the 2000s. This album release show—in a 500-capacity venue where they could easily fill the Greek—is a gift to longtime fans.
Who it's for: Anyone who wore out Carnavas, Silver Lake nostalgists, and fans who want to hear new material in a room small enough to see the sweat.
When: Friday, February 6 at 7:30 PM (Doors: 7:30 PM)
Need-to-know: The in-person show is sold out, but VEEPS is streaming it live at 8:30 PM PT. Hollywood Forever Cemetery remains one of LA's most atmospheric venues—arrive early to appreciate the setting.
What it is: The purple and gold host their Northern California rivals at Crypto.com Arena in what's always one of the most electric matchups on the NBA calendar.
Why go: Lakers-Warriors games transcend regular season basketball. The arena crackles with genuine animosity forged through playoff battles, and the chance to watch two of the league's most watchable rosters is worth the Crypto.com Arena prices.
Who it's for: Basketball fans, LA sports diehards, anyone who wants to understand why this city loses its mind over a regular season game.
When: Saturday, February 7 at 5:30 PM
Need-to-know: This is an early evening start, making it perfect for a full Saturday—brunch somewhere interesting, game, then late dinner. Traffic around DTLA will be biblical; Metro is your friend.
What it is: Japanese city pop icon Taeko Onuki performs her first-ever overseas concert at The Wiltern, bringing four decades of sophisticated pop craftsmanship to Los Angeles.
Why go: This is genuinely historic. Taeko Onuki is one of the defining voices of Japan's city pop movement—a genre that's experienced a massive global revival thanks to internet crate-digging. She's never performed outside Japan until now. Los Angeles gets the honor of hosting her international debut.
Who it's for: City pop obsessives, anyone who's fallen down the YouTube rabbit hole of '80s Japanese pop, and music fans who appreciate witnessing a genuine once-in-a-lifetime performance.
When: Saturday, February 7 at 7:00 PM
Need-to-know: The Wiltern's art deco grandeur is the perfect setting for this. Expect an audience that spans generations and continents—this will be a room full of people who can't quite believe this is happening.
What it is: The nine-time Tony Award-winning musical from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone brings its touring production to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.
Why go: Still the funniest, most gleefully offensive musical ever to win Best Musical. If you missed it during its original run or just need to hear "I Believe" again, this touring production delivers every irreverent moment.
Who it's for: Musical theater fans with a sense of humor, South Park devotees curious about the duo's Broadway work, and anyone who appreciates meticulously crafted religious satire.
When: Friday, February 6 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, February 7 at 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM; Sunday, February 8 at 1:00 PM & 6:30 PM
Need-to-know: Running time is 2 hours 45 minutes with intermission. Content includes explicit language and, well, everything you'd expect from the South Park guys. The Pantages is one of LA's most beautiful theaters—worth arriving early to take in the architecture.
What it is: German dark rock band Lord of the Lost co-headlines with Canadian synthrock outfit The Birthday Massacre at The Fonda Theatre, with Wednesday 13 opening.
Why go: This is a dark wave and industrial fan's dream triple-bill. Lord of the Lost brings theatrical Euro-metal grandeur, The Birthday Massacre delivers goth-tinged electronic rock, and Wednesday 13 adds punk-horror energy. Three flavors of darkness, one night.
Who it's for: Goths, industrial fans, anyone who owns more black clothing than colorful, and Fonda Theatre regulars who appreciate a night where the dress code is self-evident.
When: Saturday, February 7 at 7:00 PM (Doors: 6:00 PM)
Need-to-know: Set times reported: Wednesday 13 at 6:50 PM, The Birthday Massacre at 7:50 PM, Lord of the Lost at 9:20 PM. The Fonda's standing room layout means arriving early for good sightlines.
What it is: A new play about a novelist grappling with writer's block who seeks inspiration in the Boston apartment once inhabited by Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes—only to find the line between inspiration and haunting growing dangerously thin.
Why go: Midori Francis (of The Sex Lives of College Girls and Dash & Lily) stars in this world premiere that blends psychological thriller with darkly funny meditation on creativity and obsession. Beth Hyland's script has been generating serious buzz.
Who it's for: Theater lovers who appreciate new work, fans of Sylvia Plath's legacy, anyone intrigued by plays that blur the line between literary homage and ghost story.
When: Friday, February 6 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, February 7 at 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM; Sunday, February 8 at 2:00 PM
Need-to-know: Running time is 1 hour 40 minutes with no intermission. Content includes discussions of depression and suicide—the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available if needed. The Geffen's intimate Gil Cates Theater puts you close to the action.
What it is: Grammy-nominated orchestral collective Wild Up performs Cornelius Cardew's participatory masterwork in the galleries and lobby of The Broad, inviting the audience to become part of the sound.
Why go: This isn't a concert you watch—it's one you join. Cardew's "The Great Learning" involves both trained musicians and "pre-appointed non-musicians" creating a communal ritual of sound. Wild Up has made a name performing adventurous repertoire in unexpected spaces, and The Broad's Robert Therrien exhibition provides a surreal backdrop.
Who it's for: Experimental music enthusiasts, participatory art lovers, anyone curious about what happens when the boundary between audience and performer dissolves.
When: Saturday, February 7 at 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and 10:00 PM–11:00 PM
Need-to-know: Tickets are $25. This is a site-specific performance in the Therrien galleries—you'll literally be making music while standing beneath giant tables and chairs. Arrive ready to participate.
What it is: The largest solo exhibition ever of LA artist Robert Therrien's work, featuring his iconic oversized sculptures—including the famous giant tables and chairs you can walk beneath.
Why go: Therrien's work turns the everyday monumental and the familiar strange. Walking under a table scaled to make you feel like a small child is an experience that stays with you. This comprehensive exhibition includes rarely seen drawings and sculptures spanning his career.
Who it's for: Contemporary art fans, families looking for genuinely interactive museum experiences, Instagram devotees (though honestly, it's better experienced than photographed), and anyone who remembers what it felt like to be small.
When: On view through April 5, 2026. Museum hours: Friday 11 AM–5 PM; Saturday–Sunday 10 AM–6 PM
Need-to-know: General admission to The Broad is always free—one of LA's best deals. However, timed tickets are required and go fast, especially for weekends. Reserve online well in advance.
What it is: The traveling spectacular of classical Chinese dance and live orchestra returns to Southern California with an all-new production celebrating 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.
Why go: Love it or find it peculiar, Shen Yun is a genuine phenomenon—an elaborately staged production with hand-made costumes, a full orchestra blending Eastern and Western instruments, and choreography rooted in classical Chinese technique.
Who it's for: Families, dance enthusiasts, anyone curious about classical Chinese culture, and people who've seen the ubiquitous advertisements and wondered what all the fuss is about.
When: Friday, February 6 at 7:30 PM; Saturday, February 7 at 1:00 PM & 7:30 PM; Sunday, February 8 at 1:00 PM
Need-to-know: Terrace Theater is in Long Beach—plan for traffic. The production runs about two hours with intermission. Check AllEvents for ticket availability across the multi-show weekend run.
What it is: LA's beloved restaurant week wraps up Friday, offering your last chance to experience prix-fixe menus at hundreds of restaurants across the city.
Why go: This is your final opportunity to try that restaurant you've been eyeing at a friendlier price point. From neighborhood spots to high-end dining rooms, DineLA has made exploring LA's food scene more accessible for 15 days—and Friday's the finish line.
Who it's for: Foodies who've been procrastinating, date-night planners, anyone who wants to splurge responsibly.
When: Through Friday, February 6
Need-to-know: Many popular spots book up, so check availability now. Participating restaurants offer lunch menus (typically $15–$65) and dinner menus (typically $25–$95). The full list is available at discoverlosangeles.com/dinela—find something you've been wanting to try.
What it is: The largest exhibition of mummies ever assembled opens at the California Science Center, featuring real mummies and related artifacts from across the globe.
Why go: This traveling exhibition has captivated audiences worldwide, offering genuine scientific insight into ancient preservation practices and the cultures that created them. Opening weekend means you see it at its freshest.
Who it's for: History buffs, science enthusiasts, families with curious kids (check age appropriateness), and anyone fascinated by ancient civilizations.
When: Opens Saturday, February 7; on view through September 7, 2026
Need-to-know: This is a ticketed special exhibition—general Science Center admission (free) doesn't include entry. Given opening weekend crowds, buying tickets in advance is essential. The Science Center is in Exposition Park, easily accessible via Metro Expo Line.
What it is: Pomona hardcore legends Xibalba celebrate two decades of crushing heaviness with a stacked anniversary show at The Regent Theater, featuring Harms Way, The Beautiful Ones, LIE, and Bloodshed.
Why go: Xibalba helped define SoCal's modern heavy hardcore sound—brutal, doom-influenced, and relentlessly punishing. Twenty years in, they're still one of the heaviest bands in the game, and this hometown celebration with fellow heavy hitters promises controlled chaos.
Who it's for: Hardcore kids, metalheads, moshpit enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to feel music in their chest cavity.
When: Saturday, February 7 at 7:30 PM (Doors: 6:30 PM)
Need-to-know: The Regent is all ages and standing room only. Five bands means a long night—pace yourself. The venue is in DTLA on Main Street; parking can be tricky, so rideshare or Metro is wise.
What it is: French organist Thomas Ospital performs on Walt Disney Concert Hall's magnificent pipe organ—one of the most striking instruments in North America.
Why go: Disney Hall's organ, designed by Frank Gehry and built by Glatter-Götz/Rosales, is a sculptural marvel with 6,134 pipes. Ospital is one of the leading organists of his generation. The combination is pure spectacle.
Who it's for: Organ music fans, architecture enthusiasts, anyone who's admired Disney Hall's swooping exterior and wants to experience its interior at its most powerful.
When: Sunday, February 8 at 7:30 PM
Need-to-know: Organ recitals at Disney Hall sell out—the instrument's reputation precedes it. Sunday evening in DTLA means easier parking than weekday events.
What it is: Beyond the Therrien exhibition, The Broad's permanent collection remains free to visit, now featuring a four-work installation by Takashi Murakami including a new addition to the collection.
Why go: Where else can you see Koons, Basquiat, Warhol, Kusama's Infinity Room, and now expanded Murakami coverage—all for free? The Broad remains one of LA's best museum deals.
Who it's for: Art lovers, budget-conscious culture seekers, visitors who want a full contemporary art immersion without admission fees.
When: Friday 11 AM–5 PM; Saturday–Sunday 10 AM–6 PM
Need-to-know: Free doesn't mean no planning required—timed tickets are essential, especially weekends. Reserve through thebroad.org. Don't miss Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room (free with advance reservation).
What it is: A guided evening hike through Griffith Park culminating at the Observatory, offering views of the city lights and the cosmos.
Why go: LA's most iconic outdoor experience, organized so you don't have to figure out the logistics yourself. The Observatory at night—with its telescopes available for stargazing—is magic.
When: Friday, February 6 at 6:00 PM
Need-to-know: Dress in layers (it gets cold up there after sunset), wear proper footwear, and bring a headlamp. Check Eventbrite for registration details.
What's the weather looking like? February in LA typically means highs in the mid-60s and lows in the upper 40s—perfect for outdoor activities but bring a jacket for evening events. Check the forecast closer to the weekend.
Best bets for families? Mummies of the World at California Science Center (opening Saturday), Robert Therrien at The Broad (walking under giant furniture = kid approved), and Shen Yun for a family-friendly spectacular.
What if I only have one night? Saturday packs the most density: Taeko Onuki's historic concert, Lakers vs. Warriors, Wild Up at The Broad, or Lord of the Lost if you're in a darker mood. Take your pick based on what speaks to you.
Where can I find more events? AllEvents has comprehensive listings for Los Angeles—check their platform for additional concerts, community events, and last-minute additions.
Wherever this weekend takes you—Disney Hall or the mosh pit, city pop history or ancient mummies—Los Angeles is ready. Now stop scrolling and start planning.
