Can you believe we’re already a month & a half into 2024? It sure feels like time’s been flying, or maybe I’m just getting older (probably both). Well, anyway, it’s time for the first Queer Mercado of the year! Scheduled for February 17, this now staple Eastside event brings a variety of merchants, food vendors, and good vibes to the East LA Civic Center at 4801 East 3rd Street– the third Saturday of the month from 10 am through 4 pm.
Aptly themed this month as a LOVE Festival, the event will feature 100 LGBTQ+ artists, businesses, creators, and entrepreneurs in one of its biggest events to date. We’ll also be there if you want to chat with us about anything. With all vendor slots filled, live music, and more on top of the regular market, there will be plenty to do throughout for folks who have time to stop by this weekend!
Coming up in the Eastside
Friday, February 16
For folks looking to get involved in upcoming city elections, InnerCity Struggle has a volunteer opportunity for residents. Get out and walk with the local nonprofit from 4 – 8 pm to do some community canvassing to get folks informed on everything there is to know about voting. Volunteers will meet at ICS’s headquarters (3467 Whittier Boulevard) and will receive a special Valentine’s gift for volunteering. You can sign up by emailing mirca@innercitystruggle.org.
As part of the STRANGE DAZE Tour, The Paramount (2708 E. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) is hosting Kottonmouth Kings, REHAB, and Scotty Austin back-to-back Friday and Saturday for $32.96. Tickets for both all-ages shows are currently available online, with doors set to open right at 7 pm.
Sunday, February 18
If you are looking for something artsy to do this weekend, the Wellness Center (1200 N. State Street) is hosting a community art workshop in collaboration with HIV.E. Running from 11 am through 1 pm, the event is a chance to create your art while getting valuable information from HIV.E, an organization dedicated to educating folks on all there is to know about HIV. You can register by emailing Sophia Raygoza (sophia@twcla.org).
Artemisia Nursery (5068 Valley Boulevard) is hosting a Native Plant Workshop on garden maintenance this season. Led by Antonio Sanchez, who has almost two decades’ worth of experience in horticulture, you’ll learn everything from what to prune this time of year to deal with pests and troubleshooting solutions when your plants look a little gloomy like the weather. Running from 1:30 – 3:30 pm, you can register for the event online for $25.
Tuesday, February 20
The East LA Community Corporation is hosting a food bank behind the Lorena Terrace (611 S. Lorena Street) from 9 – 11 am. Folks can pick up food at the intersection of 6th and South Concord streets. Volunteers are also needed for the event if you’re up for it. You can sign up for this and other events by calling (323) 604-1954 or emailing pgutierrez@elacc.org.
Wednesday, February 21
Self Help Graphics is hosting an event at Latinx with Plants (2208 E. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue) as part of its monthly Wellness Wednesday workshop series. Focused on collective care for grieving, facilitator Xochitl Palomera will guide attendees through conversation, song, and the heart-healing medicine of Xocolatl (cacao). Registration for the free event, set to run 6 – 7:30 pm, is available online.
The Wellness Center hosts a free Flu & COVID-19 vaccination event during the LA Medical Center Farmer’s Market (2051 Marengo Street). No appointment is needed; you can walk up to the group’s booth anytime from 9 am through 1 pm. You should check out some of the vendors at the market afterward. There is always good food and vibes there.
As always, please let us know what you think of this newsletter and send us your events so we can include them in future editions. Make sure to check out our website for the latest from your local paper.
