Welcome to another edition of the Happenings in the Heights newsletter, your guide to weekend events in and around Boyle Heights and L.A.’s Eastside.
Last week, we suggested checking out the 2nd annual East LA Youth Mariachi Festival at the East LA Civic Center. If you missed it, you’re in luck — there’s more happening this weekend at the Mariachi Festival y Fiesta Anual de Santa Cecilia.
Not into mariachi? Join poets and writers for a literary salon at Latinx w/ Plants, or check out a screening of “Meet me at Brooklyn and Soto,” a celebration of the Jewish community that once thrived on the Eastside.
Here’s everything we found for you to do this weekend:
Friday, November 14
- 17th Annual Taste of East LA: Eat your way through cultural dishes from local restaurants, bakeries and pop-ups at the historic Kennedy Hall. Tickets start at $23.18. The event runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at 451 S. Atlantic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90022.
- Queer-oke Night: Sing your heart out with friends, family and community at another night of karaoke at Safari Restaurant and Bar. Celebrate community, self-expression, and unapologetic fun. $10. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 2321 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033.
Saturday, November 15
- Café y Conversación para Adultos: Join the Stevenson Branch Library staff for coffee and a discussion in Spanish about the book “The Let Them Theory: The Key Is to Letting Go.” 2 p.m. 803 Spence St., Los Angeles, CA 90023.
- Applefest Fall Festival at Benny Boy: It’s the 4th annual Applefest at Benny Boy. Come for yummy eats, treats, live music, hot mulled cider, and an opportunity to press apples on an old-fashioned rack-and-cloth press. This event is free and 21+. 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. 1821 Daly St., Los Angeles, CA 90031.
- Diva Destruction at the Paramount: Dance to 90’s goth act Diva Destruction as she performs an intimate showcase along with Canadian darkwavers Give My Remains to Broadway and goth-pop princess Georgi. $25.77. This event is 18+. 2708 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Sunday, November 16
- Palabras Literary Salon: Join the intercultural community in Boyle Heights to celebrate the writing of BIPOC poets and writers at Latinx w/ Plants. All are welcome to attend.
at Latinx with Plants from 2 to 3:30 p.m. 2208 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033. - “Meet me at Brooklyn and Soto” screening: Take a trip to the Westside to celebrate the rich history of the Eastside for a screening that explores the history of Boyle Heights. Director Ellie Kahn will be there to discuss her 1995 documentary. Free. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Short Avenue Elementary School at 12814 Maxella Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066.
- Mariachi Festival at Mariachi Plaza: Celebrate the vibrant musical styles of mariachis from far and wide at the Mariachi Festival y Fiesta Anual de Santa Cecilia. Come for vendors, food and performances. Free. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 1831 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033.
Editor’s note: This story was been updated at 3:12 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, to reflect that Annual 4-Mile Hill Challenge and Barrio Flea at Ray and Roy’s Market have been canceled.