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.
Get those Halloween costumes ready, folks because Halloween season is officially here.
If you’re looking for a festive get-together to celebrate with friends or family, you have a few options to choose from this weekend.
The Holiday Bar, East LA Film Shop, the Paramount and even the library are all hosting Halloween-themed events this weekend. Between live music, a photo gallery and candy jewelry making, you’re in store for more treats than tricks.
If you’d rather spend time honoring those who have died, enjoy a Day of the Dead celebration with the family at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes or attend one of Self Help Graphic & Arts’ family workshops. Catch live music, dance, a community altar and a procession. And if you’re looking for other Día de los Muertos celebrations, check out our guide.
Here’s everything we found for you to do this weekend.
Happenings in the Heights:
Thursday, October 23
- Halloween mixer at the Holiday Bar: Join the Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce at Holiday Bar to network and get an early start to your Halloween. Costumes are highly encouraged. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 2471 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90023.
- Candy jewelry making at the library: Bring the kids to Stevenson Branch Library for a hands-on kids program that’ll show them the basics of crafting a treat they can eat. 4 p.m. 803 Spence St., Los Angeles, CA 90023.
Friday, October 24
- Queer Goth Night at the Paramount: Let loose to live drag and burlesque performances, DJs, gogo dancers, vendors and “dark speakeasy vibes” at the Paramount Theater. There’ll be prizes for best-dressed. 18+. Doors open at 9 p.m. 2708 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033.
- Halloween Gallery Party: Appreciate local photographers during East LA Film Shop’s new gallery opening. Costumes are encouraged; you may even win a prize. This is a free event from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. 3541 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90063.
- Youth Voter Awareness event: Stop by the Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center to learn about voter rights, the voting process and the significance of youth participation in elections. RSVP required. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 1600 E. 4th St., Los Angeles, CA 90033.
Saturday, October 25
- Mercadito de los Muertos: Bring the family to Tonalli Studios to support local artists, vendors and find anything you need for your own ofrenda. Come early for live screen printing! 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 4539 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90022.
- Cafecito y Comida with Cafe Niña: Help to raise funds to send Centro CSO members to the National Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression conference in Chicago by buying Cafe Niña coffee and bites from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 3264 East 4th St., Los Angeles, CA 90063.
- Zine making at the library: Join Malabar Branch Library staff in a workshop that offers a follow-along demonstration of making an 8-page booklet zine from a single sheet of paper. Zines in this workshop will be considered for the new branch’s zine collection! 2 p.m. 2801 Wabash Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033.
- Ska night at the Paramount: Don’t miss this year’s Halloween party at the Paramount featuring acts from Matamoska!, Mafia Rusa and Maria Blues. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets start at $10. Doors open at 8 p.m. 2708 E. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033.
- Día de los Muertos art workshop with Self Help Graphics: Join SHG teaching artists from 12–3 p.m. to create papel picado, paper flowers, and calaca and marigold magnets. Connect with cultural practices while making art to honor ancestors and loved ones. All materials provided. Free and open to all ages. East Los Angeles County Library 4837 E 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA.
Sunday, October 26
- Eastside Scene: Celebrate 15 years of Eastside news with a one-day exhibit of photographs taken by news publication Eastsider LA writers and readers at Hunt Vintage in Echo Park. 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 1554 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026.
- Children’s Story Hour: Bring the kiddos to Libros Schmibros Lending Library for storytelling in English & Spanish. Kids 3-10 get a book to take home. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 103 N. Boyle Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033.
- Día de los Muertos Family Day at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes: Honor the dead at this family event with live music, dance, a community altar and a procession. This event is free and starts at 12 p.m. 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Check out our guide to other Día de los Muertos events here.