BGG Weekender

If you’re one of the three people in Los Angeles not going to Coachella this weekend, this itinerary is for you -- so feel special!  While others will be baking in the sun (or rolling in the mud, as it’s supposed to rain in Indio tomorrow), you can enjoy a relaxing weekend full of good food, fun shows, and as many line-less bathroom breaks as your little left-out heart desires.  When the relentless Coachella status updates and Instagram pics start to pour in, just think of how much money you’re saving by doing what follows instead...

Friday

Start your weekend off with a performance by Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, with choreography done by Mr. Natalie Portman, a.k.a. the choreographer for Black Swan.  Tickets start at $34. For a cheaper Friday night option (and one that won’t make your boyfriend want to hang himself), head directly to Dodger Stadium post-work to catch a 7:30 p.m. game. Those tickets start at $10. For a bite to eat before or after (Dodger dogs don’t count towards dinner as far as we’re concerned), swing by one of the downtown spots featured on this LA Times listing of 50 places to eat for under $5.  If you’ve got a group with you, you may want to snag this Thrillist drinks deal at Villains Tavern for a little late-night steam-blowing. 

If these options feel a bit too ambitious, make your way instead to Royal/T for Two Operas, a contemporary take on...opera.  Afterward, grab a discounted drink (post-10 p.m.) at nearby City Tavern. 

Saturday

If the money you saved by opting out of Coachella is burning a hole in your pocket, take it to Malibu for Yoga & Rosenthal Wines at the Rosenthal Vineyards. Entry is $55, but the fee includes yoga sessions, a premium flight of six wines, fruit and fine cheese pairings, and a bottle of wine to take home with you.  

If you’re not into drinking in downward dog, start your day off instead with brunch at La Conversation on Doheny. Then, make your way over to Regen Projects to check out the Elizabeth Peyton exhibit if you haven’t already done so. Afterward, stop by Space 15 Twenty for the big Urban Outfitters sample sale (12-5 p.m.) -- clothing and accessories will be just $5.  

Saturday night will be a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure, as we’ve got three very different options for you. The first is a performance of Point Break Live at 8 p.m. in WeHo, which we highly recommend if you know the movie but have never before seen the show.  As an alternative, you could catch the LA Derby Dolls downtown as they face off against the Sirens.  Or peruse the 626 Asian Night Market (the only one of its kind in all of SoCal) in Pasadena, and don't forget to stop by the Haven Gastropub +Brewery afterparty for a special $4 menu of dishes inspired by Asian street food.  

Sunday

Begin your day with free yoga (and live music!) at Lululemon in Brentwood at 9:30 a.m.  Get there early as these freebies fill up fast. Afterward, get involved in CicLAvia, which will involve the closure of several streets throughout the city so that pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy LA as they’re not often able.  See a full listing of events here. 

If you’re too lazy to cycle and aren’t scared off by street closures, try instead to get into The Secret Fork, a members-only food club and marketplace held in Venice from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.   

As a third alternative, spend the day back at Dodger Stadium, as LA plays the Padres at 1:10 p.m.

Later, relax with a little Titanic 3D screening at the Arclight Hollywood if you haven’t yet done so, and then make your way up to Sunset for some grub at The Pikey, which officially opens on Sunday.  Stay as long as you like, as the British-inspired pub is open until 2 a.m.  Afterward, fall into bed grateful that you won’t have to deal with Coachella traffic and a hangover in Monday’s wee morning hours, though we're certain you won't be spared endless tales from the trenches.