Weekend Guide
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Weekend Guide

Weekend Guide

Los Angeles magazine's guide to having a great weekend

Gary Smith
February 13, 2026

Los Angeles moves into the weekend with a vibrant lineup of culture, celebration and citywide energy. From the immersive Kyoto craftsmanship of Casa Kyoto at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center to the star-powered buzz of NBA All-Star Weekend, the city offers something for every mood. Festive traditions take center stage with Mardi Gras at The Original Farmers Market and a colorful Lunar New Year celebration at Westfield Topanga, while Grand Central Market adds a playful Valentine’s Day pop-up filled with flowers, keepsakes and nostalgic charm in the heart of Downtown.

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Westfield Topanga Lunar New Year — Feb. 15

Westfield Topanga welcomes the Year of the Dragon with a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration filled with color, movement and tradition. A lively lion and dragon dance winds through the center, leading guests toward Topanga Social as performances, cultural moments and festive red envelope giveaways unfold throughout the day. The family-friendly event transforms the shopping destination into a joyful showcase of Lunar New Year customs and community spirit.

Mardi Gras at The Original Farmers Market — Feb. 14-17

Mardi Gras takes over The Original Farmers Market with a lively, New Orleans-inspired celebration filled with music, flavor and festive spirit. Guests can enjoy live bands, Cajun and Creole specialties, and a colorful pet parade and costume contest that bring the energy of Bourbon Street to the heart of Los Angeles. The multi-day event transforms the historic market into a joyful, family-friendly carnival of food, culture and celebration.

NBA All-Star Weekend Events — Feb. 12-16

NBA All-Star Weekend brings a citywide takeover of basketball, music and fan experiences as Los Angeles hosts three days of high-energy events. The NBA Crossover Concert Series features Ludacris, while artists including Busta Rhymes, Peso Pluma and Normani headline performances across the city. Beyond the court, fans can explore pop-ups, live viewing parties, interactive activations and special events from L.A. Live to Complex Market, turning the All-Star celebration into a full-scale festival of hoops and culture.

Casa Kyoto at Japanese American Cultural & Community Center — Feb. 14-15

Casa Kyoto arrives at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center for a two-day celebration of traditional Kyoto craftsmanship and culture. Through hands-on workshops and guided tastings, guests can explore fragrance blending, knife sharpening, and the art of making onigiri and miso, among other time-honored practices. The immersive program offers a rare window into centuries of Japanese design, technique, and culinary heritage, bringing the spirit of Kyoto to the heart of Little Tokyo.

Grand Central Market Valentine’s Day Pop-Up — Feb. 14

Grand Central Market leans into Valentine’s Day with a playful afternoon pop-up blending flowers, nostalgia and handmade keepsakes. Guests can pick up complimentary mini bouquets, pose for 2000s-style portrait photos and customize tote bags with live embroidery, turning a quick market visit into a festive, love-themed experience in the heart of Downtown.

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