Happenings in the Heights
¡Hola Boyle Heights! Your community reporter, Alex Medina, is back to share some happenings in and around the neighborhood this holiday season.
Thursday, Dec. 5
United Teachers Los Angeles East is hosting a special screening of “Dolores,” a documentary focusing on the life of the iconic activist Dolores Huerta, at Roosevelt High School. And guess what – Huerta will be there to share special remarks on the documentary and chat with attendees. The event is free and open to all. The screening will start at 5 p.m. at the school’s auditorium.
Friday, Dec. 6
La Parilla Restaurant is hosting a benefit breakfast in support of Las Fotos Project, an organization training the next generation of photographers in the neighborhood through mentorship. You can support the nonprofit by bringing wish list items, including Instax film, SD cards, SD card readers, batteries, stationery supplies and gift cards of any amount. The event runs from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
The Roosevelt High School Music Department and RHS Alumni Foundation are hosting the 14th annual Alumni Concert featuring the school’s band and mariachi alongside alumni musicians. The concert will be at the school’s new performing arts center. Proceeds from the show will be used to support the music department. You can grab tickets in advance online for $10.
Saturday, Dec. 7
The Latino Equality Alliance is hosting a community clean-up in the spirit of the holidays. The volunteer effort will start off at the Boyle Heights Sports Center Park at 9 a.m. and will run through noon. Those interested can RSVP here.
Northeast Trees is hosting a morning of planting and seed processing at Ascot Hills Park in El Sereno. The star of the event is the heteromeles arbutifolia plant, commonly known as toyon and referred to as the Christmas berry. You’ll learn the best conditions for it to grow and blossom. Snacks will be provided. You can register to attend here. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon.
L.A. County Parks & Recreation is hosting a series of Winter Wonderland events this December, with City Terrace and Eugene A. Obregón Parks on this list this weekend. There will be hot cocoa and treats to enjoy while engaging in photo ops, toy giveaways and more fun activities with holiday music in the air. City Terrace Park will be hosting its event from 12 to 3 p.m. while Obregón Park’s will be held from 4 to 8 p.m.
Eastside Cafe is hosting a two-day Mercado del Pueblo winter market in El Sereno. There will be live music, local vendors, raffles and more from 12 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 8. Entry to the event is donation-based ($5-10), but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
The four-piece alternative disco-punk band garbagebarbie is heading to The Paramount this weekend. They’ve got a grungey garage pop vibe that strives to captivate an audience. The all-ages event is also set to feature a DJ Set from Nick Leng. Doors for the show open at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online for $15.
Sunday, Dec. 8
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is hosting a free holiday mercado from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 8. Here, you’ll find handmade, locally created art and merchandise from Latino vendors. The market will feature 40 vendors, as well as workshops, activities, food for sale and more.
The Annual Lincoln Heights Holiday Parade and Festival is on for its 19th edition. The parade will start on Lincoln Park Ave. at 11 a.m. and go toward the Lincoln Heights Recreation Center. Here you’ll find a festival full of fun activities from group games and arts and crafts to free photos with Santa. There will also be a toy giveaway, too. The festival runs till 2:30 p.m.
Boyle Heights has its own parade and festival starting at 3 p.m. at Mariachi Plaza. The route will make its way toward Chicago Street and will feature local figures, including this year’s grand marshal, muralist Robert Vargas. East L.A.-born actor Edward James Olmos will be the night’s special guest. Following the parade, a festival featuring music, performances, vendors and more will light up 1st Street in celebration of the holidays through 8 p.m.
For those who love a good baile and wrestling match, Don Quixote is hosting a Gran Baile featuring Los Telefonistas and Grupo Los Del Este mixed with a night of lucha libre. The all-ages event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. You can grab tickets for about $60 online.
On 1st Street, the bar Eastside Luv is hosting its signature midnight special burlesque night for those looking for a 21+ cabaret show right here in Boyle Heights. Capacity for the event is limited, so grab a $10 pre-sale ticket here before they’re all gone. Doors open at 8 p.m.
If you’re busy this weekend, we’ve got a list of more events in and around the neighborhood happening soon: Things to do on the Eastside this holiday season
As always, please let us know what you think of this newsletter and send us your events to include in future editions. Hope you have an amazing weekend!
