SoCal kids & families, Sept. 19-26: National Dance Day, Dino Fest, ‘Cinderella Story’ and more
SoCal kids & families, Sept. 19-26: National Dance Day, Dino Fest, ‘Cinderella Story’ and more
Fun, artsy and family friendly events and activities in LA and OC this coming weekend and beyond
Welcome to a new edition of TV or Not TV’s curated guide to artsy, kid-centric and family-friendly events, activities and happenings all around LA and OC this weekend and beyond. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the Los Angeles Times’ Calendar section.
‘Coco’ Disney and Pixar’s animated Day of the Dead-inspired 2017 fantasy tale returns to the big screen, with pre-show entertainment by Mariachi Divas and Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles plus a special fan event (7 p.m. Friday) and a Spanish-dubbed screening (4 p.m. Saturday). El Capitan Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m., 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday; Sept. 19-22. $16; fan event, $35; family four-pack, $75 (includes soda and popcorn). (800) 347-6396. elcapitantheatre.com
8th Annual Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival What’s the fastest thing on four strings? Find out as this family-friendly outing returns with live performances, beginner’s lessons, workshops and instrument vendors, plus food, shave ice and more. Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. $20, $55; 12 & under accompanied by an adult, free. (800) 595-4849. losangelesukulelefestival.com
Dino Fest It’s like a bit of Jurassic Park right in your own backyard as this annual celebration returns with life-sized dinosaur puppets, educational activities, hands-on arts & crafts and more. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. $7-$18; ages 2 and younger, free; advanced online tickets highly recommended. nhm.org
National Dance Day Put your best feet forward at this year’s edition of the annual festival that includes live performances in styles ranging from Bollywood to ballet to ballet folklorico, plus instructional workshops and more. Segerstrom Center’s Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Free with Plaza Pass. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
‘Cinderella Story’ Pacific Opera Project celebrates the music from the myriad stage and screen adaptations of the classic fairytale in this family-friendly revue. Kings Road Park, 1000 Kings Road, West Hollywood. 4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays thru Sept 22. Free. pacificoperaproject.com
San Pedro ♥ Festival of the Arts 2024 Dhoon Dance, Passion Flamenca Los Angeles and Re:borN Dance Interactive are among the myriad local companies performing in this year’s edition of the free and family friendly showcase presented by Louise Reichlin & Dancers/Los Angeles Choreographers & Dancers. Peck Park, 560 N. Western Ave., San Pedro. 1 to 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. triartsp.com
‘The Wizard of Oz’ Judy Garland is Dorothy, a simple Kansas farm girl swept up by a twister and deposited in a magical land, in Victor Fleming’s beloved 1939 musical fantasy based on the writings of L. Frank Baum. Presented in 35mm in a rare screening of a 1998 1.37 dye transfer print. American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. $10, $15. americancinematheque.com
‘Hallowe’en Spooktacular’ Get a jump on the spooky season with the return of this not-at-all scary favorite. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd., Highland Park. 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays; 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sundays; other days, dates and times, Sept. 7 thru Nov. 10; sensory-friendly version, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. $25; ages 2 and under, free. (213) 250-9995. bobbakermarionettetheater.com
‘My Penguin Friend’ A lonely fisherman from Brazil rescues and then bonds with an injured penguin, forging a lifelong connection, in this heartwarming 2024 tale starring Jean Reno and based on a true story. Various theaters, showtimes and prices. 97 mins. Rated PG. mypenguinfriend.com
Spider Pavilion Oh, what a tangled web! Get up close and personal with the creepiest and crawliest when this educational encounter with all things arachnid returns for another season. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A. Closed the first Tuesday each month. $10, plus general admission ($7-$18; ages 2 and younger, free; advanced online tickets highly recommended). nhm.org
‘Wendy’s Peter Pan’ Outdoor staging of Ellen Geer’s reimaginging of J.M. Barrie’s fantasy tale. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Various dates and times thru Oct. 4. $15-$60. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com