SoCal kids & families, Sept. 5-12: LA Kids Book Festival, ‘Cinderella Story,’ ‘Jason and the Argonauts’ and more
SoCal kids & families, Sept. 5-12: LA Kids Book Festival, ‘Cinderella Story,’ ‘Jason and the Argonauts’ 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 arts & entertainment at the Los Angeles Times.
Let’s have some fun!
‘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, Sept. 7 thru 22. Free. pacificoperaproject.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
‘Jason and the Argonauts’ Our Hellenic hero and his stout and stalwart crew face all manner of mythological creatures in their quest to find the legendary Golden Fleece in this exciting 1963 adventure tale featuring stop-motion animation by the legendary Ray Harryhausen. American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. $10, $15. americancinematheque.com
Book Signing with W. Bruce Cameron and Cathryn Michon The spouses and bestselling authors — joined by their trusty canine companion Tucker — read selections from, and sign copies of, their new books “Ripley: Fire Station Five” and “I’m Still Here: A Dog’s Purpose Forever.” Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, 12005 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista, 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Free; reservations recommended. annenbergpetspace.org
Los Angeles Kids Book Festival Speaking of books, this all-ages celebration of all things kid-lit is back with a full slate of live readings by noted authors, plus interactive storytelling, live music, arts & crafts, food trucks, free schwag and much, much more. West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. Free. lakidsbookfestival.com
Heartbeat of Mexico Ballet folklorico company Relámpago Del Cielo, cumbia-punk rockers Los Waraperos and drag artist Kay Sedia are among the artists featured in a new edition of this outing that also includes dance workshops, arts & crafts and more. Musco Center, 415 N. Glassell St., Orange. Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept 8. Free. (714) 997-6812. muscocenter.org
California Science Center The new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center Work in Progress gallery will put you in close proximity to a SpaceX Dragon Cargo Spacecraft and a Rocket Lab Electron Rocket. California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Drive, L.A. Free; special exhibits, experiences and IMAX films, various prices. Open daily. (323) 724-3623. californiasciencecenter.org
‘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
‘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
‘You Gotta Believe’ A ragtag team of young baseball players makes it all the way to the Little League World Series in Ty Roberts’ fact-based 2024 inspirational drama. With Luke Wilson, Greg Kinnear, Sarah Gadon and Molly Parker. Starts Friday, Aug. 30. 104 mins. Rated PG. wellgousa.com
Roll @ Santa Monica Get your skate on at this new pop-up outdoor roller rink. 1324 5th St., Santa Monica. Noon to 10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, noon to 11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays thru Oct. 14. Admission (includes skate rental), $15; socks, lockers and party tents also available to rent. rollatsantamonica.com
‘Cinderella’ This long-running, multimedia-enhanced staging of the classic fairytale returns. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 2 p.m. Saturdays, 12:30 p.m. Sundays thru Sept 29. $12.50, $15. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com