LA's Coolest Events to Enjoy Over the Long Weekend

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Thanks to this handy list, you already know where to snag clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, swimwear, lingerie, and home furnishings at seriously slashed prices this weekend. But we thought you also ought to know about a few ways to bide your time that don't involve a shopping spree (a healthy balance of both activities is our recommendation).

We've hunted down some the city's coolest offerings — from outdoor film screenings to family-friendly county fairs and sweatastic dance parties to contemporary art exhibitions — to help you plan out your long holiday weekend. That is, when you're not choosing to be a total couch potato and indulging in some long-overdue TV catch-up, which we're also in full support of. And check back here periodically, since we'll be adding more activities as they pop up.

Friday, May 27th

Photo: Inside the Magic

What: Catch Alice Through the Looking Glass, the anticipated follow-up to Tim Burton's 2010 Alice in Wonderland, in all its 3D glory at one of Hollywood's most iconic theaters, plus come early to catch a light show and browse a collection of costumes and props from the fantastical film. El Capitan Theater (6838 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, 90028), 7:30pm and 10:30pm. VIP tickets $28 (includes preferred seating and refreshments), $18 general admission.

What: Das Bunker presents an all-star industrial and electronic music lineup of Esplendor Geometrico, Dive, and RedRedRed. The sure-to-be-sweaty dance party is open to anyone 18 and over. Union Nightclub (4067 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, 90019), 9pm. $20 tickets available here.

Saturday, May 28th

Photo: Cruise Director

What: Remember simpler times during the Topanga Days County Fair, which features rustic fare and festivities (a bubblegum blowing contest, egg toss, pie-eating contest, and cherry seed spitting), a parade, and a music lineup that includes Avery Rose Band and David Bowie tribute band Kummerspeck Das Bowie. (1440 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, 90290), 10am to 7pm Saturday through Monday. Tickets are $15-$25.

What: Fans of NYC's infamous Milk Bar are in luck this Friday through Monday when Lactaid offers a limited edition ice cream truck with twists on the eatery's classic treats (Compost Cookie Granola Fudge Sundae, for example). And to make things even sweeter, all the creations are safe for lactose-intolerant folks — and free! Santa Monica Pier (200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 90401), 11am to 5pm. Free.

Sunday, May 29th

Photo: Discotech

What: Branding company Surfer by Blood will host an epic pool party to celebrate Memorial Day in (bikini clad) style. Expect a few special guests to shop by, plus an inevitably sexy crowd. Roosevelt Tropicana Pool (7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, 90028), 12pm to sunset. RSVP here.

What: If you're a child of the 1980s — and even if you're not — you've got a soft spot for quintessential friendly alien flick E.T. The screening of this childhood classic also includes a pre and post set by DJ Carlos Nino as well as the cemetery's essential decked-out photo booth. Hollywood Forever Cemetery (6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, 90038), 8:30pm. $18 tickets here.

Monday, May 30th

Photo: Getty Images

What: Revisit the 1990s by way of MOCA's Don't Look Back exhibition that includes installations by Paul McCarthy and Mark Dion (the dinosaur bedroom featured above), photos by Catherine Opie, sculpture by Cady Noland, and more artists tackling themes like technology, politics, violence, and social class. The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA (152 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, 90012), 11am to 6pm. General admission $12.

What: The LA Zoo's current Dinosaurs: Unextinct presents a series of animatronic versions of prehistoric creatures, plus teaches visitors all kinds of fun facts about them. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens (5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, 90027), 10am to 5pm daily. $20 general admission, $15 kids 2-12.

What: Rhonda International presents Rhondesia, a summer series of decadent poolside parties that kicks off on Memorial Day and repeats on July 4th and Labor Day. Toss on your best itty bitty bikini and be prepared to groove to sounds provided by Marcus Marr, Pools, Daniel T, Salon Acapulco, and more. Skybar at the Mondrian (8440 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, 90069), 12pm to 8pm. Free. RSVP required.