Multiple cultural events taking place this weekend will embrace culture and community with vibrant celebrations for Black History Month, Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year
Choose your favorite events, mark your calendar and make the most of your weekend in LA!
Music and art
Dates: February 19 – 25
Location(s): Hollywood landmark sunset, DGA Theater Complex
The Slamdance Film Festival spotlights emerging filmmakers from around the world, with 141 films, 50 of which are world premieres, representing more than 50 countries. The 2026 lineup was selected from 10,000 submissions, 28 percent of which came from Los Angeles-area filmmakers.
This will be the second year that the Slamdance Film Festival will be celebrated in Los Angeles. In addition to the film offering, the festival also includes community events such as Market Monday on February 23.
Dates: February 20-22
Location: Blue Note Los Angeles – 6372 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Lizzo will be on the Blue Note stage three nights in a row this weekend. A full bar and food menu will be available, with a minimum spending budget of $20 per person. This is a 21+ event.
Sport
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Location: LA Memorial Coliseum
This is one of the most anticipated 2026 MLS season openers this weekend, between LAFC and Inter Miami. Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi, perhaps the most decorated soccer player in history, is expected to play with the reigning MLS Cup champions against LAFC on Saturday.
Date: Saturday February 21
Location: Dodger Stadium – 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Conquer the Spartan Stadium Race at Dodger Stadium this weekend, featuring 20 different obstacles over a 5K race. Race finishers will receive a medal and a finisher T-shirt. For a chance to participate in the event for free, check out the volunteer options on the official Spartan website.
Cultural events
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Chinatown LA
Celebrate the start of the Year of the Horse this Saturday at the 127th annual Golden Dragon Parade, hosted by the Los Angeles Chinese Chamber of Commerce. From cultural performances such as the Lion Dance to fun traditions such as the red lucky envelopes: there are several options to celebrate the Lunar New Year this weekend.
Parade route: Hill Street at Temple towards Bernard. Directly on Bernard, directly on Broadway back to Broadway & Temple. Runs from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 11:59 PM
Location: Benny Boy brews – 1821 Daly St. Los Angeles, CA 90031
Experience a taste of New Orleans Mardi Gras on Saturday at Benny Boy Brewing. There will be a five-piece live jazz band, king cake and a crawdaddy boil from Crawdaddy Boiler, along with a pet parade. It is a 21+ event and admission is free.
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 9:30 PM to 10:45 PM
Location: The Elysian Theater – 1944 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Comedian Brandon Collins hosts a Drunk Black History show at The Elysian Theater on Saturday. A group of drunk comedians, writers and experts will tell the biography of a historical black figure or event that many people have never heard of. This event puts a fun spin on learning about important figures and events in history.
Do you have events that we should know about? Email us at mailbag at DodgersNation.com
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn images
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