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Things To Do and What's Canceled in LA this Weekend: Patrick's, Purim, and Butterflies

Purim fun. Photo courtesy of Alpert JCC
Purim fun. Photo courtesy of Alpert JCC
3/11/20 - By Toby B

As the weekend approaches, rain is in the forecast, and a public health crisis is looming. As of this writing, most major venues are still open, extra precautions are being taken, and, this being Los Angeles, the show still goes on. 

But we are starting to hear of more canceled events, particularly the large scale ones (Coachella, E3, the sport of basketball). The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books has been postponed until October. A number of universities and private schools are transitioning to online classes for the next few weeks, though we have not heard much of public school closures on the K-12 side.

We're doing our best to keep our calendar updated with canceled or postponed events (we've listed several at the end of this post). Since the landscape is rapidly changing we suggest checking with the venue for up-to-the-minute information. Now might be a good time to avail yourself of our "Boredom Busters" guide, aka how to stay home with your kids for extended periods of time without driving each other bananas.

The disruption in daily routine may be hard for kids to make sense of, and they may need some reassurance. I’m reminded of the Mr Rogers quote about dealing with crisis: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping... If you look for the helpers you will know that there is hope."  In this coronavirus crisis, we are all the helpers. By washing our hands, sneezing into our elbows, and maintaining social distance, we are all doing our part to limit the spread of this illness. We are all the helpers, and if for a short time we scale back on our activities, we are doing it to keep our friends, our family, and our neighbors healthy.  

Keep reading for our healthiest, and most helpful, suggestions for the weekend...

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Celebrate butterflies. Photo courtesy of Kidspace Children’s Museum
Celebrate butterflies. Photo courtesy of Kidspace Children’s Museum

Things To Do All Weekend

America's Teaching Zoo Spring Spectacular 2024

Moorpark
Talk about spectacular! America's Teaching Zoo is back with its annual springtime extravaganza.  Details on the 2024 celebration to come! READ MORE

POSTPONED: Butterfly Celebration

Pasadena
UPDATE: The Butterfly Celebration at Kidspace has been postponed. "In response to Governor Newsom’s March 11 announcement and evolving circumstances surrounding COVID-19, Kidspace Children’s Museum will postpone remaining March special events."    READ MORE

53rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales

Dana Point
The Festival of Whales celebrates migrating whales who use Dana Point's headland as a landmark on their journey southward. Festivities include whale watching, a street fair, a parade, classic cars on display, and an art show . READ MORE

CANCELED: Meet-and-Greets with Peppa Pig at the LA Zoo

Griffith Park
UPDATE:  This event has been cancelled. The L.A. Zoo is closed through March 31, 2020    You never know who you'll see at the Los Angeles Zoo. Like, for instance, Peppa Pig. READ MORE

Cartoon Club

Hollywood
Cartoon Club celebrates the art and history of animation with Saturday morning screenings of rare cartoon gems.  October's cartoon spooktacular is a family-friendly Halloween treat!  READ MORE

Santa Ana Zoo Birthday Party

Santa Ana
The Santa Ana Zoo celebrates its birthday with a wild celebration on the Zoo grounds. READ MORE

Temporary Closure: Onward (PG)

Hollywood
UPDATE:  The El Capitan is temporarily closed in response to guidelines issued by LA Mayor Eric Garcetti. The El Capitan moves Onward with Disney PIXAR’s newest release. READ MORE

Kiddee Matinees

Hollywood
On Saturdays and Sundays, families can catch a matinee screening of a kid-friendly movie at the New Beverly Cinema.   READ MORE
County Ventura's St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo courtesy of County Ventura
County Ventura's St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo courtesy of County Ventura

Things To Do Saturday, March 14

CANCELED: Calabasas Shamrock Shuffle

Calabasas
UPDATE: This event has been canceled. The 2020 Calabasas ShamRock Shuffle 5K & Kids Run in Calabasas  starts and finishes at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center, and is followed by a full-on, family-friendly St Patrick's Day Festival featuring live Irish music, kids' inflatables, carnival games, and Irish Step Dancers a-plenty. READ MORE

POSTPONED: Kids' Summer Opportunities Jamboree

Santa Ana
UPDATE:  This event has been postponed. "In light of recent concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and in order to practice caution during this time, Discovery Cube OC and Parenting OC have rescheduled the community event to September 12, 2020. Discovery Cube OC will remain open for general admission until further notice." READ MORE

Mile Square Fishing Derby

Fountain Valley
Grab your rod and reel:  the fish are bitin' at Mile Square Park. READ MORE

Complete Whalewatch

San Pedro
The whale adventure starts dockside with wildlife experts and trained naturalists teaching about the adaptations of the most massive animals on earth. Following the activities, guests board the boat and head out to sea on a two-hour voyage in search of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and sea birds, hosted by Spirit Cruises in Long Beach. Reservations must be made by March 12, 2020, at 310.548.7562. Looking for more whale spotting activities? READ MORE

Saturday Morning Stories and More

West LA
Erin go bookstore! Luke Robertson visits Children's Book World for a St. Patrick's Day storytime. Every Saturday morning Children's Book World offers free children's entertainment March 2020 schedule:      March 7: Andrew & Polly Mini-Concert (all ages) March 14: St. Patrick’s Day Storytime with Luke Robertson (ages 4 – 7) March 21: Kevin Noble Maillard Storytime & Signing (ages 3 – 7) March 28: Roda Ahmed Launch Party & Signing (ages 4 –... READ MORE

CANCELED: Wicked Tinkers

Santa Monica
UPDATE: Wicked Tinkers at the Broad Stage is canceled. "Given the widespread escalation of efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we have decided to exercise caution and suspend performances through April 8, 2020, effective immediately....As of now, we plan to resume performances on April 9, 2020. We will make our best effort to reschedule all suspended performances." READ MORE

CANCELED: Clay Creations

West LA
UPDATE: This event has been canceled. "This event has been canceled as part of Getty’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19)."   Getty visitors can get fired up about clay in this hands-on family workshop and discover how artists transform earth and water into the beautiful ceramics on view at the Getty Center. READ MORE

CANCELED: Irish Festival

Mission Viejo
UPDATE:  This event has been canceled. "In compliance with a request from the California Department of Public Health requesting the cancellation of any event with 250 people or more, this year’s Irish Fest has been canceled." READ MORE

Norton Simon Family Day: Summer at the Seaside

Pasadena
Hot enough for you?  Norton Simon visitors can beat the summer heat while viewing artworks that capture majestic views of the beach and sea. Participants then create artworks of their own in the lower-level courtyard, with inspiration from seaside paintings by artists like Louis-Eugène Boudin, Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet. READ MORE

Temporarily Canceled: Reed Park Pop-up Programs

Santa Monica
UPDATE:  The Reed Park Pop-ups are canceled at least through March. Why give them a toy when you know they just want the box?  Reed Park offers  interactive play with recycled materials. READ MORE

Family Night Hike

Arcadia
Families are invited to experience the Arboretum at night, on a program that begins with a storytelling session, followed by a hike through the gardens with interactive botanical explorations along the route. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of the Norton Simon Art Foundation
Photo courtesy of the Norton Simon Art Foundation

Things To Do Sunday, March 15

POSTPONED: Butterfly Pavilion

Exposition Park
UPDATE:  The opening of the Butterfly Pavilion is postponed. "Beginning Saturday, March 14, the Natural History Museum (NHM), La Brea Tar Pits Museum, and William S. Hart Museum will be closed until further notice."  It's butterfly season at the Natural History Museum. READ MORE

Family Purim Shpiel & Celebration

Hollywood
Costumes are encouraged as the Beat Buds headline Temple Israel's Purim kids' carnival.  READ MORE

POSTPONED Young Scientists Symposium

San Pedro
UPDATE: The Young Scientists Symposium has been postponed. "Due to ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19 we have decided to reschedule our Young Scientists Symposium. We are sorry for any and all inconveniences; our intent is to keep everyone safe and healthy." READ MORE

Autism Families Night

Long Beach
The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts a special evening exclusively for families with adults or children with autism. READ MORE

Animal Spirit Necklace

Thousand Oaks
 Tongva artist Julia Bogany helps guests discover their animal spirit. Participants learn their animal indigenous name and make a Tongva animal spirit necklace. ​ READ MORE

A Chance to Dance by the Los Angeles Ballet Company

Sawtelle
One Sunday each month during Los Angeles Ballet's season, LAB dancers offer free ballet classes and more. The day's classes are usually centered around a theme. After several years of virtual events, the Los Angeles Ballet is offering their dance courses in person. Some classes are specifically geared towards children, like Children's Creative Movement, so make sure to check the schedule to find specific times. READ MORE

Gallery Games

Westwood
The Hammer offers 45-minute guided sessions that combine family-friendly tours with easy-to-play games. READ MORE

Free Laundry & Literacy Day

Vermont Knolls
Get ready for the "3 Rs":  Reading, writing, and rinse cycle! READ MORE

CANCELED or POSTPONED Events

County Ventura St. Patrick's Day Parade

Ventura
The annual County Ventura St. Patrick's Day Parade marches to the theme of "Shamrocks & Shenanigans!​" with bands, Irish dancers, fire trucks, antique vehicles, four-legged pets, and anything remotely green that can march down Main Street.  READ MORE

Hermosa Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade

Hermosa Beach
It's the pot o' gold at the end of the rainbow: the Hermosa Beach Saint Patrick's Day Parade returns for its 28th year on March 16, 2024.  READ MORE

CANCELED: Canoga Park St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Canoga Park
UPDATE: Canoga Park St. Patrick's Day Community March & Celebration has been canceled. "Due to promoting our safety in the time of the coronavirus, we regret to announce that we will have to cancel this event. " Canoga Park's annual Saint Patrick's Day Community March and Celebration starts in front of the Madrid Theatre. The march goes through town to the Canoga Park Farmers Market, where the entertainment and fun continues. READ MORE

POSTPONED LA Nature Fest

Exposition Park
Update:  This event has been postponed due to rain. "In light of predicted rain showers in Los Angeles for Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15, and the inability to safely move all the hands-on activities into the Museum, we have postponed our annual indoor-outdoor Nature Fest at NHM until a later date." The Natural History Museum presents a two-day celebration of Nature in the City—culminating in the annual opening of the Butterfly Pavilion! READ MORE

Orange County Cherry Blossom Festival

Huntington Beach
The Orange County Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual spring celebration of Japanese and Japanese American culture in Southern California. Each year the festival brings together a broad spectrum of performers and activities that span the traditional to the contemporary. Taiko drumming, minyo, classical dance, gagaku music, origami, ikebana are presented alongside cosplay contests, anime characters, electronic music, jazz, video game tournaments and beyond. The festival offers the opportunity to taste the best of Japanese food and drink vendors in the region. The event... READ MORE

CANCELED: Noah's Ark After Dark - Pajama Party

West LA
UPDATE:  This event has been canceled. "The March 14 Noah's Ark After Dark program has been cancelled in light of public-health concerns related to COVID-19. If you have already purchased tickets to this program, you will be contacted by the Skirball with the option to reschedule for May 30 or receive a refund. " Families can spend an evening with animal friends after hours aboard Noah’s Ark at the Skirball. READ MORE

CANCELED: Los Angeles Environmental Education Fair

Arcadia
UPDATE:  This event has been canceled. What better place to learn about green living than the Los Angeles County Arboretum? Young people, their families, and educators can discover the latest hands-on activities, ready-to-use lesson ideas, and useful resources that are easily incorporated into everyday life from leading organizations that promote environmental education and awareness.  READ MORE

Lowes Build and Grow

Multiple Locations
February's project is a chalkboard message center, just in time for kids to scribble a Happy Valentines message. Lowes offers free craft projects for kids. Kids participating in store can use tools such as hammers to assemble their craft. Each participant receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of the project. READ MORE

CANCELED St. Patrick's Day in the Courtyard

Pasadena
UPDATE:  This event has been canceled. "The health and safety of our shoppers, diners, event-goers and guests is our utmost priority, and in light of recent health concerns and out of care for our community, One Colorado is canceling its Sunday, March 15 St. Paddy’s events." One Colorado celebrates St. Patrick's Day with a day of performances and activities. READ MORE

Purim Carnival (Tarzana)

Tarzana
 Temple Judea hosts the biggest Purim Carnival in the Valley, at the corner of Lindley Avenue and Ventura, with plenty of room for dancing in the street. The area becomes a mini-Disneyland with rides.  READ MORE

POSTPONED: VBS Purim Carnival: Purimpalooza

Encino
UPDATE:  This event has been postponed. "We have been advised by medical professionals and public health officials to work together to minimize the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). As a result, after much care and consideration, we have decided to postpone our Purimpalooza event planned for Sunday, March 15. Once we have a new date confirmed, we will inform the community. " The VBS Youth Department presents its annual Purim Carnival, a fun-filled day for the whole family with a giant slide, kiddie train, ferris wheel, a swing chair ride, a... READ MORE

POSTPONED: PaleyFest 2020

Hollywood
UPDATE:  This event has been postponed. "Based on the most recent news and out of an abundance of concern, we have made the difficult decision to postpone this year’s PaleyFest. While we were looking forward to presenting another stellar lineup of PaleyFest events, the safety of our event participants, guests, and staff is the highest priority... We are exploring options to reschedule the festival and all ticket purchases will be honored for the new dates." READ MORE

POSTPONED: Pinners Conference California

Ontario
UPDATE: Pinners Conference California has been postponed.​ "Because of the Governors declaration late last night we are sorry to announce that Pinners California is being required to cancel the show this weekend and it has been rescheduled for May 8-9, 2020. " READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Moorpark College Teaching Zoo
Kidspace Children's Museum
Agoura Hilla/Calabasas Community Center
Village Green at Oso Viejo Park
Reed Park, just north of Miles Memorial Playhouse
Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden