May 1, and May 2, 2025 First Fridays and Art Parties

There seems to be a lot happening this Thursday, May 1, 2025 with art parties as well as theatre. While Friday May 2, 2025 First Fridays has suddenly become popular once again in LA. Two museums are hosting events, in addition to Abbot Kinney in Venice. Furthermore, we have also more theatre and art events making for a busy start of the weekend.

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Last night the Skirball Cultural Center threw an opening art party for the new Jack Kirby exhibition. You can catch it today starting at noon; Read more about it on the Skirball, Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity Feature. Hours: 12-5pm; Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., LA 90049; https://www.skirball.org/

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LACP (Los Angeles Center of Photography) throws an opening art party to celebrate Thresholds 2025: The Bold Edition. The annual open call is juried by Kara Felt, Ph.D., of the Lawrence S. Friedman Curator of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art. The group show spotlights the art of  international street photographers. It offers an expanded view of the world and street photography as a practice. Furthermore, it brings together sights and visions for a virtual exhibition and a month-long projection-based exhibition at the Helms Design District in Culver City, CA. It will be held every night during May 2025. Art Party: 6:30-8:30pm; Rsvp here to attend the Free LACP opening reception. Helms Design District, 8745 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232; https://lacphoto.org

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Downtown

Tonight in conjunction with his exhibition [siccer], currently on view at the gallery Will Rawls joins at ICA LA for a Listening Session of his forthcoming vinyl album with the same name [siccer] features both sound compositions and recordings created by the artist as part of the project. Event: 7-8:30pm; ICA LA, 1717 E.7th St, LA, 90021; https://www.theicala.org

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LA Theatre

In Los Feliz…Skylight Theatre Company continues its run of Tracy Young’s modern verse translation of William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale.

The legendary play has been reimagined in an accessible, 90-minute modern English translation adapted by Young and Lisa Wolpe. Young directs as she retells her version of the iconic story about love, loss, and rebirth. Performance: 8pm; Regular shows are priced between $20-$42 (students: $20; seniors: $35.) Preview tickets are priced at $15+. There are a limited number of Pay-What-You-Can tickets to  any performance, using code ACCESS (advance sale only). Visit the website for more info. Skylight Theatre, 1816 ½ N. Vermont Ave, LA 90027; https://www.skylighttheatre.org

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Friday, May 2, 2025

In Redondo Beach…Today the BeachLife Festival kicks off. Known for his three decade-plus musical career, Lenny Kravitz is the headliner tonight. In addition Train, O.A.R., Aloe Blacc, The Struts, and many more acts perform tonight. Event: 1:30-10:30pm; BeachLife Festival, 239 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; https://www.beachlifefestival.com

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First Fridays

Well it looks like everyone is getting in on First Fridays…The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA hosts a celebratory First Fridays in May to honor the Latinx and Chicanx culture. The event runs from 2pm all the way through 8pm.

The event will features 50+ local vendors and artisans, and experience live music from talented, community-based DJs. Plus enjoy a variety of food available for sale. Event: 2-8pm; The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 North Central Avenue, LA, 90012; https://www.moca.org

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The Natural History Museum (NHMLA) hosts a special First Fridays event tonight titled Amplified: Experiencing Sound. Guests will be treated to live music from Automatic and Doris Anahi. The night will also include DJ sets from January and Wyldeflower. FYI – unlike other First Fridays, NHM sells tickets to the monthly events. Therefore be sure to check the website; However, this event is always fun, so many believe it is worth it. Event: 5-10pm; Admission: $25; Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007; https://nhm.org/first-fridays

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First Fridays on Abbot Kinney takes place once again tonight. Meet up with some Venice locals, enjoy food trucks and browse the retail shops. First Friday takes place from 5-9:30pm on Abbot Kinney, head to Abbot Kinney between Venice Blvd, and Westminster. https://www.abbotkinneyblvd.com/

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Downtown

Grupo Corpo kicks off tonight at the Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre. Known as one of Brazil’s most renowned contemporary dance companies, audiences have three performances to catch through the weekend. This is the first time Grupo Corpo which means “body group” in Portuguese returns to the Music Center since 2011. The dance group will perform two works 21 and Gira which features classical ballet as well as folk traditions. Visit the website for more info. Performance: 7:30pm; Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012; https://www.centertheatregroup.org

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LA Theatre

In Hollywood…The School of Night presents the World Premiere of Hellas, written and directed by Christopher William Johnson at the Broadwater Mainstage. Tonight’s performance features part 1  only. To find out when to see part II – read more on the Hellas at the Broadwater Mainstage Feature. 

The story is split into two parts while encompassing the evolution of societal structures, revenge along with unlikely alliances, and an emerging system of justice. Tickets range from $25 – $30; $5 off for students with ID. Group discounts available. Visit the website for more info or see link to make reservations: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/school-of-night/hellas; Performance 7:30pm  (Part 1 ); The Broadwater Mainstage, 1076 Lillian Way, LA, 90038; https://www.thebroadwaterla.com

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Los Feliz

The Skylight Theatre hosts another performance of the Winter’s Tale. See above for more info on Thursday’s events. The only difference is tonight’s show begins at 8:30pm; https://www.skylighttheatre.org

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Also in Los Feliz…Luck of the Draw opens at La Luz de Jesus Gallery. The drawing-forward group exhibition includes over 70 artists. Art Gallery: 7-11pm; La Luz de Jesus Gallery, 4633 Hollywood Blvd., LA, 90027; https://laluzdejesus.com/

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West Hollywood

Jetpack Comedy is LA’s best Friday stand-up comedy showcase. Comics from HBO, Netflix, and also SNL cast members, all drop-in for a night of laughter. Headliners and surprise drop-ins have included: Sarah Silverman, Kevin Nealon, Fred Armisen, Bob Odenkirk, Pete Holmes, Hannibal Buress, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, Jeff Garlin, Ali Wong, Demetri Martin, as well as many more. Event begins: 8:30pm; Admission starts at $20; Visit the website to RSVP for events (multiple dates); FB Page; Bar Lubitsch, 7702 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, 90046; https://jetpackcomedy.com/

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For additional art exhibitions, and performances as well as culinary events, see LAArtParty’s Upcoming Events Page.

Read more about Arts and Entertainment throughout the world on our sister site EatTravelGo.com, an art inspired travel site.

Or enjoy artist / gallerist interviews on our Art Talk Page also on ETG.