ANNIVERSARIES in Los Angeles

"Dueling Dinos" at the Natural History Museum
Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

More LA milestones to celebrate in 2023: the nation's largest Restaurant Week, a 120 year-old Japanese confectionery, an extraordinary museum, a beloved children's theater and a world-class concert venue

DINE LA 15TH ANNIVERSARY (MAY)

The largest Restaurant Week in the country, Dine LA showcases Los Angeles as a premier dining destination while highlighting the diversity of culinary experiences L.A. has to offer. The 2023 Spring Edition in May marks the 15th anniversary of Dine LA, featuring special lunch and dinner menus at hundreds of local restaurants, from the latest hot spots to longtime participants like Lawry's The Prime Rib.

FUGETSU-DO 120th ANNIVERSARY

Founded in 1903, Fugetsu-Do is the largest producer of traditional New Year’s mochi in the United States - a task that keeps the family-owned shop running 24 hours during the last few days of the year. While it’s a store steeped in history, Fugetsu-Do has also popularized contemporary takes on its staple item, like Peanut Butter Mochi, Korey's Chocolate Mochi with a ganache center, and the snack-sized Rainbow Dango.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM 110th ANNIVERSARY

Opened at Exposition Park in 1913, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) houses one of the world’s greatest collections of natural and cultural history - more than 35 million objects, some as old as 4.5 billion years. The museum's main building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in March 1975.

The extraordinary collection includes a 63-foot whale skeleton at the entrance; Becoming Los Angeles, a 14,000 square-foot timeline of LA; Dinosaur Hall, featuring the world's only T-rex growth series; and Nature Gardens, a 3.5-acre urban wilderness. NHM also hosts First Fridays, a popular after hours series with live music, DJs, panels, signature cocktails and more. L.A. County residents receive free admission to NHM from 3-5pm Monday through Friday.

BOB BAKER MARIONETTE THEATER 60th ANNIVERSARY

"¡FIESTA!" | Photo: Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Facebook

Founded by Bob Baker and Alton Wood in 1963, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater (BBMT) is LA's oldest children's theater company. Smithsonian Magazine notes that BBMT is the longest-running puppet theater in America.

Designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2009, BBMT has entertained more than one million children with original shows ranging from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to a musical journey through the history of Los Angeles. In 2019, BBMT received nonprofit status and moved from its historic Downtown LA location and into a former 1920s silent movie theatre in Highland Park.

Now on view through March 19 at the Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale, Bob Baker Marionette Theater: 60 Years of Joy & Wonder is a retrospective exhibition that features handcrafted marionettes, original concept art, an animatronic band and more.

CATCH ONE 50th ANNIVERSARY

Located in Arlington Heights on the edge of Koreatown, Catch One is one of LA's top nightclubs, featuring a wide-ranging lineup of electronic, hip hop, indie dance, metal and rock. Opened as Jewel’s Catch One in 1973, the club became renowned as the first exclusively gay and lesbian disco for African Americans in the country.

During the club's 40-year heyday, owner Jewel-Thais Williams welcomed everyone from Rick James and Madonna to the "Queen of Disco," Sylvester. To honor her contributions to the LGBTQ community, Thais-Williams was named the Grand Marshal of the 2016 LA Pride Parade & Festival in West Hollywood.

"THE BIG LEBOWSKI" 25th ANNIVERSARY

Make yourself a White Russian and celebrate the 25th anniversary of a quintessential LA movie, The Big Lebowski. The Coen brothers' cult classic stars Jeff Bridges in his signature role as "The Dude." Released on March 6, 1998, The Big Lebowski is filled with oddball characters, quirky dialogue, and even a musical dream sequence. Take a Lebowski tour of LA locations with our guide.

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL 20th ANNIVERSARY

Walt Disney Concert Hall at sunset | Photo: The Music Center

With its stunning architecture, incomparable acoustics and tranquil public garden, Walt Disney Concert Hall (WDCH) became an instant LA icon upon its grand opening on Oct. 24, 2003. WDCH is one of the city's premier cultural destinations and home to the LA Phil and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry, with acoustics by Dr. Yasuhisa Toyota, WDCH is part of The Music Center’s collection of world-class performing arts venues and outdoor spaces in Downtown LA.

*Source: Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
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