LOS ANGELES ART SHOW: It's year 16 for this huge art-and-artist spectacular, a show so large it takes over a good chunk of the Los Angeles Convention Center for four days (plus a fifth for a kick-off party). You don't have to go to purchase; just wandering, and discovering a new artist you take a fancy to, is part of the spirit of the event. General tickets are $20 at the door; through Jan. 23
THE RIVERSIDE DICKENS FESTIVAL: Evensong, daytime teas and pub nights, and a visit from Queen Vic herself, or someone very well-costumed, is part of this yearly celebration of the word, and a certain author. This is probably the only place where, a month after Christmas, you can still wear your Ebenezer Scrooge get-up. So do. Friday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 23
2011 SLACK KEY FESTIVAL: Musicians known for their awesomeness with the sounds of the slack key will be gathering at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Inside: Hawaiian tunes, hula dancing, and Hula Girls Shaved Ice. In fact, there'll be an Island Marketplace near by. Hawaii meets Redondo, if just for an afternoon. Tickets start at $35 Sunday, Jan. 23
dineLA RESTAURANT WEEK: As in the past, this outing for dineLA is not just a week, but more of a fortnight, save a Saturday night skipped in the middle. Many restaurants are prix-fixe-ing it up; lunches will be $16, $22, or $28, generally, to give an idea (and you'll try a few things for those prices). Scroll and scroll and scroll and take in all the participating eateries. Jan. 23-Feb. 4 (the off day will be Saturday, Jan. 29)
BOB BAKER'S 51ST SEASON OPENS: The man has been making puppets dance and delight and be puppety in offbeat puppety ways for over a half century; even the New York Times featured Mr. Baker and his sweet theater. The puppeteer is still overpass-adjacent, and opening his newest creation, "Magic Strings," on Saturday, Jan. 22.
