Oscar Week: Some people around our area will spend the coming days reviewing speeches, and the people in need of thanking, and the final details ahead of the big Feb. 24 show. But even if you're not a nominee, there are ways to slip into the cinematic swing of things. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has a lively calendar just ahead, with nights devoted to Foreign Language Film and Feature Animation. Downtown, there's a free costume exhibit, which is not helmed by the Academy but full of film outfits. And in Hollywood? Oh yes, there's an Oscar-themed pop-up shop, next to the Dolby Theatre.
Free Tuesday: We've experienced a lot of rain this month, which makes a sunshiny day as perfect as a petal-packed camellia. And speaking of camellias, there's a place on Tuesday, Feb. 19 that will boast extra sunshine, both in terms of actual sun and spirit, too. For camellia-filled Descanso Gardens will waive admission on Feb. 19. Why? Why, it's the third Tuesday of the month, of course. If you have been craving a stroll, some sunbeams, great breezes, and quality outdoor time, best call upon the historic La Cañada Flintridge expanse, and pay nothing to do so.
Free Tuesday: You don't often get the chance to break out the ol' "twofer Tuesday" trope, but sometimes similar things just match up, and when they match up on a Tuesday, well, you can call them a twofer, if you like. For another major public garden will be going the get-in-free-route, in Rancho Palos Verdes, and if you're already pre-excited that you'll be strolling South Coast Botanic Garden on Tuesday, Feb. 19, without paying thing, then you likely know the sublime succulents and fig trees you'll encounter. More rain will eventually come, but, for now, you can and should be outside soaking in the light.
Lotusland Now Open (Again): Openings and closings are events that happen quite often around our region, but a lot of them are only seasonal in nature. Which means that, yes, your favorite garden may take the winter off, but it will be back, when the days grow longer and/or the temps head upwards. One historic plot that just said "hello" to a fresh run? Ganna Walska Lotusland, in Montecito. You'll need to make a reservation for a tour, and, nope, those famous lotuses won't open for several months, but, goodness, the gardens are glorious. It reopened on Feb. 16; see for yourself the beauty that awaits.
Annual Bowie Skate Night: Taking a few spins around an old-school rink, while rocking your favorite jeans and your sparkliest skate laces, is always pretty rad, but the music doesn't always live up to your flow. What if, though, all of the music played was from an iconic performer? And you knew all of the words? And you were among other fans, people who wanted to raise the vibe to "Young Americans" and "Heroes"? Then you'd likely be at this Moonlight Rollerway skate night, on Feb. 21, that is, yes, themed to the tunes and magic of the late and great David Bowie.
