There are a lot of David Lynch happenings across Los Angeles this month, but the calendar for this weekend and early next week are particularly packed, given that Friday, January 16, marks the first anniversary of the beloved director’s death and Tuesday, January 20, would have been his 80th birthday. With that in mind, the first section of this week’s event recommendations is all David Lynch-related and includes everything I could find that still has tickets available. After that, you’ll find more movie screenings, concerts and club nights happening between Thursday, January 15 and Wednesday, January 21. Amongst them: Shannon Shaw live, Los Angeles Record Fair, a John Carpenter double feature and a Selena museum exhibition. Keep reading for the details.
David Lynch Events
Various episodes of Twin Peaks are screening throughout the next few days. If you’ve never seen the show before, then head to Los Feliz Theatre on Thursday (1/15) and Friday (1/16), with the second episode to follow on Tuesday (1/20). More info is available over on American Cinematheque’s calendar. For the seasoned fans, episodes 7-9 are playing at Alamo Drafthouse on Saturday (1/17), Monday (1/19), Tuesday (1/20) and Wednesday (1/21). Two episodes will be playing at Zebulon on Sunday (1/18) in the afternoon and that’s free to attend. And, for the Twin Peaks nerds amongst us, Philosophical Research Society will show Twin Peaks: The Return episode 8 on Tuesday, January 20. This will also include a panel intro discussion with actors Robert Broski, Joy Nash and George Griffith, followed by a post-show discussion on the themes of the episode.
Also at Philosophical Research Society, Eraserhead screens alongside David Lynch’s early shorts on Friday night and tickets are running low for that. For Blue Velvet fans, New Beverly is screening a 35 mm print on Friday afternoon. On Monday, Academy Museum is screening the movie in 4K with Kyle MacLachlan on hand. Tickets for this are technically sold out, but check the Academy Museum’s website on Monday at 9 a.m. to see if more are released. On Tuesday, David Lynch’s birthday, you can catch Eraserhead alongside Suzan Pitt’s short Asparagus, which originally played together at the Nuart back in the day, at Brain Dead. And, Tuesday night, The Lodge Room is hosting In Dreams, a musical tribute to David Lynch.
Concerts
As for this week’s shows, on Thursday, you can check out MVTANT, God Tongue and Fjerstad, with Dildox in the DJ booth, at Gold-Diggers or Max Jaffe Sextet, Isaac Sherman and Shelley Burgon at 2220 Arts + Archives. For the old school punks The Dickies, D.I. and Angry Samoans are at The Roxy on Saturday night.
Next week, Host Family, who I’ve seen play before and recommend catching live, are at Oblivion on Wednesday, January 21. That same night, Shannon Shaw is at Alex’s Bar. This is the second of the two intimate shows that the Shannon and the Clams frontwoman (and member of Hunx and His Punx) has scheduled at the Long Beach venue and there are still tickets available for Wednesday night. (Her show on Thursday, 1/22, is already sold out.)
Dance Clubs/DJ Events
The Rocksteady Lounge throws its first party of the year at Akbar on Thursday night with resident Mr. En and guest selector Sno. No cover! Friday is Club Underground vs. Synthwaves at Grand Star Jazz Club, with advance tickets available now. Down in Long Beach, Good Foot! is happening over at Alex’s Bar.
Sing Your Life Sundaze and Viva Hate present Smiths Night with Rose Knows over at Cha Cha Lounge on Saturday, January 17.
Sunday, January 18, is packed with DJ-related parties. The Los Angeles Record Fair is happening in the afternoon at Arts District Brewing and Egyptian Lover posted that he’ll be playing a set for the poppers in the crowd. Meanwhile, Salt Box Sessions will be going down at Hello Stranger with XL Middleton, Moniquea, Lady C and more. Salt Box Records, which is inside Hello Stranger, will be open and it’s walking distance from Los Angeles Record Fair.
Out in Glendale, on Sunday, Riddim ’n Brews, with resident DJ Ted Morris and guests Roberto de las Torres (Robbie Studios, CDMX), Ashwut Intl. Zound System feat. Killa Jo and DJ Karlos Evakuate is happening at Brewyard Beer Company. It’s all ages and dog-friendly. And, in South Pasadena, Deejay Clifton is playing funk, soul and disco at Sid’s Bar on Sunday evening.
Movie Screenings
Aside from all the David Lynch screenings happening right now, there are a few other reasons to head to a movie theater this weekend and next week. Gundam Premiere Night (subtitled) will be at multiple theaters on Thursday, January 15. Beginning Friday, Alamo Drafthouse is celebrating Dolly Parton’s birthday with Dollywood Weekend, featuring Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Over at Vidiots on Friday, you have your pick of Cronos, Son of the White Mare and the documentary Peaches Goes Bananas.
The Voice of Hind Rajab, which I really want to see even though I suspect it will require at least one package of Kleenex, is playing at Vidiots on Saturday and Sunday. Gardena Cinema has a John Carpenter double feature happening on Saturday. One movie is a surprise. The other is Christine. Finally, on Sunday, Philosophical Research Society celebrates the birthday of Edgar Allen Poe with the 1928 silent film adaptation of The Fall of the House of Usher.
Other Events
Last week, I caught the exhibition Material Curiosity By Design at Craft Contemporary, much of which focuses on the work of mid 20th century artists/designers Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman. It’s a wonderful show that runs until May and I definitely recommend checking it out when you have a chance.
On Thursday, Selena: From Texas to the World opens at the Grammy Museum. The exhibition, which runs until mid-March, is the first official display of her personal items outside of the Selena Museum in Texas.
Liz O. is an L.A.-based writer and DJ. Follow on Instagram or sign up for the weekly, Beatique newsletter for updates on new stories and gigs.
Listen to the January, 2026 Beatique Mix.
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