Go Metro Weekends is The Source’s weekly guide to having a great weekend in L.A. without a car. All events are easily accessible (within a half mile walk) by Metro bus and rail lines. Have an event you’d like us to include? Shoot us an email at thesource@metro.net. Time and space constraints limit us from listing every accessible event in this city, but this curated list represents what we think is cool and easy to get to.

We’re back for the new year. This weekend marks the return of First Friday’s at the Natural History Museum, a mini Renaissance Fair in Hollywood, and a pants-optional Metro ride on Sunday. Sounds like fun.

Friday, January 8th

First Friday’s at NHM: Atlas Sound, Tune Yards
The opening night of this year’s First Friday series – bringing science and indie rock together.
Website: http://www.nhm.org/site/activities-programs/first-fridays/january-2010
Type: Music
When: 5:30 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.
Price: $9
Where: Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd.
Nearby Rail: Blue Line Grand Station (1.9 miles away)
Metro Access Map:

View Larger Map
To plan your trip and to check all other transit options, please consult Google Transit or the Metro Trip Planner.

Animé Los Angeles
Fans of Japanese animation can come together and enjoy this fan-friendly convention.
Website: http://www.animelosangeles.org/
Type: Convention
When: Friday 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Price: Friday $20, Saturday $30, Sunday $20, or $50 for entire weekend
Where: Los Angeles Airport Marriott, 5855 W. Century Blvd.
Nearby Rail: Green Line Aviation Station (1.5 miles away)
Metro Access Map:

View Larger Map
To plan your trip and to check all other transit options, please consult Google Transit or the Metro Trip Planner.

Saturday, January 9th

Sonic Youth
Aging indie rockers return with new tunes under a new record label.
Website: http://tiny.cc/sonicyouth
Type: Music
When: 7:00 p.m.
Price: $20 – $30
Where: The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Boulevard
Nearby Rail: Purple Line Wilshire/Western Station
Metro Access Map:

View Larger Map
To plan your trip and to check all other transit options, please consult Google Transit or the Metro Trip Planner.

Rufus Wainwright at the Long Beach Terrace Theater
The folk crooner returns to rock after a stint at opera.
Website: http://tiny.cc/wainwright
Type: Music
When: 8:00 p.m.
Price: $32.50
Where: Long Beach Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
Nearby Rail: Blue Line 1st Street Station
Metro Access Map:

View Long Beach Terrace Theater in a larger map
To plan your trip and to check all other transit options, please consult Google Transit or the Metro Trip Planner.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire at the Egyptian Theater
They courtyard of the Egyptian Theater is transformed into an Elizabethan Village..
Website: http://tiny.cc/renfaire
Type: Other
When: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Where: Egyptian Theater, 6712 Hollywood Boulevard
Nearby Rail: Red Line Hollywood/Highland Station
Metro Access Map:

View Larger Map
To plan your trip and to check all other transit options, please consult Google Transit or the Metro Trip Planner.

Sunday, January 10th

2nd Annual No Pants Metro Ride
Join in on this international showcase of solidarity and ride Metro with no pants. But, please, keep your underwear on.
Website: http://tiny.cc/nopants
Type: Other
When: 2:00 p.m.
Price: $1.25 for one way, $5 for Day Pass
Where: Downtown Red/Purple Line stations, see website for more info
Metro Access Map:

View Larger Map
To plan your trip and to check all other transit options, please consult Google Transit or the Metro Trip Planner.