Everyone loves a three-day weekend, and here are some ideas for you to get started on yours.

Head to the El Rey for Wizard Rock Fest. Photo by Пероша, via Flickr Creative Commons

Downtown Independent, a small theatre located near downtown’s Old Bank District, is hosting LAconic Fest on Friday. This short film festival will be premiering three independent local films – Altair, Gabriel’s Kiss and Time Becomes You – and will screen various other acclaimed indie shorts. The event is free and doors open at 7 p.m. for drinks and snacks; the show begins at 8 p.m. Once the movies are over, the venue for the after party will be announced, and it will be within walking distance of the theatre. Classy attire is required, so break out the suits and cocktail dresses for a fun night out.  (Metro Bus Line 92 to Main/3rd.)

Harry Potter fans can celebrate J.K. Rowling and the wizarding world this Friday at Wizard Rock Fest. Los Angeles is said to be the home of wizard rock, a musical genre that is indie inspired with a whimsical spin. Head to the El Rey with your robes and wands and rock out in honor of the boy who lived. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $15, special offers may be available online. (Metro Bus Line 20 to Wilshire/Dunsmuir.)

Basketball fans can look forward to seeing the Harlem Globetrotters this weekend. The world’s most famous basketball team is setting up shop in Southern California for three days straight. You can catch rookie sensation “TNT” Maddox and LA-born Jermaine “Stretch” Middleton at the Honda Center on Saturday, Staples Center on Sunday and Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario on Monday. Metro can save you $5 on select tickets at Staples Center. Visit our Trip Planner to find the best route for you.

Bantam hockey at Pasadena Ice Skating Center

If you prefer ice rinks to ball courts, take part in Hockey Weekend Across America, an event promoting ice hockey in America. Friday doesn’t require much extra effort – just wear your favorite hockey jersey to work – and on Saturday, take your kids to play hockey for free. The Pasadena Ice Skating Center is offering free youth hockey clinics starting at 5:30 p.m. for kids aged 4-9. You can register ahead of time online. (Metro Gold Line to Del Mar Station and two block walk up Green Street to the rink, which is next to the Civic Auditorium, Metro Bus Line 180, 256 to Colorado/Marengo,Pasadena ARTS Bus 10 to PCC/Green St., address of the rink is 310 East Green Street.)  

As Sunday is for celebrating local hockey heroes, why not join the LA Kings for dinner? For $60 you can attend the soiree that is the Taste of South Bay and mingle with some NHL-ers and other celebrity guests. You’ll also be able to sample food from some of the best restaurants in South Bay. The event starts at Shade Hotel at 6 p.m. (Metro Bus Line 126 to Manhattan Beach/Valley.)