It’s Oscar weekend, and if you’re like me, you’ll probably be avoiding Hollywood like the plague. For those of you not busy watching all those Oscar-nominated movies before Sunday, here are a few activities around town.

Inside of The Last Bookstore, from their Facebook page

The Last Bookstore, a used book buyer/seller located in downtown’s Historic Core, is hosting The Rattling Wall, a semi-annual literary journal. The Rattling Wall will be presenting the second issue of their lit mag and will have some of the authors on hand to read their essays, poems and short fiction. A signing will follow, and then feel free to browse the bookstore. Make sure to check out the record section or grab a coffee from the café. This Friday night event is free and starts at 7 p.m. (Metro Red Line to Pershing Square Station, walk east on 5th St. to Spring St. Metro Bus Lines 16, 55, 62 to 5th/Spring.)

Put on your glitter, feathers and dancing shoes for the Brazilian Carnaval Exotica on Saturday. Turning Club Nokia into a multi-level dance floor, the event features an all-star Brazilian Carnaval band, samba and capoeira dancers, Brazilian food and drink and a 200-piece drum corp. Attendees will also have the chance to enter a drawing for a free trip to Brazil. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $75 at the door. Check online to see if cheaper pre-sale tickets are still available. (Metro Blue Line to Pico Station, Metro Bus Line 81, 460 to Figueroa/11th.)

If you prefer East Asia to Latin America, visit the Martial Arts History Museum on Saturday. The museum is holding a seminar on samurai swords where you can learn about the artistry and spirituality of Japan’s most unique weapon. Tickets are $6 and covers the price of the seminar as well as admission to the museum, so take your time and explore. The seminar begins at 4 p.m. and lasts an hour and a half. (Metro Bus Line 183 to Magnolia/Buena Vista and walk northeast on Magnolia, Metrolink Antelope Valley Line runs on weekends and offers transfers to Bus 183 at Burbank Station.)

On Sunday, why not visit a new restaurant that’s set up shop by Staples Center? Excalibur Knights Place opened its doors last week and offers a trip back in time. Dine like a proper knight or fair maiden of old while surrounded by rustic lighting and brick and stone walls. Most of the food is on the hearty side (think meat and potatoes), although lighter fare is available. Call in advance to place an order for a whole roast pig, venison steak, boar or rabbit. The restaurant even offers costumes for those who want to look the part. (Metro Blue Line to Pico Station, Metro Bus Line 81, 460 to Pico/Figueroa.)