These events aren't free, but how bad is giving up $10 in exchange for an amazing night? Check out this weeks list of events, from a Buzzfeed comedy show to an argument about whether we drive too much.

Watch one of the best documentaries ever
The UCLA Film & Television Archive plays host to the West Coast premiere of the newly restored Hoop Dreams at 7:30 p.m. Steve James will appear in person to introduce his film, which follows two aspiring basketball players in Chicago over the course of five years. It’s one of the most involving, influential documentaries of the last few decades — not to mention Roger Ebert’s favorite movie of the 1990s. Among its many accolades, famously, is not an Oscar win or even a nomination; outrage over this ridiculous snub led to a change in the Academy’s nominating process. Billy Wilder Theater, Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwd.; Fri., Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.; $10. cinema.ucla.edu. —Michael Nordine

Play in traffic
West Hollywood has one of the L.A. areas’s most eclectic and prolific public-art programs — and it definitely loves a party. This afternoon, those interests align with a three-stop progression of open-air receptions for its newest Art on the Outside projects. From noon to 2 p.m., visit West Hollywood Park for Wang Dalong’s The Game, a cast-bronze sculpture series of kids and bears at play. Next is Gustavo Godoy’s dynamic and abstract deconstructivist monument, Abandoned Relics, from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Santa Monica Boulevard median at Doheny. Finally, perfectly timed for dusk into sunset, from 4 to 6 p.m., it’s Shana Mabari’s Illumetric, a triptych of glowing, brightly hued geometric sculptures on the Santa Monica Boulevard median at Holloway. West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., W. Hlywd.; Sat., Dec. 6, noon-6 p.m.; free. (323) 848-6883, weho.org. —Shana Nys Dambrot

Celebrate a tiki Christmas
Feeling a little retro this holiday season? Head to the Tonga Hut for the ninth annual Winter Wonderland party. The North Hollywood tiki bar has been around since 1958 and the vibe is distinctively ’60s cocktail party. Sip on a Zombie or Blue Hawaiian as you browse vendor booths for tiki-head stocking stuffers. Surf band High Tide will be onstage at 6 p.m., performing The Venture’s Christmas Album. Big Tiki Dude will be on the decks with plenty of holiday jams while you check out the bar’s current art show. Be prepared to spend a good chunk of your day here. The vendors will be around until at least sundown and the bartenders will be serving up some special drinks in addition to the classics. Durango’s Tacos will be on hand to keep you fed. Tonga Hut, 12808 Victory Blvd., N. Hlywd.; Sun., Dec. 7, 2 p.m.; free. (818) 769-0708, tongahut.com. —Liz Ohanesian

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law logo2x bLearn about the history of makeup
In conjunction with the Skirball’s exhibit “Light & Noir: Exiles and Émigrés in Hollywood, 1933-1950,” Gabriela Hernandez discusses her 2011 coffee table book, Classic Beauty: The History of Makeup. Founder of L.A.-based Besame Cosmetics (and currently a teacher at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising), Hernandez has worked as a consultant on films including The Artist and The Great Gatsby. In her book, she documents the evolution of beauty and cosmetic trends using more than 400 photographs, time lines, makeup application guides and vintage ads. Following her talk, Hernandez leads a film noir–inspired demonstration. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood; Sun., Dec. 7, 2:30 p.m.; free with museum admission. (310) 440-4500, skirball.org. —Siran Babayan

Argue about whether we drive too much
Zócalo’s latest exercise in devil’s advocacy asks Is L.A. Mobile Enough to Be a Global City? Never mind that L.A. invented skateboarding — now we have to worry about keeping up with monorails in Tokyo and North Haverbrook, as well as London’s alluring double-decker buses. LADOT general manager Seleta Reynolds, CicLAVia’s Aaron Paley and Columbia sociologist Saskia Sassen discuss whether making L.A. easier to navigate could possibly make people more aware it exists. The 45-minute discussion will be followed by a Q&A and a reception brimming with free drinks, at which point people can ask panelists about things such as potholes and flying cars. MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., dwntwn.; Wed., Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.; free. (213) 626-6222, moca.org. —David Cotner

Experience Buzzfeed, live and in person
If you’re a Buzzfeed junkie, you’ve dreamt about this day more than your fairy-tale wedding. But unlike your fairy-tale wedding, this is actually happening. Buzzfeed editors Doree Shafrir and Isaac Fitzgerald are co-hosting Buzzfeed Live: IRL, OMG! featuring comedian and co-host of Who Charted? podcast Kulap Vilaysack, stand-up comedian Kyle Kinane and Texts From Jane Eyre author Mallory Ortberg. Afterward, Buzzfeed writers will spoon-feed you deadly doses of the pop culture material you love to binge on. Except now you can do it in the company of others with booze, live music by DJ Alex Naidus and a new Buzzfeed video by the woman who brought you “Weird Things Girls Do When They’re Alone,” Ashley Perez. The Federal Bar, 5303 Lankershim Blvd., N. Hlywd.; Thu., Dec. 11, 7 p.m.; $10 in advance, $15 at the door; 21 and over. buzzfeedlivela.eventfarm.com. —Orly Minazad 

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