Helms Design District

Helms Bakery Cars & Coffee
2025-09-21 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Helms Bakery, 3220 Helms Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90034, United States
Do you love cars? Meet fellow enthusiasts and collectors at the next Cars & Coffee event at the Helms Bakery, presented by Cars & Bids. Helms has lots of free, onsite parking available.
What a great way to spend a Sunday morning. Get here early to secure a spot for your cool whip!

Designing Togetherness: Sport by Design
2025-09-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
As Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympic Games, we welcome Paris-based designer Gabriel Fontana in conversation with Frances Anderton for an evening on how design can redefine sport to foster inclusivity, empathy, solidarity, and accessibility.
Drawing on Gabriel’s acclaimed project Multiform—the first queer sport to enter MoMA’s collection—this conversation will explore how sport can be reshaped to reflect the values of today’s generation: mental well-being, fluid identity, and social justice. At a time when many sports remain largely unchanged since the first modern Olympics in 1896, they will discuss how design can challenge tradition and create more inclusive, relevant, and transformative experiences.
This event is co-curated by Villa Albertine and the Los Angeles Design Festival, with the support from Helms Design District.
Valet parking for guests is available at 8723 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, inside the interior parking garage adjacent to the event venue.
Photo by Giacomo Bianco

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ABOUT GABRIEL
Gabriel Fontana is a Paris-based designer and current resident of the Villa Albertine of Los Angeles. He is known for his innovative approach to social design, focusing on reshaping society through the creation of new sports games tailored for today’s world. Gabriel has received international acclaim in the fields of education, culture, and the sports industry. His games have been integrated into school programs across Europe, showcased at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and recently entered MoMA permanent collection. He curated the Dutch Pavilion for the Venice Architecture Biennale this year.
ABOUT FRANCES
Frances Anderton is a writer, broadcaster, and curator, known for her deep expertise in Los Angeles’ built environment. She is the author of the book Common Ground: Multifamily Housing in Los Angeles and previously spent many years as the host of KCRW’s DnA: Design and Architecture. She recently collaborated with Friends of Residential Treasures Los Angeles (FORT: LA) on an installation for the US Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2025, illustrating the theme PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity. Honors include the Esther McCoy Award, from the USC Architectural Guild, for her work educating the public about architecture and urbanism.

Arcana Book Signing + Discussion with Lauri Gaffin: Moving Still: A Cinematic Life Frame-By-Frame
2025-09-27 16:00 - 18:00 | Arcana: Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA, 90232
Please join Arcana: Books on the Arts on Saturday, September 27th, between 4:00 and 6:00 PM as they welcome Los Angeles’ own Lauri Gaffin to celebrate the release of her new Damiani publication, Moving Still: A Cinematic Life Frame-By-Frame!
Moving Still… is a personal portrait of filmmaking from set decorator Lauri Gaffin. With four decades of experience, Gaffin intertwines stunning behind-the-scenes photographs and intimate narrative to provide a rare glimpse into the fascinating world of cinema. The book highlights life on set for indie gems Fargo and The Pursuit of Happyness as well as blockbuster hits such as Charlie’s Angels, Iron Man and Thor.
Through her photographs and engaging anecdotes, Gaffin unveils the collaborative spirit that binds directors, actors, production designers and crew members together. The contrast of her thriving career and her complex emotional life are a throughline in the book. Gaffin’s photography remains a steadfast beacon of inspiration even as she navigates the demands of production — deadlines, budgets and politics — and her family’s escalating turmoil.
So be here at Arcana on Sept. 27th to meet and greet Lauri and pick up her fabulous new book! If you cannot attend and would like to purchase a signed copy of Moving Still: A Cinematic Life Frame-By-Frame, please place your order here!

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Fresh Perks: October Instagram Giveaway
2025-10-01 09:00 - 2025-10-31 17:00 | Online, CA
Bring a little glow into your autumn during our October Fresh Perks Giveaway!
Enter October 1 – October 31
This month, we’ve partnered with our friends at Scandinavian Designs, the modern home destination for timeless furniture and accents, to gift one lucky winner a set of two elegant Fina Candlesticks. With their sculptural form and minimalist beauty, these candlesticks are the perfect way to create a cozy glow at your table or living space this fall.
Enter now for your chance to welcome this stunning set into your home and celebrate the season with style.

The giveaway runs from October 1st at 9:00 am through October 31st at 5:00 pm.
One winner will be contacted after the giveaway ends.
We’re delighted to share these monthly Fresh Perks with you! Thank you for continuing to make Helms Design District a place where design, creativity, and community thrive.

To enter is simple:
(1) Follow us on Instagram
(2) Tag two friends in the comments so they can follow us and enter too
(3) Optional but encouraged: Where would you light your Fina Candlesticks at home?
Sign up for our newsletter and automatically be entered for a second chance to win. Plus, you’ll find out when the next Helms Fresh Perk drops. Good luck!

ENTER ON INSTAGRAM

Rules & Regs
No purchase is required to enter.
Winners will be selected randomly, contacted after each giveaway closes, and announced in our comments on Instagram.
Open to US residents only, 18 years and older. By entering, entrants confirm they are at least 18+ years of age.
This is a “GIVEAWAY” and is not eligible for return, refund, or exchange at any of our showrooms or restaurants.
The “Fresh Perks” giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Instagram. Entrants release Instagram and all brands of all responsibility and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.
One entry per Instagram user. Duplicate entries will not be considered.
This giveaway is open to residents of Los Angeles County.

WUF Hosts the 2025 California Legislative Roundup
2025-10-16 07:30 - 09:30 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
On Thursday, October 16 from 7:45 am to 9:30 am, Westside Urban Forum hosts the 2025 California Legislature Roundup: Insights into Sacramento breakfast panel discussion.
In recent years, the California legislature has been at the forefront of shaping land use, housing, and environmental policy through state law, taking increasingly bold steps to address the housing crisis and related urban challenges. The 2025 session continued this trend, advancing a suite of consequential bills on housing production, land use reform, and environmental protections—many of which are now before Governor Newsom for signature or veto by the October 12 deadline.
The 2025 legislative session produced headline-grabbing housing bills and significant shifts in climate policy. AB 130, signed in June, streamlines CEQA review for infill housing projects; it also places a six-year moratorium on new residential building code changes. SB 79, pending the governor’s signature, would legalize more multifamily housing near transit. On the climate side, lawmakers extended the state’s Cap & Invest program through 2046, and advanced a package of wildfire measures—including $18 billion in new utility wildfire funding and stronger zone zero regulations.
Join WUF for an engaging and informative panel discussion to review the significant legislation passed—and not passed—in the 2025 session. The panel will break down the key takeaways, analyze the likely impacts on Los Angeles and the wider region, and provide valuable insights for government officials, urban planners, developers, and community advocates alike.
Moderator
Lauren Chang, Partner, Sheppard Mullin
Panelists
Jesse Zwick, Southern California Director, Housing Action Coalition / Councilmember, City of Santa Monica
Mahdi Manji, Director of Public Policy,
Inner City Law Center
Michael Rochmes, Policy & Advocacy Coordinator,
US Green Building Council California
Event Time
7:45 am – 9:30 am
7:45 am – Registration & Light Breakfast
8:30 am – Panel Discussion
Location
Member Tickets: $25
Non-Member Tickets: $60

WUF MEMBER TICKETS

NON-MEMBER TICKETS

Directions
Avoid the stress of rush hour and skip traffic! The Helms Design Center at 8745 Washington Blvd in Culver City is conveniently located a short, pleasant walk from a number of transit lines, including:
Metro Rail “E” (Expo) Line Culver City Station (1 block west at Washington and National Blvds), and
Culver City Bus “1” and “1C1” lines (at the adjacent Washington Blvd/Helms Avenue street corner).
Protected bike lanes along Washington Blvd. connecting to Culver City’s larger bike lane network also provide a convenient, safe way to get to the Design Center.
If you choose to drive, street level parking is available throughout the Helms campus.
Sponsor Provided Tickets
Thanks to the generosity of our annual Sponsors, WUF has a small number of free tickets available to members of the community. If you are not able to join as a member or purchase a ticket for this month’s panel presentation, but would like to join us, please write us at info@westsideurbanforum to inquire if we have any remaining sponsor provided tickets.

Sunshine Makers Market Pops Up for Art Walk on October 18
2025-10-18 11:00 - 16:00 | Helms Walk, 3270 Helms Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90034
Sunshine Makers Market pops up at Helms Design District every third Saturday. Their collective of fabulous artisans and makers create a wonderful day of shopping small and local.
This event is free and open to the public.

A partial list of participating artisans and activations:
Little Chimes
Fox & The Empress Tarot
Robyn Rhodes Jewelry
Xtraordinary Flair
Candle By Design
BẠC – Fine Vietnamese Silver Jewelry
Gabriela Michele
The Happinest Collection
Hey Taylor Gage
Unfinished Stories
Made by Good Karma
Shoppe 815
My Pretty Babi
Creatiive Natiive
BECAUSE I ROCK
Proudly Krafted
My Pretty Babi
Pup Culture Rescue

Upcoming Dates
November 22nd – TBD
December 20th

Join us for the Culver City Art Walk & Roll Festival
2025-10-18 11:00 - 18:00 | Helms Design District, 8800 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90034, United States
Art Walk & Roll FestivalSaturday, October 18, 2025Culver City Arts District x Helms Design District
Join us for the return of the Art Walk & Roll Festival, a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and culture in the heart of Culver City!
Helms Design District will host a full day of artistic activations and pop-ups, including:
Sunshine Makers Market – Shop small and local with a curated collective of talented artisans and makers.
Beyond the Glitter: A Portrait of Los Angeles – A compelling photography exhibition capturing the diverse spirit of L.A.
Art Exhibition by Architect John Maloney – Explore the intersection of architecture and fine art in this assemblage of work.
Film Screening – In partnership with the Architecture & Design Film Festival, experience a curated film celebrating architecture, design, and culture.
Surprise Family-Friendly Installation – A playful, interactive experience (details coming soon!).
This free community event is open to all and perfect for families, art lovers, and curious minds alike. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details!

Pastries, Puppy Kisses and Community
2025-10-25 10:00 - 15:00 | Helms Walk, 3270 Helms Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90034
This Saturday, Helms Bakery is teaming up with @lovejoyfoundation for Pups & Pastries, a pet adoption event on Helms Avenue, sponsored by @smashboxcosmetics and @gogomabakes.
Stop by for tail wags, puppy kisses, and maybe your forever companion. Enjoy dog treat samples, delicious pastries, and 100 free OG Primer goodie bags, plus gifts for every new pet parent from Smashbox Cosmetics.
Come for the cuddles, stay for the community.

Book Signing with Photographer STILLZ at Arcana Books
2025-10-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Arcana: Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA, 90232
Stop in Arcana: Books on the Arts this Sunday, October 26 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm for a special book signing with photographer STILLZ.
“Bad Bunny by STILLZ is a recently published photography collection showcasing six years of close-up portraits of the Puerto Rican icon. This volume is the work of Colombian-American filmmaker and photographer STILLZ, a longtime collaborator and trusted confidant of the artist”.
A brand new example of the first edition of this fantastic, sure-to-disappear-quickly collection of Polaroid portraits perfect for the Bad Bunny completist additionally SIGNED by photographer STILLZ.

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Fresh Perks: November Instagram Giveaway
2025-11-01 09:00 - 2025-11-30 17:00 | Online, CA
Wrap yourself in design-forward softness this month!
Enter November 1 – November 30
We’ve partnered with our friends at Rejuvenation to give away two luxe terracotta bath towels from their Organic Cotton Heathered collection, the perfect balance of rich color and everyday comfort.
We’re thrilled to offer another Fresh Perk. Thanks for being part of what makes Helms Design District a place where design, creativity, and community thrive.
Good luck and happy styling!

To enter:
(1) Follow us on Instagram.
(2) In the comments of our giveaway post, tag two friends who deserve a design upgrade too.
(3) Tell us: Where in your home would you style these terracotta towels? (Optional but encouraged)

ENTER ON INSTAGRAM

Giveaway details:
Entries accepted from November 1 at 9:00 a.m. through November 30 at 5:00 p.m.
One winner will receive the set of two towels. The winner will be contacted directly via message after the giveaway closes.
Open to U.S. residents 18 + only. No purchase necessary. The giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram. Duplicate entries will not be considered.
Sign up for our newsletter and automatically be entered for a second chance to win. Plus, you’ll find out when the next Helms Fresh Perk drops. Good luck!

AWA+D Hosts a Panel Discussion: The Path to Licensure
2025-11-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
On Wednesday, November 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, please join AWA+D and fellow design professionals for a panel discussion inside the Helms Design Center as they share their journeys to licensure.
Hear real stories and strategies about how to plan effectively, stay motivated, discover your ideal study style, and pick up practical tips for navigating the licensing exams. Whether you’re just getting started or deep into the process, you’ll walk away with valuable insights and inspiration for your own path.

REGISTER FOR THE TALK

Celebrate 40 Years of Dance with Donna Sternberg & Dancers
2025-11-08 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-11-09 15:00 - 16:30 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Celebrating its 40th year anniversary, Donna Sternberg & Dancers presents Thriving, a performance honoring mature choreographers and dancers who have made a significant contribution to the greater Los Angeles dance community.
Thriving celebrates the artistry of elders and dispels stereotypes of aging. The performance is an antidote to preconceived notions of aging by portraying the depth of experience, artistry and vitality that each choreographer/dancer brings. While not the same dancers as in their youth, age has brought a different but no less arresting richness to their dancing. Thriving testifies to the wonders of the human body, to the endurance of the human spirit and to the humanity that binds us together. The performance will be followed by a discussion and audience participation with the artists.
Ticket Pricing
$25 General Admission
$20 for Students and Seniors

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The participants come from diverse cultural backgrounds and dance forms, reflecting the greater Los Angeles area. They include:
Ramya Harishankar, Artistic Director and founder of Arpana Dance Company, specializing in Bharatanatyam dance.
Jeff Slayton, co-founder of LA Dance Chronicle danced for renowned modern dance companies Merce Cunningham and Viola Farber as well as his own company, Jeff Slayton & Dancers.
Oguri, the founder of Body Weather Lab Los Angeles, specializes in the Japanese dance form of butoh. The connection of the human body to nature is the foundation of his art.
Donna Sternberg, a contemporary choreographer, danced with several companies including with Donald Byrd before founding DS&D in 1985. DS&Ds younger dancers will explore what aging means to them, in a career where youth is prized.
Thriving will be presented November 8 at 8:00 PM and November 9 at 3:00 PM at the Helms Design Center located at 8745 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232. Parking is available in any of the Helms street level parking lots.
This performance is made possible in part by the City of Culver City and its Cultural Affairs Commission, with support from Sony Pictures Entertainment, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles Arts Commission.

Book Signing + Discussion with Photographer Daniel Arnold at Arcana Books
2025-11-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Arcana: Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA, 90232
Please join Arcana: Books on the Arts on Saturday, November 22nd between 4:00 and 6:00 PM as they welcome iconic New York-based photographer Daniel Arnold to celebrate the release of his new Loose Joints monograph, You Are What You Do.
Daniel will be signing his new book following an in-person discussion conducted by Arcana manager and longtime Arnold-associate Jesse Pearson. For the curious, here is the Apology Podcast’s lengthy 2022 conversation between the two.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday for an engaging conversation and the opportunity to pick up Mr. Arnold’s epic new book! If you cannot attend and would like to purchase a signed copy of You Are What You Do, please place your order here!
Thanks to our friends at Open Brewing and Las Jaras Wines for their liquid support.

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12 Days of Fresh Perks
2025-12-01 - 2025-12-23 | Online, CA
12 Days. 12 Giveaways. Endless Good Cheer.
We’re celebrating the season of giving with our 12 Days of Fresh Perks, a festive lineup of design-forward gifts, culinary treats, and cozy comforts from our Helms Design District showrooms and restaurants.
Follow along on Instagram for your chance to win something special every other day through December 23rd.
Want an extra chance to snag a prize? Sign up for our newsletter for a second entry into every giveaway.
Fresh finds, local favorites, and holiday joy, all wrapped up, Helms-style.
Come for the perfect gift. Stay for the everything.

The Rules are simple. To be entered:
(1) You must Follow us on Instagram,
(2) Tell us why you’re feeling grateful (fave emojis are always welcome!),
(3) and Tag 2 friends in your comment so they can follow us and enter too!
The Giveaway begins December 1 and ends on December 23 at 4:00 pm PST. Helms swag includes a Cookie Tin from Helms Bakery, a Terrafirma Catch-All Tray from Rejuvenation, an Irvine Throw Blanket from Room & Board, a L’Oiseau Cork Bird from Jules Seltzer Associates, a Paul Smith Birdsong Pillow from Maharam and so much more!
We have 12 items to give away all month long, so be sure to check back with us often.
May the Holidays bring you joy and delight. Plus a little dose of giveaway luck!

Rules & Regs
(4) No purchase is required to enter.
(5) Winners will be selected randomly, contacted after each giveaway closes, and announced in our comments on Instagram.
(6) Open to US residents only, 18 years and older. By entering, entrants confirm they are at least 18+ years of age.
(7) This is a “Giftable Giveaway” and is not eligible for return, refund, or exchange at any of our showrooms or restaurants.
(8) The Helms Bakery District #GiftableGiveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Instagram. Entrants release Instagram and all brands of all responsibility and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.
(9) One entry per day per Instagram user. Duplicate entries will not be considered.
(10) This giveaway is open to residents of Los Angeles County. Items must be picked up at Helms Bakery District (we will not ship).

12 Days. 12 Giveaways. Endless Good Cheer.
We’re celebrating the season of giving with our 12 Days of Fresh Perks, a festive lineup of design-forward gifts, culinary treats, and cozy comforts from our Helms Design District showrooms and restaurants.
Follow along on Instagram for your chance to win something special every other day through December 23rd.
Want an extra chance to snag a prize? Sign up for our newsletter for a second entry into every giveaway.
Fresh finds, local favorites, and holiday joy, all wrapped up, Helms-style.
Come for the perfect gift. Stay for the everything.

The Rules are simple. To be entered:
(1) You must Follow us on Instagram,
(2) Tell us why you’re feeling grateful (fave emojis are always welcome!),
(3) and Tag 2 friends in your comment so they can follow us and enter too!
The Giveaway begins December 1 and ends on December 23 at 4:00 pm PST. Helms swag includes a Cookie Tin from Helms Bakery, a Terrafirma Catch-All Tray from Rejuvenation, an Irvine Throw Blanket from Room & Board, a L’Oiseau Cork Bird from Jules Seltzer Associates, a Paul Smith Birdsong Pillow from Maharam and so much more!
We have 12 items to give away all month long, so be sure to check back with us often.
May the Holidays bring you joy and delight. Plus a little dose of giveaway luck!

Rules & Regs
(4) No purchase is required to enter.
(5) Winners will be selected randomly, contacted after each giveaway closes, and announced in our comments on Instagram.
(6) Open to US residents only, 18 years and older. By entering, entrants confirm they are at least 18+ years of age.
(7) This is a “Giftable Giveaway” and is not eligible for return, refund, or exchange at any of our showrooms or restaurants.
(8) The Helms Bakery District #GiftableGiveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Instagram. Entrants release Instagram and all brands of all responsibility and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.
(9) One entry per day per Instagram user. Duplicate entries will not be considered.
(10) This giveaway is open to residents of Los Angeles County. Items must be picked up at Helms Bakery District (we will not ship).

Book Signing with Senon Williams: Scrapyard at Arcana Books
2025-12-13 16:00 - 18:00 | Arcana: Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA, 90232
Please join Arcana: Books on the Arts on Saturday, December 13th between 4:00 and 6:00 PM as we welcome esteemed Los Angeles-based artist, musician, and author Senon Williams to celebrate the release of his new Hat & Beard Press publication, Scrapyard.
“The book forms a graveyard or a scrapyard of items one might typically discard. In our time of extreme wastefulness, assembling the detritus from his art-making into a scrapbook gives each of these items a collective home and value. Gathered from Williams’ day-to-day studio practice, they are thoughts jotted down, remnants of materials used, random receipts, which suggest a sense of care, like acts of preservation, mending and repurposing. Each piece is held, suspended from its final dissolution, forming a new place in which to exist. Interspersed within the pages are vignettes looking at the histories of scrapbooking and ephemeral collection over time by Richelle Munkhoff and Beth Ann Whittaker of Plain Sight Archive. There is a long legacy and history of this artistic action and this publication represents now another documentation of time and place.”
We look forward to seeing you Saturday for the opportunity to meet and greet Senon – and to pick up his engaging new book! If you cannot attend and would like to purchase a signed copy of Scrapyard, his hot-off-the-press limited edition etching Everything Must Go, or a selection of older titles, please place your order here!

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Senon Williams is a lifelong visual artist and musician, and a Los Angeles native. Ranging in media from paintings on paper and canvas, to wood sculpture and assemblage. Senon explores poignant visualization of the inherent human struggle both ancient and contemporary. He finds space in the natural world, exposing stages of human evolution. His love of language play, sounds, textures, and associations of word and object often explore the triumphs and conflicts inherent in identity, history, and community. Senon’s search for truth leaves him amazed and baffled. Creating art is his meditation on meaning, or no meaning in the face of our turbulent existence. The written word and poetry is a consistent part of his practice.

Sunshine Makers Market: The Very Merry Edition
2025-12-20 11:00 - 16:00 | Helms Walk, 3270 Helms Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90034
Get ready to finish off your holiday shopping: the Sunshine Makers Market is back at Helms Design District on Saturday, December 20, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Expect a festive vibe full of warmth, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re ticking off your gift list, treating yourself, or just soaking up the holiday energy, this is the perfect place for one-of-a-kind finds and meaningful local shopping. DJ Benofficial will be on site spinning holiday and festive music.
Best of all it’s totally free and open to the public. Come say hi, support small makers, and snag some handmade magic just in time for the holidays.
See you there!

LET US KNOW YOU’RE COMING!

A partial list of participating artisans and activations:
Little Chimes
Fox & The Empress Tarot
Yeepaints
Made by Good Karma
Purposely Repurposed Jewelry
rooted: clay and paper
MEIZAN
la Lovie
Paintings by Will Nevill
Sarah Heinz Art
The Sunny Studio LA
Pearl Jusem Ceramics
WOO World of Oils
DEIÀ Candle Company
