California has officially declared September 25 as Dolly Parton Day, and Southern California venues are rolling out a variety of events to mark the occasion. Residents across the region will find multiple ways to celebrate, from benefit efforts for her Imagination Library to themed drag shows.
Downtown Los Angeles kicks off the festivities with a lunchtime concert. From noon to 1pm, Grand Performances and the DTLA Alliance will host Leslie Stevens and Andy Keathley at 350 S. Grand Ave., offering giveaways and information on bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Los Angeles. Also downtown, fans of her filmography can visit the exterior of Charlie's Bar from *9 to 5*, located at 507 W. 6th St., or head to Precinct DTLA, which will screen *9 to 5* starting at 6:45pm and offer Dolly-inspired drinks.
In Hollywood, Amoeba Music will contribute to the celebration by donating a portion of its September 25 proceeds to Dolly’s Imagination Library. The store will also offer a 30 percent discount on used books and feature a Dolly-inspired photo opportunity for visitors.
West Hollywood is set to host several themed events. Schmitty’s will have a Dolly-themed photo booth, play her greatest hits all day, and serve Tennessee Tea drink specials. Guests are encouraged to dress as Dolly or in their best Western attire. For a more elaborate tribute, Micky’s West Hollywood will present a Dolly-themed edition of its Cirque du So Gay drag show at 8pm, featuring tribute numbers and themed drinks. Down the street, GYM Bar WeHo will screen *9 to 5* throughout the day, complementing the viewing with Dolly-inspired food and drinks, including the Jolene and Dolly Rita cocktails.
Other Los Angeles locations are also joining in. V Wine Room plans to show Parton’s movies throughout the evening with her greatest hits as the soundtrack. The Aviator Melrose, a retro airline-themed bar, will play Parton tunes and serve $9 drinks from 5pm to 9pm, including a special vodka and pineapple juice concoction with a splash of cranberry and a cherry. The Prince in Koreatown will add Parton-themed drinks to its menu when it opens at 4pm.
Art enthusiasts can find their tribute at The Other Art Fair in Santa Monica. The fair will feature “Self Made Icon: A Life in Rhinestones,” an exhibition showcasing artist tributes to Parton with works priced under $500. The September 25 festivities here will also include Dolly songs from the DJ and a Dolly Partini at the bar.
For those looking to extend their celebration beyond Friday, a trip to Santa Barbara offers a weekend option. El Encanto in Santa Barbara proudly displays a portrait of Parton as part of “The Playlist,” an exhibition by photographer Andy Gotts. This collection of 40 large-format black-and-white portraits of music legends will be on view through November 30. With a full roster of events across Southern California, Dolly Parton Day offers plenty of opportunities to honor the iconic entertainer.
