Free Metro Rides Today and the Return of Echo Park’s Boathouse

Los Angeles, CA · April 10, 2026

Happy Friday—the weekend starts with clear skies and the long-awaited reopening of the refurbished Echo Park Lake boathouse cafe. If you're heading toward the Westside this afternoon, keep an eye on the 10 freeway as bridge inspections continue near La Brea.

The Lead

The city is leaning into the first true "spring" weekend of the year, and the calendar is appropriately packed. From the return of the outdoor jazz season at LACMA to the massive Pier 360 festival in Santa Monica, the next 48 hours are a masterclass in why we put up with the traffic. If you haven't made dinner reservations yet, you might be looking at taco trucks—which, let’s be honest, is rarely a downgrade. The big story for commuters, however, is the opening of the D Line extension today, offering a rare chance to traverse the Wilshire corridor without touching a steering wheel. It’s a weekend for leaving the car behind and rediscovering the neighborhoods that usually just blur past your windshield.

Local Pulse

  • D Line Extension Officially Opens The first three stations of the Purple Line extension—La Brea, Fairfax, and La Cienega—are open for business as of 10:00 AM. Metro is offering free rides on this line all day to celebrate the milestone.

  • Echo Park Boathouse Reopens After a six-month renovation, the historic boathouse cafe is back serving coffee and light bites. The pedal boats are also operating on an extended spring schedule, perfect for a sunset loop around the lotus beds.

  • Sixth Street Viaduct Maintenance Expect partial lane closures on the bridge tonight starting at 10:00 PM for routine lighting repairs. Pedestrian ramps will remain open, but drivers should consider the 4th Street Bridge as a quick detour.

Today's Outlook

  • High 76°F · Low 54°F A classic spring day with plenty of sunshine. It’s perfect for outdoor dining tonight, though a light jacket will be necessary once the marine layer creeps in after 8:00 PM.

What's On Around Town

  • Friday Night Laps at the Coliseum Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3911 S Figueroa St 5:00–8:00 PM A rare chance to walk or jog the stadium stairs and track for free; it’s a steep workout with an unbeatable view of the Olympic torch.

  • Jazz at LACMA: Season Opener Smidt Welcome Plaza, 5905 Wilshire Blvd 6:00 PM The beloved free concert series returns tonight with a performance by local legends; arrive early with a blanket to snag a spot near the "Urban Light" installation.

  • Culver City: Night Market at Ivy Station Ivy Station, 8840 National Blvd 5:00–10:00 PM Just a short hop on the E Line for local makers, food trucks, and a craft beer garden right next to the platform.

  • The Groundlings: Friday Night Show 7307 Melrose Ave 8:00 PM & 10:00 PM Catch the next generation of comedy greats in this fast-paced sketch and improv revue; tickets usually disappear by mid-afternoon.

  • Santa Monica: Pier 360 Beach Festival Santa Monica Pier & Beach Starts at 7:00 AM Saturday Technically tomorrow morning, but worth the early wake-up for paddleboard races, sandcastle contests, and live music right on the sand.

Spotlight & Story

  • The Last Bookstore Housed in the old Citizens National Bank building, this labyrinth of literature is more than just a shop; it’s a testament to Downtown’s resilience. While the "book tunnel" is the famous photo op, the real magic is in the vault—literally. The building’s original bank vaults now house rare editions and local art. It stands as the largest independent bookstore in the state, proving that even in a digital age, we still crave the smell of old paper.

Los Angeles Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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