Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano
We pick out the best things to do in L.A. this weekend, including our favorite concerts, culture and cuisine
Edited by Michael Juliano
Editor, Los Angeles & Western USA
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We don’t know about you, but our mind is always focused on the weekend. It can never come soon enough—which is why we’re already thinking about whatnew restaurantswe want to try or where we can drive for the day. Whether you’re looking to scope out the latestmuseumexhibitions or watch a movie outdoors,you’ll find plenty of things to do in L.A. this weekend.
We curate an L.A. weekend itinerary of the city’s best concerts, culture and cuisine, every week, just for you.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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The best things to do in L.A. this weekend
- Movies
- Animation
Hollywood
The Ford screens a trio of nature-inspired Hayao Miyazaki films at its open-air theater, includingPrincess Mononoke,Spirited Away andNausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
- Shopping
- Pop-up shops
Fairfax District
Sabrina Carpenter’s sixth studio album, Short N’ Sweet, is set to drop this Friday. And Angelenos will get to celebrate the much anticipated new record with a visit to this exclusive pop-up experience, courtesy of Complex L.A. at 433 North Fairfax Avenue. Friday, August 23 through Sunday, August 25 from 11am to 7pm, folks can shop exclusive merchandise inspired by and dedicated to the 25-year-old singer and actress. From T-shirts to tanks, hats, totes, CDs and vinyl records, the roster of products on offer run the gamut in terms of style and genre, but each one pays homage to the artist behind the hit “Espresso.”
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- Things to do
Arcadia
The midnight snacker’s greatest fantasy is just a car ride away. One of America’s largest Asian food markets spans the course of Santa Anita Park’s front Paddock Gardens during the summer. Come hungry and come caffeinated—this lively market, complete with over 250 Asian street food and booze peddlers, live music, artists, games, and beyond, won’t put itself to bed until nearly midnight.
- Things to do
- Talks and lectures
Angeles National Forest
Wantto peer through the eyepiece of Mt. Wilson’s historic telescopes? Your best and most economical bet just might be one of the Talks & Telescopes events. These monthly Saturday night astronomy lectures are followed up with a few hours of stargazing on portable telescopes on the grounds as well as the 60 and 100-inch telescopes for only $50 (a fraction of the price of the observatory’s late-night stargazing sessions).
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- Things to do
Hollywood
Fans of Tim Burton will not want to miss this one: Warner Bros. and Fever have teamed up to launch Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience, a new immersive activation set to debut on August 23 in celebration of the September release of the much-anticipated sequel to the iconic 1988 horror comedy. The 70-minute experience, which is billed as appropriate for all ages, will take over suite 201 of Ovation Hollywood.
- Music
Westside
Hilltop sunset views and rising bands combine to make this Getty tradition a worthy destination for Angelenos on both sides of the 405. This year’s lineup of free Saturday night shows wraps up with Woods. Tip: Avoid the traffic and the crowds and arrive early, preferably after 3pm when the parking price drops to $15 (though it’s $10 if you wait until the show starts). You’ll get to visit the exhibits, which stay open until 8pm on Saturdays, and beat the dinner rush.
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- Things to do
- Walks and tours
Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates
Feeling like you and your four-legged friend are attached at the hip? Spend even more quality time together during this dog-friendly series at Palos Verdes’ South Coast Botanic Garden. One Sunday a month (usually the last one of the month), you can roam the gardens’87 acres with your fur baby. Nearly all of the paths are open to pups, except for the rose garden and a couple of other small areas. You’ll find plenty of water stations set up across the grounds, as well as an optional obedience class for purchase. You—the human—will need a reservation, while your best friend—the pup—will need to remain on their leash at all times, including in the parking lot.
Support under-the-radar Black-owned restaurants with Black Restaurant Week’s return to Los Angeles. For 10 days straight, thiscelebration of African-American, African and Caribbean cuisineshighlights participating restaurants across the city who’ll all be offering prix-fixe plate specials. Find the full list of participating L.A. spots here.
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- Things to do
Anaheim
Well, well, well, what have we here? The Nightmare Before Christmas’s bug-stuffed sackis once again takingover the Halloween duties at Disneyland for Oogie Boogie Bash, anafter-hours, specially ticketed seasonal eventat Disney California Adventure Park.
- Music
- Punk and metal
San Bernardino
For those who still remember an embarrassingly large majority of the lyrics to “Rollin’” and “Nookie” comes this nostalgic nu-metal tour. The Loserville Tour includes a headlining set from Limp Bizkit, plus support fromBones with Eddy Baker & Zavier Wulf, N8NOFACE, Corey Feldman and Riff Raff.Of course it’s going down in San Bernardino.
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- Things to do
- Sport events
Santa Monica
Before the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue gets frosty for Ice, you’ll now find a roller rink set up. From August 10 to October 14,Roll @ Santa Monica will let you lace up a pair of rental skates for a two-hour session.
- Things to do
Griffith Park
Like a family-friendlyversion of its Roaring Nights series, spend an evening at the L.A. Zoo on select Friday nights for a mix of musical performances, dance parties,educational talks and twilight animal viewing opportunities. The carousel will be open during the series, and so too—for those 21 and over only—will be a cash bar.
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- Shakespeare
Griffith Park
Each summer, Bard fanatics watch their favorite works come to life at the historic Old Zoo in Griffith Park. Independent Shakespeare Co. puts on a series of lively productions each week, inviting audiences to take a seat on the grass (read: bring a picnic blanket) and enjoy performances like this season’s headliner:As You Like It.With construction resuming on the main lawn, this summer’s show will move back to the dell at the top of the Old Zoo—meaning available space is smaller and reservations are required.
- Music
Santa Monica
Everyone’s favorite NPR member station has a hand in aslew of summer concert slates atpublic plazas and beloved museums, and this summer’s schedule is particularly packed. Familiar KCRW DJs and local buzz bands will be providing free, open-air tunes on select nights through September at CAAM,Descanso Gardens, Century Park, the AutryandKCRW’s Santa Monica headquarters.
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- Things to do
- Classes and workshops
Downtown
The Music Center offers a free, joyous mash-up of music and dancing all summer long, with different themes (samba, Bollywood and reggaetón, among them) and free dance lessons plus live DJ sets. Head to the Music Center plaza and join in the fun—no dance experience required.
- Things to do
- Markets and fairs
Downtown Arts District
Every Sunday you can find dozens of food vendors at this market at ROW DTLA, with a mix of much-loved pop-ups and future foodie stars. Look out for the market’s Ice Cream Alley through September 1, which includes sweets vendorsMoom Maam, Kinrose Creamery, Nobuko Shave Ice and Happy Ice, plus pop-upsfrom 626 Ice Cream, Sad Girl Creamery and El Churro Panzon.
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- Musicals
Hollywood
Initially adreadful 1930s propaganda film about the absolutehorrors of the devil’s lettuce,Reefer Madness has since morphed into an ironically pro-marijuana piece of pop culture—most notably with the 1998 L.A. premiere of this acclaimed musical satire by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, as well as its 2005 film adaptation. Now some fuzzy number of years later, the production has been reignited in L.A. at the former King King space on Hollywood Boulevard.
Los Feliz
Now one of L.A.’s most treasured summer traditions, Barnsdall Park’s wine tastings are back after a five-year hiatus. Perched atop Olive Hill on the west lawn of the historic Hollyhock House (which you can tour during the evening for an additional $25), the Barnsdall Friday fund raisers include fine selections of boutique wines provided by Silverlake Wine with a spectacular sunset and 360-degree views of the city.
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- Music
- Latin and world
Downtown
See a free salsa concert every second Friday of the summer during this series at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. This year’s lineup includes Rumbankete,Gabrielito y La Verdad, Son Mayor,Son Miron andClub Mambi—all featuring Super DJ Robby.
- Things to do
USC/Exposition Park
Nature lovers rejoice! Spend a day at the Natural History Museum’s Butterfly Pavilion, which will openfrom March 17 throughAugust 25 withup to 30 butterfly and moth species and an assortment of California plants. The seasonal outdoor exhibit allows for adults and children alike to witness nature up close—we’re talking having bufferlies take flight and land on your arms or shoulders. Prime time for these unique butterfly flight experiences are between 10 and 11am each morning.
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- Things to do
Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates
Walk through a pavilion of fluttering butterflies and peep a chamber with pupae and caterpillars at South Coast Botanic Garden’sseasonal exhibition.For an extra $6, you can pick up a flower vial or ring filled with nectar to attract and feed butterflies.
- Movies
Hollywood
It isn’t summer in L.A. until the first cemetery screening brings hoards of movie-lovers to Hollywood Forever, toting folding chairs, picnic blankets, snack spreads and lots of booze. Each year, Cinespia brings classic cult favorites to the hallowed resting place of such Hollywood greats as Rudolph Valentino and Bugsy Siegel.
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- Movies
Downtown
The masters of alfresco rooftop movie viewing have returned for another season of screenings in Downtown L.A., with nearly-nightly showings this spring.
- Movies
- Animation
Santa Monica
Every Sunday during the summer at sunset, both hotel guests and vistors at the Fairmont Miramar can slip into something waterproof and enjoy a flick around the Santa Monica hotel’s luxurious pool. You’ll find a mix of nostalgic favorites and more recent releases on the Hulu-curated schedule. Eats and libations will be available for purchase from the FIG Restaurant menu, and though seating is free for hotel guests, visitors will have to secure a reservation; tickets total to about $60 with tax, tip and fees, but that includes a $45 food and drink credit plus complimentary popcorn.
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- Things to do
- Performances
Topanga
For more than 50 years, this venue has drawn theatre aficionados to its storied, open-air stage for engaging productions in a magical setting. The 299-seat amphitheater in Topanga Canyon hosts audiences of all ages for plays from a wide range of genres, like Shakespearean classics and folktales. This season, catch highlights such as William Shakespeare’s The Winter's Tale andA Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well asWendy’s Peter Pan,Tartuffe: Born Again andThe Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote.
- Things to do
- Exhibitions
Westside
Let the wild rumpus start at this celebration of beloved children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak. The Skirball Cultural Center will be displaying more than 150 sketches, storyboards and paintings from theWhere the Wild Things Are creator.
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- Art
Downtown
Best known for her rhinestone-studded paintings of Black women, collages of old Jet Magazine spreads and revisions of historic paintings, Thomas’s large-scale works (80 of them from the past two decades)are on display at theBroadin this transportive exhibition.
- Art
- Painting
Miracle Mile
This major Ed Ruscha retrospective includes his meticulous photos of L.A. streets and a reconstruction of his Chocolate Room (which, yes, is a room made out sheets upon sheets of chocolate).
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- Things to do
- Exhibitions
Miracle Mile
It’s more than just the low clearance: This exhibition at the Petersen explores the custom paint, engraving, upholstery and, of course, thegravity-defying suspension of the lowrider scene. In addition to iconic cars, the exhibit spotlights influentialartists inthe Chicano lowrider art scene.
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- Art
Downtown Historic Core
Local illustrator Dave Pressler,who was behind the Nickelodeon seriesRobot and Monster, leads and curates this family-friendly, lighthearted show at Gabba Gallery, which features works from Pressler and about 50 other artists.
- Art
- Installation
Downtown
Move through a suite of sci-fi installations that depict a world overcome by rising seas and unchecked capitalism in this exhibition from Josh Kline. The MOCA Grand Avenue show includes a mix of sculpture, photography, moving images and ephemeral materials.
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- Art
- Photography
La Brea
Two documentarians of Chicano culture—iconic black-and-white photographer Estevan Oriol and the formerTeen Angels magazine—put the spotlight on L.A.’s art, lowrider and tattoo culturein this Beyond the Streetsexhibition.
- Art
- Drawing
Costa Mesa
See exploratory pencil-drawn line illustrations from the famous French fashion designer’s archive at this OCMA exhibition.
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- Art
- Contemporary art
Glendale
See works from seven contemporary artists (Eliseo Art Silva, Allison Hueman, Anthony Francisco, Maryrose Cobarrubias Mendoza, Christine Morla, Maria Villote and Junn Roca) who address issues related to Filipino culture and the Filipino-American experience during this exhibition at the Forest Lawn Museum.
- Things to do
- Exhibitions
South Park
This interactive Grammy Museumexhibition is put on in collaboration withHYBE (the South Korean entertainment company behind some of the biggest K-pop bands in the world) and will explore the power and history of the genre, with outfits and items from the likes ofBTS, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ENHYPEN and LE SSERAFIM. Just note that tickets to the exhibition—which require a timed reservation—cost an additional $20 on top of regular museum admission.
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- Art
- Installation
Hollywood
Hollywood’s Japan House has tapped artistSebastian Masuda to dive into the roots of all things cute and colorful with this exhibition on Japanese kawaii culture. The free show includes multiple pieces and installations from Masuda.
- Things to do
- Exhibitions
Miracle Mile
See 1930s-to-50s concept carsplus artworkfrom Ed Ruscha, Andy Warhol and David Hockney at this Petersen exhibition.
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- Things to do
- Exhibitions
South Park
The GRAMMY Museum celebrates hip-hop’s 50th anniversary with interactive DJing, rapping and sampling stations and instantly recognizable artifacts like LL Cool J’s red Kangol bucket hat and the Notorious B.I.G.’s red leather pea coat.
- Movies
- Horror
4 out of 5 stars
Recommended
Take an acid-blood trip through space with this stripped-back but searing Alien reboot.
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- Movies
- Drama
3 out of 5 stars
Recommended
The #BookTok smash becomes a cathartic and nuanced abuse drama starring a bang-on-form Blake Lively.
- Movies
- Action and adventure
3 out of 5 stars
Recommended
Minari’s Lee Isaac Chung goes from indie to windy with this helter-skelter tornado movie.
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- Movies
- Horror
5 out of 5 stars
Recommended
Nicolas Cage is a living nightmare in the most chilling supernatural horror since Hereditary.
- Movies
- Action and adventure
3 out of 5 stars
Recommended
Ryan Reynolds’ snarky superhero strains to propel this yappy but hardly snappy threequel.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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