Photograph: Courtesy the Ford/Timothy Norris
Find concerts, screenings, performances and more of our critics’ picks with the best events and things to do in Los Angeles this week
Edited by Michael Juliano
Editor, Los Angeles & Western USA
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If we could write the rules of living in Los Angeles this would be our No. 1, always at the top of our list: When you live in this city, there’s no excuse for boredom just because it’s a weeknight. There are hundreds of things to doin Los Angeles each week,whether you hit the beachat sunset or go for a morningbike ride, or catch aconcert or a comedy show—and that’s really only scratching the surface. Well, we don’t make the rules, but we will provide you with plenty of ideas for your next free weeknight right here. Nowgo out and tackle these things to do in L.A. this week.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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The best events in L.A. this week
- 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.
- 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.
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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.
- 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.
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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.
- 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
- 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, 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.
- 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
Anaheim
Well, well, well, what have we here? The Nightmare Before Christmas’s bug-stuffed sack has once again taken over the Halloween duties at Disneyland for Oogie Boogie Bash, anafter-hours, specially ticketed seasonal eventat Disney California Adventure Park.
- 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, Bowers Museum, Century Park, the AutryandKCRW’s Santa Monica headquarters.
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- Art
- Painting
Laguna Beach
Life imitates art, literally: Classic paintings, statues and murals take on a new dimension as real people dress and pose to recreate original masterpieces—a trick popularized by vaudeville artiste Lolita Perine at the first festival in 1932. A professional orchestra, a narrator, intricate sets and theatrical lighting help bring the works to life at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. This year’s theme, “À La Mode: The Art of Fashion”revisits grand looks through the years.
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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. Bring along a blanket and a picnic basket, or just nosh on the variety of food trucks parked up there.
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- Music
Downtown
This epic (and free) outdoor concert seriesfeatures live performances by artists from around the world at thetotally overhauledCalifornia Plazastage in DTLA, where the shallow water separating the stage from the audience has been replaced by a proper event lawn.Don’t miss a diverse and highly intriguing mix ofbands, DJ sets and dance parties.
- Music
Fairfax District
The Original Farmers Market is host to a plethora of fun, family-friendly outdoor events, and its summer music series are some of its best. Take a load offnear the end of the work week and stop by the West Patioon Thursday nights from6:30 to 8:30pm to heara genre-spanning mix of live music.
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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
- 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.
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- Things to do
- Performances
Santa Monica
Summer’s just heating up, but thanks to areturning summer event series it’s set to be scorching: Santa Monica mainstay the Bungalow will host itsnight market every Thursdayjust a block from the beach. Over the summer, expect food from the likes of Tacos 1986, the Boiling Crab and the Lonely Oyster, plus celebrity guests.
- Music
- Jazz
Miracle Mile
One of L.A.’s best free live music offerings, Jazz at LACMA has featured legit legends over its three-decade run at the museum. Seating for the program is available in the museum’s plaza on a first-come, first-served basis, though you’re welcome to picnic on the grass, too (you won’t really be able to see the show, but you’ll still hear it). You’ll find the series on Friday evenings in LACMA’s welcome plaza (just behind Urban Light)starting in April.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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