Boyz N the Hood at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Celebrate this trailblazing filmmaker, John Singleton, with his debut film. Boyz N the Hood is an intimate snapshot of camaraderie, family, and gang culture in South Central with an iconic, all-star cast, including Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, and Regina King. There will be special guests, celebratory DJ sets, and a photo booth. $12 – $20; Saturday, 8:30 pm; 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Street Food Cinema
This outdoor film travels around to different spots in LA. In addition to the movie, enjoy live music and food from the city’s top trucks. This week, you can settle in for viewings of Monsters Inc., Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. $6 – $23, free/under 6; Saturday & Sunday, Band: 6:30 pm, movies: 8:30 pm; locations here; 323.254.5068
L.A. Woman Tours and Dearly Departed Tours Valley of the Dolls Cocktail Party
L.A. Woman Tours and Dearly Departed Tours join together at Hollywood’s Raleigh Studios to celebrate one of my all time favorite books! Celebrating the life of actress Sharon Tate and the wild, kitschy 1967 cult movie that made her a star, the party will feature music and dancing, dinner and cocktails, remarks from Sharon Barker Groves (Tate’s stunt double from Don’t Make Waves), psychic/medium/comedian, Jill Marie Morris, a photo booth, and raffle prizes. You will receive a souvenir program and a keepsake prescription bottle of candy “dolls” (the pills from the movie). Glam 1960s attire is requested – or come as your favorite Valley of the Dolls character! $100 (includes dinner and soft drinks, cocktails available at a cash bar); Friday, 7 pm; Raleigh Studios Backlot, 5300 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Jazz at LACMA
This LACMA tradition has live jazz in the Smidt Welcome Plaza. This weekend, listen to smooth jazz by Rickey Woodard Sextet. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn, or order something from the café and a cocktail from Ray’s + Stark Bar. $16-$25, free/under 18; Friday, 11 am – 8 pm (ongoing); 5905 Wilshire Blvd, West Hollywood, CA; 323.857.6000
Salsa Sunday | Downtown Santa Monica Events Kickoff
Through September, nonprofit organization Downtown Santa Monica Inc. is hosting a free summer series with an event every night of the week, such as Trivia Tuesdays, Work It Wednesdays, live outdoor entertainment and more. This Sunday, join in Salsa Sunday that is a full night of free salsa classes and live music. Free; Sunday, Noon-10 pm; 1200 Block of Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
LA Tacos & Beer Festival
Enjoy two of your favorite things, tacos and craft beer. Top restaurants and breweries from California (and beyond) come together to celebrate all the deliciousness. In addition to unlimited samples of tacos and beer, check out live Lucha Libre wrestling every 30 minutes along with vendors for you to shop. $39 – $89; Saturday, 3 – 6 pm; LA Center Studios, 450 S. Bixel St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Go Little Tokyo’s Summer Festivals
Head to Little Tokyo to join in the Tanabata Festival and the Natsumatsuri Family Festival on Saturday. The Nisei Week Japanese Festivalhas the Aki’s pup-up party, a Golden Circle dinner, the grand parade and more. Saturday & Sunday; Little Tokyo
Open Fire Gaucho BBQ Dinner with Phil Rosenthal
Gather around the “Asador” with Phil Rosenthal (Somebody Feed Phil, Everybody Loves Raymond) for a farm-to-fire BBQ feast. This collaboration between Maple Block Meat Co. and Chefs Hernan Stutzer and Alberto Llano who specialize in rustic outdoor Patagonian cooking (gaucho-style) will feature a family-style seated Sunday feast with fire ribs, chicken, sausage and wood-smoked brisket empanadas, plus delicious sides. Cocktails, appetizers, wine, beer, full coffee service, bottled water, plus all food, tax & tip are included in the ticket price. Proceeds from the live auction benefit the LA Food Bank and hosted by Billy Harris. $145; Sunday, 4- 7 pm; Maple Block Meat Co., 3973 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230
Public Star Party at the Observatory
Look through various telescopes on the lawn of the Griffith Observatory with members of the L.A. Astronomical Society, L.A. Sidewalk Astronomers and the Planetary Society. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax above the city of Los Angeles and check out the stars. Get there early! Free; Saturday, 2 – 9:45 pm; 2800 E. Observatory Rd, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA; 213.473.0800
Malibu Country Mart Summer Block Party
This annual Summer Block Party includes festivities like snow cones and cotton candy by Love Swirls, a henna tattoo station, live music, a caricature artist, tarot-card readings by Cathy Crystal, Ginger’s Dine ice cream pops and more. All activities and treats are complimentary. Saturday, Noon – 4 pm; Malibu Country Mart, 3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA
Creature Camp Out
Join in a sleepover at the zoo. There will be evening and morning guided tours, along with presentations with the zoo’s animal. A continental breakfast will be served in the morning. The fun will return for the next two Saturdays in August, so be sure to join in while you still can. Bring a sleeping bag. Friday, 6:30 pm; 5333 Zoo Dr, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA; 323.644.4200
Hitching Post 2 Pop Up
For one night only, Hitching Post 2 BBQ will be coming to LA Wine’s outdoor patio, bringing “HP2 to you.” The pop-up is part of the new Hitching Post Wines Tasting Room menu program. Menu highlights include Hitching Post’s classic burger, triple-fried french fries, grilled corn quesadilla and grilled artichokes. The Hitching Post wines offered by LA Wine include their Hometown Pinot Noir, Gen Red and PINKS. Sunday, 5 pm until sold out; LA Wine, 900 N. Broadway, Suite 1070, Los Angeles, CA
