Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles
This Weekend: Aug 11, 2023 – Aug 13, 2023
Friday
The Aster Debuts Happy Hour in Hollywood
The Aster, one of LA’s newest members-only social clubs with a public hotel and rooftop bar/restaurant debuts its first-ever rooftop Happy Hour today. From ending a WFH day on a high note to jump-starting the weekend with friends, The Aster is one of the best new rooftops to take in LA’s endless summer. Located on the storied intersection of Hollywood and Vine, this new destination features iconic views of the Capitol Records building and Hollywood sign from a sprawling sixth-floor rooftop deck. Happy hour includes specials on classic cocktails ($12), beer ($8) and wine ($10) with discounted bar bites. The Aster has first come, first served open bar and lounge seating. Various prices; Wednesdays – Sundays, 5 – 7:00 pm; The Aster – 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028; 323.962.1717
Black Angus Steakhouse’s End of Summer Grill-Off Competition at the Ventura County Fair
As the saying goes, “All good things must come to an end,” which includes… summer and essentially, grilling season; but before it does, make sure to experience the best things to do in the summer and head to the Ventura County Fair and eat some good food, provided by Black Angus Steakhouse, the popular west coast steakhouse chain, while they host their annual Grill-Off competition today. This year, the popular fair will feature a variety of entertainers performing throughout the weekend such as Trace Adkins, Patti Labelle, Collective Soul, and for the first time, a grill-off competition hosted by the American restaurant chain steakhouse, Black Angus Steakhouse. During the hour-long competition at the fair, the event will include a face off against Chef Fernando Garcia, Black Angus Steakhouse’s Culinary Director, who will compete against a contender to complete a signature steak dish featuring their choice of Black Angus Steakhouse’s 21-day aged Fresh Butcher-cut steaks and paired with a specialty cocktail. The finished dishes will be evaluated by a panel of three judges in front of Ventura County Fair’s spectators as they enjoy bites, drinks and giveaways provided by the steakhouse. $15 (adults) and $10 (children under 13 and seniors); Friday, 3 – 4:00 pm; Ventura County Fairgrounds – 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001; 805.648.3376
Rock & Brews & Metallica Join Forces on New Cocktail, BLACKENED
Over the last year, national restaurant concept, Rock & Brews, has tapped the biggest legends in rock ‘n’ roll history – from KISS and Jon Bon Jovi to Alice Cooper and Rick Nielsen – to create special edition food and drink items that pay homage to the concept’s roots in music. For its latest collaboration, Rock & Brews is teaming up with BLACKENED Whiskey, which is owned by Hall of Fame rock band, Metallica, to co-create a new limited-time cocktail: Whiskey in the Jar. Equally sweet and tart, Whiskey in the Jar puts a fruity twist on a classic Whiskey Smash and is made with BLACKENED, vanilla simple syrup and lemon juice. Nodding to Metallica’s second studio album Ride the Lightning, the drink is garnished with blackberries, mint sprigs, and a lemon peel shaped like a lightning bolt. BLACKENED’s award-winning flavor profile, which is enhanced during the unique BLACK NOISE sonic enhancement finishing process, stands out in the cocktail and features notes of burnt caramel and butterscotch, oak, honey, cinnamon, clove and mint. Whiskey in the Jar officially takes the stage at all Rock & Brews locations nationwide today, and will be available through 10/31. $13.95+; Various hours and locations
Closing This Weekend at albertz Benda and Friedman Benda: Farrell Hundley’s Chorus and Radu Oreian’s The Wanderers
This weekend is the last time to see Chorus and The Wanderers at West Hollywood’s shared galleries, albertz benda Los Angeles and Friedman Benda Los Angeles. Friday – Saturday (through 8/12), 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Friedman Benda – 8260 Marmont Lane, Los Angeles, CA 90069
- albertz Benda: This weekend marks the end of The Wanderers exhibition. The term “wanderers” captures the intriguing journey these works embark upon, traversing both time and space. This journey is both literal, as the pieces voyage from the artist’s French studio to the vibrant Los Angeles gallery, and figurative, weaving together diverse historical eras, biological narratives, and artistic imagery into a mesmerizing tapestry. Free
- Friedman Benda: This is your last time to catch Farrell Hundley’s Chorus at Friedman Benda. The show features design works inspired by mythological symbolism from ancient civilizations, representing allegories that meditate on the rise and fall of empires and the poetic power of these fragmented narratives. Free
Last Chance to See Never-Before-Seen Images of Hollywood Icons at Gallery 33’s Star Struck Exhibition in Santa Monica
This is your last chance to view Star Struck at Gallery 33 at The Georgian. Star Struck is a captivating photography show featuring never-before-seen images of Hollywood icons including James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and more. Star Struck offers a unique selection of recently uncovered negatives seen by the public for the first time. A history lesson on photo editing that dates back to the late 1800s, these negatives have been meticulously retouched using a graphite pencil against a backlit LED screen to create flawless beauty. The process yields remarkable results including refining bone structures, smoothing skin, and slimming appearance. Two original negatives will be on display beside the retouched images, demonstrating the meticulous process of photoshopping conducted in the early-mid 1900s. Free entry; Friday – Tuesday (through 8/15); various hours; The Georgian – 1415 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.395.9945
Saturday
Get Ready for a Wild Ride with Professional Bull Riders: Team Series!
The Professional Bull Riders: Team Series is at the Honda Center this weekend! Witness world-class bull riders attempting to hold onto 2,000 pounds of sheer power for a nail-biting eight seconds. Whether a long-time rodeo enthusiast or a newcomer, this is an experience not to be missed. Various prices; Saturday, 6:45 pm and Sunday, 1:45 pm; Honda Center – 2695 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806; 714.704.2400
23 Breathtaking Outdoor Patios for Al Fresco Dining in Los Angeles
This weekend, dine outside. Whether you’re craving a sun-kissed lunch under the glowy sunshine, or a sweet breeze through a romantic patio dinner, I’ve curated a list of 23 of the finest patios for al fresco dining in Los Angeles.
The Best Bottomless Brunches in Los Angeles
Here in LA, booze and brunch go together like peas and carrots. Whether you want Waffles, Eggs, or Avocado Toast, nothing complements your meal like an ice-cold cocktail, especially if that glass is endless. But where can you find these brunches with bottomless cocktails and tasty bites? Don’t stress; I got you. I’m here to give you a list of the best bottomless brunches in Los Angeles. So all you have to do is grab a cute brunch outfit and your date, and get ready to indulge in fun, good food, and drinks. Cheers!
Saturdays at La Lo La Rooftop
Every Saturday in August, you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of La Lo La Rooftop while enjoying a rotating selection of renowned LA DJs, all set against the stunning backdrop of being 34 stories above LA. Various prices; Saturdays – 7:30 – 11:30 pm; Moxy & AC Hotel DTLA – 1260 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Sunday
The Wild West Takes on Barbie at Desert 5 Spot
Booze, Boots, and Barbie! Today, the iconic Desert 5 Spot is hosting a special edition of their infamous Swimsuits and Cowboy Boots event – Barbie’s Western Adventure. There will be a Barbie and Ken look-alike competition, so guests are encouraged to wear pink and go all out. The afternoon promises fun in the sun, with dancing to tunes from poolside DJs, hand-crafted cocktails, bites from the delicious taco carts, and shopping at the notorious Trading Post by Jada & Jon. Free entry with RSVP; Sunday, 2:00 pm; Desert 5 Spot – 6516 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028; 323.410.6370
Coming Soon
(9/10): Visionary Women to Host Once-In-A-Lifetime Outstanding in the Field Dinner on Malibu Pier
Los Angeles’ premier social impact non-profit organization for women, Visionary Women, will host a once-in-a-lifetime sunset dinner experience on the Malibu Pier with Outstanding in the Field on 9/10. Set on the iconic Malibu Pier, the extraordinary culinary experience will pair a multi-course meal with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and offer an incredible night celebrating the origins of food and the land, among a group of powerhouse women across various professional fields. The spectacular culinary experience is open to Visionary Women members and the public, with a portion of ticket proceeds benefiting Women’s Earth Alliance; a nonprofit that supports women leaders working to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect their communities. Additional proceeds will benefit Visionary Women’s mission in support of initiatives elevating women and girls. The elevated dinner will be prepared by female executive chef Bricia Lopez, behind the James Beard American Classic award-winning Guelaguetza Restaurant in LA and the experience is sponsored by Geary’s Beverly Hills and The Wall Street Journal. $495; 9/10, 5 – 8:00 pm; Malibu Pier – Malibu Pier Malibu, CA 90265 United States
