The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles 5/16/25 – 5/18/25
Friday
Fridays are For Theía, LA’s Most Addictive New Dining Concept
Ever had a dining experience so electrifying that it blurs the line between restaurant and nightlife? That’s Theía, West Hollywood’s most talked-about new Mediterranean fusion restaurant that recently unveiled its stunning new location on Melrose Ave. Trust me when I say this isn’t just another LA restaurant – it’s the birth of an entirely new category of dining entertainment that you absolutely NEED to experience. Fans of the previous West Hollywood hotspot and newcomers alike can expect shareable, Mediterranean-inspired fare complemented by craft cocktails, an intentional wine list, and nightly entertainment from local performers. $25+ (Reservations strongly recommended); Sundays –Thursdays, 6:00 pm – 12:00 am, Fridays – Saturdays, 6:00 pm – 2:00 am, and Saturdays – Sundays, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm; 7661 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046; 213.503.5362
Signature dishes include:
- Seasonal Olive Oil Cake with yuzu compote, walnut crumble, warm toffee, and vanilla gelato
- Laffa Royale Bread with zaatar, garlic, and sea salt
- Green Market Asparagus Tabbouleh with farmer’s peas, mint, and whipped feta
- Farmer’s Pea Falafel served with a lemon herb tahina
- Caledonia Fire Prawns with harissa and tzatziki
- Lobster Cavatelli with cherry tomatoes, capers, and zucchini
- Lamb on Skewers served with pistachios, tahina, and mint dukkah
- TheÍa’s Smoking Tomahawk served with a bone marrow herb chermoula
- Chocolate Mousse Baklava served with brownie crumble, chocolate pearls, and greek yogurt whip cream
FREE Salsa Night at Ivy Station in Culver City
Join Ivy Station for Summer Salsa Nights, featuring a FREE beginner-friendly lesson from 6:30 pm followed by live Latin music from Fermin Fusion Salsa until 8:45 pm. This outdoor event offers complimentary 2-hour parking validation and continues every third Friday through October, with no partner needed for an evening of dancing and summer vibes in our public plaza. Free; every third Friday, 6:30 – 8:45 pm; Ivy Station – 8840 National Blvd, Culver City, California 90232; 310.571.4247
LA County Fair
Calling all Cali thrill-seekers and foodies! The LA County Fair is back, promising almost three weeks of non-stop fun for all ages. Get ready to scream your lungs out on heart-pounding rides, indulge in deep-fried (and not-so-deep-fried) treats, and soak up the spring vibes with live music and dazzling exhibits. Advance tickets are required, so grab yours and get ready for an epic adventure! $18.50+; Fridays – Sundays (through 5/26), Various hours; Fairplex – 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768; 909.623.3111
Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson & Bob Dylan at the Hollywood Bowl
Experience music legends Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, and more at the star-studded Outlaw Music Festival taking over the iconic Hollywood Bowl. Secure your tickets now for this rare opportunity to see multiple GRAMMY-winning artists and country music icons live under the stars at Los Angeles’ most beloved outdoor venue. $82; Friday, 5:00 pm; Hollywood Bowl – 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068; 323. 850.2000
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival Featuring Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Foster the People, Jason Mraz, Janelle Monae, & More!
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival is thrilled to unveil its best lineup yet, as the highly anticipated fourth edition returns to the breathtaking San Diego waterfront this weekend. Featuring top-tier headliners like Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Foster the People, Jason Mraz, Janelle Monae, and the best emerging talent, along with a diverse array of world-class performances across seven stages, Wonderfront 2025 promises to be an unforgettable weekend for music lovers, art enthusiasts, and culture curators alike. Set against the serene backdrop of iconic venues like Embarcadero Marina Park North, Seaport Village, and Ruocco Park, Wonderfront will offer breathtaking views of the harbor and skyline. Whether you’re soaking in the sun, dancing to your favorite artists, jumping on one of the festival’s yacht parties, or exploring interactive art installations, the festival promises a blissful start to your summer escape. $375+; Friday – Sunday, Various hours; San Diego, CA (Cover Photo Credit: Ovidiu Hrubaru /Shutterstock.com)
Saturday
Weekends Are for Bottomless Brunch
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!
The Sculpt Society is Teaming Up With Caffe Luxxe for a FREE Feel-Good, Community Walk
Join fitness sensation @meganroup of the Sculpt Society for an energizing community walk from Santa Monica’s Montana Avenue to the beach this Saturday. The first 50 participants will receive a specially curated goodie bag from Megan and Team TSS, making this feel-good morning workout the perfect way to connect with the TSS community while enjoying Santa Monica’s iconic coastline, culminating with complimentary coffee from Caffe Luxxe. Free; Saturday, 10:00 am; Caffe Luxxe – 925 Montana Avenue Santa Monica, CA 90403; 310.394.2222
Humans With Souls: FREE 3K Walk/Run for Connection + Community
Join Humans With Souls for their inaugural free 3K Walk/Run, where BIPOC women creatives, dreamers, and entrepreneurs (21+) can connect through movement while building an authentic community rooted in love and belonging. This transformative wellness gathering welcomes all fitness levels and offers much more than exercise—participants will enjoy meaningful networking opportunities, group reflection sessions, complimentary refreshments, and the chance to join a growing movement that celebrates creative expression and personal growth among women of color. Free; Saturday, 11:00 am – 1:30 pm; Echo Park Lake – 751 Echo Park Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026
FREE Beverly Hills Art Show
Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of creativity at the Beverly Hills FREE art show featuring original works from 235 talented artists across California and beyond. Guests can expect a collection of diverse mediums including paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and contemporary mixed media all presented by the creators themselves. Complete your artistic experience with their Wine and Beer Garden offering live music performances, artist demonstrations, family-friendly activities, gourmet food trucks, and engaging community exhibits spread across four beautiful garden blocks in the heart of downtown. Free; Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Beverly Gardens Park – 9439 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(FREE Event) “Vanderpump Dogs” Celebrates World Dog Day with Gunther VII from The House of Gunther and Lisa Vanderpump
Today is World Dog Day, and Lisa Vanderpump and the city of West Hollywood invite you to bring your pup to their 8th annual Vanderpump Dogs event. Celebrate our furry friends with a fun-filled day of entertainment, doggy vendors, music, food and the opportunity to meet the richest dog in the world, Gunther VII. Gunther VII, recently debuted the first luxury content house, House of Gunther, a Los Angeles based content house composed of Gen Z social media creators who will engage in a social experiment to explore themes of happiness, wealth and social behavior. With unlimited resources, never before seen digital reach, and a larger than life puppy personality, anything is possible. Free; Saturday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm; West Hollywood Park – 647 N. San Vincente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Fear Street Prom Queen: Shadyside High Senior Prom ‘88
Step back into the terrifying ’80s at the Shadyside High Senior Prom ’88 event at the Fonda Theatre. Get ready for a horror-filled, interactive experience celebrating the upcoming 5/23 premiere of Netflix’s Fear Street: Prom Queen. Immerse yourself in jump scares, gore, and dark laughs as you become part of the blood-soaked world of Shadyside High, capturing killer moments in anticipation of the latest installment of the popular Fear Street franchise. Free entry; Saturday and Monday, 1 – 8:00 pm and Sunday, 12 – 4:00 pm; The Fonda Theatre – 6126 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90028
Sunday
Venice Beach Half Marathon and 5K
This morning, join fellow runners for the inaugural Venice Beach Half Marathon and 5K (VBHM), featuring an iconic oceanfront course that starts and finishes on the famous Venice Beach boardwalk with live local musicians setting the pace. Every participant earns an exclusive first-year finisher medal and commemorative race shirt, followed by a celebratory beach party complete with Vendor Village, more live entertainment, and stunning Pacific views. $156+; Sunday, 7:00 am; Venice Beach Boardwalk – 1800 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291
Girls Night Out! Rooftop Cinema Club Pajama Party and Screening of Mamma Mia!
Rooftop Cinema Club welcomes you to experience the ultimate girls’ night out at their adults-only Pajama Party featuring a screening of Mamma Mia! Your ticket also includes karaoke competitions, mini makeovers, exclusive skincare swag, and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities under the stars. Don your cutest PJs for this 18+ event where you’ll dance, sing, and laugh with your besties while enjoying premium rooftop views, and the most iconic, unhinged slumber party atmosphere Los Angeles has to offer this season. $32 (first-come-first-served seating); Sunday, 8:20 pm; Level Hotel – 888 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
Coming Soon
Coming Soon (5/22): 9-Course Wine Dinner with Pasta|Bar and i Clivi Wines
On Thursday, 5/22, Pasta|Bar Los Angeles will host an exclusive, one-night-only dinner in collaboration with i Clivi wines—featuring a special appearance by Mario Zanusso, owner and winemaker of the celebrated Friulian Italian winery. The evening includes a 9-course tasting menu paired with i Clivi’s elegant, terroir-driven wines from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. Known for their purity, balance, and mineral-driven complexity, these wines will be thoughtfully matched with dishes from the Pasta|Bar team. Throughout the evening, Mario will share insights into his winemaking philosophy and the traditions that shape i Clivi, offering guests a rare opportunity to engage directly with the producer. A curated selection of wines will be available for purchase following the dinner. $345; 5/22; 16101 Ventura Blvd. Ste 250, Encino, CA 91436; 818.208.1805
Coming Soon (5/25): MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street Returns to Santa Monica Memorial Day Weekend
Experience Main Street’s finest eateries with an interactive twist on Monopoly, when the 10th Annual MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street returns Sunday, 5/25. This all-ages, pet-friendly tasting experience is an interactive twist on the classic board game, offering a culinary walking tour of Santa Monica’s Main Street. MAINopoly allows attendees to exchange their “MAINopoly dollars” for tastings at 20 of the street’s best restaurants, bars, and eateries. Once the players complete their official game board and make their way to every location, they can win a “Taste of Main Street” Prize Pack valued at $1,000. $23.56; 5/25, 1 – 5:00 pm; Chek-In at Ashland Hill – 2807 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405
Coming Soon (5/31): Chrysalis Poker & Party: Charity Poker Tournament and Cocktail Party
Get ready for high-stakes fun and philanthropy at Chrysalis’ All In For Changing Lives Poker & Party on Saturday, 5/31 at the historic Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club. This event, hosted by Chrysalis’ Young Professionals Advisory Council (YPAC), will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, and poker enthusiasts for an afternoon and evening of competition, entertainment, and giving back. Proceeds from this event will directly support Chrysalis’ workforce development programs, helping individuals experiencing homelessness or any barrier to the workforce. By participating, attendees and sponsors will contribute to life-changing programs that empower individuals and strengthen the community. $200+; 5/31, 2 – 8:00 pm; Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club – 1210 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.395.1308
Event Highlights:
- Poker Tournament: Bet on a better future by playing in a deepstack, no-limit hold ‘em tournament run by The Poker People.
- Cocktail Party: Play games, enjoy poker-themed activations, sip on cocktails from sponsors like Mario’s Hard Espresso and network with fellow supporters. Hearty tray passed appetizers and snacks and delicious buffet by Alligator Pear Catering.
- Silent Auction: Bid on exclusive items and experiences while supporting a great cause.
Coming Soon (6/19 – 6/22): Yoga Life Collective Presents: A Retreat Into the Wild Heart of the Desert
Escape the city bustle and discover tranquility just hours from Los Angeles at the inaugural Yoga Life Collective Retreat in Joshua Tree. Immerse yourself in a four-day journey of self-discovery led by practitioner Kristina Van Orden at the architecturally stunning Nxwhere California. Reconnect with your inner self through daily yoga, sunrise meditations under the vast desert skies, and restorative Reiki energy healing with Ana Fox. Indulge in curated wellness menus by Chef Tristan, embark on grounding desert hikes, and find authentic connection through fireside circles in this extraordinary landscape. $1,500+; 6/19 – 6/22; Joshua Tree
Coming Soon (6/21): “Hollywood Under the Stars” Benefit Gala for St. Vincent Meals On Wheels
Join Paramount Pictures for the 4th annual “Hollywood Under the Stars” gala benefitting St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. The evening will feature premier culinary & beverage offerings featuring nearly a dozen of Los Angeles’ finest chefs, including Alexander’s Steakhouse, Arth Bar + Kitchen, BOX Chicken, City Club Los Angeles, Georgia’s Restaurant, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, and Wife and the Somm. Indulge your sweet tooth with desserts from Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co., Lark Cake Shop, and more! VIP guests will enjoy an exclusive Cocktail Hour in the Paramount Theater, followed by chef-curated tastings live on the famed backlot! Sip signature cocktails and dance the night away to live music from the de Bois All Stars under the stars. $175+; 6/21, 6:30 pm; Paramount Studios – 5555 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038; 323.956.1777
