Weekly Guide to the Best Things to Do in LA
Monday
Catalina Express Turns 45 Offers Ferry Ride Giveaways
Cheers to 45 years of island hopping! Catalina Express — the beloved family-operated ferry that’s been zipping SoCal locals across the water for decades — is celebrating its milestone anniversary with a month of social media giveaways, so keep an eye on their Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for a shot at winning a round-trip ticket for two. This is your sign to finally plan that Catalina getaway, especially with the high-speed crossing covering 22 miles in just over an hour. Free to enter; Catalina Island
Seoul Beauty Experiences at the EESEOL Pop-Up at The Grove
K-beauty lovers, this one’s for you! EESEOL’s interactive pop-up is bringing a rotating lineup of Seoul-inspired beauty experiences to LA, including makeup and skincare classes, personalized color analysis, nail art, and even K-pop karaoke sessions. Swing by for the immersive displays, sample products from up-and-coming Korean beauty brands, and soak in the DJ sets and photo moments — this is easily one of the most fun beauty things to do in LA this summer. Free entry; Monday – 8/15, Various hours; The Grove – 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.900.8080
Tuesday
It’s Taco Tuesday!
It’s Taco Tuesday Los Angeles, and that means one thing: epic deals on everyone’s favorite LA staple. But with countless taquerias and restaurants offering specials across the city, navigating the options can be like finding the perfect avocado – daunting and potentially messy. Here’s the thing though – going out for Taco Tuesday is honestly one of the best things to do in Los Angeles, whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting our amazing city. There’s something magical about discovering hole-in-the-wall gems, trying authentic family recipes, and bonding with friends over incredible tacos and margaritas that perfectly captures the LA spirit. Worry not, fellow LA taco enthusiasts, for your taste bud compass is here! Let’s embark on a culinary adventure across Los Angeles, exploring who has the best Taco Tuesday near me.
Wednesday
The OC Fair is Back
The OC Fair is back! 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 end of summer vibes with live music and dazzling exhibits. Advance tickets are required, so grab yours and get ready for an epic adventure! $13+; Wednesdays – Sundays (thru 8/16), 11:00 am – 11:55 pm;; 88 Fair Drive – Costa Mesa, CA 92626; 714.708.1500
Friday
National Tequila Day Specials
Throughout Southern California, select restaurants, venues, and retailers will be featuring specials from some of the best tequila brands for the holiday with elevated pours, cocktails, and special activations.
- Descanso, the mid-city Michoacán-inspired kitchen and bar, is raising a glass with a lineup of weekly tequila-focused activations. Offerings include exclusive cocktails, curated pairings, and a one-night-only Tequila Walk.
- enjoy weekly specials centered around Don Julio, and Casamigos , including featured margaritas or specialty cocktails, menu pairings with blanco, reposado, and añejo expressions, and specialty flights
- Tequila Walk Preview Menu featuring selections from participating tequila partners including Mi Campo and Milagro
- El Cristiano tequila
- Escuela Taqueria (Fairfax) — featuring El Cristiano tequila selections for National Tequila Day celebrations.
- Spago Beverly Hills — offering guests the opportunity to experience El Cristiano at one of Beverly Hills’ most iconic dining destinations.
- Santo Mezcal (Santa Barbara & Westlake Village) — featuring El Cristiano as part of its elevated agave spirits offerings
- San Bernardino – Yaamava’ Resort & Casino — celebrating National Tequila Day Weekend with a “Más Tequila Por Favor” experience on Saturday, featuring El Cristiano.
- At home El Cristiano Tequila cocktail recipe:
- 1.5 oz El Cristiano Reposado Tequila
- 2 oz fresh watermelon juice
- 0.5 oz Aperol
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- The Maya, Long Beach, CA (Fuego Restaurant) – For beachside libations, guests can try newly transformed Fuego’s cocktails as part of its reimagination into a Latin-inspired lounge and bar experience at The Maya.
- Highlights include the $18 Mayarita, Fuego’s signature house skinny margarita
- $18 berry-infused Shoreline Spritz
- $20 Coco Loco. Tequila flights are also available for those looking to sample from a selection of Don Julio, El Tequileno, Laelia, and Siete Leguas.
Smokey Robinson & Gladys Knight: “Just the Two of Us” Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Two soul icons, one unforgettable night: Motown legends Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight bring “Just the Two of Us” to the Hollywood Bowl. Expect a night of timeless hits from two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icons whose combined 8 Grammy wins and decades of chart-topping soul, R&B, and Motown classics make this one of the most legendary lineups to hit the Bowl all summer. $25+; Friday – Saturday, 8:00 pm; Hollywood Bowl – 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068; 323.850.2000
Saturday
FREE Things to Do in LA: I Keri Hilson, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, DaniLeigh, Yung Joc & MORE!
Talk about a free lineup that hits different: Keri Hilson, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, DaniLeigh, Yung Joc, and more are all taking the stage at Pershing Square, and admission is completely free (21+). This is one of the best free things to do in LA this summer, so grab your friends and get downtown early — a lineup this stacked at zero cost doesn’t come around often. Free+; Saturday, 3 – 11:00 pm; Pershing Square – 532 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
The Music of Star Wars Featuring Pacific Symphony
May the Fourth has nothing on this! Pacific Symphony brings John Williams’ iconic Star Wars scores to life at Great Park Live in Irvine, performing everything from the legendary “Star Wars Main Title” to the electrifying “Duel of the Fates,” conducted live by Enrico Lopez-Yañez. This is one of the most epic things to do in LA (well, just outside it) this week — a full symphony orchestra bringing a galaxy far, far away to life under the summer sky. $44+; Saturday, 8:00 pm; Great Park Live – 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618
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! Saturdays – Sundays, Various hours and locations
STRONG Pilates x The Sun Rose Hotel Host Garden Terrace Wellness Event
Sweat, sip, and unwind. STRONG Pilates is teaming up with The Sun Rose Hotel in West Hollywood for a Garden Terrace wellness morning, kicking off with a 45-minute mat Pilates class followed by mini spa facials, protein ice cream from KovaKream, and poolside hangs. This is one of the most feel-good wellness things to do in LA this weekend — bring a mat, a friend, and good vibes, because space is limited and registration is required. $7; Saturday, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm; The Sun Rose – 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; 310.928.9000
Yacht Pilates Mini Wellness Retreat
Set sail for self-care. Yacht Pilates’ Mini Wellness Retreat docks in Marina del Rey, kicking off with a Pilates flow before guests indulge in rosé tastings, brunch, massages, lymphatic drainage facials, Duffy boat rides, and even a cold plunge. This is easily one of the most unique wellness things to do in LA this summer — where else can you get Botox and a boat ride in the same morning? $60; Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; California Yacht Club – 4469 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Sunday
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Poms Masterclass
America’s Sweethearts are coming to West Hollywood! KINRGY WeHo is hosting a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Poms Masterclass that will have you learning the iconic, sharp, high-energy moves of the world’s most famous cheer squad, THINK — the legendary, viral Thunderstruck routine that broke the internet and had everyone obsessed with the DCC all over again. You’ll spend the afternoon dancing in a fun and supportive atmosphere that welcomes absolute beginners and seasoned movers alike. And the best part, by the end of class you’ll perform a full official-style cheer routine — comment LINK on @kinrgy’s Instagram to grab your spot because this is one of the most uniquely fun things to do in LA this week! Sunday, 12:30 – 2:30 pm; 7111 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046; 323.336.6774
Terranea’s 3rd Annual Food & Wine Festival Returns
Terranea Resort will host its 3rd Annual Food and Wine Festival, an afternoon celebrating Southern California’s culinary scene. Guests ages 21 and older will enjoy unlimited tastings from Terranea’s acclaimed restaurants alongside signature dishes from notable regional chefs and restaurants, as well as pours from leading wineries, breweries and spirit partners. Live entertainment by Kaylyn and Astro Yachts will round out the experience overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Participating restaurants include Terranea’s acclaimed dining destinations – Mar’sel, Catalina Kitchen, Bashi and Nelson’s – with each showcasing signature dishes, along with sweet creations from Executive Pastry Chef Pierino “Perry” Jermonti. The festival will also feature notable regional restaurants, including The Little Door, Jame Enoteca, ¡Jaime! Taqueria, Bruxie, The Rex, Saint & Second, Miller Butler, Chachi’s, Japonica, Slice & Pint, Sushi Petushi, Noga Bread and Wild Roots. Featured beverage partners include Catalina View Wines, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Caymus Vineyards, Silver Oak, Grgich Hills Estate, Flowers Winery, Duckhorn Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars, Williams Selyem, Mionetto, Veuve Clicquot, Chandon, Whispering Angel, Three Weavers Brewing, Smog City Brewing, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Ketel One Vodka, Nolet’s Gin, Cutwater, Suerte Tequila and more. $180; Sunday, 12 – 4:00 pm; Terranea – 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275; 866.547.3066
Model, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropistarlie Kloss Book Reading at B&N The Grove
Calling all future coders (and their parents!): supermodel-turned-entrepreneur Karlie Kloss is stopping by Barnes & Noble The Grove to read and sign her debut children’s book, Spaghetti Code, inspired by her Kode with Klossy program. It’s a reading and meet-and-greet with personalized books and a photo op included, so grab tickets early — this is one of the most heartwarming things to do in LA with the kids this week. $25; Sunday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; The Grove – 189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.900.8080
FREE Things to Do in LA! Too $hort, Xzibit, Layzie Bone, RJMrLA & MORE!
West Coast hip-hop legends are taking over Pershing Square: Too Short, Xzibit, Layzie Bone, RJMrLA, and Tha Eastsidaz all hit the stage, and it’s completely free (21+). This is one of the best free things to do in LA this summer, so clear your Sunday and get ready for a lineup packed with West Coast classics. Free+; Sunday, 3 – 10:30 pm; Pershing Square – 532 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Coming Soon
(8/1): Le Dîner en Blanc Secret Pop-Up Outdoor Picnic Returns to LA
After a seven-year hiatus, Le Dîner en Blanc is returning to Los Angeles on Saturday, 8/1, bringing thousands of elegantly dressed guests to a secret, undisclosed LA landmark for one of the most spectacular and talked-about dining experiences in the world — with this year’s theme “Une Soirée Parisienne – La Belle Époque” encouraging feathered hats, tailored white suits, a masquerade mask for a little added mystery, and all the theatrical drama you can muster. This is hands down one of the most unique and breathtaking things to do in Los Angeles this summer — get on the waitlist now at losangeles.dinerenblanc.com before it fills up! $65 – $80; 8/1, time and location to be disclosed after ticket purchase
(8/3 – 8/4): Live Love Spa Announces 9th Annual National Wellness Month Two-Day Celebration
Live Love Spa is celebrating National Wellness Month in the most spectacular way possible. Their 9th Annual Two-Day Wellness Celebration lands in Downtown Los Angeles this August with 350+ wellness leaders, 60+ innovative brands, expert masterclasses from Phytomer and Eminence Organic Skin Care, immersive recovery technology, advanced aesthetics, and VIP swag bags that will have every wellness lover in the city clearing their calendar immediately. This is the wellness event of the summer and one of the most unique things to do in LA in August. Head to livelovespa.com for all the details! $199+; 8/3 – 8/4, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Hudson Loft in Downtown Los Angeles – 1200 S Hope St., Los Angeles, CA 90015
