Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles
This Weekend: July 21, 2023 – July 23, 2023
Friday
Barbie Rave at Club Decades
Barbie is now in theaters, and to celebrate, Club Decades is hosting the ultimate Barbie Rave featuring all your favorite Barbie & plastic hits. Bonus points if you dress up like Barbie and can sing all the Barbie Girl lyrics! $15 – $20; Friday, 10:00 pm – 2:00 am; Boardners – 1652 N. Cherokee Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028; 323.462.9621
Cinespia Presents: The Fifth Element and Gremlins Under the Stars
Grab your picnic baskets and blankets because two amazing films are playing outdoors under the stars at Cinespia. Friday – Saturday; Los Angeles State Historic Park and Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- The Fifth Element: Watch Bruce Willis as he stars in this sci-fi action-adventure film set in a futuristic world, where he’s on a mission to save humanity. $22+; Friday, 7:30 (doors open) and 9:00 pm (movie); Los Angeles State Historic Park – 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Gremlins: Celebrate Christmas in July with Gizmo and his beastly crew. $22+; Saturday, 7:15 (doors open) and 9:00 pm (movie); Hollywood Forever Cemetery – 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038
Comic-Con
Calling all comic book, superhero, and sci-fi lovers, Comic-Con is here! The convention boasts a weekend-long frenzy of workshops, educational sessions, screenings, panels, and more. Dress in your favorite cosplay outfits and get ready to geek out over special guests, announcements, and of course, all the surprises the convention has to offer. Friday – Sunday, San Diego Convention Center – 111 Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101; 619.525.5000
LA’s One-and-Only Japanese Music Festival “Rising Japan MusicFest 2023”
This weekend LA’s one-and-only Japanese Music Festival comes to Long Beach to support Japanese and Japanese-American artists and spread the love for Japanese music in the United States. The event will be action-packed with Japanese food, music, and culture; something for everyone to enjoy! The festival includes guests and performances by popular Japanese artists and a special performance by Shanice, the beloved 90’s singer-songwriter behind the hit song “I Love Your Smile. $60+; Saturday – Sunday, 12 – 8:00 pm; Marina Green Park – 386 E. Shoreline Drive Long Beach, CA 90802
Killola Live at the Moroccan Lounge
The Moroccan Lounge invites you to a night of live music with Killola. The band blends garage pop with influences from punk and pop/electronica, and crafts songs that skillfully incorporate layered vocal harmonies and synthesizers. And lead singer Lisa Rieffel’s voice is AMAZING! $15+; Friday, 6:30 pm; 901 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213.395.0610
OC Fair
The OC Fair is back this weekend with carnival rides, face painting, live music, exhibits, animals, food, and more! $9+; Friday – 8/13, various hours; 88 Fair Drive – Costa Mesa, CA 92626; 714.708.1500
Sarah Robarts Studio and Gallery at The Enclave
The Sarah Robarts Studio and Gallery is now open at The Enclave. Robarts’ work is painterly, often layered using mixed media, and painted to canvas and other surfaces. Her palette is often a combination of the vibrant colors of being raised in Kenya and the distinct hues of Californian sunlight; and her draughtsman-like marks often connote architectural drawings, inspired by her father and brother – both of whom are architects. The 10,000-square-foot space features stunning art pieces by Robarts and fellow painter Jenny Chandler and a sculpture by Yossi Govrin. Free entry; Mondays – Sundays, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (through December). The Enclave – 980 W 190th Street – Unit D, Los Angeles, CA 90502
New Rooftop Pickleball Court at Kimpton La Peer
Kimpton La Peer, the upscale boutique hotel in the heart of West Hollywood’s vibrant Design District, unveiled a new pickleball court on its scenic rooftop in partnership with Grey Goose. Pickleball at La Peer will allow hotel guests and locals to play the country’s fastest-growing sport in style, sip refreshing cocktails made with world-class spirits, and mingle with new and old friends while surrounded by panoramic views of Los Angeles. Further enhancing the unique activation, the hotel’s rooftop will transform into a must-experience “Disco Court” party featuring a DJ playing lively music under a sparkling disco ball on Fridays, 4 – 8:00 pm, and Saturdays – Sundays, 2 – 8:00 pm. During Disco Court hours, the court will feature open play with no reservations required or court fees. On the day of their visit, players can join and organize games via Pickleheads by scanning a QR code upon arrival or in advance when time slots open at noon. Guests and locals can book a pickleball reservation for weekday visits online for $150 per team of two players for 90 minutes including lunch and a bottle of wine or cocktail carafe. The private court time is for a maximum of 12 players, but Kimpton La Peer also offers full rooftop buyouts for events of up to 250 attendees. 627 N. La Peer Dr., West Hollywood, CA 90069; 213.296.3038
It’s Official! Laidrey Opens Second Café in Encino
Laidrey Coffee Roasters has opened its second location in Encino. Owner and Roaster Gacia Tachejian opened her first location in Tarzana last year, introducing the San Fernando Valley’s first majority woman-owned specialty coffee roastery and café. Laidrey is bringing its unique, community-focused vibe to Encino, marked by a gorgeous mural created by Julia Soria of PrettyGoodPainters, with ample seating, ideal for groups and remote working. Enjoy Laidrey’s signature drinks, like the Maple Oat Latte, Beach Brew, and the current cult favorite, Chocolate Chai Aerocano — all made with housemade syrups. Various prices; Mondays – Sundays, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm; 17034 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316
Celebrate National Tequila Day “Eve” at KA’TEEN
KA’TEEN, the coastal Mexican restaurant known for its innovative approach to Alta California cuisine will be celebrating National Tequila Day this weekend from Friday – Sunday. Guests will be able to order large-format versions of select specialty cocktails (like the notable El Cantarito & Wes Colada) – great for groups enjoying dinner or brunch. Helmed by the highly acclaimed Chef Wes, he seamlessly blends flavors and techniques he absorbed from his frequent travels to the Yucatán Peninsula with the use of local ingredients and his deep-rooted connection to the city as a native Angeleno. Various prices; Friday, 6 – 11:00 pm, Saturday, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 6 – 11:00 pm and Sunday, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 6 – 9:00 pm; 6516 Selma Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Eureka! Launches Tiki Mugs designed by Tiki tOny
Eureka! is launching Headhunter King Tiki Mugs designed by Tiki tOny. Guests that stop by Eureka! and order the mugs will also get the signature Headhunter King cocktail featuring Appleton Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum, macadamia nut, lime, pineapple, orgeat, and falernum. Mugs are limited in availability so they will sell out quickly! $60; various hours and locations
Last Day to Enter – Milagro Tequila Seeks Chief Marg-eting Officer To Sip Margaritas
In celebration of National Tequila Day (7/24), Milagro Tequila is setting out to name a CMO…Chief Marg-eting Officer for one-day only. The only qualifications? To be able to sit and enjoy a Milagro Freshest Margarita. The CMO will receive a highly competitive one-day salary for a position that’s entirely low-stress and perfect for easy-going marg-eters. Given the cooling job market, Milagro is here to brighten the job search for one lucky person willing to trade in the corporate mentality of “blood, sweat, and tears” for the Milagro mentality of “tequila, lime, and agave.” The role pays $1,562.10* for the day, based on the estimated daily salary of the average Chief Marketing Officer in the US. On top of the salary, Milagro’s CMO will receive a $500 Marg-eting Budget to maximize their one day on the job. Anyone who believes they have the skills to be Milagro’s first-ever Chief Marg-eting Officer can register and answer just one question – how would you manage your $500 Marg-eting Budget? Today is the last day to enter!
Sip Prohibition-Style Cocktails at Morton’s The Steakhouse
Tonight, Morton’s Burbank and Woodland Hills locations will host a special Sips of Summer event inviting guests 21+ to commemorate the conclusion of prohibition with four impeccably crafted, prohibition-inspired cocktails including Golden Age Spritz – Stoli Elit, Golden Delicious Apples, Honey & Mint, Bonnie & Clyde – Stoli Ohranj, Watermelon, Pineapple & Lime, The Cat’s Pajamas – Cenote Blanco, Cointreau, Guava & Lime, and The Wiseguy – The Wiseman Bourbon, Stone Fruit, Vermouth & Bitters. Each cocktail will be expertly paired with a selection of unique dishes curated by Morton’s esteemed culinary team, including House Smoked Salmon on Crostini, Filet Mignon Finger Sandwiches, Oysters Rockefeller New Orleans Style, Sweet & Sour Meatballs, Bacon Deviled Eggs, and Caviar Potatoes. $99; Friday, 6:00 pm; Burbank and Woodland Hills
Boozy Summer Slushies at Piccalilli
Piccalilli wants you to cool down this summer with boozy summer slushies. Available all summer, the restaurant’s talented bar team will be offering a selection of refreshing, fruity frozen cocktails, made with Piccalilli’s new slushie machine, to help locals and visitors escape the heat this summer. Priced at $16 each, the team will feature rotating frozen cocktails, with more to come each week. Guests can expect vibrant flavor combinations such as It’s Elemen-Cherry My Dear – Angelisco Blanco Tequila, lemon, lime, sour cherry, candied cherry syrup, Dry Curacao, Hummingbird Nectar – Yuu Baal Mezcal, apricot + elderflower liqueur, Aperol, Brandy, lemon and ginger, the Phuket Phreeze – Blue Ice potato vodka, sweetened Thai iced tea, coconut cream, and the Freeze the Pain Away – Plantation 3 Stars Rum, orange juice, pineapple, coconut cream, Diplomatico Reserva Aged Rum, Nutmeg. $16; 3850 Main St., Suite A Culver City, CA 90232; 424.298.8540
Lemon Poppy Kitchen Hosts Friday Fish Fry
Lemon Poppy Kitchen, the neighborhood café with eclectic comfort food welcomes you to sink your teeth into a delicious weekly fish fry. Every Friday guests can enjoy wild-caught Icelandic cod in a beer batter, steak fries, crunchy vinegar slaw, caper dill tartar sauce, and grilled lemon. Come for happy hour at 3:00 pm stay for the fish fry! $18; Fridays, 4:00 pm – (till sold out), through the end of August; 3324 Verdugo Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065; 323.739.0012
Yume Sushi Bar – LA’s Freshest Sushi
Referred to as one of Studio City’s “best-kept secrets,” Yume is well known for exquisite sushi and authentic Japanese cuisine. The restaurant’s sushi chefs offer a wide range of innovative dishes, offering skillfully prepared sushi rolls, sashimi specials, tempura, crispy rice, kushiyaki, and specialty Japanese fare. Located on Ventura Blvd, just a few blocks from Laurel Canyon, Yume’s bright wood-paneled restaurant is an ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions. Yume Sushi Bar transports guests on a sensory journey, and features lunch specials (Mondays – Fridays) and indoor and outdoor seating. $11+; Mondays – Saturdays, 12 – 2:00 pm, Mondays – Thursdays, 5:30 – 9:15 pm, Fridays – Saturdays, 5:30 – 9:45 pm, and Sundays, 4:30 – 8:15 pm; 12254 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91604; 818.747.2051
X Games California
This weekend the X Games California will take over the Ventura County Fairgrounds for three days of heart-pounding action as the world’s best skateboard, BMX, and Moto X superstars throw down their best tricks and compete for X Games gold! See your favorites like Tony Hawk, Sky Brown, Elliot Sloan, Nyjah Huston, Garrett Reynolds, Kevin Peraza, Axell Hodges, and Momiji Nishiya, among many other elite competitors. GA tickets include access to all competitions plus access to X Fest – the interactive fan experience featuring mini ramps, athlete appearances, art installations, food, live music, sponsor activations, games, and more family entertainment. Special ticket opportunities include SuperFan Passes, XIP Hospitality, and Exclusive Athlete Experiences. Can’t make it to X Games? Tune in live to ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and streamed online on X Games platforms. Click here for the full X Games schedule. $60+ (Discounts offered for children ages 6-12, seniors, military, and students; children 5 and under are free with a paid accompanying adult); Friday – Sunday; Ventura County Fairgrounds & Events Center – 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA 93001
Saturday
Lemon Poppy Kitchen Offers New Weekend Brunch
Come soak up the sun on Lemon Poppy Kitchen’s lush green patio and enjoy the new weekend brunch menu featuring new dishes like – Tres Leches French Toast, Flapjacks & Fried Chicken, Biscuit Benedict Florentine, and MORE. Guests can enjoy a bevy of refreshing cocktails too! PLUS, there’s easy parking, which makes your weekend brunch planning w/ friends a breeze! $13+; Saturdays – Sundays, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm; 3324 Verdugo Rd Los Angeles, CA 90065; 323.739.0012
Prosperity Market Community Pop-Up at Pickford Market
Prosperity Market, the mobile market featuring Black farmers and entrepreneurs, is popping up at Pickford Market, the multigenerational market in Mid-City. There will be vendors including farmers, food, and artisans, as well as music from DJ Myah Moves, activities for kids, community resources like Cal-Fresh enrollment assistance and banking resources, and Prosperity Bucks, which means FREE MONEY to shop the market. Prosperity Market’s Virtual Market is also open through Friday (7/21), allowing folks to shop from various vendors online, with options for local delivery (in select zip codes), pick-up at Pickford Market, or national shipping. This event is part of an ongoing series of community events in partnership with Prosperity Market and the Los Angeles Food Policy Council. Various prices; Saturday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm; 4566 Pickford St., Los Angeles CA 90019
Pez Cantina Presents Havana Nights: Live Music, Specialty Cocktails & Exquisite Coastal Mexican Cuisine Directly Under the Stars in DTLA!
Pez Cantina, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and innovative coastal Mexican cuisine, is thrilled to announce the introduction of Havana Nights. This exciting evening will take place on Pez Cantina’s outdoor patio, located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Havana Nights promises an unforgettable evening filled with live music, specialty cocktails, and Executive Chef Bret Thompson’s mouthwatering dinner specials! Guests of Pez Cantina will indulge in an array of Specialty Cocktails meticulously crafted by Chris Mesa featuring a Raspberry Mojito, blending the sweetness of raspberries with classic mojito flavors, and a Hemingway Daiquiri, a delightful combination of rum, grapefruit juice, lime, and Maraschino liqueur ensuring these signature cocktails perfectly complement the vibrant Latin atmosphere of the evening. Chef Bret Thompson, renowned for his culinary expertise, will be preparing delectable Dinner Specials that will tantalize guests’ taste buds featuring a beautiful Golden Pompano a la Cubana (Whole Fish), served with zesty Salsa Mojo de Ajo, showcasing Chef Thompson’s dedication to creating memorable dining experiences, combining coastal Latin flavors with his innovative culinary techniques. Pez Cantina’s Havana Nights will feature live music performances by the captivating rhythms of Azucar, performing live from 7 – 10:00 pm, and on 7/29, La Picante will take the stage, captivating guests with an energetic performance from 6 – 9:00 pm where these talented musicians will create an infectious ambiance that will transport guests straight to the heart of Havana. Various prices; Saturday, 7 – 10:00 pm and 7/29, 6 – 9:00 pm; 401 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071; 213.258.2280
Sunday
Happy Yoga Presents Summer Sundays: Beach Yoga and Surf Sessions
Happy Yoga presents Summer Sundays: Beach Yoga and Surf Sessions! Summer Sundays were born from the minds of two friends and fitness professionals who teamed up to bring awareness to the synergy of yoga and surfing. “We practice yoga on the surfboards to create connectedness and flow through poses that strengthen and enhance the athleticism of surfing,” says yoga teacher Kristina. The session starts with a 45-minute yoga flow on the surfboards, before hitting the water for 90 minutes of surfing. Your session includes your equipment (surfboards, wetsuits, mat towels, water). More information may be found via text, email (Kristinavanorden@gmail.com), or via Instagram @kvo_yo. Reservations and a $50 deposit are required (paid through Venmo to Happy Yoga @happyyogalosangeles. $125; Sundays, 9:45 am – 12: 45 pm (through 9/3 except 7/30); 2600 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; 347.549.8418
Celebrate National Tequila Day “Eve” at Desert 5 Spot’s Swimsuits & Cowboy Boots Party
Celebrate National Tequila Day “Eve” at Desert 5 Spot on Sunday during the bar’s iconic Swimsuits & Cowboy Boots event, taking place at the rooftop pool in partnership with Patron. Enjoy the refreshing taste of Patron Ranch Water, a delightful concoction of Patron, lemon, lime, and soda water ($14). The rooftop bar, with its captivating open-air setting, beautifully captures the essence of 1970s vintage Palm Springs combined with the eccentric charm of Pioneertown in the heart of Hollywood. $14+; Sunday, 2:00 pm – Sunset; Tommie Hollywood – 6516 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
crema LIVE@Moxy Los Angeles Launches at La Lo La Rooftop
crema, mitú’s music and culture brand, and Moxy DTLA, Los Angeles’ trendiest hotel destination located in the heart of Downtown LA, announce an evening celebrating Latin music. crema by mitú, in collaboration with Lightstone & Moxy Downtown LA and Cinq Music, is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of crema LIVE@Moxy. This exciting programming partnership will debut with an all-female lineup showcasing emerging Latin talents such as Poe Leos, Henao, and Sessi. Every guest, as well as members of the community, will have the opportunity to indulge in the diverse genres and distinctive styles of Latin music, all set against a backdrop of soaring 270-degree views of the city and beyond at La Lo La Rooftop. Free with RSVP; Moxy – 1260 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015; 310.669.9252
Coming Soon
(7/26): Flights & Bites Return to Playa Provisions This July Featuring Japanese Whisky
The July edition of the Flights & Bites tasting series at Playa Provisions returns on 7/26. Owned and operated by Celebrity Chef and Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson, Flights & Bites takes place at Grain Whiskey Bar, the hidden gem speakeasy tucked away within Playa Provisions. The experience is led by Bar Manager Liam Odien and features a special tasting menu, complete with 4 unique styles of Nikka Japanese Whisky paired with four courses from Chef Williamson’s kitchen. There are only 30 seats available, so book your ticket now. $90; 7/26, 7:00 pm; Playa Provisions – 119 Culver Blvd, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293; 310.683.5019
(7/30): Benny Boy Brewing x Zef BBQ Eat & Greet
Zef BBQ pitmasters Chef Logan Sandoval, Michelle Lundstrom, and Ed Gonzalez return to the backyard beer & cider garden at Benny Boy Brewing to serve up some of their favorite dishes from competing on Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown season 2. The menu includes Chef Logan’s “wannabe BBQ” Glazed Beef Cheek, Money Michelle’s Pit Smoked Ribs with Dad’s Sawce, Cali Boy Ed’s Famous Tri Tip & Chimichurri, Pit Roasted Chicken Drummy, and a variety of barbeque sides. 21+ only; valet parking is available. $60 (food and beer) – $75 (food, beer, meet & greet); 5:30 – 10:00 pm; 1821 Daly St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
