Things To Do

32 Totally Fun Things To Do in L.A. This Week You Should Have on Your Radar [8-10-15 to 8-14-15]

August 10, 2015 by Christina Champlin

Every week in Los Angeles there are tons of great things to do (even before the weekend gets started) that we think you ought to have on your radar. With that in mind, we put together a list every Monday morning to keep you in the know about what’s happening in the city you love (or maybe just like).

This week includes the Perseid meteor shower, the Downtown Art Walk, Echo Park Rising, a convention for Disney lovers, the Long Beach Crawfish Festival, and plenty of other options.

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Hope you find the rundown useful and, as always, enjoy your week!

[RELATED: The Best Way to Find Discount Events in Los Angeles]

Perseid Meteor Shower

Perseid Meteor Shower from Azusa Canyon. Credit Mulling it Over via flickr


[REMINDER: In some cases We Like L.A. does receive revenue when visitors click on ticket links and make purchases, however we maintain complete editorial control over the events we suggest. Basically, it only makes it on to the website if we think it is cool!]

Monday August 10th, 2015

1. Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower

If you’re not already familiar, the Perseid meteor shower is an annual phenomena that takes place from around July 17 to August 24 when planet earth crosses the orbital path of Comet Swift-Tuttle. The peak of this year’s event will take place from August 9-14, with the pre-dawn hours between 10:30pm- 4:30 am on August 11-12 and August 12-13 probably being your best chances to watch. Take a drive away from the city and watch it for what could be a spectacular show!

2. Simply Spiritual Living Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

Come to one of the best zen spots in LA and explore breathing, chanting, and meditation techniques at The Peace Awareness  Labyrinth Gardens. Walk the labyrinth and enjoy the meditation garden at this monthly event. Open to the public for free!

3. Gamble House Brings Back its Popular ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ Tour

For a limited time this summer the Gamble House will once again open its servants’ quarters for exclusive 90-minute “Upstairs Downstairs” tours. Visitors to the Gamble House from July 30 through August 16 will be able to compare the living quarters of the served with those “in service.” New information recently emerged about the Gamble family and their servants allowing the curators to share more of the personal history of those who lived and worked at 4 Westmoreland Place in Pasadena. Learn just how the Gambles lived in, maintained and appreciated their beautiful Greene & Greene house.

4. To Live and Dine in L.A.

The latest exhibition to hit the Los Angeles Central Library: To Live and Dine in L.A. is one for the foodie nostalgic. Come celebrate the history of food in Los Angeles and view a massive collection of rare, first-edition menus from restaurants that have long since closed. The exhibit aims to promote the historical significance of LA’s food culture, and will feature over 50 food and menu related programs, including lectures, cooking demos and nutrition workshops. Check out more information, times and dates on their offical page.

Tuesday August 11th, 2015

5. Art Seen @ Andaz:Mario Ybarra Jr.

To celebrate a new installation by famed artist Mario Ybara Jr titled “Youth” the Andaz West Hollywood will be hosting an unveiling reception on Tuesday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on the Mezzanine level. Guests and visitors from the community will receive one of the first looks at the mural with the artist present. Complimentary hors d’ouevres and passed wine will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

6. Philz Coffee Soft Opening 

San Francisco based coffee shop Philz is having a public soft opening event for their new DTLA location from 11:00am to 3:00pm, they’ll be giving out FREE drinks and other tasty treats throughout. Just make sure to RSVP.

7. Food Truck Bazaar at California Heritage Museum

Every Tuesday night California Heritage Museum holds a Gourmet Truck Night at the museum showcasing a select of gourmet truck eateries. Happening from 5:30pm – 9:30pm.

8. Grand Park’s Boot Camp

From 5:30pm to 6:30pm enjoy a sundown work session curtesy of Grand Park’s Boot Camp. This is a great way to spend rush hour if you work in DTLA! To get your sweat on meet at Grand Park’s Event Lawn between Spring and Broadway.

9. Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin At The Geffen Playhouse

Having broken Geffen Playhouse season production box office records, Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin returns to the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse for two weeks only, August 4-16, 2015. In the show, Felder brings to life the remarkable story of Irving Berlin, long thought of as America’s composer, who enjoyed 232 top-10 hits and 25 number-one songs. Featuring the composer’s most popular and enduring songs from “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” to “White Christmas,” and the score of “Annie Get Your Gun,” Felder’s signature creation of character and musical performance will make this evening an unforgettable journey. Tickets run $50-$70 but Goldstar has a limited amount for 50% off.

10. Moonlight Movies on the Beach: Frozen

This season’s FREE Moonlight Movies on the Beach series at Granada Beach in Belmont Shore continues with a screening of Frozen on Tuesday evening. Movie starts at 8:00pm!

11. David Hockney At LA Louver

David Hockney’s work is being shown jointly by L.A. Louver and London’s Annely Juda Fine Art together they present “David Hockney: Painting and Photography,” an exhibition of brand-new works all made in the last two years by the prolific artist.

12. FIDM Museum Hosting Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition 

The 9th Annual Exhibition: The Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design will display about 100 costumes created by costume designers, supervisors, and this year’s Emmy Nominees® at the FIDM Museum in DTLA. Costumes include Gotham, Peter Pan Live! Wolf Hall and more. In addition you might want to view Helen Larson’s historic fashion collection with beautiful dresses and hats dating back to 1760! Both exhibits are free to the public and available Tuesday through Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Wednesday August 12th, 2015

13. Tour and Taste at Hollywood’s Hot Restaurants & Famous Sights

This four hour tour of the sites and taste of what Hollywood has to offer will take you to The Roosevelt Hollywood to the iconic Capital Records and even Melrose avenue. You will make several stops at some of Los Angeles’ most talked-about restaurants for a variety of savory and sweet tastings. Half price tickets are available via Goldstar. Bon appetit!

14. Descanso Gardens Lakeside Lounge

Come on down to Descanso Gardens for a warm night, a cold beer and cool music. The Lakeside Lounge combines the fun of summers past, like retro camp crafts with a grownup vibe. Golden Road craft beers and a fresh menu created by Patina will be available for purchase. The Flashdance will take over deejay duties and spin vintage vinyl. Guest can take a guided walk of the lakeside Oak Woodland, the newest addition to Descanso!

15. Radio Picture Show

The wildly entertaining Radio Picture Show is back at The Virgil. RPS invites talented writers, actors and comedians to share true stories inspired by a song or picture of their choosing. Often this media is used in unexpected and hilarious ways. Hosted by Lauren Cook and Shauna McGarryand and a pre-show music party, curtesy of KCRW DJ Marion Hodges this is going to be the best Wednesday ever!

16. Swingtronic At Pour Vous

The ONLY “electro swing” event in the city, Swingtronic is a bi weekly mash up dance party with live music, vinyl spun by Professor Watson and tantalizing performances like this weeks burlesque guest Moxie Gold! Taking place at Pour Vous there is no cover only a dapper and dolled up dress code.

17. Shakespeare By The Sea

This week of the summer free slate of Shakespeare performances come with an ocean view with performances of The Tempest and As You Like It. Shows this week start at 7:00pm.

Thursday August 13th, 2015

18. The Downtown Art Walk

The Downtown Art Walk has been an L.A. cultural phenomenon bringing in art enthusiasts and locals together every second Thursday of each month. Art galleries, shops, bars and more open up for one big party celebrating art and DTLA for one fine night.

Highlight: Echo Park based photographer and filmmaker, Jason House, will exhibit a preview of his Sanitarium collection featuring photos of the abandoned Rockhaven Sanitarium at Gallery 417 Downtown in the historic Los Angeles Subway Terminal Building. Opening night is this Thursday during the Art Walk with the artist reception from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

19. Pop-Up Marketplace At L.A. Live

Starting at 5:00pm this Thursdays POP UP Marketplace at L.A. LIVE returns for an evening of shopping all things local and handmade. Over 60 local indie makers, crafters and artists will set up shop, accompanied by DJs spinning tunes and nearby eateries offering deals and discounts.

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20. Tasting Table’s Lobster Rumble

The third annual Lobster Rumble will showcase a competition of 17 of the country’s best lobster rolls, with fans tasting and deciding which will be labeled their favorite. 10% of all ticket sales benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign. Starts at 6:00pm at the LA Center Studios in DTLA.

21. The 56th Annual Manhattan Beach Open

The 56th Manhattan Beach Open lays claim to being the longest running, continuous tournament in the sport of beach volleyball. The tournament kicks off with qualifiers on Thursday and then the main rounds will commence starting Friday and going all weekend. The finals are set for 1:30pm on Sunday.

22. Moonlight Movies on the Beach: JAWS

This season’s FREE Moonlight Movies on the Beach series at Granada Beach in Belmont Shore will screen JAWS. Movie starts at 8:00pm!

Friday August 14th, 2015

23. Echo Park Rising

From August 14-16 Echo Park will become a total madhouse for the 5th annual Echo Park Rising music festival featuring multiple stages and activities all weekend long spread over Sunset Blvd, Glendale Blvd, Alvarado Avenue and Echo Park Avenue. Oh, and it’s 100% FREE!

24. Three Amigos at The Autry

Spend your Friday night at Eat|See|Hear with a screening of Three Amigos at The Autry in Griffith Park. Discounts available via our friends at Goldstar, including fashionably late passes (while supplies last).

25. D23 Expo

The D23 Expo is a massive gathering for lovers of all things Disney that takes place starting this Friday for three days at the Anaheim Convention Center. Insider talks, sneak peaks, exhibitions, celebrity appearances, and more.

26. Long Beach Crawfish Festival

The Crawfish Festival has become a tradition for over 22 years now. A winning combo of the best Cajun, Zydeco, and New Orleans sounds, tons of fresh crawfish prepared Louisiana style and served by authentic Cajun chefs, a rocking dance floor, beach bars and more make up the largest Crawfish Festival outside of Louisiana, right here in Southern California.

27. Thomas Wylde Warehouse Sale

Thomas Wylde is having a warehouse sale! All women’s samples, ready-to-wear apparel, shoes and handbags will be discounted 60% to 80% off retail prices. Count on leather, fur and their amazing silks to be discounted just in time for fall shopping! This sale takes cash and credit cards and will run from 10:00am to 7:00pm on Friday and 10:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday.

Location: 3231 S. La Cienega Blvd. 90016

28. Barnsdall Park’s Friday Night Wine Tasting

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All summer long Barnsdall Art Park has a weekly fundraiser to benefit Barnsdall Art Park Foundation programs and projects. Perched on a hill with a gorgeous panoramic view of Hollywood, guests will enjoy fine wine and art in the gardens of Frank Lloyd Wright’s newly restored architectural gem, Hollyhock House. Silver Lake Wine will curate fine selections of boutique, small production, artisanal wines for park-goers as well as local gourmet cheese shop, Say Cheese.

29. FIGat7th Downtown Festival

The Plaza Level at FIGat7th in DTLA invites the public for a free night of music with Analog Sounds with Linear Labs, Adrian Younge & Friend.Explore the bars and restaurants at Fig during the Taste happy hour starting at 4:00pm! Doors open at 7:00pm for the Plaza Bar and the show starts at 8:00pm.

30. Grand Performances

Grand Performances has a summer-long concert series that brings Angelenos together with an eclectic mix of musical performances at a unique setting in Downtown L.A.

31. Dance Downtown

The weekly summer dance party at the Music Center in DTLA. This week’s dance theme will be 70s, 80s and 90s Night featuring Disco! The shows and dance parties are 100% free to the public all summer long.

32. Groundlings Main Show The Red Light District

The Groundlings Theatre has kicked off their next main show in the Red Light District. The performance schedule runs every Friday at 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. through September 26. Tickets are $20.00!


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