Things To Do

38 Totally Fun Things To Do in L.A. This Week You Should Have on Your Radar [8-24-15 to 8-28-15]

August 24, 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 start of Rooftop Cinema Club, a story slam, Jefferson Starship at the pier, the L.A. Food & Wine Festival, the Long Beach BBQ Festival, and plenty more.

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

View from Griffith Observatory

View of L.A. from Griffith Observatory. Credit: Gilad Rom via flickr

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

[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 24th, 2015

1. The Moth GrandSLAM

With nothing but a microphone and their own narrative skills, see people “word- it-out” to determine who’s the Moth’s Los Angeles GrandSLAM Story Champion. Tonights SLAM is devoted to 10 story tellers who have won the past 10 Moth StorySLAMS. The Moth has become one of the most acclaimed literary events around the globe and back.

2. 23rd Annual Taste of Larchmont

The 23rd Annual Taste of Larchmont showcases more than 20 Larchmont restaurants including Go Get ‘Em Tiger, Larchmont Wine, Spirits and Cheese, Le Petit Greek, Pinches Tacos and more. In addition, there will be live music, a silent auction and a raffle with chances to win dinners at restaurants all over the city.Tickets for this event are $40 available for purchase at www.hope-net.info. Proceeds from the event support Hope-Net’s mission to house and feed the less fortunate in our city.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Tuesday August 25th, 2015

5. Latin Street Food Fights

The battle for the best Latin street food is close to crowning the ultimate winner. This week Peru and Argentina will go head to head with the final “Battle of the Nations” happening on September 1st. Taking place at Border Grill $25 will let you partake in an all you can eat feast or $5 a la carte if you wish. Guest then cast their vote on Twitter or Instagram and a winner will be announced. Country-specific cocktails will also be available for $7.

6. Haunting Renditions with Eliot Glazer

Classically trained vocalist-turned-comedian and writer Eliot Glazer is bringing his hilarious live show Haunting Renditions with Eliot Glazer to The Echo in Los Angeles this Tuesday. Eliot is joined by special guest appearances from musician Ed Droste from Grizzly Bear, Reggie Watts and The Dance Cartel and comedian Kate Berlant (@midnight). The show is based on Eliot’s web series where he takes some of pop music’s most infamous songs and turns them into highbrow, sweeping ballads.

7. Moonlight Movies on the Beach: Up

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

8. Disney’s “Frozen” Sing-along At The El Capitan

Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a special engagement of Disney’s “Frozen” Sing-along version from August 20th through September 16th. Each screening will be accompanied by Elsa, live on stage, snow inside the theatre, and after the movie, Olaf live on stage and a screening of Disney’s “Frozen Fever.” This Thursday is the opening night so expect special presentations to be happening throughout. Discount tickets are available while they last via Goldstar.

9. Gourmet Food Truck & Classic Car Night At The California Heritage Museum

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

10. $8 Movies At Regal Cinema L.A. LIVE All Day!

Every Tuesday, movie tickets at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE are $8 all day long. Come to Regal L.A. LIVE to watch the latest blockbusters in their state-of-the-art auditoriums.

11. 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.

12. LACMA Tuesday Matinee Film Series Screens Freaky Friday

Directed by Gary Nelson in 1976 Freaky Friday is written by Mary Rodgers and based on the book by Mary Rodgers. A mother and daughter surprisingly switch personalities and have to live each other’s lives on a very strange Friday. The cast includes a young Jodie Foster, Barbara Harris, John Astin, Patsy Kelly, Dick Van Patten, Vicki Schreck, Sorrell, Booke, Alan Oppenheimer, Ruth Buzzi, Kaye Ballard and Marc McClure. The ongoing Tuesday Matinee film series cost $2 for members and $4 for non members.

Wednesday August 26th, 2015

13. Rooftop Film Club

The popular screening series that has already held court in London and New York is making its L.A. debut this week. For each screening organizers will set up rows of lawn chairs on the roof of the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre and provide headphones for each attendee. Doors open at 6:00pm with screenings starting at 8:00pm. Kicking off the LA series Rooftop Film Club will screen The Big Lebowski.

14. Matthew Biancaniello’s Summer Pop Up At The Fat Dog Closing Event!!!

Matthew Biancaniello’s Summer Pop Up is coming to a close this Wednesday on the beautiful patio of The Fat Dog NoHo in the Arts District. From 6:00pm to 11:00pm the ultra-talented and innovative Biancaniello fills the patio bar with a stunning array of fresh herbs, flowers and produce. Roasted whole garlic, tiny currant tomatoes, borage flowers and wild arugula all make their way into a glass with spirits like cap rock gin, green chartreuse and an array of personally infused liquors. Finish your night with the lobster ice cream affogato (if available). It is AMAZING. Trust the bartenders to make suggestions and guide you through the experience the staff is well versed in liquor, friendly and fun. Expect to see Matthew making his rounds around the bar making sure everyone is happy and dazzled. This is a real treat as Biancaniello is one of the most sought after Cocktail innovators in L.A. August marks the last month to catch this pop up so cancel your Wednesday plans this week and come on down! Maybe take an Uber or Lyft… if a DD is available I overheard Matthew also makes virgin cocktails upon request.

15. Friday Movie Screening At The Hammer

Currently on exhibition at The Hammer, Artist Mark Bradford, selected this Ice Cube, Chris Tucker film to be screened. This free screening will help to explore about how “the ’hood” blended into mainstream culture through a discussion following the film. Ernest Hardy writer for the L.A. Weekly and author-professor Tisa Bryant will speak on this subject.

16. 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. Discounted tickets are available while they last via Goldstar. Bon appetit!

Thursday August 27th, 2015

17. Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival

This massive festival brings all of the L.A. foodie scene together to celebrate some of the best culinary stars out there today. Expect cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs like Curtis Stone and Tyler Florence, as well as the raising stars behind local hotspots like Faith & Flower and Osteria Mozza. In addition plenty of wineries and breweries will be on hand to wet your whisle and a concert by The Roots will livin up the festival. The event takes place Thursday through Sunday in various locations of the city.

18. Throw Back Thursday Screening Of 24 Hour Party People

The cult comedy with Steve Coogan depicts how Joy Division and New Order began. 24 Hour Party People follows Factory Records, the legendary music label housing Happy Mondays, Joy Division and New Order. The event features gourmet food truck on-site with edibles tied to that night’s film. Guest are encouraged to bring their purchased food into the auditorium before the screening and enjoy a playlist of specifically curated music to match that night’s film. Grab some discounted tickets while they last via Goldstar.

19. InterContinental’s Summer Jazz & Stuff Music Festival

The InterContinental hotel is hosting a free night of live jazz music, gourmet bites, cocktails, and more. Party starts at 6:00pm and runs till 10:00pm.

20. Twilight Summer Concert Series: Jefferson Starship & Purple Mountain Majesties 

An L.A. summer tradition the Twilight Summer Concert Series takes place right on the Santa Monica pier. This week Jefferson Starship and Purple Mountain Majesties will take the stage. Don’t forget to RSVP for this free event. Just an FYI, KCRW has free events all over the city this summer so take full advantage!

21. MOCA Free Night

Every Thursday evening from 5:00pm – 8:00pm admission is free to both the MOCA on Grand and The Geffen Contemporary.

22. Moonlight Movies on the Beach: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 

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

23. Game Night At Grand Central Market

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Eat, drink and play every Thursday at Grand Central Market. Grab dinner and cocktails then top the night off with an assortment of games from Jenga to ping pong. The festivities end at 9pm for all the early risers out there!

24. Free Night At The Skirball Cultural Center & Sunset Concert Series

The Skirball Cultural Center is free to all every Thursday. Check out the Singing Posters and Bill Graham and the Rock n Roll Revolution exhibit. In addition Sunset Concerts will be happening that night with music from Peru’s folkloric Afro-Peruvian band Novalima.

Friday August 28th, 2015

25. Downtown Dark Nights At L.A. Live

L.A. LIVE’s most exciting night returns with Downtown Dark Nights this Friday featuring live musicians, performers, artists and indie craft vendors. Unbeatable $5 food and drink specials will be happening at all participating L.A. LIVE restaurants. Don’t miss out on all of the fun in Downtown Los Angeles!

26. Los Angeles Dodgers Friday Night Fireworks

Nothing beats catching a game beneath the stars especially with our beloved Dodgers . After the final out is called, the lights will go down and guests can actually go on to the field for a spectacular fireworks show. This week the Dodgers are up against the Chicago Cubs, and our friends at Goldstar have a deal on seats starting at $32.

27. Long Beach BBQ Festival

The Long Beach BBQ Festival is the largest three day BBQ extravaganza featuring some of the “Worlds Best BBQ Ribs, Pulled Pork, Tri-tip, Sausages, Chicken and more.” Look forward to fierce competition from national award winning rib cookers of America and local grillers as they produce the best that their secret recipes have to offer just for you! The Long Beach BBQ Festival runs Friday through Sunday at the Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. Get discount tickets while they last via Goldstar     .

28. Wanderlust Creamery Grand Opening

Wanderlust Creamery is celebrating their grand opening this weekend with the first 50 people each day getting a free upgrade to a double scoop and a custom flavored ice cream cone! Wanderlust Creamery’s ice creams are custom made in-house with 100% organic milk and come in unique flavors like earl grey and roasted strawberry balsamic and mascarpone.

29. California Market Center Showroom Sample Sale Event

Open to the public once a month the California Market Center hosts a showroom sample sale event where 13 floors of participating showrooms open their doors from 9am-3pm to savvy patrons.

30. Moonlight Hike

Experience the Canyon after the sun goes down! Take in the breathtaking views of the San Fernando Valley as the moon rises over trees, listen for owls, and take in the beauty of the canyon trails after sunset. Hikers have a choice of three energy levels: short/youth, medium hike or a long hike. They run 45 to 60 minute long. Howling at the moon is strongly encouraged! The hikes are free for TreePeople members and up to three guests. Nonmembers pay $5 per hiker.

31. Birchbox’s LA Tour

Birchbox is taking a road trip and will make a three-day stop at The Grove! The NY based company will transform two of their shipping boxes into massive, full-service beauty and grooming shops. Fans can shop an edited selection of full-size products, score fun freebies and catch some special appearances. In addition Birchbox will host free nail services and astrology readings, live music, and more. Pop-up hours are Friday, 12:00pm to 6:00pm, Saturday, 11:0am to 7:00pm, and Sunday, 12:00pm to 6:00pm.

32. Enchantment of the Glass Armonica

The Velaslavasay Panorama hosts an elaborate illustrated lecture on the history of the Glass
Armonica and its historical use in hypnosis treatments by Franz Mesmer and Phantasmagoria shows. The lecture, lead by Professor Allison de Fren of Occidental College, will be followed by a short performance on the Glass Armonica by the virtuoso Lynn Drye. The Glass Armonica was invented by Benjamin Franklin in the early 1760s and is known for its alluring and ethereal sound. The instrument was a refinement of ‘singing glasses,’ and was most recently featured in the film “Mr. Holmes,” but is relatively little known in modern culture otherwise. The Illustrated Lecture and Performance will take place at the Velaslavasay Panorama, near Downtown, Los Angeles. In case you have never visited the Velaslavasay Panorama, it is an exhibition hall, theatre and garden dedicated to the production and presentation of unusual visual experiences, including those of the 360-degree variety.

33. FIGat7th Downtown Festival

The Plaza Level at FIGat7th in DTLA invites the public for a free night of music. This week’s theme is Coiza Boa: A Celebration of Afro Brazilian Music and Dance with music courtesy of Quetzal Guerrero and Jungle Fire with Capoeira Exchange, Gisella Ferreira, and a DJ set from Potira. 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.

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34. Barnsdall Park’s Friday Night Wine Tasting

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.

35. Dance Downtown

The weekly summer dance party at the Music Center in DTLA. This week’s dance theme will be the Samba! The shows and dance parties are 100% free to the public all summer long.

36. 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!

37. Friday Night Jazz at LACMA

LACMA’s award winning Department of Music Program is a remarkable city resource, providing hundreds of free concerts and musical events every year for Angelenos to enjoy. This Friday their summer-long jazz series continues at the BP Grand Entrance.

38. Tease, If You Please Burlesque Show

This super sexy and seductive burlesque show aims to transport you back to the golden age of striptease and Gypsy Rose Lee. Staged at Bar Fedora inside downtown L.A.’s Au Lac, Tease, If You Please spotlights acts from some of the most creative dancers in the business. Miss Donna Hood, who performed alongside the one-and-only Dita Von Teese in Strip, Strip, Hooray!, produces this thoroughly modern, vintage-style show, hosted by stand-up comic and famed little person Selene Luna. Get more information and discounted tickets via Goldstar.


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