Posted by Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome. Since time is precious in this fast paced city, we decided to curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).
This weekend includes Anime Expo 2015, the 626 Night Market, First Fridays, Jaws 40th anniversary, and tons of options to celebrate Independence Day in L.A.
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So grab some friends or go at it alone, but most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself!
[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!]
Friday July 3rd, 2015
1. Friday Night Fireworks at Dodger Stadium
The Dodgers take on the Mets this Friday at Dodger Stadium and if you stick around after the game you can catch a sweet fireworks show (one day early from July 4). Best part? Get discount seats for the game via our friends at Goldstar.
2. 626 Night Market
The 626 Night Market at Santa Anita Park will run the entire weekend (Friday-Sunday) and includes tons of food, merchandise, crafts, art, music, and entertainment attractions. Saturday will include an epic Laser Extravaganza and DJ set as part of their July 4 celebration. Admission is $3, children ages 6 and under get in for free and the parking is free.
3. In the Year 199X Art Show
Get in on some 90’s anime nostalgia. Happening at Meltdown Comics inside the Nerdist Showroom is the opening reception of In the Year 199X an art show celebrating 90’s anime and culture. The event is free and starts at 7:00pm!
4. The 24th Annual Anime Expo
Anime Expo has over 300 exhibitors, an exhibit of every home video game console ever made, the premiere of Sailor Moon Crystal and the latest Dragon Ball movie whats not to like? Even Gene Simmons will be there! Doesn’t really make sense… but totally entertaining regardless. All happening from the 2nd to the 5th at the LA Convention Center.
5. 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.
6. Independence Day Screening
Once a month the NERDS LIKE US series takes over the Vista Theatre, one of the last remaining single-screen art-house theaters in Los Angeles. NLU brings back 80s and 90s classic flicks for a night of fun for people who appreciate this era. Friday a midnight screening of Independence Day will take place and rumor has it a few special guests might show up. Tickets are $11.50, sold online and at the box-office on-site.
7. Romeo + Juliet: Love is a Battlefield
What happens when a classic Shakespearean story gets merged with a soundtrack by Pat Benatar? A highly entertaining dinner theater show at the Rockwell in Los Feliz starring Family star Ashley Argota (The Fosters) as Juliet and handsome Corbin Bleu (High School Musical) as Romeo. Get more information and discount tickets via Goldstar.
8. Dance Downtown
Every June Grand Performances begins a summer-long concert series that brings Angelenos together with an eclectic mix of musical performances at a unique setting in Downtown L.A. This week the theme is Argentine Tango! The shows are 100% free to the public all summer long so bring you dance moves!
9. American Apparel Friday Summer Sale/Party
American Apparel will be throwing in-store shopping parties every Friday through July. From 6:00pm to 9:00pm shoppers can save 30% off storewide, nosh on free bites and beverages, and enjoy live beats by a Viva Radio DJ. This week the party will take place at the Santa Monica AA store (2654 Main St.). For the rest of the month locations are July 10th in Los Feliz (4665 Hollywood Blvd.), and July 17th at the Downtown factory store (747 Warehouse St.).
10. First Fridays
This Friday is the first of the month, which means the usual assortment of First Friday festivities in Venice Beach, Bixby Knolls, and Pasadena (including free admission to the Norton Simon Museum after 5:00pm).
11. Shakespeare By The Sea
This week of the summer free slate of Shakespeare performances come with an ocean view and a performance of The Tempest. Show starts at 8:00pm.
12. Alexis Bittar Sale
For a limited time, score 40% off the fine jewelry designer’s spring line.
Location: 8383 W 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90048
13. Have Your Kiddie Bowl Free All Summer at Pinz!
Pinz in Studio City is giving kids two free games every single day of the summer. All you need to do is rent bowling shoes and register your child ahead of time.
14. 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.
15. Noah Purifoy: Junk Dada
LACMA is yet again relocating another massive piece of art and this time its not a giant rock. Works from artist Noah Purifoy’s Outdoor Sculpture Museum will be transported to LACMA for a special summer exhibition. Purifoy’s works are sculptures created mostly from discarded materials so the name is befitting. Purifoy is a CalArts graduate, WWII veteran and a Angeleno who spent a lot of time in his Joshua Tree studio. He was also one of the founders of the Watts Towers Arts Center.
16. Shakespeare In The Park
This summer’s free slate of Shakespeare performances in Griffith Park continues this week with performances of Romeo & Juliet starting at 7:00pm. The show runs from Thursday-Sunday with July 4th as an exclusion.
Saturday July 4th, 2015
18. A 4th of July Cruise
Pier Pressure is a three-hour boat party on The Dutchess of Catalina (departing out of Long Beach) that features DJs, dancing, cocktails, and of course spectacular views of the nearby July 4 fireworks display. Get more information and discount tickets for the cruise via our friends at Goldstar.
19. The Queen Mary’s 2015 All-American July 4th Celebration
The Queen Mary’s 2015 All-American July 4th Celebration will be a festive all-age party presenting 100 years of American spirit and tradition. The decades will come alive through entertainment, music, activities, food and fun the whole family will enjoy. As night falls,The Queen Mary’s decks will become front row seats to one of the best fireworks shows in Southern California.
20. Terrine’s 4th Of July All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Feast
If you watch Knife Fight on Esquire (I do!!!) you know Kris Morningstar as the kooky, fun loving judge. He’s also the kick ass chef at Terrine and this 4th he’s manning the grill for a good-old-fashioned American barbecue. From 10:00 am to 1:00 am Terrine will be cooking up brisket with chimichuri, smoked pork ribs, pickle-brine fried chicken and swordfish brochettes. Wait there’s more! The kitchen will also be serving up comfort-food sides like spicy charred green beans, macaroni and cheese, potato salad and summer corn. At just $35, eating at one of LA’s hottest restaurants is a steal. God Bless America!
21. Le French Festival Starts
In a celebration of French artisans and culture in Los Angeles, Selavi Global and Canard Duchêne Champagne have teamed up to launch the brand new Le French Festival set to take place across Los Angeles from July 4th to 14th. The event will end with a closing night party produced by French Tuesdays on Bastille Day, July 14th at Riviera 31 at the Sofitel Hotel.
22. ‘Merica Fest
Angel City Brewery’s parking lot and new shed space will be transformed into a summertime backyard with lawn games, a beer garden and BBQ food trucks and firecracker pops from Si Paletas. The event is free!
23. July 4th Celebration At Grand Park
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The Music Center will present Downtown LA’s largest July 4th celebration and light up the downtown sky with the 3rd Annual Grand Park’s Fourth of July Block Party. The free celebration will run from 3:00 pm to 9:30 pm and will take over all of Grand Park and it’s adjacent streets with DJs, musicians, dancers, jump rope experts, spoken word artists and more. Celebrants can also paint giant murals and enjoy a fireworks display shot from the rooftops around the park.
24. 4th of July Jazz On A Summer’s Day BBQ
What’s more American than Jazz? Hangout with the Cinefamily and celebrate freedom and our greatest American art form. Jazz On A Summer’s day will be screened plus a sneak preview of the once-banned premiere of IFC’s The Spoils Before Dying. Huge bonus of the day is the free-flowing barbecue, beer and live jazz on the patio.
25. Fourth of July Americafest at the Rose Bowl
Take part in Americafest at the Rose Bowl and get down with tons of classic American food, a motorcycle stunt show and of course the world-renowned fireworks show at 9:00pm. The Rose Bowl will open at 2:00pm for the kiddos with inflatable rides, games and crafts. Folks are allowed to tailgaiting outside the stadium as well. Tickets are $13, kids under 5 get in free and military with an active ID can receive up to four free tickets!
26. OC Block Party
Taking place at Angel’s Stadium this massive party will have a huge lineup of food vendors a Hot Import Nights showcase of over 150 custom import cars and a firework show set to light up the OC sky at 9:45 pm.
27. CAAM’s July 4th Celebration at Twilight
The California African American Museum (CAAM) and Target Corporation presents a July 4th CAAM Celebration! With live performances and special guests, CAAM encourages the community to bring the entire family to the largest fireworks extravaganza in Los Angeles. There will be spots on their lawn for event goers to watch the sparkling fireworks show. The galleries will open for the holiday from 11:00 am to 6 pm. In addition at noon, local artist and educator, Teresa Toliver, will conduct an art workshop. The Special Evening Program with live performances starts at 6p.m. and fireworks begin at dusk. This event is free and open to the public.
28. Redondo Beach 4th of July Fireworks
Hang out at Redondo Beach for their Second Annual Seaside Lagoon Independence Day Celebration. Reserve a table or grab a seat in the sand right under the fireworks show synced to patriotic music. There will also be reserved parking and shuttles, awesome kids activities, great local bands and restaurants, even a adorable Annual Kids Freedom Parade. My pick for a great family 4th!
29. Bad Jews
The New York Times called Bad Jews the best new comedy of the season while the Chicago Tribune hailed it as “savagely good comedy.” You can catch the Los Angeles run at the Geffen Playhouse now till July 26. Get more information and discount tickets via our friends at Goldstar.
Bonus: Check out our Massive List of Where to Watch July 4th Fireworks in Los Angeles!
Sunday July 5th, 2015
30. Jaws 40th Anniversary Screening
Celebrate 40 years of being terrified to go into the ocean by catching this screening of Jaws at L.A.’s historic Egyptian Theater on Sunday at 7:30pm. Tickets just $5.50 via our friends at Goldstar.
31. Japanese Paintings And Prints Exhibit At LACMA
Part of the museum’s 50th-anniversary celebration, this exhibit will feature a collection of Japanese art, ceramics, netsuke, and more.
32. Joseph Holtzman At The Hammer
New York–based artist Joseph Holtzman covered the walls of the Hammer’s project gallery with green felt, painted the ceiling green and placed Christmas-colored couches in the middle of the room. Its really the kind of couches you would sink into the moment you sit on it… hey guess what! you’re allowed to sit on these! A selection of Holtzman’s recent works from 2006 – 2011 will also be on view in the space designed by the artist.
33. J Brand Factory Outlet Closing Sale
Holy crap! Personally I am super bummed about this news, but starting now and till TBD you can score J Brand denim for under $60 during the brand’s factory outlet closing sale. Happy Shopping!
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Location: 1225 E Washington Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90021
34. Dalai Lama’s 80th Birthday and Global Compassion Summit
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is turning 80th and he’s celebrating his birthday right here in California! Sunday kicks off a three-day Global Compassion Summit at The Honda Center in Anaheim with a joyous birthday celebration. The rest of the summit will feature talks and panels with Nobel Laureates and experts discussing a range of issues, from climate change to wisdom to youth leadership.
35. Opening Ceremony Summer Sale
Score up to 60% off brands like Acne Studios and Moschino during the super cool retailer’s summer sale.
Location: 451 N LA Cienega Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90048
36. Fred Segal Blowout Sale
This summer sale offers 50% off brands for men, women and kids. The summer sale takes place at both Melrose and Santa Monica locations.
More Ideas…
Be sure to check out our discount events page where you can always browse more ideas for this weekend and beyond.
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