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Summer is entering the dog days, and we’re capping of July with a fresh rundown of fun to-dos.
For July 28 to August 1 in Los Angeles, you’ll find a big summer sale at Vroman’s, Board Game Speed Dating at Angel City Brewery, a summer concert at The Hammer, KCRW Summer Nights at CAAM, KCON LA, and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Vroman’s Summer Sale -> Attention book lovers! Indie fave Vroman’s in Pasadena is hosting a massive summer sale, now through August 3. They’ve put together a special section in the second floor event space with sticker prices slashed up to 75% off, then up top of that you can take an additional 40% off at the register. Get more info here.
Board Game Speed Dating – M > Any singles out there looking to (literally) roll the dice to find love? Quirk Events brings their brand of Board Game Speed Dating to Angel City Brewery this Wednesday where participants will have a chance to learn, play, hang, and (maybe) find their perfect match. Keep in mind this event is for men & women, ages 25-39. Producers also host events that are gay/queer focused, some if that’s your demo and you want to attend, keep an eye out. Tickets range from $25-45. Runs 7 to 9 p.m. More info here.
VHS Dreams: The Art of Ghana’s Mobile Cinema – FA > Beyond the Streets’ latest exhibition offers an immersive celebration of Ghana’s hand-painted movie poster tradition. VHS Dreams: The Art of Ghana’s Mobile Cinema curates an expansive set of colorful, surreal posters that remix imagery from some of the most iconic films of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s (think The Terminator, The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, and many more), all through a distinctly West African lens. Honestly, you just have to see it to understand how cool these posters are! Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibition remains on view through August 23. Free to visit. More info here.
Hammer Summer Concerts – FA TP > This Thursday, The Hammer Summer Concerts series continues performances by Very Be Careful and Healing Gems, plus a set by DJ Eléanora. The event includes after-hour access to the museum galleries, a special happy hour, and art-making. It’s all free to attend. Admission is first-come, first-served. Starts at 6:30 p.m. More info here.
Sunset Concerts at the Skirball – FA > The Skirball Cultural Center’s annual Sunset Concert series continues this this Thursday, with co-headliners MULA and Frente Cumbiero to play back-to-back sets. Free walk-up tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is available for $20. Doors open at 6 p.m. More info here.
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA – M FA > Dance DTLA is back one more time this Friday at The Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza. The series wraps up their 2025 summer lineup with an evening of Disco led by instructor Andrew Vaca. The event is always free to attend, and always all-ages. Runs 7 to 11 p.m. More info here.
KCRW Summer Nights at CAAM – M FA > KCRW brings Summer Nights to the California African American Museum this Friday for a vibey all-ages dance party featuring live sets from Guest DJ Linafornia and KCRW DJ Tyler Boudreaux. Enjoy special in food trucks, a beer garden, a maker activity, and after-hours access to all CAAM’s exhibitions. It all starts at 7 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
KCON LA – M > This Friday to Sunday, explore all things Hallyu at the Los Angeles Convention Center as KCON LA returns for a three day festival where more than 100,000 fans are expected to attend. Expect a slew of live performances, brands, celebrity meet-and-greets, artist appearances, and more. Single day GA tickets start at $36.08 (including fees). More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
American Beauty Wine Dinner Series at The Grove (July 31 & August 21) -> American Beauty at The Grove kicks off a new wine dinner series spotlighting top California winemakers paired with a five-course, SoCal-inspired menu by Chef Elisha Ben-Haim. The first dinner on July 31 features Jason Haas of Tablas Creek (Paso Robles), who will pour a curated selection of wines—including exclusive pours just for the night. Expect seasonal dishes like grilled Castroville artichokes, prawns, lamb chops, and ribeye cap, with strawberry shortcake for dessert. On August 21, the series continues with James Sparks of Liquid Farm & Kings Carey. Dinners are $135 per person, begin at 6 p.m., and are limited to just 24 seats. Reservations strongly encouraged via Resy.
Big Bar Sons of Immigrants Fundraiser Night (July 28) -> Head to Big Bar in Los Feliz on Monday, July 28 for a special fundraiser supporting the LA Street Vendors Campaign. Guest bartenders Mikey Reyes and Eugene Lee will be behind the bar from 6 to 9 p.m., serving up cocktails like the Tropical Cart Crush—all in the name of a good cause. More info here.
$15 Pasta Nights at Marco Polo (Wednesdays, All Summer) -> Marco Polo Trattoria & Bar in Silver Lake hosts themed pasta nights every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a pasta dish for $15 or opt for the endless pasta bowl for $45. Want the full Italian experience? Go for the $30 supper set, which includes salad, focaccia, and dessert. Expect checkered tablecloths, music, and half-off wine to round out the evening. More info here.
Wine Wednesdays at Alta -(Wednesdays during summer) > For a limited time, Alta in West Adams is offering 50% off any bottle of wine (excluding their Reserve List) every Wednesday night. It’s the perfect excuse to pair a great bottle with their excellent fried chicken. More info here.
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