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Weekend plans still in limbo? Let’s lock in some fun to-dos.
In the queue for this August 8-10 in Los Angeles, you’ll find KCRW Summer Nights at the Wende Museum, the final weekend of Summer Slasher 2 at Zombie Joe’s, Hope Alley with Homeboy Industries, the grand parade for the Nisei Week Japanese Festival, Dog Days of Summer at Santa Monica Brew Works, Movies Under the Stars in Old Pasadena, and more.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
KCRW Summer Nights at the Wende Museum – FA > For the first time ever, KCRW Summer Nights makes its way to the Wende Museum this Friday. Expect sets from KCRW DJs Chris Douridas and Francesca Harding, plus access to explore the Wende’s collection of art and artifacts from the Cold War era, including their fantastic exhibit Counter/Surveillance: Control, Privacy, Agency, a groundbreaking exhibition featuring historical objects in conversation with contemporary artworks from across the globe. Party runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and is free to attend. More info here.
Beach Movie Nights at Dockweiler – FA > LA County Beaches & Harbors has been hosting free summer movie nights at Dockweiler Youth Center every Friday evening, and the series continues this week with a screening of The Garfield Movie at 8 p.m. All seating is first-come, first-served. Blankets and low-back chairs welcome. More info here.
Summer of Salsa – M FA > LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes’ Summer of Salsa offers monthly dance parties one Friday per month through September. This Friday, Latin music ensemble Arsenio Rodriguez Project will take the stage, with Super DJ Robby spinning tunes to support. Free salsa dance classes run from 6 to 7 p.m. by Dancing 101 with Roberto. Free to attend. More info here.
Ivy Station Night Market: Summer Rewind – M FA > Ivy Station’s monthly Friday night market is back this week with a late summer fiesta featuring carnival game with Something New, adoptable dogs from A Purposeful Rescue, custom typewritten poetry from Typoetica, DJ-spun tunes and 30+ vendors/makers onsite to shop. It all runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Grand Performances – M FA > This Friday, Grand Performances hosts a night of music showcasing modern film score composers who took classical inspiration to create their scores. The program will be led by KUSC host Solomon Reynolds and students from the Colburn School of Music. Then on Saturday, catch Latin Goes Ska!, which will feature Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra joining forces with vocalists Maria de Pilar (Los Abandoned ), Jackie Mendez, Charles Farrar (Boogaloo Assassins, See Spot ), Luis ( Raskahuele ), JP (Viernes 13). Both nights are free to attend and begin at 6 p.m. More info here.
Summer Slasher 2 at Zombie Joe’s -> Zombie Joe Theater Group’s follow-up installment of their Summer Slasher show is an immersive setup placing guests in a nostalgic 1990s summer camp. Before you start the experience you’ll take a quick personality test to determine your assigned 90s horror character trope which will affect how the story plays out for you. Regardless, expect scares, laughs, shocks, and maybe some unexpected twists you don’t see coming. The final two nights of the show are this Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $22.50. More info here.
The Lumineers at the Kia Forum -> The Lumineers bring their brand of folky alt rock to the Kia Forum this Friday and Saturday as part of The Automatic World Tour. Saturday’s show is already sold out, but there are still tickets available for Friday starting at $61.70. Get more info here.
Hope Alley with Homeboy Industries – FA TP > Homeboy Industries has created a recurring pop-up market taking place every second Saturday designed to amplify street vendors that have been affected by the ongoing federal immigration rates. The event is at 130 Bruno St. in Chinatown, where you’ll find a community altar, music, and plenty of food options for guests to choose from. The main vendor market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free to attend! More info here.
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure Movie Night at Warner Bros. Studio Tour (August 9) -> Warners Bros is planning a big night to celebrate Pee Wee Herman that will a special-themed Studio Tour, a Pee-wee look-a-like meet-up, all followed by a screening of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. Tickets are $89 per person. Get more details here.
Listening by Moonrise – M FA > Clockshop’s quarterly listening series returns to L.A. State Historic Park this Saturday with performances by Wadood and The Dude with the Oud. The two-hour event is free to attend, but donations are suggested at $5 per person. Proceeds will go to CLUE’s Detained Immigrant Bond Fund. Event starts at 5 p.m. More info here.
Nisei Week Japanese Festival (August 9-17) – M FA > Little Tokyo’s nine day celebration of Japanese and Japanese American heritage and traditions through a series of cultural exhibits and performances, a grand parade and a plaza festival. The celebratory week officially kicks this Saturday, and there is a Grand Parade planned for Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. More info here.
Under the Bridge: Groove for Good – FA > This Saturday, the LA Skate Hunnies, Angel City Run Club and Parks Project Discovery Center are teaming up for a morning of movement and community service in Culver City. Expect friendly vibes, dance beats, and raffles and giveaways from Teva and Snow Peak. It’s all free to attend, and runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. More info here.
Movies Under the Stars – M FA > Old Pasadena shopping mall One Colorado continues Movies Under the Stars screenings this Saturday with a screening of School of Rock. Public seating is free and first-come, first-served. There is also a VIP option for $50. Screenings start at 8:30 p.m., but you’ll want to arrive early to grab a spot More info here.
Salt Marsh Open House – FA > On Sunday, head to Cabrillo Beach for a day exploring the wetlands. Managed and cared for by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, this salt marsh hosts a diverse community of salt-tolerant plants, invertebrates, fish, and birds. Accompanied by CMA Educators and dedicated volunteers, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and explore the wonders of this unique habitat. This experience is free and welcomes participants of all ages. More info here.
Rack To The Future: A Burlesque Parody -> The Hollywood Jane Revue are back at it with another sassy burleaque parody show this Sunday at Crown City Theatre in Pasadena. Rack to the Future comes with a tagline for the ages that tells you everything you need to know what about you should expect: “Clothes? Where we’re going, we don’t need clothes.” Tickets are $20. Show starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Woon Pasadena Presents Bite for Bite Brunch (August 10) -> This Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Woon in Pasadena teams up with Mad Collective for a special Bite for Bite Brunch—raising funds to support local community food efforts. Sip on specialty coffee and espresso drinks from Pour Sport Coffee, grab a slice of pie from Sugar Pop 55, and enjoy music curated by dublab DJs. Woon’s brunch menu features bold Chinese flavors with standout dishes like Milk Tea French Toast drizzled in Oolong maple syrup and a savory Pork Chop Sandwich on sweet, buttery Bolo Bao. Come hungry and ready to support a good cause. More info here.
Dog Days of Summer with Hot Dog on a Stick & Santa Monica Brew Works (August 10) -> Celebrate summer with your pup this Sunday at Santa Monica Brew Works, where Hot Dog on a Stick is popping up for a dog-friendly afternoon from noon to 3 p.m. Snack on classic samples from the iconic beachside stand, and treat your furry friend to freebies from Kismet, Playology, ZippyPaws, Earth Rated, Native Pet, BarkBox, and Yo Dawg Groom Spot. Sip on a special 310 Stomped Shandy—made with Hot Dog on a Stick’s signature lemonade—and know that $1 from every one sold supports Wags & Walks dog rescue. More info here.
Hey Sunshine Kitchen 2nd Anniversary Party (August 10) -> Hey Sunshine Kitchen in Culver City rings in two years with a festive daytime celebration this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests who register in advance will receive 15% off their bill, plus complimentary house-made drinks. The event also features family-friendly fun including face painting, live music, and a pollinator seed packet giveaway to take home. More info here.
Plaid Circus Non-Alcoholic Spirits Launch & Tasting Party (August 9) -> Burden of Proof in South Pasadena hosts a free launch and tasting party this Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. for Plaid Circus, the world’s first barrel-aged non-alcoholic spirit. Designed for drinkers who crave the warmth and complexity of traditional spirits—minus the booze—Plaid Circus will debut five distinct expressions at the event. Guests can enjoy zero-proof cocktails, sample the lineup, and take home free merch while mingling in a laid-back, hangover-free happy hour. More info here.
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