Posted by 
Summer is winding down. Last week of the month is here. Let’s make it a good one.
On tap for this August 25-29 in Los Angeles, you’ll find Béla Fleck at The Ford, Bajo La Luna at the JACCC, Death Cafe at Heavy Manners, Friday Movie Night at Ovation Hollywood, and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Béla Fleck at The Ford -> On Monday, legendary banjoist Béla Fleck brings his band The Flecktones to The Ford for an evening of genre bending tunes. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets available for as low as $62. More info here.
Death Cafe at Heavy Manners – FA > Death Cafe returns to Heavy Manners Library in Echo Park this Tuesday, with a stated goal to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their finite lives.” It’s more discussion than support group, so go in with expectations set. Might be a good fit if you previously checked out the Silent Book Club of Death (another We Like L.A. recommendation). Donuts and coffee also provided! The event is free, but donations are welcomed. Starts at 6 p.m. More info here.
Sketch Party at Benny Boy – FA > Sketch Party’s twice-monthly drawing/drinking meet-up comes to Benny Boy Brewing this Tuesday, but this time with a toothy twist. To celebrate Shark Week, Sketch Party is inviting participants to wear any shark/beach attire to the event… and then draw lots of sharks! They’ll hook you up with sketch paper, pens, pencils, and markers, then it’s up to you to create, mingle, hang out, and enjoy BB’s solid lineup of craft beers and ciders. Jay’s Tacos will be serving food as well. All artistic levels welcome. Free to attend. Runs 7 to 11 p.m. 21+ only. More info here.
Shakespeare in the Park – FA > The second half of the Independent Shakespeare Co.’s summer theater festival in Griffith Park wraps up its final this week as the ISC cloes out with performances of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus. Shows will run Wednesday to Saturday through August 31, all beginning at 7 p.m. Make sure to arrive early to grab a spot. Picnics encouraged. More info here.
Dance at the Museum -> The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach is hosting series of dance classes bringing art and movement come together, with an assist from the professional instructors at Cielo Dance Events. Next up, this Wednesday they’ll offer an evening of Merengue. Good for both beginners or experienced dancers. Event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Space is limited. More info here.
Flesh of the Forest at Oxy Arts – FA > This Thursday at Oxy Arts gallery hosts an opening reception for their new exhibition, Flesh of the Forest, which showcases nine contemporary artists from the African diaspora whose work engages with the forest as a rich, multilayered site of history, memory, sensation, and feeling. Works include a site-specific installation by Alicia Pillers which repurposes found objects from her urban hikes around Los Angeles. As part of the opening night, a hosted bar with light bites will be provided. The exhibition remains on view through December 13, 2025. Opening night is 6 to 8 p.m. More info here.
Sizzling Summer Nights at The Autry -> Every Thursday in August, The Autry museum hosts some of L.A.’s best salsa and Latin fusion bands with free salsa lessons, access to the museum galleries and a separate children’s dance floor. For this week, catch a performance by local salsa favorites, Son Mayor. Admission is $22 per person. Event runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.
Bajo La Luna: Soundscapes of Silvia Pérez Cruz – M TP > This Friday, as part of an ongoing collaborative listening series between the Japanese American Cultural Community Center and In Sheep’s Clothing, Silvia Pérez Cruz joins El Marchante and Josh Kun for a conversation and listening session exploring the Catalan singer’s music and inspirations through a selection of personal vinyl records. Guests can also purchase drinks/bites from select Japanese whiskey, beer, wine, and a food menu, all in the picturesque setting of the James Irvine Japanese Garden. Tickets are $15. Runs 7 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Friday Movie Night at Ovation Hollywood – M FA > Ovation Hollywood’s monthly outdoor movie returns this Friday with a screening of The Goonies, preceded by a 80’s party with DJ-spun tunes in the courtyard. If you RSVP in advance you can receive a blanket and complimentary popcorn voucher from the TCL Chinese-6 Theatres (while supplies last). Check-in starts at 5 p.m., movie begins at 7 p.m. More info here.
Friday Night Wine Tastings at Barnsdall Park – M > Friday night wine tasting continue at the Barnsdall Art Park West Lawn this week. Now in its 16th season tickets cost $45 and get you a flight of wines curated by Silverlake Wine, plus access to a rotation of food trucks, all supported by tunes from local DJs and sweet sunset views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory. The series continues every Friday through September 26. All proceeds support programming within the Park. Starts at 5:30 p.m. More info here.
Jazz at LACMA – FA > The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Friday Night Jazz series continues this week with another concerts at Smidt Welcome Plaza. For this week, catch a concert by Trevor Ware & Positive People featuring Sidney Jacobs. PLUS: Remember that LACMA is free to visit for L.A. County Residents (with I.D.) on weekdays after 3 p.m. Concert starts at 6 p.m. 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 Beetlejuice Beetlejuice at 8 p.m. All seating is first-come, first-served. Blankets and low-back chairs welcome. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Prime Rib Philly Cheesesteak Night at Tam O’Shanter (August 25) -> On Monday, August 25, the historic Atwater Village restaurant serves up a cheesesteak special made with Lawry’s prime rib, onions, peppers, and whiz on an Amoroso roll, served with fries and pickles for $25. Only 15 are available starting at 5 p.m. in the pub. More info here.
Verve & Guisados Ice Horchata Cappuccino (ongoing) -> Verve Coffee and Guisados have teamed up on an Iced Horchata Cappuccino, blending Guisados’ beloved horchata with Verve’s signature espresso—a drink inspired by the city’s vibrant diversity. For every drink sold, $1 benefits No Us Without You, supporting undocumented hospitality workers and their families. Plus, Guisados’ house-made conchas will be available at all Verve cafés. More info here.
Rustic Canyon Welcomes Top New Orleans Chefs to LA (August 28 & September 4) -> Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica is teaming up with top New Orleans talent for LA X LA, a new dinner series spotlighting the Crescent City’s bold flavors and warm hospitality. Each event features Chef Elijah Deleon cooking alongside a guest NOLA chef for a one-night-only, à la carte menu, with proceeds supporting the Southern Smoke Foundation. On August 28, Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr. of Chichis brings his signature flavors, and the series wraps September 4 with cocktails and dishes from Jewel of the South—named #24 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Reservations are now live. More info here.
Want to get the best things to do in L.A. sent straight to your inbox? Join over 60,000 Angelenos who subscribe to our twice weekly email newsletter!
