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Need some plans leading up to the big holiday weekend? We’ve got a few ideas.
On tap this June 29 – July 3 in Los Angeles, catch Science & Suds at Los Angeles Ale Works, World Cup Watch Parties at The Getty, a Jellicle Ball at Vidiots, Chet Baker Reimagined at the Moroccan, Tank and the Bangas at the Skirball, Frogtown First Fridays, and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Science & Suds – FA > On Monday, Los Angeles Ale Works in Hawthorne hosts the next edition of Science and Suds, a casual, engaging evening spotlighting breakthrough research from local scientists. The double-feature program features two USC PhD candidates sharing stories of environmental survival: Fumnanya Abuah explores climate history encoded within ancient Arctic microbes, followed by Charles Lehnen discussing the conservation efforts that helped giant Galápagos tortoises recover from near extinction. Attendees are invited to enjoy local craft beers on tap while learning about cutting-edge science in a relaxed brewery setting. Admission is free, though online RSVP is kindly requested. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
World Cup Watch Parties at The Getty – FA > Looking for a spot to watch USA’s match vs Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday? Quick reminder that the Getty Center hosts open-to-the-public FIFA World Cup watch parties, streaming featured tournament matches on large screens installed across its scenic hilltop campus. Viewings alternate between the Trellis Bar & Lounge and the Garden Terrace Café, featuring themed tournament menus with options like mini smash burgers, hot dogs, and specialty cocktails. While museum admission is free, guests must reserve a timed-entry ticket online in advance. Standard parking fees apply, but parking is entirely free for all visitors arriving after 5 PM throughout the tournament schedule. More info here.
Cats: Jellicle Ball at Vidiots -> This Wednesday, the Eagle Theatre at Vidiots goes full “Jellicle” for a special, immersive screening of the famously surreal 2019 cinematic musical Cats. The celebration transforms the historic theater space into a feline fiesta, kicking off before the movie with a pink carpet arrival, live DJ sets, themed cocktails, kitty-themed face painting, and special appearances by puppets from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress in their finest ballgowns or feline bodysuits to compete in a post-screening costume contest. Tickets are $16, and seating is general admission. Doors open at 6 p.m. More info here.
Shakespeare in the Park – FA > The Independent Shakespeare Co.’s annual Shakespeare in the Park series, held at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park, is now back for the summer. For the first half of the production (through July 26), catch a production of Coriolanus, a gripping political thriller examining power cycles, civilian riots, and the deep divide between the wealthy and the working class. Performances run every Wednesday to Sunday beginning at 7 p.m. (except July 4). Get more info and register to attend for free here.
Chet Baker Reimagined, A Night Of Psychedelic Jazz with SCayos -> This Wednesday at the Moroccan Lounge, catch Chet Baker Reimagined, A Night Of Psychedelic Jazz, featuring the multifaceted producer and multi-instrumentalist Shaan Chhadva performing under his dual monikers, Ornithology and SCayos. The performance features authorized lo-fi and psychedelic jazz reinterpretations of Chet Baker’s long-lost 1978 recordings, Love for Sale – Live at The Rising Sun Celebrity Club. To create a deeply immersive experience, the concert will be staged “in the round,” placing the musicians in the center of the room completely surrounded by the audience on all sides. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 7 p.m. More info here.
Tank and the Bangas at the Skirball -> This Thursday, the Skirball Cultural Center hosts New Orleans collective Tank and the Bangas for an interactive, genre-fluid concert blending soul, hip-hop, and R&B to kick off Fourth of July festivities and celebrate America250. The outdoor performance features an opening set by 21st-century funk ensemble Butter Funk Family, with DJ Tosstones spinning records in the hillside courtyard before the music begins and during intermission. Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early to explore the museum’s galleries, shop, and grab food and drinks before the main stage acts. Tickets are $40 for general admission. Parking is free. Doors open at 6 p.m. More info here.
Shakespeare By the Sea – FA > The 28th anniversary season of Shakespeare By the Sea continues this week with performances of Macbeth at Rush Park in Rossmoor on Thursday and Sepulveda Garden Center in Encino on Friday. Both shows start at 7 p.m. and are free to attend. Performances run at locations throughout L.A. and Orange County through July 25. More info here.
Friday Night Jazz at LACMA – M FA > LACMA’s Friday Night Jazz series continues heading into 4th of July weekend, with the Ray Charles Alumni Band set to perform. The standout ensemble features veteran musicians who toured and recorded extensively alongside the legendary Ray Charles, including saxophonists Rickey Woodard and Louis Taylor, trumpeter Jeff Kaye, guitarist Brad Rabuchin, bassist Anders Swanson, and drummer Paul Kreibich. Guests are welcome to bring picnics and blankets to enjoy the music outdoors on the plaza lawns. Admission is free, and no advanced tickets are required. Runs 6 to 8 p.m. More info here.
First Fridays in Frogtown – FA > Frogtown First Fridays returns for July with community activations spread across 15 distinct stops along the LA River in Elysian Valley. Embracing the theme Art & Activism: Express yourself. Highlights include a celebration of the sixth birthday of local plant-based bakery Just What I Kneaded, which will stay open late with a free photo booth alongside neighbor Justine’s Wine Bar selection of natural wines and vegan bites. Attendees are urged to walk, bike, or rideshare to this strictly car-free event, and while admission is free for all ages, voluntary donations to the non-profit Frogtown Arts collective are welcomed. Runs 5 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Steep’s New Regional Menu -> Chinatown’s Steep is taking a deeper dive into regional cuisine with a new rotating menu concept, exploring the food, ingredients, traditions, and stories of one region at a time. First up: Taiwan. The menu blends traditional dishes with Steep’s own interpretations, spanning Red Braised Beef Noodle Soup, cold chicken noodles, and a Taiwanese Ochazuke made with soy and sesame marinated buri, citrus, seaweed, and a roasted Taiwanese oolong tea broth poured over rice. Keep updated on each region, and menu, through Steeps Instagram. More info here.
Woon Side Wok (July 2) -> Mad Collective and Woon in Westlake team up this Tuesday for a sidewok cookout from 5 to 9:30 p.m. A portion of proceeds benefits Mad Collective’s 501(c)(3) grocery program, with plenty of surprises lined up throughout the evening. All are welcome. More info here.
Pasta Night at Marco Polo Trattoria & Bar -> Every Wednesday, Silver Lake’s Marco Polo turns into the pasta night you didn’t know you needed. A pasta of the night goes for just $15, or upgrade to the full supper with salad, focaccia, pasta, and dessert for $30. Checkered tablecloths, candles, and crayons on the table complete the vibe. More info here.
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