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Lots on the docket for this scorching SoCal weekend. Let’s get right to it.
From July 10-12 in Los Angeles, you’ll find the Music of the Films of Wes Anderson at the Bowl, a Sunset Swim at the Annenberg Beach House, the Central Library Centennial Festival, KCRW Summer Nights at Hauser & Wirth, the 45th Annual Echo Park Lotus Festival, Off the 405 at the Getty, a Summer Book Exchange in Venice, and more.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
How Does the Silver Screen Shape the Golden State? – M FA > This Friday, Zócalo Public Square pops up at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures with “How Does the Silver Screen Shape the Golden State?”, a live panel discussion and film screening exploring Hollywood’s cultural influence. Moderated by Oscar Garza, the conversation features “Hollywood Diversity Report” author Darnell Hunt and Higher Ground head of film Anikah McLaren discussing how the film industry shapes global perceptions of the California Dream amid modern shifts like AI and streaming. The program includes a screening of the 1990s cult-classic buddy comedy Friday, highlighting its enduring impact on pop culture and its portrayal of South Central Los Angeles. Admission is free. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
Summer of Salsa at LA Plaza – M FA > LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes’ Summer of Salsa hosts another edition of their monthly dance this Friday. Roosevelt Cordova, aka El Presidente de la Salsa will headline the music with Super DJ Robby spinning tunes in between sets. Free salsa dance classes precede the show from 6 to 7 p.m. by Dancing 101 with Roberto. Free to attend as always. More info here.
Sunset Swim at the Annenberg Beach House -> Sunset Swim at Annenberg Community Beach House invites adults to enjoy an evening of swimming, relaxing, and connection at the historic site. This Friday, float under the evening sky, unwind with friends old and new, and enjoy complimentary s’mores and pool floaties while taking in the ocean air and sunset views. Starts at 6 p.m. Pre-purchase your Sunset Swim pool passes online ($10) or purchase at the door on the day of the event, subject to availability. More info here.
World of Japanese Hip-Hop and Breakbeats – M > This Friday, the James Irvine Japanese Garden at JACCC hosts a Japanese Hip-Hop and Breakbeats listening party in collaboration with In Sheep’s Clothing. The outdoor session features a deep dive into classic atmospheric instrumental albums by Nujabes, Force of Nature, and Haruka Nakamura, including the Samurai Champloo soundtrack. Attendees can purchase a curated selection of Japanese whiskey, beer, and wine, alongside signature ramen from Kyoto’s Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized Ramenya Fujitora. Tickets are $15. 21+ only. Runs 7 to 10 p.m. More info here.
GOOD GUYS: A Chucky Celebration – FA > This Friday at Boomtown Brewery, GOOD GUYS: A Chucky Celebration, an immersive, industrial-themed horror social honoring the iconic slasher franchise. The event screens the original Child’s Play alongside fresh independent horror shorts across multiple venue displays, accompanied by live filmmaker Q&As, horror trivia games, prize giveaways, and a red-carpet photo backdrop. Attendees can explore a specialized marketplace featuring local horror merchants selling custom artwork, collectibles, apparel, and horror memorabilia alongside the brewery’s craft beer offerings. Admission is free. Runs 5 to 11 p.m. More info here.
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA – M FA -> After a 4th of July weekend break, free evening dance parties return to The Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza every Friday through August 8. At Dance DTLA, instructors will be on hand to teach guests easy-to-follow steps, allowing everyone to get into the groove right from the jump. This week, it’s all about salsa! The event is always free to attend, and always all-ages. Start at 7 p.m. More info here.
Music of the Films of Wes Anderson -> This Friday to Sunday, the Hollywood Bowl hosts Music from the Films of Wes Anderson, an immersive tribute celebrating the visionary director’s 30-year cinematic history. Hosted by Bill Murray, the evening features the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Thomas Wilkins, performing iconic pop soundtracks and original film scores alongside an all-star band and special guests like Beck, Jackson Browne, and Jenny Lewis. Expect the venue grounds to transform into Anderson’s stylized cinematic world, complete with themed interactive displays, character-inspired food options, and a mobile Criterion collection screening hub. More info here.
South Bay Greek Festival -> From Friday to Sunday, the South Bay Greek Festival is a three-day affair at St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach offering lots of Greek food (spanakopita, lamb chops, baklava), dancing, and fun. Entry fee is $5. More info here.
Central Library Centennial Festival – M FA TP> The Los Angeles Central Library hosts its Centennial Festival to celebrate its 100th birthday this Saturday with a day of free activities, partner booths, and a live performance by The Linda Lindas. The event features a massive pop-up book exhibition, family crafts, local food trucks, and free commemorative posters while supplies last. Admission is free, with limited capacity for specific indoor programs. Runs 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More info here.
KCRW Summer Nights at Hauser & Wirth – FA > Arts District gallery Hauser & Wirth teams with KCRW this Saturday for a fresh edition of the station’s Summer Nights series. Expect after-hours contemporary art viewings combined with DJ sets spinning all night long. Attendees can explore the galleries to see Destiny Is a Rose: The Eileen Harris Norton Collection alongside Keith Tyson’s The Generative Universe exhibition, while on-site restaurant Manuela provides seasonal food and cocktail options for purchase. The evening features continuous outdoor sets by KCRW’s Ale Cohen, Olive Kimoto, and Jason Bentley, with special line and merchandise perks available for radio station members. Admission is free. Runs 6 to 11 p.m.. More info here.
Wienerschnitzel’s 29th Annual Wiener Nationals -> This Saturday, the Los Alamitos Race Course hosts Wienerschnitzel’s 29th Annual Wiener Nationals, a popular dog-racing event benefiting local animal welfare. More than 100 dachshunds compete on the track in a series of sprint trials, culminating in a final championship race to crown the “Fastest Wiener in the West” with a $1,000 cash prize. Event proceeds from ticket and t-shirt sales support the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-profit shelter providing care and adoption services for stray animals throughout Orange County. Ticket prices are $3 for adults and free for children ages 17 and under. Program starts at 6 p.m. More info here.
Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series – FA > Burton Chace Park kicks off the 26th annual Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series this Saturday with a special “Live to Film” presentation of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-winning film Encanto. Conducted by Steven Allen Fox, the Marina del Rey Summer Symphony performs the movie’s entire iconic musical score live and in synchronization with a large outdoor screen presentation. Seating is first-come, first-served, and attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance. Admission is free. Event starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
Pickwick Vintage Market -> Discover a curated collection of designer fashion at the Pickwick Vintage Show, returning to its monthly residency at ROW DTLA this Saturday. This outdoor market features over 40 local vendors showcasing a wide assortment of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories from all eras. Whether you are a dedicated collector or simply looking for unique design inspiration, the show offers a specialized shopping experience in the heart of the Arts District. Ticket are $10. Runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Americana Car Show: A Celebration of Revolutionary Machines – FA > This Saturday the International Printing Museum hosts the Americana Car Show: A Celebration of Revolutionary Machines, a family-oriented festival blending automotive heritage and living history. The event features a diverse showcase of classic cars alongside interactive printing demonstrations, where guests can use antique printing presses to hand-print their own copy of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration also includes live musical performances of Americana and patriotic tunes alongside educational exhibits tracking how early print communication powered historic revolutions. Admission is free. Run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Summer Book Exchange -> On Saturday, the Venice Book Club is hosting a Summer Book Exchange at Saba Surf & Coffee. Bring a book you’ve finished, or a few if you’re clearing shelf space, and leave with something new. Leftover books will be donated to Friends of Venice Library. VBC is also raising money for Reading to Kids, with every donation earning a raffle ticket for prizes from local businesses. More info here.
Off the 405 – FA > This Saturday, the Getty Center’s annual Off the 405 summer concert series continues in July with a performance by Seoul’s seven-piece folk-storytelling band LEENALCHI, who will showcase their style of rhythm-heavy pansori music.The evening begins with a courtyard DJ set at 6 p.m., and attendees can view the museum’s art galleries or picnic in the central garden before the main stage performances start. Admission is free, though timed advance tickets are required for entry, and parking fees apply. More info here.
Casa Mexico: Mariachi Family Festival – M FA > On Saturday, LA Plaza’s annual Mariachi Family Festival features live music from student ensembles Mariachi Los Álanos, Mariachi Olímpico, and Mariachi Los Jaguares, followed by a bilingual family Zumba session by GYMYG. Visitors can explore soccer-themed art installations by Betsabée Romero and Jazzamoart, participate in hands-on workshops, and purchase traditional food. Admission is free, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis subject to venue capacity. Kicks off at 11 a.m. More info here.
45th Annual Echo Park Lotus Festival – FA > Echo Park Lake hosts the 45th annual Lotus Festival this Saturday and Sunday, highlighting Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions with a 2026 cultural focus on Sri Lanka. The event features music and dance across two stages, an artisan bazaar, community booths, and a food court with a beer garden. Attendees can watch dragon boat races, participate in a 5K run, or purchase tickets for the evening lantern launch. Admission is free, and a complimentary shuttle connects off-site parking lots to the park. Free to attend. Starts at noon on both days. More info here.
Festival Beverly Hills – FA > This Sunday, head to Beverly Gardens Park for Festival Beverly Hills, a global arts and performance celebration. This open-air cultural event features live international music, dance performances, and interactive artisan workshops. Expect diverse lineup of performers including Cape Verdean singer Elida Almeida, Spanish fusion group Maruja Limón, Iranian pop band Black Cats, and Afro-Brazilian dancers Viver Brasil. Guests can also experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and global food options. Admission is free. Runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m..More info here.
Runway Fitness Fest – FA > This Sunday, Runway Playa Vista hosts its 5th Annual RUNWAY Fitness Fest, an outdoor wellness festival showcasing local fitness studios and health brands. The event features interactive rowing challenges with Orangetheory, conditioning drills with The Studio (MDR), climbing with Sender One, and cold plunges hosted by RVIVL. Attendees can browse wellness pop-ups, enter fitness challenges, and collect product giveaways, with the first 100 checked-in guests receiving a free custom drawstring bag. Athletic attire and sneakers are required. Admission is free. Runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Peter Barrett & Tomat (July 11) -> Westchester’s Tomat teams up with celebrated writer, photographer, cook, forager, and fermenter Peter Barrett for a one-night-only dinner this Saturday. The “From Scratch” pop-up brings Barrett’s rare and vintage ferments from his personal archives into an à la carte menu crafted with Harry and the Tomat crew. Highlights include Black Cod with curry sauce and paratha and Duck with two moles. Dining room seating only. Reservations on Resy.
Free Sandos at Monroe Place (July 10 & 11) -> Monroe Place is soft opening its new Hollywood spot with a friends and family weekend, giving away free sandwiches Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until they run out. Get there early to secure the goods.
International House of Breakfast at Chifa (July 12) -> Indie culture publication Synonym brings its International House of Breakfast series to Chifa in Eagle Rock this Sunday for a Filipino breakfast with karaoke. The $30 ticket covers a starter like Bibingka or a Pinipig Parfait with coconut yogurt, an entree like Tortang Talong eggplant omelet or Tocino sweet cured pork shoulder with fried egg, garlic rice, sungolds, and sawsawan, plus a specialty drink by Cipota Coffee. Limited walk-ups available. More info here.
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