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Things are heating up this week, but we’ve got a few cool ideas to keep you company as the temps reach into the 90s (and even triple digits!) here in the Southland.
On tap this July 13-17, you’ll find Pitch-A-Friend in Santa Monica, Astronomy on Tap in Pasadena, Moonlight Movies on the Beach in Long Beach, Bastille Day Los Angeles at Grand Performances, Sunset Concerts at the Skirball, a Sunset Picnic at the Annenberg Beach House, and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Pitch-A-Friend at Bodega Wine Bar -> On Monday, Bodega Wine Bar in Santa Monica hosts the latest installment of Pitch-A-Friend, a lively singles and networking mixer where attendees create short, light-hearted presentations to pitch their single friends to the crowd. Presenters who sign up in advance receive a complimentary drink, while general attendees can watch the pitches and participate in a post-presentation Single Mingle Mixer designed to spark conversation. Admission is $12.51, and advance purchase is required. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
Astronomy on Tap Los Angeles: Gamma-Ray Bursts & The Discovery of Galaxies – M FA > Astronomy on Tap is back at Dog Haus Biergarten in Pasadena this Monday with a free outdoor event combining public science lectures, trivia, and stargazing. The evening features presentations by scientist Jeff Rich on the historical discovery of galaxies and Caltech’s Delina Levine on high-energy gamma-ray bursts. Attendees can play pub trivia, collect NASA merchandise, and use on-site telescopes guided by professional astronomers. Admission is free. Runs 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. More info here.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach – FA > Long Beach’s signature beachside summer cinema series is back for 2026, continuing with two screenings in July at Granada Beach. This Tuesday, catch a screening of Mean Girls. Movies starts around sunset (8 to 8:30 p.m.). Free to attend, and parking is free after 6 p.m., though spots are limited. More info here.
Bastille Day Los Angeles 2026 – M FA > On Tuesday, Grand Performances at California Plaza hosts the second annual Bastille Day celebration, presented in partnership with the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles. The open-air cultural festival features a free live concert showcasing French music alongside a curated French marketplace highlighting traditional food, drinks, and regional crafts. The community celebration is open to the public and serves to honor French heritage in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Free admission. Runs 5 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Esoteric Game Night – TP > On the third Wednesday of every month, the Philosophical Research Society gathers in its bookstore for a family-friendly night of esoteric and historic games, from tarot cards and many-sided dice to recreations of ancient board games. July brings a Twin Peaks double feature: David Lynch Trumps Card Game, a strange collection of battle cards drawn from the major and minor arcanas of the Lynch universe, and The Red Room, a Twin Peaks game featuring the complete cast of characters, from Special Agent Dale Cooper to Margaret Lanterman, the Log Lady. $10 suggested donation. 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 season (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. Get more info and register to attend for free here.
Sunset Concerts at the Skirball – FA > Starting this Thursday, the Skirball Cultural Center’s annual Sunset Concerts series is back for season 29 with a celebration of America250, honoring the uniquely American musical invention of jazz. To kicks things off, catch performances by GRAMMY-winning artist Cory Henry playing with his electrifying band The Funk Apostles, plus Inglewood’s own Katalyst. For each event, doors open at 6 p.m., with performances at 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Free to attend, but parking is paid. Get all the details and see the full lineup of performers here.
Sunset Picnic at the Annenberg Beach House -> This Thursday, grab your picnic basket, your favorite people or come solo and join a communal table, and enjoy a sunset evening at the Annenberg Beach House. Vibe to musical duos and take in the summer glow of sunset. Complimentary s’mores while they last. Starts at 5 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Yoshiki at the Disney Concert Hall – M > This Thursday and Friday, Walt Disney Concert Hall hosts global icon, composer, and classically trained pianist Yoshiki for Classical 2026. This special post-surgery performance, titled “Scarlet Night,” marks a monumental rebirth with an emotional fusion of cinematic mastery and orchestral power. It’s going to be epic. Tickets start from $56. More info here.
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA – M FA -> Free evening dance parties continue at 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 features an evening of Reggaeton with instructor Dennis Guzman and music by DJ CQUESTT. The event is always free to attend, and always all-ages. Start at 7 p.m. More info here.
Salsa Night at Ivy Station – M FA > This Friday, Ivy Station in Culver City hosts Salsa Night, a vibrant outdoor summer dance series held on the open-air plaza. The evening begins with a free introductory salsa dance lesson led by instructor Pepe Gonzalez, followed by live music and open dancing featuring the Fermin Fusion Salsa band. Attendees can purchase food and refreshments from surrounding local restaurants and a rotating food truck parked near Los Angeles Ale Works. Admission is free. Fun starts at 6:30 p.m. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Momofuku Goods x Pijja Palace (July 17–19) -> Momofuku Goods brings its Summer of Spice Tour to Los Angeles this weekend, joining forces with Pijja Palace, the award-winning Indian sports bar, for a two-dish collaboration available for lunch and dinner. The savory offering is Hot Honey Piri Piri Wings, tikka-marinated wings tossed in spicy piri piri with a heavy drizzle of cilantro-infused Momofuku Hot Honey Chili Crunch. For dessert, the Chocolate Chili Kiss pairs silky chai-infused dark chocolate namelaka with Parle-G crumble, citrus zest cream, and Momofuku Original Chili Crunch brittle. Two very different expressions of heat, both worth trying.
Found Oyster Takes Over the Pu Pu Platter at Rasarumah (July 9) -> Two of LA’s most exciting restaurants are sharing a table this Wednesday. Found Oyster brings its seafood-forward creativity to Rasarumah’s Pu Pu Platter with a lineup that spans Lobster Rangoon, Crab Curry Toast, Grilled Octopus Skewer, Scallop Larb Tostada, and Seasonal Rojak Salad with Grilled Squid. If the market cooperates, a Fried Soft Shell Crab with Black Pepper Sauce may make an appearance too. Reservations on OpenTable.
Yoonycat’s Burger Pop-Up at OTOTO (July 13) -> OTOTO regulars know Chef Susan Yoon as the person behind the bar sharing her passion for sake. This Monday from 5 to 8 p.m., she steps back into the kitchen for a one-night-only pop-up built around her burger: soy-braised short rib sugo, Gruyère, and horseradish aioli. The menu rounds out with a corn fritter with charred scallion crème fraîche, pickled carrots, jalapeño and onion, and a financier à la mode for dessert. Sake pairings available. Walk-ins only, arrive early.
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