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L.A.’s June gloom is real, and it’s happening. Fortunately, a mostly cloudy week can’t obscure all the bright ideas for the coming weekend. Just have a look!
From June 2-4 in Los Angeles, you’ll find a Summer Jam at the Academy Museum, WeHo Pride festivities, the start to Grand Performances 2023 season, Summer Sounds in Old Pasadena, the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival, Cinespia at the Greek, Family Day at MOCA, and more. Your weekend starts after the jump!. Your weekend starts after the jump!
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Free Ideas Taking Metro
Did you know that every Wednesday we collaborate with Metro Los Angeles to create a fun guide of 5 free things to do for the weekend that are also accessible through Metro’s rail and bus service? Check out our top two picks below, and be sure to scope out the full guide here.
Grand Performances -> The signature summer concert series at DTLA’s California Plaza kicks off this Saturday with a danceable mix of cumbia, salsa, and Latin funk. Mexican Fusion band Son Rompe Pera headlines, with La Verdad and La Papaya Club to support. Sets start at 6 p.m. Free (as always) to attend. More info here.
GO METRO: Take the B or D Lines to Pershing Square
SaMo Pride Festival -> Pride month starts this Saturday in Santa Monica with family-friendly festivities stretching from the Third Street Promenade to the Santa Monica Pier. Expect a mix of live musical performances, PRIDE-related treats, giveaways, and games, along with a “Colors of Pride” photo booth activation. Free to attend. Runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
GO METRO: Take the E Line to Downtown Santa Monica station
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Summer Jam at the Academy Museum – FA TP > The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures marks the transition to summer this Friday with an open-to-the-public shindig featuring art-making activities, photo activations, and music all paired with bites and beverages (for purchase) courtesy of Fanny’s. Plus, there will be free admission to the museum galleries from 4 to 8 p.m., with access based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Event starts at 2 p.m. More info here.
WeHo Pride – FA > WeHo Pride has attracted hundreds of thousands of people to their celebration for decades. For 2023 the roster of events for Friday through Sunday include a weekend street fair, the annual Dyke March, the Women’s Freedom Festival, and Sunday’s WeHo Pride Parade, along with specially ticketed events highlighted by the OUTLOUD Music Festival (more info below) produced by JJLA. More info here.
OUTLOUD at WeHo Pride -> OUTLOUD happening Friday through Sunday will bring acts like Grace Jones, Carly Rea Jepsen and Passion Pit to West Hollywood Park during WeHo Pride. There will be DJs, drag and dance all weekend long too. Single day tickets start around $69. More info here.
Pride Night at The Aquarium of the Pacific – M > In partnership with The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific is celebrating the LGBTQ+ community this Friday with an all ages event featuring drag queen storytelling, photo opps, a dance party and much more.Tickets cost $24.95.More info here.
Community Screening of Hulu’s “Flamin’ Hot” at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes – M FA TP > On Friday, Hulu will help kick off LA Plaza’s Family Film Night Summer movie series with a free outdoor public screening of Flamin’ Hot. Director Eva Longoria will introduce the film along with fellow cast members and Flamin’ Hot cheetos-inspired food and craft vendors will be available, as well as various themed activations. The event runs from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. More info here.
Electric Dusk Drive In -> Cruise into a pop-up drive-in this Friday in the city of Glendale for a screening of 90’s cult classic Basic Instinct. Tickets range from $8 to $75 and include outdoor seating on astro turf to VIP front row car seating. More info here.
First Fridays in Chinatown – M FA > L.A.’s Chinatown stays open late for an evening of exploring the unique small businesses and contemporary art and culture spaces that make up the historic neighborhood. Taking place this Friday from 5-9 p.m. the public is encouraged to support local restaurants and cafes while perusing shops and art galleries. Get ready to dance, special musical guests will be spinning vinyl all night long in Chung King Plaza. More info here.
First Fridays at NHM – M > Natural’s History Museum’s signature monthly series returns this Friday with an evening centered on Superheros. There will be a humorous yet scientific look at the topic of superheroes with author, educator, and comedian, Joy Lin moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse . Plus you can catch outdoor sets by Hurray for the Riff Raff and Mei along with cocktails and bites for purchase. Tickets are $20 for non-members. Runs 5 to 10 p.m. More info here.
IWD Health Fair Sex Workers’ Health: From Surviving To Thriving – M FA > The Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Collective, in collaboration with SWOP LA, The Sidewalk Project, PASS Certified, KinkOut, Strippers United, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, will celebrate International Whores Day this Friday by hosting a health and wellness focused fair at the The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. Activities, include yoga led by Thick Girl Yoga LA, a self-defense class with Vanessa Carlisle of Hooker’s Army, and a sound bath with Erotic Medusa. Free to attend. More info here.
Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair -> Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair is a week-long festival (June 1-7) that spotlights 35 films from 20 countries that all explore the darkest sides of humanity. The line up includes rare 35mm prints, and premieres of restorations from Janus Films and Arbelos Films. Film screenings run $13-$15. More info here.
Venice Pride Block Party – FA > Celebrate Pride by the beach this Friday, the block party features DJ sets, a queer market place, food trucks and vendors, all centered around 99 Winward Ave in Venice. Runs 5 to 11 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
PCH Movies & Moonlight – FA > 2nd & PCH in Long Beach continues their free Movies & Moonlight series on Friday with a screening of Dumbo (2019). Complimentary seating is based on first-come, first-served attendance. Pets on leashes are welcome too. More info here.
POPSUGAR Play/Ground -> POPSUGAR Play/Ground takes over ROW DTLA with this Friday with a day of amazing activations that include a POPSUGAR Fitness Studio, Beauty Bar, Zen Zone, sample stations and a number of other fun activities. The day will close with an intimate performance by special guest, Chlöe Bailey. Tickets run between $30 to $145. More info here.
Re:SET L.A. -> This touring music festival is taking the chaos out of large scale music events by curating a smaller (but still stellar) lineup of acts across three nights. Taking place Friday through Sunday at Brookside at the Rose Bowl Stadium, the concert series is headlined by Steve Lacy, Boygenius and LCD Soundsystem with support by acts that include James Blake, Clairo, Jamie XX and more. Tickets start at $99.50. More info here.
House of The Macallan at The Majestic in Los Angeles – M FA > The Macallan invites the public on an immersive sensory journey through the beautiful Scottish landscape to learn about the brand’s history and taste some of The Macallan’s whiskies. Taking place at The Majestic, Thursday through Saturday the event is free to attend and registration to join The Macallan can be made on EventBrite. 21+ only.
Jazz at LACMA – FA > The Los Angeles County Museum of Art hosts free jazz concerts on Fridays at Scmidt Welcome Plaza. This week, catch a performance by Keschia Potter Quartet. Starts at 6 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. More info here.
The Broad Presents Keith Haring: Art is For Everybody M TP -> Over 120 artworks and archival materials of the late New York artist and activist Keith Haring are displayed at The Broad. The specially ticketed “Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody” exhibit explores Haring’s work centered around nuclear disarmament, the HIV/AIDS crisis and more. In conjunction with the show, the free permanent galleries upstairs will display works from Haring’s contemporaries, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jenny Holzer, and Andy Warhol. Runs May 27 to October 8. More info here.
Summer Sounds – M FA > One Colorado in Old Pasadena is cruising into June with a free Summer Sounds series every Saturday in June. The weekly event pops up in their outdoor courtyard, offering dance vibes plus a beer and cocktail garden, and free admission. Runs 7 to 9 p.m. Check the full schedule of performers here.
Mariscos y Discos -> This Saturday Lincoln Heights’ own Altura LA Gallery will host a day of delicious fun at Santa Anita Park that include music to mouthwatering seafood vendors curated by Smorgasburg. Starter packs for the event range from $35 to $55. More info here.
Mariachi USA -> The 34th Annual MARIACHI USA Festival takes over The Hollywood Bowl on Saturday with the best mariachi bands from Mexico and the U.S. plus a dazzling fireworks show. Tickets start at $39.50. More info here.
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LA River Sessions -> On Saturday River Sessions will host a guided walk that explores the rich history, art, culture, and communities along the 51 mile river. For June they’re holding a grounding and talk with Tongva Culture Bearer, Tina Calderon, visits to local artist studios, and a hands-on textile workshop with chincanx artist, Tanya Aguiñiga. Non-profit LA-Más will welcome guests along the river path to a nearby park for a picnic featuring food and drinks from Mercadito, a mutual aid community service group. Tickets start at $29. More info here.
Last Remaining Seats M -> The Los Angeles Conservancy’s annual series Last Remaining Seats features classic film screenings in some of Los Angeles’ most beautiful and historic movie theaters, including Million Dollar Theatre, the Orpheum Theatre, and Los Angeles Theatre. This Saturday they’ll screen Vertigo at the Million Dollar Theatre. Tickets start at $22 for GA. More info here.
Street Food Cinema -> The largest outdoor cinema event returns for its 12th outdoor season at a variety of locations all over Los Angeles County. A number of local food trucks are highlighted at each screening and before the movie, the public can enjoy live bands, audience games, themed photo ops, artisanal vendors, and at certain locations a full bar. This Saturday they will screen Fight Club at The Autry. Tickets start at $22. More info here.
Cosmogony: A Live Digital Performance – M FA > The Music Center’s Digital Innovation Initiative presents Cosmogony, a mind-altering digital dance performance broadcasted from Geneva, straight to the screens of Jerry Moss Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles. Swiss dancers transform into avatars (tethered by motion capture cameras) creating an original dance piece in real time accompanied by music from rock band Tar Pond. The 30-minute performance will be shown on Jerry Moss Plaza’s two 12’ x 20’ LED screens for three consecutive Saturdays (June 3, 10,17) this month. All events begin at 7 p.m. Free to attend, standing room only. More info here.
Ron Herman Parking Lot Sale -> The quintessential LA store is hosting a parking lot sale this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and everything is 75% off. More info here.
The 27th Annual Gilmore Heritage Auto Show – FA > This Saturday the 27th Annual Gilmore Heritage Auto Show comes to the Original Farmers Market. This years theme is Roar with Gilmore – “Wonderful Wagons” and pays tribute to Woodies, Lowriders and all of the great family haulers. More info here.
Cinespia -> Every summer, Angelenos pack a picnic basket and head to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for screenings of films modern, cult, and classic. This year Cinespia has expanded screening locations to include L.A. Historic Park and the Greek Theatre. This Saturday, the series continues with a screening of The Lost Boys at the Greek Theatre. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $22 per person. More info here.
Downtown Burbank Arts Festival – FA TP > A huge vendor marketplace curated by Jackalope Arts takes over Downtown Burbank Saturday and Sunday featuring 180+ indie sellers on hand offering curated goods include original fashion and jewelry design, paper goods, innovative home decor and housewares, art, photography, food, and more. Free to attend. More info here.
Pacific Islander Festival – M > Join the Aquarium of The Pacific in Long Beach for its twentieth annual Pacific Island Festival. Taking place Saturday and Sunday, the festival features traditional music and dance, cultural displays and activities that celebrate Pacific Islander cultures. The festival is free with admission to the aquarium. $37.95 More info here.
LAWineFest -> LAWineFest returns to Long Beach this Saturday and Sunday with a day of tastings from wineries and breweries. GA tickets start at $80 per person. More info here.
Family Day at MOCA – M FA TP > On Sunday, the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Grand Ave location will host an all-ages afternoon of artistic exploration and art marking with an assist from MOCA classroom partnership students and artist-educators. Activities take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum is free. More info here.
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Coming Out West: LGBTQ+ Elders Share Their Stories –M > The Santa Monica History Museum’s new exhibition Coming Out West: LGBTQ+ Elders Share Their Stories features oral histories, images, art, and ephemera from local LGBTQ+ elders with ties to the city. The museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month. More info here.
The Mermaid screens at The Hammer – M FA > On Sunday, the Hammer Museum will screen The Mermaid as part of the UCLA Film & Television Archive screening series Archive Talks. Admission is free, and seats are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
Dining
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Free Donut at Randy’s Donuts -> On Friday, all locations of Randy’s Donuts are giving away one free classic donut of your choice to every customer in honor of National Donut Day. The promo is only redeemable from 6 a.m. to noon. A free donut is great but one is never enough, Randy’s also just introduced a new Pride Flag Donut for the month of June for $3.75. Proceeds from the Pride Flag Donuts are donated to the LGBTQ Center Orange County, Los Angeles LGBT Center and Riverside LGBT Center. More info here.
National Donut Day at Holey Grail -> Hawaiian-born donut shop Holey Grail is throwing an all day National Donut Day celebration on Friday. Happening at their Santa Monica and Larchmont locations, the schedule of events include in-store donut tastings and education; a Kid’s Tasting Table where they can try out local ingredients used onHoley Grail donuts; an evening party with DJ sets and the roll out of their special National Donut Day menu. More info here.
Japanese Sweets & Tea Tasting -> Spend your Sunday enjoying exquisite Japanese sweets and tea tasting at The Joint Seafood and Coffee in Sherman Oaks. Hosted by Culinary Creations, the event pairs fine Japanese green tea with sweets prepared by Konbi pastry chef Kiyoshi Tsukamoto. Guests will be guided through three dessert pairings that incorporate Japan’s luxury confection brand Yoku Moku with tea curated by Tomoko Imade Dyen. Tickets run $50 and guests will receive a tin of Yoku Moku cookies to take home after the event. If you can’t make it this weekend, the tasting will also take place next Saturday, June 10. More info here.
Lilly Rose Pride-themed High Tea -> Lilly Rose at The Wayfarer DTLA celebrates Pride Month with a special themed High Tea & Highball experience, available now Fridays through Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. The colorful teatime includes vibrant cocktails and teas paired with a whimsical tea tower inspired by the rainbow Progress Pride Flag. The experience costs $65 per person and reservations must be made 24-hour ahead of time. More info here.
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