Posted by 
As we stand on the doorstep of America’s 249th birthday, here is what’s tap in the city of Angels.
From July 4-6 in Los Angeles, you’ll find First Fridays in Chinatown, an Americana Celebration at International Printing Museum, HULU Summer Sunday Movies, 4th of July fireworks in Marina del Rey, an All-American Cruise-In at The Petersen, Shakespeare in the Park, Ice Cream Alley at Smorgasburg LA, LACMA Latin Sounds, Street Food Cinema at The Autry, and more.
advertisements
Make Metro Part of Your Weekend
Chinatown First Fridays – M FA > Every first Friday of the month, 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. West Plaza and Chungking Road activate with local pop-up vendors, DJ-spun music, and extended hours at neighborhood art galleries. There is also a concurrent Damnoen Saduak Night Market at Central Plaza. The activations run from 5 to 10 p.m. All free to attend. More info here.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Chinatown Station.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Anime Expo – M > This Thursday to Sunday, Anime Expo’s four-day event returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center to start July, offering anime lovers meet-and-greets with anime creators, special panels, Q&A’s, workshops, interactive experiences and so much more. Four-day passes cost $197.65, you can also grab a single day ticket where prices start at $92. More info here.
Jazz at LACMA – FA > The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s weekly jazz series continues this Friday with another free concerts at Smidt Welcome Plaza. On tap for this week, an evening fusing experimental and contemporary jazz from Katalyst. 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.
advertisements
Shakespeare in the Park – FA TP > Continuing this week, the Independent Shakespeare Co. is once again bringing a summer of theatre to Griffith Park. From July 2 to July 27, catch Wednesday to Sunday performances of Love’s Labour’s Lost at ISC’s familiar space near the Old Zoo. Performances begin at at 7 p.m. Make sure to arrive early to grab a spot. Note for this week there will be no performance on July 4. More info here.
4th of July Fireworks in MDR – FA > The annual 4th of July Fireworks Show returns to Marina del Rey this Friday. Celebrate the holiday with a 20-minute fireworks display over the water starting at 9 p.m., with viewing spots available at Burton Chace Park. Free to attend. More info here.
4th of July Fireworks Show at the Torrance Civic Center – FA > The City of Torrance will put on a fireworks show at the Torrance Civic Center this Friday with viewing locations at the West parking lot of the LA County Court House, and the L.A. Galaxy Sports Complex. You don’t have to buy a ticket, but attendance is limited and based on first-come, first-served. The pyrotechnics begin at 8:45 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. More info here.
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza – FA > The Valley Cultural Foundation’s massive 4th of July event at Warner Ranch Park returns this Friday featuring a tribute to The Doors with a performance by Strange Days, plus a over dozen onsite food trucks and 20-minute fireworks display after sundown. The event listing mentions the park can accommodates up to 40,000 attendees, so expect a crowd! Free to attend. More info here.
Santa Monica Fourth of July Parade – FA > For the Independence Day early risers, head over to Main Street in Santa Monica for the annual Fourth of July Parade this Friday, which kicks off at 9:30 a.m. The route begins at Pico and Main Street, then heads south on Main before turning right onto Marine, ending at Barnard Way. Free to attend. More info here.
Annual Downtown Culver City Independence Celebration – FA > On Saturday, Culver City marks our nation’s birthday with a 80’s themed community celebration featuring live music and a special drone light show to cap the evening. Free to attend. Runs 6 to 9:30 p.m. More info here.
advertisements
LACMA Latin Sounds – FA > This Saturday, LACMA continues their a series of evening, outdoor concerts at Hancock Park (adjacent to the museum campus) with a performance by Katalyst, who will bring an eclectic mix of experimental contemporary jazz to the stage. Free to attend. Runs 5 to 7 p.m. More info here.
Street Food Cinema -> Street Food Cinema brings their outdoor movie series to The Autry this Saturday, with a screening of The Princess Bride. Advanced GA tickets start at $22. Doors open for most events at 6 p.m. More info here.
Americana Celebration at International Printing Museum -> To celebrate the 4th of July, this Saturday the International Printing Museum in Carson will host a day of family fun featuring live printing demos, hands-on activities, a vintage car show, and museum tours. There will be live music as well, and attendees will be able to print their very own copy of the Declaration of Independence. GA admission is $12. Event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
HULU Sunday Summer Movies -> SLS Hotel and Hulu team up for Sunday Summer Movies, a chic rooftop cinema series on the hotel’s sixth-floor pool deck. Every Sunday at sunset through August 31, the LaDiDa deck transforms into an open-air theater screening fan-favorite rom-coms and cult classics, curated in partnership with Hulu. Tickets are $45 and include a food and drink credit to enjoy poolside cocktails and bites. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the movie starting promptly at 8 p.m. This week they’ll screen The Sandlot to kick off the series. Reserve your spot in advance—limited tickets will be available at the door until 7:30 p.m. More info here.
The Petersen Automotive Museum All-American Cruise-In -> On Sunday, the Petersen Automotive Museum will host its annual All-American Cruise-In celebrating 60 years of the Shelby GT350 and the Cobra 427. Expect hundreds of cars and motorcycles on display. The day will also host a panel discussion with automotive legends and Pink’s Hot Dogs will be onsite serving hot dogs. This event is free to attend. More info here.
Manilla Sound – FA > This Sunday, Benny Boy Brewing in Lincoln Heights is hosting Manila Sound, a Filipino-American creative collective that creates events featuring music, food, and local vendors. Expect DJ sets highlighting Original Filipino Music plus food offerings from Tisoy Quality Goods and Tatay Ry’s. The event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. Free entry, but it’s 21+ only. More info here.
advertisements
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Karaage Meets Caviar at Uchi (July 6–18) -> To mark both National Fried Chicken Day and National Caviar Day, Uchi West Hollywood is serving up a luxe twist on comfort food: crispy chicken karaage finished with brown butter, maple, crème fraîche, and chives, crowned with an ounce of Paddlefish caviar from The Caviar Co. ($48). Early diners can also stop by during happy hour for half-off glasses of bubbles and a menu full of unexpected delights—think brisket handrolls with shishito jam, chojang-jerk marinated fish wings, and a surprising nine-course tasting for two at just $120. The karaage with caviar is available on the regular menu, and happy hour runs all day Sunday through Wednesday, and from 5 to 6 p.m. the rest of the week.
Smorgasburg’s Ice Cream Alley -> Smorgasburg’s sweetest summertime tradition returns this Sunday, July 6, as Ice Cream Alley kicks off a season-long celebration of frozen treats just inside the entrance to Smorgasburg LA, running every Sunday through August 31. The dedicated dessert zone features a standout lineup of vendors both new and returning. This year’s launch event features 626 Hospitality Group bringing Smorg-only creations like ice cream sparklers, affogatos, and specialty drinks; Lefty Gelateria with small-batch scoops in flavors like Date & Pecan and matcha, plus their signature sweet potato gelato brûlée sundae; Mateo’s Ice Cream & Fruit Bars rolls in for the first time with a truck full of classic nieves and paletas; and Pampas Heladas Argentinos will serve Argentinian style helados—think dulce de leche, pistachio, and flan—paired with stuffed alfajores and cubanitos. More info here.
All-Night Happy Hour at BOA Steakhouse (July 4) -> BOA Steakhouse is keeping the party going with an all-night happy hour this Fourth of July. Starting at 5 p.m. in the bar and lounge areas at all locations, enjoy oysters on the half shell, King Crab Ceviche, and the signature BOA Burger with fries. Margaritas are just $8 for the night, and most cocktails are $10. 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!
By subscribing, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy and consent to receive emails from We Like L.A. about news, events, offers, and partner promotions.
advertisements
