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Books, jazz, dance, and docs. It’s all on the radar for this week in La-La Land.
From August 11-15 in Los Angeles, catch a night of Silent Reading at Common Space, An Evening of National Geographic at the Aero Theatre, JazzPOP at The Hammer, Sizzling Summer Nights at The Autry, Friday Night Wine Tastings at Barnsdall Park, and more
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
A Bookish Night at at Common Space – FA > Common Space Brewing is hosting a night for lovers this Monday that’ll include a peaceful reading session with the Silent Book Club Inglewood, a pop-up offerings to peruse from The Fleuria romance book truck, and a (ticketed for $25) book bedazzling crafting workshop. The book truck comes by at 5 p.m., silent reading begins at 5:30 p.m., and the crafty workshop begins at 7:30 p.m. Get more info here.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach – FA > Long Beach’s signature beachside summer cinema series closes out its 2025 run this Tuesday with a screening of Lilo and Stitch at Granada Beach. Movie 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.
Read to a Dog at Whittier Central Library – FA > Every second Tuesday of the month, bring your little reader to Central Library where they can practice their skills as they read aloud to certified therapy dogs. And rembmer, dogs make the best listeners because… well… no judgment! Session runs from 6 to 7 p.m. The branch is located at 7344 Washington Ave. in Whittier. More info here.
Sketch Party at Benny Boy – FA > Sketch Party’s twice-monthly drawing/drinking meet-up returns to Benny Boy Brewing this Tuesday. They’ll hook you up with sketch paper, pens, pencils, and markers, then it’s up to you to create, mingle, hang out, and enjoy BB’s solid lineup of craft beers and ciders. Jay’s Tacos will be serving food as well. All artistic levels welcome. Free to attend. Runs 7 to 11 p.m. 21+ only. More info here.
Alabama Shakes at The Bowl -> This Wednesday, the Alabama Shakes bring their brand of Grammy-winning southern rock to the Hollywood Bowl as part of their nationwide reunion tour. Tickets are still available start as low as $49. Music starts at 8 p.m. More info here.
An Evening of National Geographic at the Aero Theatre – FA TP > This Wednesday at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, catch a free screening episodes of three different Emmy-nominated NatGeo documentary series at The Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. Catch episodes of Tucci in Italy, Life Below Zero, and Erased: WW2’s Heroes of Color, all beginning at 7:30 p.m. Keep in mind an RSVP does not guarantee a seat. Seating is first-come, first-served. More info here.
Shakespeare in the Park – FA > The second half of the Independent Shakespeare Co.’s summer theater festival in Griffith Park continues this week as the ISC brings performances of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus. Shows will run Wednesday to Saturday through August 31, all beginning at 7 p.m. Make sure to arrive early to grab a spot. Picnics encouraged. More info here.
Dance at the Museum -> The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach is hosting series of dance classes bringing art and movement come together, with an assist from the professional instructors at Cielo Dance Events. Next up, this Wednesday they’ll offer an evening of Bachata. Good for both beginners or experienced dancers. Event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Space is limited. More info here.
JazzPOP at The Hammer –FA > For the second summer installment of JazzPOP at The Hammer, cornetist Bobby Bradford leads a special project paying tribute to baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball during the 1947 season with the Brooklyn Dodgers. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and is free to attend. More info here.
Sizzling Summer Nights at The Autry -> Every Thursday in August, The Autry museum hosts some of L.A.’s best salsa and Latin fusion bands with free salsa lessons, access to the museum galleries and a separate children’s dance floor. For this week, catch a performance by The Echo Park Project. Admission cost $22 per person. Event runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.
Friday Night Wine Tastings at Barnsdall Park – M > Friday night wine tasting continue at the Barnsdall Art Park West Lawn this week. Now in its 16th season tickets cost $45 and get you a flight of wines curated by Silverlake Wine, plus access to a rotation of food trucks, all supported by tunes from local DJs and sweet sunset views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory. The series continues every Friday through September 26. All proceeds support programming within the Park. Starts at 5:30 p.m. More info here.
Jazz at LACMA – FA > The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Friday Night Jazz series continues this week with another concerts at Smidt Welcome Plaza. For this installment, catch a performance led by Emmy and Grammy-nominated guitarist and composer Grant Geissman. 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.
Beach Movie Nights at Dockweiler – FA > LA County Beaches & Harbors has been hosting free summer movie nights at Dockweiler Youth Center every Friday evening, and the series continues this week with a screening of Venom: The Last Dance at 8 p.m. All seating is first-come, first-served. Blankets and low-back chairs welcome. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Expect the Unexpected at Uchi
Uchi brings a modern, boundary-pushing take on Japanese cuisine to the heart of West Hollywood, blending pristine sushi with inventive small plates and seasonal specials you won’t find anywhere else. From delicate nigiri dressed in surprising ways to handrolls that mix tradition with bold, unexpected flavors, the menu balances refinement with a sense of fun—and rewards both the purist and the adventurous eater.
We started with drinks: the Subarashi, a hibiscus margarita riff, and a zero-proof option from their spirit-free menu. Both were bright, refreshing, and just $10 during happy hour—proof you don’t have to splurge to sip well here.
Food-wise, Uchi’s happy hour menu is stacked with dishes you actually want to order. We went half-and-half from the regular and happy hour menus, starting with taiyaki-shaped scallion pancakes—adorably fish-shaped and served with a side of butter.
Nigiri was a high point. The sea bream, salmon, and tuna arrived lightly dressed in unexpected ways, with warm rice and silky fish that melted on the tongue. For handrolls, we played it safe with one classic, then went bold with the A5 pastrami roll and beer mustard—an unlikely combo that worked. We doubled down on red meat with wagyu nigiri, pure decadence in a single bite.
The seasonal specials proved just as tempting, especially the snow crab roll, while the signature Hamachi chili brought a bright, spicy kick without overpowering the fish.
And if you need another reason to plan a visit, there’s a nine-course omakase for two during happy hour for $120—an incredible value for the quality.
Uchi is the kind of place where every plate feels considered, every bite has intention, and yet it never takes itself too seriously.
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