Posted by Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome. Since time is precious in this fast paced city, we decided to curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).
This weekend includes the LA Food & Wine Festival, the Long Beach BBQ fest, Dark Nights at LA Live, a late-night party at LACMA, a comic book convention in The Valley and much, much more.
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So grab some friends or go at it alone, but most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself!
[RELATED: The Best Way to Find Discount Events in Los Angeles]
[REMINDER: In some cases We Like L.A. does receive revenue when visitors click on ticket links and make purchases, however we maintain complete editorial control over the events we suggest. Basically, it only makes it on to the website if we think it is cool!]
Friday August 28th, 2015
1. Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival
This massive festival brings all of the L.A. foodie scene together to celebrate some of the best culinary stars out there today. Expect cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs like Curtis Stone and Tyler Florence, as well as the raising stars behind local hotspots like Faith & Flower and Osteria Mozza. In addition plenty of wineries and breweries will be on hand to wet your whisle and a concert by The Roots will livin up the festival. The event takes place Thursday through Sunday in various locations of the city.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers Friday Night Fireworks
Nothing quite compares to an evening watching the boys in blue at Dodger Stadium. After the final out is called, the lights will go down and guests can actually go on to the field for a spectacular fireworks show. This weekend the Dodgers are up against the Chicago Cubs, and our friends at Goldstar have a deal on tickets starting at $32 for reserve MVP seating.
3. Long Beach BBQ Festival
The Long Beach BBQ Festival is the largest three day BBQ extravaganza featuring some of the “Worlds Best BBQ Ribs, Pulled Pork, Tri-tip, Sausages, Chicken and more.” Look forward to fierce competition from national award winning rib cookers of America and local grillers as they produce the best that their secret recipes have to offer just for you! The Long Beach BBQ Festival runs Friday through Sunday at the Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. Get discount tickets while they last via Goldstar.
4. Wanderlust Creamery Grand Opening
Wanderlust Creamery is celebrating their grand opening this weekend with the first 50 people each day getting a free upgrade to a double scoop and a custom flavored ice cream cone! Wanderlust Creamery’s ice creams are custom made in-house with 100% organic milk and come in unique flavors like earl grey and roasted strawberry balsamic and mascarpone.
5. California Market Center Showroom Sample Sale Event
Open to the public once a month the California Market Center hosts a showroom sample sale event where 13 floors of participating showrooms open their doors from 9am-3pm to savvy patrons.
6. Moonlight Hike
Experience the Canyon after the sun goes down! Take in the breathtaking views of the San Fernando Valley as the moon rises over trees, listen for owls, and take in the beauty of the canyon trails after sunset. Hikers have a choice of three energy levels: short/youth, medium hike or a long hike. They run 45 to 60 minute long. Howling at the moon is strongly encouraged! The hikes are free for TreePeople members and up to three guests. Nonmembers pay $5 per hiker.
7. Birchbox’s LA Tour
Birchbox is taking a road trip and will make a three-day stop at The Grove! The NY based company will transform two of their shipping boxes into massive, full-service beauty and grooming shops. Fans can shop an edited selection of full-size products, score fun freebies and catch some special appearances. In addition Birchbox will host free nail services and astrology readings, live music, and more. Pop-up hours are Friday, 12:00pm to 6:00pm, Saturday, 11:0am to 7:00pm, and Sunday, 12:00pm to 6:00pm.
8. Downtown Dark Nights At L.A. Live
L.A. LIVE’s most exciting night returns with Downtown Dark Nights this Friday featuring live musicians, performers, artists and indie craft vendors. Unbeatable $5 food and drink specials will be happening at all participating L.A. LIVE restaurants. Don’t miss out on all of the fun in Downtown Los Angeles!
9. Dreslyn Sample Sale
The Dreslyn is having a major sale this Thursday through Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Score 50% to 80% off on brands like Band of Outsiders, Carven, Equipment, Helmut Lang, Iro, Maison Martin Margiela, Theory, Rachel Comey, Rag & Bone and more. Cash and credit card are both excepted.
Location: The Cooper Building 860 S. Los Angeles St., Mezzanine #2, Los Angeles, 90014.
10. Fiesta LA Ballona
Come to a party in the park full of carnival rides and games, live performances, over 100 vendor booths, a petting zoo and pony rides, a beer and wine garden, farmers market, food trucks and a food court, sustainability activities and special contests and events. Did I miss anything? Oh yes the event is free and open the public! Happening the 28th through the 30th at Veterans Park.
11. Enchantment of the Glass Armonica
The Velaslavasay Panorama hosts an elaborate illustrated lecture on the history of the Glass
Armonica and its historical use in hypnosis treatments by Franz Mesmer and Phantasmagoria shows. The lecture, lead by Professor Allison de Fren of Occidental College, will be followed by a short performance on the Glass Armonica by the virtuoso Lynn Drye. The Glass Armonica was invented by Benjamin Franklin in the early 1760s and is known for its alluring and ethereal sound. The instrument was a refinement of ‘singing glasses,’ and was most recently featured in the film “Mr. Holmes,” but is relatively little known in modern culture otherwise. The Illustrated Lecture and Performance will take place at the Velaslavasay Panorama, near Downtown, Los Angeles. In case you have never visited the Velaslavasay Panorama, it is an exhibition hall, theatre and garden dedicated to the production and presentation of unusual visual experiences, including those of the 360-degree variety.
12. FIGat7th Downtown Festival
The Plaza Level at FIGat7th in DTLA invites the public for a free night of music. This week’s theme is Coiza Boa: A Celebration of Afro Brazilian Music and Dance with music courtesy of Quetzal Guerrero and Jungle Fire with Capoeira Exchange, Gisella Ferreira, and a DJ set from Potira. Explore the bars and restaurants at Fig during the Taste happy hour starting at 4:00pm! Doors open at 7:00pm for the Plaza Bar and the show starts at 8:00pm.
13. Barnsdall Park’s Friday Night Wine Tasting
All summer long Barnsdall Art Park has a weekly fundraiser to benefit Barnsdall Art Park Foundation programs and projects. Perched on a hill with a gorgeous panoramic view of Hollywood, guests will enjoy fine wine and art in the gardens of Frank Lloyd Wright’s newly restored architectural gem, Hollyhock House. Silver Lake Wine will curate fine selections of boutique, small production, artisanal wines for park-goers as well as local gourmet cheese shop, Say Cheese.
14. Dance Downtown
The weekly summer dance party at the Music Center in DTLA. This week’s dance theme will be the Samba! The shows and dance parties are 100% free to the public all summer long.
15. Groundlings Main Show The Red Light District
The Groundlings Theatre has kicked off their next main show in the Red Light District. The performance schedule runs every Friday at 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. through September 26. Tickets are $20.00!
Saturday August 29th, 2015
16. Street Food Cinema: Cruel Intentions
Good movies, amazing venues, up and coming local bands and tasty food trucks. What more could you ask for? This weekend Street Food Cinema screens Cruel Intentions at Glendale Central Park. Event opens at 5:30pm and movie starts at 8:30pm. Get more information and discount tickets (while supplies last) via Goldstar. In addition there are two other screenings taking place that night, Beetle Juice in Manhattan Beach and Jurassic Park in Pasadena.
17. Muse ’til Midnight at LACMA
Party down at LACMA? This Saturday, August 29, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will be hosting a late-night shindig featuring music, food, drink, and amazing art (obviously) in an event they call Muse ’til Midnight.
18. Urban Blues Festival
Come to Raleigh Studios in Hollywood as blues guitarist Walter Trout headlines an entire day of music and delicious food at the Ascencia Urban Blues Festival. For more information and discount tickets (while supplies last), see our friends at Goldstar.
19. The Well’s Warehouse Sale
Here is a wallet-friendly way to upgrade your wardrobe. This Saturday, The Well is dishing out some major deals on cult-favorite brands during its semi-annual warehouse sale. Happening for only one day from 11:00am to 6:00pm, guest will score 50 to 80% off women’s and men’s goods, sip on complementary drinks, shop to live music and meet Instagram superstar Stephanie Villa aka Soothing Sista, the first 30 shoppers score a free gift too. Brands expected to be there include Wildfox, DRKSHDW by Rick Owens and Unif.
20. Yin + Tonic
On Saturday, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, The Springs in Downtown Los Angeles will be hosting Yin + Tonic, an event featuring Yin Yoga and meditation with tonic cocktails available immediately following at the bar. Led by former NFL athlete Grant Mattos and Yin Yoga Instructor Laila Garys, the session will consist of a combination of mindful breathing, relaxing postures, and a chance to quiet a busy mind. Registration is $35.
21. Eat|See|Hear Screening Of Reservoir Dogs
The Eat|See|Hear Summer Movie Series (winner of L.A. Magazines Best Outdoor Movie Series), is in full effect! This weekend they will be screening Reservoir Dogs at The Autry in Griffith Park. Free parking, a huge lawn and awesome food trucks and live music round out your night. Bring your dog they even give doggy biscuits at the door! Discount tickets are available via Goldstar.
22. Woofstock
Live music, food, refreshments, dog-friendly activities make up this end of summer party happening at the Healthy Spot in the Long Beach Marketplace. Bring your furry friend and spend the day competing in a best dog trick contest, take them to the doggie photo booth and plenty of giveaways will be happening too. Dog Tag: You’re It! will also be on site with animals up for adoption.
23. Sophie Monet Jewelry & Friends Pop Up
From 10:00am to 6:00pm, shop Sophie Monet’s exotic wooden and metal pieces from her latest and past collections. In addition apparel by Lily Ashwell, beachy pieces by Breton Swim, bedding from Parachute Home, vintage home goods by Venice Vintage Paradise and much more will join in on this super chic pop up shop. Happy hour starts at 4:00pm!
24. Santa Monica Scavenger Hunt
From the Santa Monica Pier to Third Street Promenade , this lively hunt takes you on a urban adventure in the diverse community of Santa Monica. Half price tickets are available while supplies last for this weekend via Goldstar.
25. In Box At Giant Robot 2 Reception
In Box is an exhibition of work contained in a 12” x 12” wooden box. Eighteen artists were commissioned to fill and create art within the confined space for this show. Curated by Audrey Kawasaki, In Box promises to be a strong group exhibition filled with mystery of how each artist will execute their project. Opening reception will be held at Giant Robot 2 or GR2 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.
26. Lemonade Stand
As part of Live and Dine in L.A. art collaboration Fallen Fruit is inviting folks to gather at Central Library’s Maguire Gardens with a self portrait of yourself on a lemon in exchange for a glass of refreshing lemonade. The lemon self portraits collected that day will help form a group portrait. In addition while at Lemonade Stand guest will be recorded for stories about their neighborhoods and family. Founded in 2004, art collaboration Fallen Fruit has organized projects, site-specific installations and events all over the world using fruit as a material or media.
27. Kiki’s Delivery Service Screening
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Bring your kids and celebrate 30 years of Studio Ghibli with a matinee screening of Kiki’s Delivery Service at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. Discount tickets are available via Goldstar.
28. 22nd Annual Glendale Cruise Night
Calling all car enthusiast over 400 pre-1980 cars will be on display on Brand Boulevard in Glendale. Guest can also enjoy live entertainment and a fireworks show at the end of the night.
29. For Love & Lemons Warehouse Sale
The sought after L.A. label For Love & Lemons is having their insanely popular warehouse sale happening just for one day from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Prices will range from $20 to $125. Cash and card are both accepted.
Location: 1660 Naud St, Los Angeles
30. CRAFT
Project One Hospitality is hosting an evening celebrating American craft, at the Gabba Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles. Featuring some of today’s biggest bar talent, CRAFT brings a number of unforgettable cocktail programs led by artists and cocktail makers, Cory Brim, Darwin Manahan, Stephen Garcia, Genero Garcia, and wine pairings by Heather Gunn of the Four Seasons Hotel group. Gourmet bites will be showcased by local chefs and suppliers, including culinary delights prepared by chef Nick Montgomery of Osso in DTLA. To further complement the evening, two members of the renowned and incredibly talented Magnolia Memoir, Mela Lee and Alexander Burke, will perform live tunes and present their newest album. Local artisan brands and organizations, such as The Giving Keys will also be there showcasing their work. In honor of Firefighter Awareness Month, special cocktails will be created with proceeds of the event going to the California Fire Foundation.
31. Buck Mason Grand Opening
The Los Angeles based menswear label Buck Mason is having a party this Saturday from 11:00am to 8:00pm, to celebrate the opening of their new Abbot Kinney retail space. Complimentary cocktails will be served from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, and they’ll be offering free on-site alterations all day long. No RSVP is required.
Location: 1638 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA
32. Sip Cocktails, See The Sights With The Historic Hollywood: Stars & Bars Gang!
Get a taste of Old Hollywood sip on classic cocktails as an awesome guide share history tidbits, celebrity stories and more on Urban Adventures tour of Historic Hollywood. Grab discount tickets via Goldstar.
Sunday, August 30th 2015
33. Sunday Funday dineL.A.
dineL.A. is partnering up with FXX and seven L.A. restaurants for a Sunday Funday brunch party. The brunch event will celebrate the second season of the FXX show You’re the Worst, premiering on September 9. For $25 you get to select one entrée and one side or dessert from each restaurant’s brunch menu, plus a bottomless beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
34. Yoga With A View
One Sunday per month, Andaz West Hollywood partners up with personal trainer and yoga instructor Jake Feree to offer a one hour yoga class in the rooftop Panorama Lounge. Yoga lovers get a fun, flowing, inspirational workout, an extraordinary view of the Los Angeles skyline, and sip on complimentary Zico Coconut Water. Book your spot for $15.
35. Disney’s “Frozen” Sing-along At The El Capitan
Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a special engagement of Disney’s “Frozen” Sing-along version from August 20th through September 16th. Each screening will be accompanied by Elsa, live on stage, snow inside the theatre, and after the movie, Olaf live on stage and a screening of Disney’s “Frozen Fever.” Discount tickets are available while they last via Goldstar.
36. Silver Pockets Sunday
Silver Pockets Sunday takes place on the last Sunday out of a month with five weekends. The 1933 Group bars will be offering $1 cocktail specials at Bigfoot Lodge, Harlowe, Sassafras, Bigfoot West, La Cuevita, Thirsty Crowe and Oldfield’s.
37. The Actors’ Gang Presents Free Shakespeare In The Park: Harry Potter Hamlet
Founded in 1981, The Actors’ Gang- under the leadership of Tim Robbins, Founder and Artistic Director- has received worldwide acclaim for presenting over 150 plays in Los Angeles and have toured over 41 US states and five continents.The Actors’ Gang is proud to present an annual free Shakespeare-In-The-Park series at Media Park. For August they will present Harry Potter Hamlet. Bring your family and friends, set up a picnic, and join the characters’ tale of friendship, family, justice and coming-of-age. Happening Saturday and Sunday the shows start at 11:00am!
Location: 9070 Venice Blvd, Culver City
38. SuperHero — Princess Academy: A Mini-Musical for Little Ones
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Need to entertain the little guys and gals this weekend? Check out this one-hour mini-musical performed by the folks at the Creating Arts Company. The show includes singing, dancing, and plenty of audience interaction to keep the little ones engaged throughout. Get more information and discount tickets (while supplies last) via Goldstar.
39. GreenReads At Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
GreenReads was created as a development series for playwrights to give first time readings of their plays to an audience interested in new works for the stage. The program has supported over 100 new plays, at least 25 of which have gone on to be published, win awards and receive major productions across the country. Located in Topanga Canyon, Theatricum Botanicum will host Jacob Juntunen’s play reading of Hath Taken. This is a free event open to the public.
40. Live Band Karaoke At Villains Tavern
Sundays at Villains Tavern in DTLA is the spot to be to catch some live band karaoke! Casual Encounters will play music from 9:00pm to 1:00am, with a huge roster of songs from the ‘60s to the now. This the perfect place to show off your singing chops or people watch with a cocktail in hand.
41. My Neighbor Totoro Screening
Bring your kids and celebrate 30 years of Studio Ghibli with a matinee screening of My Neighbor Totoro at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica.
42. Used Cookbook Sale!
The Culinary Historians of Southern California’s annual used cookbook sale is taking place at the Hollywood Farmers Market. Find rare and classic cookbooks, magazines and other food-related print. Proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Public Library’s culinary collections.
43. San Fernando Valley Comic Book Convention
The San Fernando Valley Comic Book Convention has a retro feel with raffles and special throwback guests including Ken Osmond, who played Eddie Haskell on Leave It to Beaver, Lana Wood who played Plenty O’Toole in the 1971 James Bond flick Diamonds Are Forever and even the original model for Disney’s Tinker Bell, Margaret Kerry.
44. Taste of Venice to Benefit P.S. ARTS
Join P.S. ARTS and the chefs of Venice, California this Sunday from 3:00pm to 7:00pm for an afternoon of savory samples, delightful drinks, and delicious desserts – all to support P.S. ARTS’ public school arts education programs. This year’s event is sponsored by and located at Lincoln Place Apartment Homes (1050 Frederick St, Venice, CA 90291) and features a silent auction and VIP tasting tour. For a full list of participating vendors, and to purchase tickets, visit: psarts.org/tasteofvenice.
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