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Ozomatli performs on stage. | Photo by Martica1974 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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2Pac was right: California knows how to party! July keeps on rolling and this week it brings with it music and food festivals, movies and concerts at parks across the county, new musicals and one more Pride event. When you’re done planning your social calendar for this week, check out our summer geek guide to help you find all the nerdtastic events in SoCal this summer.
626 Night Market
Santa Anita Park | 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 | July 8-10 | 626nightmarket.com
The 626 Night Market is back in the 626 for another summer of delectable treats and new finds. Featuring vendors selling dim sum, tacos, BBQ ribs, desserts, boba, aguas frescas, churros and ice cream, and various styles of apparel, jewelry, home goods and collectibles, you’ll want to arrive early enough to see and taste everything.
Long Beach Pride
450 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802 | July 8-10 | longbeachpride.com
June may have come to an end but that doesn’t mean you need to stop celebrating! Long Beach Pride keeps the party going with a parade on July 10 and a festival featuring headliners Iggy Azalea, Natalia Jiménez and Paulina Rubio. Don’t forget to check out the different stages around the festival featuring other musical performances, the silent disco, S&M playground, family fun zone, roller rink, werkshop ballroom, artists walls, drag makeup, or the transcendence dome, a pop-up museum chronicling the history of the trans women who made Pride possible.
Water at the Park Days
Palmview Park | 1340 E. Puente Ave., West Covina, CA 91790 | July 8, 15, 22, 29 | westcovina.org
It’s hot and the state is experiencing a historic drought which makes it hard to keep cool. Beat the heat every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at a different park in West Covina with water activities, games and summer fun for kids 3 and older.
Family Movie Fridays: “Jungle Cruise”
Memorial Park | 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024 | July 8 | cityofsierramadre.com
Pack some chairs or blankets, and don’t forget snacks, and spend some quality time with your family laughing along to the hijinks in Disney’s “Jungle Cruise”
Zedd in the Park
LA Historic Park | 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | July 8 | zedd.net/zitp
Headliner Zedd will be joined by Loud Luxury, Wolfgang Gartner, Regard, So Tuff So Cute and Goj!ra b2b Fernet.
“Spider-Man No Way Home”
Garfield Park | 1000 Park Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030 | July 8 | southpasadenaca.gov
There’s just something quintessentially summer about watching a movie under the night sky. Enjoy Peter Parker’s latest escapades through the multiverse.
Summer Concerts in the Park: Balance
Memorial Park | 320 N. Orange Place, Azusa, CA 91702 | July 8 | ci.azusa.ca.us
Pack up your blankets, lawn chairs and picnics for an evening of free musical entertainment.
Under the Stars: “Mary Poppins”
One Colorado Old Pasadena | 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103 | July 8 | onecolorado.com
The movie starts at 8:30 p.m. but show up before to experience the 360 video photo booths. Don’t forget to pack your own chairs and blankets as seating is on a first come, first served basis.
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA
Jerry Moss Plaza | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | July 8 | musiccenter.org
Learn a new dance under the stars at this very popular, free event. Instructor Brando Juezan will guide you through some hip hop dance moves as DJ Monalisa provides the tunes.
Culver City Arts District Night Market
Ivy Station | 8840 National Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 | July 8 | eventbrite.com
Local vendors, food trucks, drinks, games and music make this the perfect evening outing.
“Kinky Boots”
Hollywood Bowl | 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068 | July 8-10 | hollywoodbowl.com
“Kinky Boots,” inspired by a true story, tells the story of an unlikely friendship built around some very unlikely shoes. Factory owner Charlie is struggling to save his business, and the fabulous Lola has a wildly exciting idea that just might do the trick. Kinky Boots is the huge-hearted story of two people with nothing in common—or so they think. The Broadway hit lifts spirits to new high-heeled heights with its Tony-winning music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein, and direction and Tony-winning choreography by original director-choreographer Jerry Mitchell.
Michelada Rumble
Santa Anita Park | 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 | July 9 | micheladarumble.com
Estrella Jalisco presents Michelada Rumble featuring live music, baile folklorico, a car exhibition, lucha libre, food trucks, the top michelada vendors in SoCal, and a performance by Too $hort.
Indie Rock Night
The Mixx | 443 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 | July 9 | themixxclub.com
Local rockers Polar Primates pay tribute to Arctic Monkeys while Public Perfect sings Interpol.
CaliFLOATication
Cabo Cantina | 1240 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401 | July 9 | whatthefloat.com
The floating dance party returns with this beach night bonanza. Brandt Snyder has found the perfect path through Santa Monica for an absolutely amazing seaside adventure, soundtracked with dance jams courtesy of Ms. Megan Allen and Brandt himself.
Saturdays at Station Park
Station Square Park | 1629 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016 | July 9 | cityofmonrovia.org
OC Groove will have everyone dancing with jazz and soul funk tunes at the first concert of the summer in Monrovia.
Getty 25 Celebrates Reseda
Reseda Park | 18411 Victory Blvd., Reseda, CA 91335 | July 9-10 | getty.edu
Getty is celebrating the Center’s 25th anniversary and LA communities with free weekend festivals. Getty is partnering with 11:11 Projects to bring together artists, musicians, local arts organizations, and the San Fernando Valley’s creative community. Enjoy hands-on art workshops, live music and performances, an immersive digital experience of Getty collections, giveaways, photo booths, food vendors, and more.
Guerra de Micheladas
Santa Anita Park | 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 | July 10 | guerrademicheladas.com
Also presented by Estrella Jalisco, this sister event to Michelada Rumble will feature lucha libre, food trucks, performances by Los Cadetes de Linares, Banda Vallarta Show and Maritsa y Su Sonora, and the top michelada vendors in SoCal.
Michael Feinstein Sings Gershwin
LA County Arboretum | 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007 | July 9 | pasadenasymphony-pops.org
Taking a break from conducting, Michael Feinstein sings a full concert of Gershwin featuring songs like “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “I Got Rhythm, “ and “Embraceable You.”
El Sabor de Mi Centro!
Mi Centro | 553 S. Clarence St., Los Angeles, CA 90033 | July 9 | eventbrite.com
The Los Angeles LGBT Center is hosting a celebration featuring live music from La Mera Candelaria and Joshua Martin, DJ Martin Madrigal, Raquelita and Barbie Q, food and raffles.
Palomino Festival
Rose Bowl Stadium | 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena CA 91103 | July 9 | palominopasadena.com
Headliner Kacey Musgraves will be joined by Willie Nelson and Family, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Turnpike Troubadours, Orville Peck, Zach Bryan and many other country music stars.
Goat Yoga with Hello Critter
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden | 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007 | July 9, Aug. 6 | arboretum.org
There are two sessions of this one-hour class that includes 45 minutes of yoga and 15 minutes to take photos with your new goat friends.
Lotus Festival
Echo Park Lake | 751 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026 | July 9-10 | laparks.org
Celebrating the people and culture of India, and 75 years of independence, the Lotus Festival will feature a food court, children’s area, handcrafted artwork, a “Lights of Dreams” lantern launch, gift bazaar, dragon boat races and a host country pavilion.
Horrorville 2022
Halloween Depot | 13422 Paramount Blvd., South Gate, CA 90280 | July 9-10 | eventbrite.com
Featuring Rodger L. Jackson, aka Ghost Face from “Scream,” this horror-themed pop-up will have special guests from the horror industry, cosplayers, independent fashion designers, horror collectibles and apparel, and more surprises.
Reptile Super Show
Anaheim Convention Center Hall D | 1950 West St., Anaheim, CA, 92802 | July 9-10 | reptilesupershow.com
Get up close and personal with interesting creatures and talk to breeders of these animals. You might even walk away with a new pet with all the knowledge and supplies you’ll need to care for them.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Rose Bowl Stadium | 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103 | July 10 | rgcshows.com
Pickup some antiques, collectibles, or vintage finds from over 2,500 vendors at the Rose Bowl Flea Market.
Day Trip LA
The Patio at Academy LA | 6021 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | July 10 | daytrip.la
Westend makes his Day Trip LA debut with a stacked lineup. KC Lights, Miss Dre, and MUUS will also be featured.
Historic Downtown Farmer’s Market 10 Year Celebration
DTLA | 211 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 | July 10 | historiccore.com
Get up early and grab some fresh, affordable and accessible food in downtown LA. They accept EBT and food stamps. You can also find jewelry, body oils and butter, clothing, candles and many other vendors.
Sundays at Library Park
Monrovia Library Park | 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016 | July 10 | cityofmonrovia.org
After enjoying dinner at one of Old Town Monrovia’s many restaurants, lay out a picnic blanket to enjoy ‘80s rock and roll from the Skinny Ties.
Concerts in the Park: The Kings of 88
Farnsworth Park Amphitheater | 576-898 Mount Curve Ave E, Altadena, CA 91001 | July 10 | altadenatowncouncil.org
This is a free concert featuring The Kings of 88, known for their covers of Billy Joel, Elton John, Carole King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, The Beatles, Little Richard and even some more modern artists like Coldplay.
Hania Rani
The Sun Rose | 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 | July 11 | dice.fm
An award-winning pianist and composer, Hania Rani’s debut album, “Esja,” received international acclaim for its collection of solo piano pieces. “Home,” her sophomore album, won her the title of “Best Composer” in Poland. Latin American composer and violinist/violist Bryan Senti will open the night.
“Raya and the Last Dragon”
Irwindale Park | 16053 Calle De Paseo, Irwindale, CA 91706 | July 11 | irwindaleca.gov
Pack up the car with lawn chairs and blankets to watch “Raya and the Last Dragon” at dusk.
Summer Concerts in the Park Series
Central Park | 6532 Friends Ave., Whittier, CA 90601 | July 11 | eventbrite.com
Kick off the work week on a high note (see what I did there?) with live music, snacks, food vendors and more fun for the family.
“West Side Story” in Concert
Hollywood Bowl | 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068 | July 12 | hollywoodbowl.com
Conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who conducted Leonard Bernstein’s score for the 2021 adaptation of “West Side Story,” leads the LA Phil in a performance of the timeless musical that will be projected on the Bowl’s big screen.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach: “The Goonies”
Granada Beach | 5000 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90803 | July 12 | moonlightmoviesonthebeach.com
Featuring local food trucks and kettle corn vendors, pack up your beach supplies to watch this cult classic at sunset.
Urgent LA
Verdugo Park | 1621 Cañada Blvd, Glendale, CA 91208 | July 13 | glendaleca.gov
As the worst of the day’s heat is over, get together with family and friends to enjoy a tribute to Foreigner.
“Sing 2”
Lambert Park | 11431 McGirk Ave., El Monte, CA 91732 | July 13 | ci.el-monte.ca.us
Grab a pizza and blanket, then sit back and enjoy a movie under the stars.
Electric Vinyl
Civic Center | 1444 W. Garvey Ave. S., West Covina, CA 91790 | July 13 | westcovina.org
Get over hump day with an evening of classic rock hits played by Electric Vinyl.
Music in the Chinese Garden
The Huntington | 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 | July 13 | huntington.org
Enjoy traditional Chinese music in the afternoon.
Summer Concerts in the Park
Beardslee Park | 2000 Buena Vista St., Duarte, CA 91010 | July 13 | accessduarte.com
Arrive early and set-up your lawn chairs, blankets, and enjoy a DJ and live music from The Wise Guys Big Band.
Noche de Rock en Español
The Mixx | 443 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 | July 14 | themixxclub.com
Golden State Band supplies hits from Maná, Caifanes, Zoé, Café Tacvba, Enanitos Verdes, Jaguares, and more.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”
Long Beach City College – Liberal Arts Campus | 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, CA 90808 | July 14 | moonlightmoviesonthebeach.com
After a day at the beach, take those blankets and beach chairs to LBCC’s Liberal Arts Campus to see Harry, Ron and Hermione save Sirius Black.
Momotombo SF
Morgan Park | 4100 Baldwin Park Blvd., Baldwin Park, CA 91706 | July 14 | baldwinpark.com
Momotombo SF, a 10-piece band composed mainly of notable alumni of Malo and Santana, play Latin rock hits for two hours. Show up early to check out the Downtown Street Market.
Boombox Heroes
Dan Diaz Recreation Center | 16053 Calle de Paseo, Irwindale, CA 91706 | July 14 | irwindaleca.gov
Turn the clock back to the ’70s and ’80s as Boombox Heroes play hits from two decades.
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” and Susie Hansen Latin Band
City Hall West Lawn | 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 | July 14 | arcadiaca.gov
Kids can enjoy the fun zone area with plenty of games, crafts, and activities.
Midsummer Shakespeare Festival
Sontag Greek Theatre | 300 E. Bonita Ave., Claremont, CA 91711 | July 14-24 | pomona.edu
The Midsummer Shakespeare Festival presents “The Winter’s Tale” outdoors at Sontag Greek Theatre. The venue will open early for picnickers, with booths featuring artists and artisanal vendors. Concessions will be available.
Infolist Pre Comic-Con Bash
Academy LA | 6021 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | July 14 | eventbrite.com
Celebrating all things comic books, sci-fi, fantasy and cosplay, this pre comic-con party will host producers, creators, execs and stars from blockbuster movies, top TV shows, manga, comic books, anime and video games. The lineup includes execs from Comikaze Entertainment and LA Comic Con, producers from “The Umbrella Academy,” director and writer Shane Black (“Iron Man 3,” “The Predator,” “Lethal Weapon”), screenwriter David Hayter (“X-Men,” “The Watchmen”), Geoff Mark (lead VFX artist on “Spider-Man 3”), Emmy award-winning art director Ellen Jin (“Dr. Strange,” “Iron Man,” “He-Man & The Masters of the Universe”), producer/writer/director John Over (“Animaniacs,” “Tiny Toon Adventures,” “Clifford the Big Red Dog”), music director/composer Shie Rozow (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Corpse Bride,” “Hellboy 2”) and many more.
The Drop: Ozomatli
The Grammy Museum | 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 | July 14 | universe.com
Grammy- and Latin Grammy-winning band Ozomatli talk about the making of their new album, “Marching On,” followed by a performance.
“Wibit”
Alamitos Beach | south of Ocean Boulevard and east of Shoreline Drive, between Fifth and Sixth places | Through end of summer season | longbeach.gov
The “Wibit” is an inflatable water park, free and open to the public, configured in a figure-eight shape to connect multiple floating play structures. Features will include a springboard, bouncer, monkey bars and other elements to encourage water play, such as swimming, balancing, climbing, jumping, sliding and swimming.
Revive: A Soaring ‘20s Circus-Infused Dinner Experience
Vibiana | 214 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through July 24 | feverup.com
This isn’t your typical dinner and show. Enjoy a four-course dinner with hors d’oeuvres and get immersed in the spectacle as circus and musical artists perform above, behind and in front of you.
“Dear Evan Hansen”
Ahmanson Theatre | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through July 31 | centertheatregroup.org
After selling out in 2018, the Tony Award-winning musical returns to LA. A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told and a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. “Dear Evan Hansen” is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it.
Parks After Dark
LA County Parks | Through Aug. 6 | parks.lacounty.gov
Parks After Dark has returned for the summer with free activities like concerts and movie nights at 34 LA County parks.
Y Para Siempre…Marco Antonio Solís
Grammy Museum | Through Aug. 14 | grammymuseum.org
The Grammy Museum is honoring the multi-Latin Grammy-winning Mexican singer Marco Antonio Solís, who is currently touring with Los Bukis, with an exhibit exploring five major chapters of the artist’s career and life, including his childhood in Michoacán, the evolution of Los Bukis and his solo career.
Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival
Griffith Park | 4801 Griffith Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Through Sept. 4 | iscla.org
The Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival returns for the summer with two shows. Up first, “Knight of the Burning Pestle,” a comedy written by a friend of Shakespeare, is an ode to inventive theater and will be on stage from July 2-31. Closing the season, “Macbeth” will transport audiences to its eerie world from Aug. 6-Sept. 4.
100 Great British Drawings
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens | 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 | Through Sept. 5 | huntington.org
“100 Great British Drawings” will trace the practice of drawing in Britain from the 17th through the mid-20th century. The exhibition will feature rarely seen treasures, including works by William Blake, John Constable, Thomas Gainsborough, and J. M. W. Turner, as well as examples by artists associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and early 20th-century modernism.
This Is Not America’s Flag
The Broad | 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through Sept. 25 | thebroad.org
Over 20 artists explore the complex, and often contradictory, meanings engendered by the flag of the United States of America. Conceptualized in 2020 during Black Lives Matter protests nationwide, the exhibit conceptualizes both the nation’s ideals and shortcomings.
Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse
LACMA | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Through Oct. 9 | lacma.org
Highlighting fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen’s tailoring and dressmaking skills, the exhibition examines the different disciplines, imagination, innovation and artistic process that defined McQueen’s career. The exhibition will display McQueen garments from the Collection of Regina J. Drucker alongside artworks from LACMA’s permanent collection.
New Babies Exhibit
Aquarium of the Pacific | 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 | Through April 2023 | aquariumofpacific.org
Who doesn’t like baby animals? Meet baby sea otter pups, miniature sea jellies, baby cuttlefish and more baby animals to make you awww. You’ll also learn how they are cared for and about their ocean habitats.
