Temperatures are set to rise this weekend but that’s no excuse to stay home! Especially not when there’s a fair to visit, classic cars to see, and ice cream to eat. If you’re looking for something nerdtastic, check out our summer geek guide.

Odd Nights At The Autry

Autry Museum | Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | July 15 | theoddmarket.com

After a two-year hiatus, Odd Nights returns with 18 food trucks, two emerging bands, inflatables, a full bar, 80 crafters and exclusive access to the museum gallery. Odd Nights at The Autry runs every third Friday from 6-10 p.m. from April through September. 

Water at the Park Days

Del Norte Park | 1500 W. Rowland Ave., West Covina, CA 91791 | July 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.

“Encanto”

Finkbiner Park | 160 N. Wabash Ave., Glendora, CA 91741 | July 15 | cityofglendora.org

Find a spot in the grass to enjoy a picnic dinner and Disney’s “Encanto” with the family. 

“Sing 2”

Barnes Park | 350 S. McPherrin Ave., Monterey Park, CA 91754 | July 15 | montereypark.ca.gov

Pack blankets, lawn chair and pick a spot on the grass to watch Buster Moon and his all-star cast of performers launch a new stage show in the entertainment capital of the world.

Summer Concerts in the Park: Anything for Salinas

Memorial Park | 320 N. Orange Place, Azusa, CA 91702 | July 15 | ci.azusa.ca.us

Pack up your blankets, lawn chairs and picnics for an evening of free musical entertainment. 

Movies Under the Stars: “Some Like It Hot”

One Colorado Old Pasadena | 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103 | July 15 | onecolorado.com

Directed by Billy Wilder and starring Marilyn Monroe alongside Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, “Some Like It Hot” follows Joe (Curtis) and Jerry (Lemmon) who must escape Chicago disguised as women in an all-female jazz band led by Sugar (Monroe), after witnessing a Mafia murder. Become a VIP guest to enjoy premier seating, snacks and a soft drink. 

The Music Center’s Dance DTLA

Jerry Moss Plaza | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | July 15 | musiccenter.org

Learn a new dance under the stars at this very popular, free event. Instructor Achinta McDaniel will guide you through some Bollywood dance moves.  

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Roller Jam

FIGat7th | 735 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 | July 15-17 | figat7th.com

Take inspiration from the latest season of “Stranger Things,” and head to a themed roller skating party featuring dancing and a beer garden by Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. 

KidzCon

Anaheim Convention Center | 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802 | July 15-17 | kidz-con.com

KidzCon brings togethers over 100 toy, apparel and gadget vendors to create a space for kids’ imagination. There will be exhibitors from Dreamworks Animation, Care Bears, Warner Brothers, and more; panel discussions, performances, interactive stations, food trucks, giveaways, and so much more. 

South Pasadena Summer Arts Crawl

1121 Mission Street South Pasadena, CA 91103 | July 16 | southpasadena.net

Hit the town for a night of art, music, family, food and shopping. The free event offers art exhibitions and activities, live music, open houses, food and drink specials, and sales throughout the business district.

Water Lantern Festival

Whittier Narrows Recreation Area | 750 S. Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte, CA 91733 | July 16 | waterlanternfestival.com

The Water Lantern Festival—cathartic, fun and filled with hope—gives participants the opportunity to decorate their own floating lanterns that will then be released into the lake at sundown. 

Rock vs. Cumbia Night

The Mixx Pasadena | 443 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 | July 16 | themixxclub.com

Lucia’s Garden faces off against Elemento 6 in this dance party pitting rock en Español against cumbia. In addition to their two live music sets, there will be a special set dedicated to Selena and DJ Howdy will spin a mix of rock, ‘80s, cumbia ska and more.

Cruise Night

Downtown Glendale on Brand Boulevard | July 16 | glendalecruisenight.com 

Brand Boulevard will be lined with vintage and unique cars; live music from Surfin’ (a Beach Boys tribute), Smooth (Santana tribute), and Turn the Page (Bob Seger tribute); fireworks and the multiple shops and restaurants in downtown Glendale. 

Saturdays at Station Park

Station Square Park | 1629 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016 | July 16 | cityofmonrovia.org 

Grand Junction County brings country hits to Station Park.

Downtown Decades: ‘80s Party

28 West Bar | 28 W. Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801 | July 16 | downtownalhambra.com 

Take out the shoulder pads and Aqua Net and take a photo with a Delorean in celebration of the ‘80s. DJ Javi will have the crowd dancing all night but if you need a breather you can participate in a trivia game or costume contest. Stick around after 11 p.m. for the after party. 

Night on the Plaza: Margaritaville

Library Plaza | 140 S. Glendora Ave., Glendora, CA 91741 | July 16 | gplff.org

The Glendora Public Library Friends Foundation’s fundraiser will transport you to Margaritaville with live music, dinner, dancing, prizes and auction items. 

CaliFLOATication

Cabo Cantina | 1240 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401 | July 16 | 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.

Getty 25 Celebrates San Gabriel Valley

Tony Arceo Memorial Park | 3125 Tyler Ave., El Monte, CA 91731 | July 16-17 | getty.edu

In celebration of the Getty Center’s 25th anniversary, the SGV community is invited to this free festival featuring local fusion foods, visual artists, live music, an eclectic marketplace for artisans, hands-on art workshops facilitated by local SGV artists, and an immersive digital experience of Getty collections. Highlights include music from La Sonora Dinamita Original, Mariachi Arcoiris, El Rio and more; dance performances from Polynesian, Chinese, modern and cumbia traditions; a petting zoo; and carnival games.

Day Trip LA

The Patio at Academy LA | 6021 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | July 17 | daytrip.la 

Get rid of the Sunday Scaries with CID, Kyle Walker and Truth X Lies as they play house and electronic music all day long. 

Sundays at Library Park

Monrovia Library Park | 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016 | July 17 | cityofmonrovia.org 

Blue Breeze Band brings jazz to Library Park. 

Long Beach Opera Film Festival

Art Theatre | 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, CA 90814 | July 16-17 | longbeachopera.org

Featuring film screenings and live performances, the lineup explores the overlap of opera and film from the perspective of filmmakers, dancers, composers, and opera singers. 

Ice Cream Alley Launch

ROW DTLA | 777 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90021 | July 17 | la.smorgasburg.com

Just in time for National Ice Cream Day, Smorgasburg LA is launching Ice Cream Alley featuring approximately 10 different sweet treat vendors in addition to all the other food stands, shopping and music to be found at the open-air market. 

“Tom & Jerry”

Irwindale Park | 5050 N. Irwindale Ave. Irwindale, CA 91706 | July 18 | irwindaleca.gov

It’s a tale as old as time: Tom chases Jerry and Jerry outsmarts him. But this time, the introduction of new characters may see Tom & Jerry put their rivalry to rest. 

“A Portrait of Walt Disney World”

The Richard Nixon Library & Museum | 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA 92886 | July 18 | eventbrite.com

Disney historians Tim O’Day and Kevin Kern discuss their best-selling book, “A Portrait of Walt Disney World,”  featuring stories, rare Walt Disney World concept art, photographs, and ephemera. 

“Spider-Man: No Way Home”

Creekside Park | 780 Creekside Drive, Walnut, CA 91789 | July 19 | cityofwalnut.org

Kicking off the festivities, Suave the Band will play top 40 hits and Da Hula Studio will perform. Local food trucks will also be on hand selling treats for you to enjoy as you listen to live music and then settle in to watch Peter Parker save the multiverse. 

The 48th Annual Australian & New Zealand Comedy Industry Showcase

The Elysian Theater | 1944 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90039 | July 19 | eventbrite.com

Bob Irwin presents a showcase of comedians from Australia and News Zealand that includes Blake Freeman, Dan Rath, Danielle Walker, Emma Holland, Pax Assadi and Sam Campbell. 

Candlelight: A Tribute To Juan Gabriel 

Ovation Square Long Beach | 350 Pine Ave., Long Beach, CA, 90802 | July 20 | feverup.com

Reacquaint yourself with the music of one of Mexico’s most successful and popular singer-songwriters, Juan Gabriel, who reportedly wrote around 1,800 songs. If you’re not familiar with his music, get ready to discover hits like “No Tengo Dinero,” “El Noa Noa,” “Buenos Días Señor Sol,” “Amor Eterno,” “ Déjame Vivir,” and “Caray.”

The Smokin’ Cobras

Civic Center | 1444 W. Garvey South, West Covina, CA 91790 | July 20 | westcovina.org

Oldies? Classics? Regardless of how you think of them, The Smokin’ Cobras will deliver an entertaining show. 

The Breakfast Club

Verdugo Park | 1621 Cañada Blvd, Glendale, CA 91208 | July 20 | glendaleca.gov

As the worst of the day’s heat is over, get together with family and friends to enjoy a tribute to ‘80s music.

“The Secret Life of Pets 2”

Fletcher “Fetch” Park | 3404 Fletcher Park Way, El Monte, CA 91731 | July 20 | ci.el-monte.ca.us

Watch Max and Duke leave the city for the farm and embark on a new adventure. Just pack a blanket, and some snacks for a free movie under the stars. And don’t forget your dog at home. Register in advance so your furry friends can enjoy hot dogs, doggy cool zones, and treats.

Summer Concert in the Park: Selena Tribute

Civic Center Park Plaza | 505 S. Garey Ave., Pomona, CA 91766 | July 20 | pomonaca.gov

This performance of Latin top 40 hits and tribute to Selena will have you dancing but if you’re not much of a dancer then pack your chairs and blankets. 

State Fair Ent. Los Angeles

Santa Anita Park | 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA, 91007 | July 21-Aug. 20 | statefairent.com

If, like me, you too are missing the when the LA County Fair was later in the summer, then you’ll want to check out the State Fair Ent. Los Angeles. Featuring concerts, carnival rides, pig races, doggy stunts, FMX Motocross and BMX stunt shows, fair food and much more, you can still get your summer fair fix.

“They Want to Kill Americans”

Pasadena Presbyterian Church | 585 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 | July 21 | eventbrite.com

New York Times bestselling author Malcolm Nance discusses his new book, “They Want to Kill Americans.” Nance warns of the existential threat to American democracy from its own radicalized citizens who have bought into conspiracy theories. 

Thundercat & Ginger Root

The Broad | 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | July 21 | thebroad.org

“In celebration of Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow, self-described Japanophile and two-time Grammy-winning musician Thundercat will play a live set exemplifying the unexpected and genre-defying nature he has become known for,” according to The Broad. “Sharing the bill will be a performance by Ginger Root, who combines influences of Japanese City Pop and the days of Stax and Philly Soul, for a fresh take on the ever-evolving Bedroom Pop scene”.

Cold Duck

Dan Diaz Recreation Center | 16053 Calle de Paseo, Irwindale, CA 91706 | July 21 | irwindaleca.gov

Don’t worry about dinner tonight! Grab a burrito and then enjoy R&B and old school Latin tunes from Cold Duck. 

Boogaloo Assassins

Morgan Park | 4100 Baldwin Park Blvd., Baldwin Park, CA 91706 | July 21 | baldwinpark.com

After finding new treasures at the Downtown Street Market, get ready to dance to salsa and Latin soul from Boogaloo Assassins.

Dance Live DJ

Salt Lake Park | 3401 E. Florence Ave., Huntington Park, CA 90255 | July 21 | hpca.gov

Dance the night away at this party.

“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. 

The Streaming-Verse of Madness: An Unauthorized Musical Parody

Lyric Hyperion Theatre & Cafe | 21069 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Through July 24 | eventbrite.com

This musical parody of “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” follows a sorcerer who finds himself transported from one streaming platform to another in hopes. As he tries to get back to his home streamer, he must fight a witch. Expect pop culture references and songs from pop, rock, R&B and the top 40 charts. 

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. 

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