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View Winners → Live Jul 20, 2022
(Left to right) Kaila Mullady, Jay Ellis, Andrew Bancroft, Morgan Reilly. | Photo by Joan Marcus / Pasadena Playhouse
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To stay home, or not to stay home: that is the question. Well, I happen to think there’s some nobility to be found in congregating with others and building community. This week, get out, explore and meet your neighbors! Whether you choose to gather at a Shakespeare festival, fair or a haunted house, may you build a stronger community with your neighbors.
If you’re looking for some nerdtastic events, check out our “Hey GeekCal summer geek guide.”
July 22
Summer Nights at the Tar Pits
La Brea Tar Pits | 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | July 22 | tarpits.org
With your free museum admission tickets you’ll get to enjoy music from DJs, special performances, pop up presentations, access to the Tar Bar and food trucks.So, grab a drink, relax and get to know the Ice Age predators that once roamed the place we call home.
Water at the Park Days
Shadow Oak Park | 2121 Shadow Oak Drive, West Covina, CA 91792 | July 22 | 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.
KCRW Summer Nights at CAAM 2022
California African American Museum | 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA 90037.| July 22 | caamuseum.org
The night might be warm but the vibe is nothing but cool as KCRW DJS Novena Carmel and Francesca Harding play live sets. You’ll have after-hours museum access to all six current exhibitions, food trucks, a beer garden, and a curated marketplace of Black-owned businesses.
Overnight Family Camping
Six LA County Parks | July 22 Aug. 26 | reservations.lacounty.gov
Camp under the stars this summer at Bonelli, Castaic, Hahn, Santa Fe Dam and Whittier Narrows. Registration is $10 per person and free for kids 11 and under.
One Colorado Movies Under the Stars: “The Wizard of Oz”
One Colorado Old Pasadena | 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103 | July 22 | onecolorado.com
There’s no yellow brick road but you can walk down the “black” carpet to get to your seat after checking out the 360 video photo booth and picking up some snacks.
Sierra Madre Family Movie Fridays: “Soul”
Memorial Park | 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024 | July 22 | cityofsierramadre.com
Pack some chairs or blankets, and don’t forget snacks, and spend some quality time with your family watching Disney’s “Soul.”
Active SGV July Bike Ride Series
Vincent Lugo Park | 300 W. Wells St.., San Gabriel, CA 91776 | July 22 | activesgv.org
On this family-friendly 8.6-mile ride through Alhambra and San Gabriel you’ll learn about the potential of a greenway on the Alhambra Wash.
Azusa Summer Concerts in the Park: Pop Gun Rerun
Memorial Park | 320 N. Orange Place, Azusa, CA 91702 | July 22 | ci.azusa.ca.us
Pack up your blankets, lawn chairs and picnics for an evening of free musical entertainment.
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA
Jerry Moss Plaza | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | July 22 | musiccenter.org
Learn a new dance under the stars at this very popular, free event. Instructor Fransini Giraldo will guide you through some Colombian cumbia dance moves as DJ Pachanga provides the tunes.
Jazz at LACMA: Wolfgang Schalk
LACMA Smidt Welcome Plaza | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | July 22 | lacma.org
Jazz guitarist Wolfgang Schalk, hailed as one of the best to do it, is known for swinging and emotive compositions.
Glendora Summer Movies: “School of Rock”
Finkbiner Park | 160 N. Wabash Ave., Glendora, CA 91741 | July 22 | cityofglendora.org
Pack a picnic and watch a very charismatic Jack Black pose as a substitute music teacher at an elite private school more used to playing Mozart than The Who.
July 23
Shakespeare in the Park: “Romeo & Juliet”
Garfield Park | 1000 Park Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030 | July 23 | southpasadenaca.gov
Pack a picnic and some blankets to relive this tale of woe of Juliet and her Romeo.
Read More: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ – That which never was
U.S.A. Bikers Festival
Plaza de la Raza | 3540 N. Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA 90031 | July 23 | eventbrite.com
Hosted by Momo Rodriguez, Steve on FX’s “Mayans M.C.,” U.S.A. Bikers Festival will feature bikes galore, cultural art, musical acts, DJs, dancing, a biker fashion show, cigar lounge, food, and drinks.
Aretha: A Tribute
LA County Arboretum | 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007 | July 23 | pasadenasymphony-pops.org
Straight off Broadway, Capathia Jenkins pays tribute to the Queen of Soul with a performance featuring “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Natural Woman.”
626 Night Market Mini
Downtown Santa Monica | 1324 5th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401 | July 23-24 | 626nightmarket.com
After spending the afternoon at the beach, head over to the 626 Night Market Mini and get some grub from over three dozen food, craft, and merchandise vendors.
Corazón de Maná & Adelaide Pilar
Starlight Bowl | 1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank, CA 91501 | July 23 | starlightbowl.com
Didn’t get a ticket to Maná’s residency at The Forum? Consider checking out Corazón de Maná, a tribute band to the legendary Mexican rockers. They’ll be joined by Adelaide Pilar, a multi-talented musician known for high-energy Latin dance music.
Elvis Crespo, La Sonora Dinamita & La Verdad
Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet | 13963 Alondra Blvd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 | July 23 | eventbrite.com
Once you’re done shopping, catch Elvis Crespo, La Sonora Dinamita and La Verdad in concert.
JUICYPEAR with KCRW DJ Travis Holcombe
One Colorado | 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103 | July 23 | onecolorado.com
JUICYPEAR, a husband and wife duo, perform a mix of future, disco and pop tunes to lighten up your day. DJ Travis Holcombe, named Best Radio DJ by LA Weekly in 2016, will provide tunes before the live performance.
Outdoor Movie Night at Heritage Square Museum: “Double Indemnity”
Heritage Square Museum | 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles, CA 90031 | July 23 | eventbrite.com
Pack something comfortable to sit on, grab some popcorn and snacks, then relax and enjoy this 1944 classic film noir. Insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) begins an affair with Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), the sensual wife of of one of his clients, who devises a scheme to murder her husban (Tom Powers) and live off the fraudulent accidental death claim. Will the two get away with murder or will they be caught by an insurance analyst?
Latin Sounds: Boogaloo Assassins
LACMA | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | July 23 | lacma.org
LA-based Boogaloo Assassins deliver a concert full of Latin soul, salsa, boogaloo and funk.
909 Open Market
Downtown Pomona | 119 W. Second St., Pomona, CA 91766 | July 23 | 909openmarket.com
Every 4th Saturday of the month, explore a world of handmade goods, fashion and enjoy some food and beer.
El Monte Sizzling Car Show
10935 Main St., El Monte, CA 91731 | July 23 | instagram.com/p/CfulsKcPvkX
Featuring classic and vintage cars and trucks, lowriders and muscle cars, the Car Show will provide family fun with DJ music, raffle prizes and more.
Saturdays at Station Park
Station Square Park | 1629 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016 | July 23 | cityofmonrovia.org
Get ready to groove to some Motown classics played by the Tom Noland Band.
July 24
Day Trip LA
The Patio at Academy LA | 6021 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | July 24 | daytrip.la
Party one more time before Monday with Chapter & Verse, Deeper Purpose, and Ranger Trucco playing house music all day long.
Sundays at Library Park
Monrovia Library Park | 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016 | July 24 | cityofmonrovia.org
Bumptown’s tribute to old school hits will have you reliving yesteryear.
Shakespeare in the Park: “Much Ado About Nothing”
Garfield Park | 1000 Park Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030 | July 24 | southpasadenaca.gov
Are you a fan of the enemies to lovers trope? Then get ready for this battle of the wits between two very guarded hearts meant for one another.
July 25
“Jungle Cruise”
Irwindale Park | 5050 N. Irwindale Ave., Irwindale, CA 91706 | July 25 | irwindaleca.gov
Head out a little before dusk to grab a spot on the lawn before the start of the movie because you won’t want to miss Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) and skipper Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) adventure into the Amazon.
Night Gallery: The Stars of Summer
Griffith Observatory | 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | July 25 | griffithobservatory.org
Look up and catch summer’s constellations with Griffith Observatory Director Dr. E.C. Krupp in a live program of sky lore under the Milky Way and the Summer Triangle. Guests will also get special access to the exhibits and telescopes.
July 26
Walnut Music & Movies in the Park: “Ghostbusters Afterlife”
Creekside Park | 780 Creekside Drive, Walnut, CA 91789 | July 26 | cityofwalnut.org
Catch Blue Breeze Band serenading the public with Motown and R&B funk before the film starts. Check out the food trucks lined up to grab some snacks to go with new ghostbusters adventures.
“The Hobbit”
Melrose Rooftop Theatre | 603 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069 | July 26 | melroserooftoptheatre.com
Are you quite ready for another adventure? Make this a dinner-and-movie date night or just grab some snacks and drinks before heading to your bean bag seat to watch Bilbo, Thorin and the company of dwarves head off towards the Lonely Mountain.
Paint Nite
Frida Mexican Cuisine | 15301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 | July 26 | eventbrite.com
Unleash your inner Frida as you’re guided and encouraged to create a masterpiece, or at least to have fun. You must be at least 21 years old to participate.
Movies on the Beach: “Encanto”
Granada Beach | 5000 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803 | July 26 | alfredosbeachclub.com
Head to the beach after work for some fun in the sand or a late swim and then watch the Madrigal family deal with some generational trauma in Disney’s “Encanto.” Local food trucks and kettle corn vendors will be present to satisfy any munchies.
July 27
“Addams Family 2”
Mountain View Park | 1401 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91506 | Juyl 27 | ci.el-monte.ca.us
Spend some time with family at this free evening showing of “The Addams Family 2.”
Glendale Summer Concerts: Blasphemous Rumours
Verdugo Park | 1621 Cañada Blvd, Glendale, CA 91208 | July 27 | glendaleca.gov
As the worst of the day’s heat is over, get together with family and friends to enjoy a tribute to Depeche Mode.
West Covina Summer Concert Series: Anything for Salinas
Civic Center | 1444 W. Garvey South, West Covina, CA 91790 | July 27 | westcovina.org
Enjoy a tribute to the Queen of Tejano music under the California summer sky.
Summer Concerts in the Park
Beardslee Park | 2000 Buena Vista St., Duarte, CA 91010 | July 27 | accessduarte.com
Set up your lawn chairs and blankets for an evening of Motown, R&B, soul, funk, jazz and blues from the Blue Breeze Band.
July 28
Summer Nights at Salt Lake Park: Anything for Salinas with Karol Posada
Salt Lake Park | 3401 E. Florence Ave., Huntington Park, CA 90255 | July 28 | hpca.gov
Baila esta cumbia (dance this cumbia) with Anything for Salinas Band paying tribute to Selena Quintanilla. Los Neighbors will also play cumbias, rock en Español, reggaeton and Mexican regional music.
Behind the Book: On Cooking & Science Exploring the Junction of Food and Science
Virtual | July 28 | events.caltech.edu
James Beard award-winning writer Harold McGee, author of the seminal “On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen” (1984, revised 2004) — which pioneered the translation of technical food science into cook-friendly kitchen science and helped birth “molecular gastronomy” — and the more recent “Nose Dive: A Field Guide to the World’s Smells” will be the first author in a new digital Caltech Public Programming subseries “Behind the Book: On Cooking & Science,” that will feature the Campus’ own food guru, Tom Mannion, Instructor of Culinary Science in conversation with authors of books that examine the intersection of food and science.
Baldwin Park Summer Concerts in the Park: Grupo Mojado
Morgan Park | 4100 Baldwin Park Blvd., Baldwin Park, CA 91706 | July 28 | baldwinpark.com
Pick up some new treasures at the Downtown Street Market then enjoy some banda norteño music from Grupo Mojado.
Building Character: R2-D2 + Creating for Films
Academy Museum | 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | July 28 | academymuseum.org
Explore the work of visual effects and get a behind the scenes look at R2-D2 with special effects artists Don Bies, who worked on R2, and Kaitlyn Yang, founder of Alpha Studios.
Irwindale Music in the Park: Dreaming of You
Dan Diaz Recreation Center | 16053 Calle de Paseo, Irwindale, CA 91706 | July 28 | irwindaleca.gov
One more tribute to Selena this week! Pack your lawn chairs and blankets and check out the organization and food booths on display.
KCRW Summer Nights at the Hammer Museum with Hana Vu
Hammer Museum | 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024 | July 28 | events.kcrw.com
Hana Vu’s dreamy indie pop and KCRW DJs Dan Wilcox and Valida will have you swaying and daydreaming.
Arcadia Concerts & Movies in the Park: “The Secret Life of Pets 2”
Arcadia City Hall West Lawn | 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 | July 28 | arcadiaca.gov
Starting at 6:30 p.m., listen to Forever Rod pay tribute to Rod Stewart and then watch Max and Duke head to the farm in “The Secret Life of Pets 2.”
South El Monte Summer Concerts: Melodia Versatil
South El Monte City Hall Front Lawn | 1415 Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte, CA 91733 | July 28 | cityofsouthelmonte.org
With a repertoire of Spanish ballads, rancheras, boleros, cumbias, salsa, merengue and even rock pop, Melodia Versatil will get you dancing with their dynamic performance. There will also be food vendors and game booths for an all-around enjoyable Thursday evening.
Ongoing
“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.
“Air Play” by Acrobuffos
BroadStage | 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401 | Through July 31 | broadstage.org
A circus-style adventure of two siblings journeying through a surreal land of air, “Air Play” transforms ordinary objects into uncommon beauty. Here umbrellas fly, fabrics soar over the audience, balloons swallow people, and snow swirls, filling the stage. With stunning images and gales of laughter, “Air Play” bounces on the edge of definition: part comedy, part sculpture, part circus, part theater.
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.
“Freestyle Love Supreme”
Pasadena Playhouse | 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 | Through Aug. 7 | pasadenaplayhouse.org
“Freestyle Love Supreme” is a critically acclaimed hip-hop sensation and recipient of a 2020 Special Tony Award that was conceived by Anthony Veneziale and created by Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Anthony Veneziale in 2004 before “In The Heights” and “Hamilton.” The 90-minute show is a blend of hip-hop, improvisational theater, music and vocal styling with special surprise guests at select performances and no two shows are ever the same.
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.
State Fair Ent. Los Angeles
Santa Anita Park | 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA, 91007 | Through 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.
Valley Fright Nights
Pierce College | 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367 | Through Aug. 28 | valleyfrightnights.com
Halloween has come a little early to LA with this new horror event featuring three haunted houses, scare zones, food and other ghoulish surprises.
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. Read more about the exhibit from May Ruiz in “‘100 Great British Drawings’ spanning centuries on display at The Huntington’s Boone Gallery.”
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.
