The only thing hotter than the temperatures in SoCal are the events on this week’s calendar that range from cultural festivities to movies at the beach and a Pride celebration.

Check out our summer geek guide for nerdtastic events.

Aug. 12

Long Beach Jazz Festival

Rainbow Lagoon Park | 400 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802 | Aug. 12–14 | longbeachjazzfestival.com

Now in its 33rd year, this year’s theme “A Healthy Taste of Jazz” will bring jazz. and health and wellness together with musical artists playing from R&B to jazz, inspirational and expert wellness speakers and leaders, treatment centers, vendors and healthy food sampling stations.

Brew at the LA Zoo

LA Zoo | 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Aug. 12 | lazoo.org

Explore the LA Zoo at this unique brew fest while sampling beers and ciders from 50 local craft and microbreweries. The fest will also feature music from Flashback Heart Attack (‘80s), DJ Johnny Hawkes (multi-genre) and GEC Events DJ & Street Team (dance), and food trucks selling tacos, lobster rolls, Korean fusion, and burgers. 

Real Music Presents Summer Fest

Nob Hill Banquet Center | 8229 Van Nuys Blvd., Panorama City, CA 91402 | Aug. 12 | eventbrite.com

DJ Alex will be spinning reggaeton, top 40, bachata, cumbia and merengue all night long.  

The Music Center’s Dance DTLA

Jerry Moss Plaza | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Aug. 12 | musiccenter.org

Learn a new dance under the stars at this very popular, free event. Instructor Jamari Balmain will guide you through voguing at this kick-off to DTLA Proud. 

Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks

Hollywood Bowl | 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068 | Aug. 12–13 | hollywoodbowl.com

This Hollywood Bowl tradition headlined by Joshua Bell pays homage to Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Additionally, the LA Phil will bring a little Christmas spirit to August with selections from “The Nutcracker,” and a tribute performance of “Urban Runway,” composed by the late Bramwell Tovey who performed in past Tchaikovsky Spectacular concerts. The only fitting way to cap off the night is with the “1812 Overture” and fireworks—it’s giving “V for Vendetta” vibes.

Downey Pride Sunset Festival 

Downtown Downey | Firestone Boulevard and Downey Avenue | Aug. 12 | instagram.com/downeypride/ 

Who said Pride should be limited to June? Continue the celebration with live entertainment (including a special performance from Noelia), a beer garden, DJ, dancing, vendors, and food. 

Noche de Rock en Español: Tribute to Zoé

The Mixx | 443 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 | Aug. 12 | themixxclub.com

Alma de Jade will have you dancing and singing along to their tribute to rock legends Zoé. DJ Ané Uno wil play alternative rock pop en Español from the ‘50s to ‘90s. Show up before 10 p.m. and pay $10. 

Disney Princess Movies Return to the El Capitan: “Raya and the Last Dragon”

El Capitan Theatre | 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | Aug. 12–14 | elcapitantheatre.com

Rediscover your favorite Disney princesses on the big screen and live on stage! This special series will include “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Moana” and “Beauty and the Beast” presented by Disney+.

Aug. 13

American Icons: Judy Garland & Friends

LA County Arboretum | 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007 | Aug. 13 | pasadenasymphony-pops.org

Michael Feinstein will be joined by Melissa Manchester, Nicole Henry and Maddie Baillio to pay tribute to icons like Judy Garland, Doris Day, Peggy Lee and Liza Minnelli. 

Nisei Week Japanese Festival

Little Tokyo | Aug. 13–21 | niseiweek.org

This showcase of Japanese culture will feature exhibits, music, entertainment, food, a car show on Aug. 13, a parade on Aug. 14 and the plaza festival on Aug. 20. 

Downtown Decades: ‘90s Party

La Chuperia | 118 W. Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801 | Aug. 13 | downtownalhambra.com

This is going to be da bomb! Dress up in your best ’90s outfit (which should be easy since it’s very à la mode currently) and dance to hits from hip hop and R&B or test how much you remember about the decade during a round of trivia. 

Monrovia Concerts in the Park

Station Square Park | 1629 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016 | Aug. 13 | cityofmonrovia.org 

For a more easygoing and understated Saturday night, pack up your lawn chairs and blankets to hear Cold Duck play some old school tunes.  

The FABBA Show & Hot August Nights

Starlight Bowl | 1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank, CA 91501 | Aug. 13 | starlightbowl.com

Take a chance on this British tribute to Abba that has played at The Queen’s Jubilee Concert, Glastonbury Festival and Wembley Arena. 

Downey Pride Family Picnic

Furman Park | 10419 Rives Ave., Downey, CA 90241 | Aug. 13 | instagram.com/p/CfegYZlFDsy/ 

One day after the festival, enjoy free tacos (yes FREE!), live performances, dancing, face painting, games, art and raffle prizes at Furman Park.

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Inglewood Councilman Alex Padilla’s District 2 Picnic & Chili Cook-off

North Park | 625 Hargrave St., Inglewood, CA 90302 | Aug. 13 | instagram.com/p/CgGIiOMhY07/ 

Join your neighbors at this free event for hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, refreshments, desserts, games, face painting, raffles and a chili contest. Disney’s “Encanto” will be shown at dusk. 

One Colorado Summer Concerts: Sofía Valdés with KCRW DJ Jeremy Sole

One Colorado | 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103 | Aug. 13 | onecolorado.com

Panamanian singer/songwriter Sofía Valdés’ alt pop sound is influenced by Panamanian folk music, bossa nova, Latin music and alt-pop. Don’t miss this free show.

Getty 25 Celebrates Crenshaw

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza | 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008 | Aug. 13–14 | getty.edu

This free event celebrates the memories of the Crenshaw District with an emphasis on healing. Hear stories of elders, participate in workshops, listen to spoken word poetry and enjoy massages, acupuncture and tai chi. Plus, enjoy food vendors, photo booths, giveaways, a marketplace, and an immersive digital experience of Getty collections.

626 Night Market Mini

Downtown Santa Monica | 1324 5th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401 | Aug. 13–14 | 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.

Street Food Cinema: “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”

Verdugo Park | 1621 Cañada Blvd., Glendale, CA 91208 | Aug. 13 | streetfoodcinema.com

Easily the best Cinderella adaptation, watch Brandy, Whitney Houston, Paolo Montalban, Bernadette Peters, Victor Garber, Whoopi Goldberg and Jason Alexander belt out musical numbers by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Scheduled food trucks as of print time include BBQ Smokehouse, Flamin Hot Chicken, Nibble Night, Sus Arepas, and Smize Cream.

Pomona Artwalk + Alliance Black Marketplace

Alliance Community Cultural Center | 406 W. Second St., Pomona, CA 91766 | Aug. 13 | eventbrite.com

Support Black businesses in the Pomona area, enjoy live performances, visit galleries and enjoy street art throughout 10 blocks. 

Reptile Super Show

Fairplex Gate 17 | 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, Ca | Aug. 13–14 | 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. 

Reef-A-Palooza

Hilton Anaheim | 777 W. Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802 | Aug. 13–14 | reefapaloozashow.net

This saltwater aquarium expo will feature the latest products and most popular corals for purchase. Network with coral and dry goods vendors, manufacturers, and hobbyists. 

Aug. 14

The Silver Lake Jewish Festival

Sunset Triangle Plaza | 3700 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 | Aug. 14 | silverlakefestival.com

Celebrate local diversity with live music from local bands and musicians—including Klezmer Band, Life No. 9, and Ely Jaffe— food trucks, vendors, Jewish crafts, and children’s activities.  

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Rose Bowl Flea Market

Rose Bowl Stadium | 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103 | Aug. 14 | 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 | Aug. 14 | daytrip.la 

Honeyluv, Lauren Lane and Sweet Like Chocolate will have you jumping, swaying and forgetting those Sunday scarries. 

Monrovia Summer Concerts in the Park

Monrovia Library Park | 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016 | Aug. 14 | cityofmonrovia.org 

Monrovia closes out its summer concert series with Latin tunes frome Suave the Band. 

Symphony in the Cities

Mike Ward Community Park Woodbridge | 20 Lake Road, Irvine, CA 92604 | Aug. 14 | pacificsymphony.org

Enjoy a free, outdoor summer concert from the Pacific Symphony playing music from Tchaikovsky, Strauss, and Bernstein, among others. Show up before the concert for family-friendly activities like instrument making, dancing, a drum circle and a program teaching kids what materials are used to create sound effects in films. 

Aug. 15

Fast Times, Maiden United

Whisky a Go Go | 8901 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 | Aug. 15 | whiskyagogo.com

Fast Times transports you to the ‘80s with over 100 songs from the decade ranging from dance to hair metal. Maiden United will join for an Iron Maiden tribute.

Dolores del Río Photography Exhibit

CCCM Mexican Center for Culture and Cinematic Arts | 2401 W. Sixth St., Los Angeles, CA 90057 | Aug. 15 | eventbrite.com

This photography exhibit explores how Dolores del Río, the first Latina to captivate Hollywood, was portrayed on camera

Spotlight: Justin Tranter

Grammy Museum | 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 | Aug. 15 |  grammymuseum.org

Justin Tranter—whose talents can be heard on albums like Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” and Lady Gaga’s “Chromatica” and on songs like Halsey’s “Bad at Love” and Fall Out Boy’s “Centuries”— will discuss their career and their MANy Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning projects. The discussion will be followed by a performance from Shea Diamond and YDE. 

Aug. 16

Moonlight Movies on the Beach: “The Princess Bride”

Granada Beach | 5000 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90803 | Aug. 16 | moonlightmoviesonthebeach.com

It’s inconceivable that you would miss watching this eminently quotable Rob Reiner film on the beach. Local food trucks and kettle corn vendor will be on site to satisfy your cravings before the movie starts at sunset. 

Disney Princess Movies Return to the El Capitan: “Moana”

El Capitan Theatre | 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | Aug. 16–18 | elcapitantheatre.com

Rediscover “Moana” on the big screen. “Moana” is about an adventurous teenager who, with help from demigod Maui, sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people.

The Drawing Club

Nucleus | 210 E. Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801 | Aug. 16 | eventbrite.com

This drawing workshop features a themed model and guest artists doing a short demo. This week’s theme is Princess Mononoke. 

Aug. 17

An Evening with the Authors

The Yard Theater | 4319 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029 | Aug. 17 | eventbrite.com

Comedians pose as writers sharing their recent works in this satirical sketch comedy show. 

Lots of Laughs: A Make-A-Wish Fundraiser Show

Maggiano’s Little Italy | 189 The Grove Drive, z80, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Aug. 17 | eventbrite.com

Not that you ever need a reason to laugh but it’s nice to know that these particular laughs will help make a sick child’s dream come true. Appetizers and a light buffet will be served and a cash bar will be available. 

2022 Hilarious Colombian Americans Tour

The Lyric Hyperion | 2106 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Aug. 17 | lyrichyperion.com

Comedians Pedro Gonzalez, Santi Espinosa, Alex Carabaño, Venessa Peruda and Oscar Collazos share their stories about growing up Colombian in New York City.. 

Lola Boutée Presents TRiPTease Burlesque

TRIP Santa Monica | 2101 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405 l Aug. 17 l eventbrite.com

Lower your inhibitions and see what’s hot at LA’s longest running weekly burlesque and variety show. Every Wednesday features a fresh new lineup of talent hosted by the original dame herself, Lola Boutée.

Aug. 18

Downtown Street Market

Baldwin Park | Main Avenue, between Ramona Boulevard and Clark Street, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 | Aug. 18 | baldwinpark.com

Enjoy your summer nights with family and friends at Baldwin Park’s Downtown Street Market, featuring over 100 weekly vendors offering local cuisine, artisans, and two stages with scheduled performances. On Aug. 18, catch Grupo Cañaveral de Humberto Pabón playing cumbias on the South Stage and Kenny Metcalf performing a tribute to Elton John on the North Stage. A special set of beer gardens provided by Via Mar Restaurant and La Cosecha Mexican Bistro, will also be available for adults 21 and over.

Moonlight Movies on the Beach: “The Wizard of OZ”

LBCC – LAC Campus | 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, CA 90808 | Aug. 18 | moonlightmoviesonthebeach.com

There may be no place like home, but sometimes you just need to get out! Watch Dorothy, The Tin Man, Scarecrow, and The Cowardly Lion venture into Oz, face down a Wicked Witch, and discover that they had what they needed all along. Local food trucks and kettle corn vendor will be on site to satisfy your cravings before the movie starts at sunset. 

LindyGroove Social Dancing

Grand Ballroom of Pasadena Masonic Hall | 200 S. Euclid Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 | Aug. 18 | lindygroove.com

Whether you’re an expert Lindy Hopper or you’ve never heard of the dance, you’ll get to dance at your level. The pre-Lindy at 8:10 p.m. is a crash course covering the basics but they also have more challenging dance levels and simple social dancing after 9 p.m.

South El Monte Movies in the Park: “Luca”

Mary Van Dyke Park | 1819 Central Ave., South El Monte, CA 91733 | Aug. 18 | cityofsouthelmonte.org

Get on your Vespa, or car if you don’t own one of the greatest things ever made by humans, and watch these underdogs become friends and learn about acceptance as they try to win the Portorosso Cup to buy a Vespa. 

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. 

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.

“House of the Dragon: The Targaryen Dynasty”

Natural History Museum of LA County | 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007 | Through Sept. 7 | nhm.org

Ahead of the release of “House of the Dragon” on HBO Max, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and HBO Max have partnered to present “House of the Dragon: The Targaryen Dynasty,” a 2,500-square foot exhibit exploring the mythical world of Westeros, the Targaryen dynasty, and the dragons that ruled beside them. The exhibit features tutorials on the Valyrian language, original costumes from the show, and series memorabilia, including dragon eggs. In addition, a replica of a new Iron Throne will be on display and available for visitors to sit on and take pictures. 

“The Prom”

Ahmanson Theatre | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through Sept. 11 | centertheatregroup.org

This musical comedy, about Broadway stars traveling to a conservative town in Indiana to help a lesbian student who has been banned from bringing her girlfirend to her highschool prom, is full of heart and spunk. 

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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