This is one of those weeks that really makes you appreciate living in SoCal with its overwhelming options for fun and adventure. Looking for food and music festivals? We got those. Want to get a head start on Halloween? We can help. Want to challenge narratives of colonization in the Americas? The answer should always be yes and we can help with that too. Read on for more culture and entertainment in Southern California.

For nerdy events this summer check out our summer geek guide—read up on Collect-a-con happening this weekend and the upcoming Clexacon.

Aug. 19

KCon LA

LA Convention Center | 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015 | Aug. 19–21 | kconusa.com/home 

Lovers of Korean culture can expect panels, workshops, products, artist engagements and appearances and concerts. 

BBQ Music Fest

Fountain Valley Sports Park | 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708 | Aug. 19–21 | bbqmusicfest.com

My mouth is watering just thinking about all the chicken, pulled pork, tri-tip, pork ribs, sausages and sides that will be available to savor. There will also be local bands playing, DJs, dance lessons, cantinas, local artisans, carnival rides, games, magic shows, a live sports tents, karaoke and a tequila and whiskey tasting experience! 

Griffith Park Summer Celebration

Travel Town | 5200 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Aug. 19 | bit.ly/gpcelebration819

In celebration of $4 million in funding for transportation infrastructure and facility improvements, Griffith Park lovers are invited to this event featuring food trucks, hikes, bike rides and free train rides. 

Disney Princess Movies Return to the El Capitan: “Beauty and the Beast”

El Capitan Theatre | 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | Aug. 19–21 | elcapitantheatre.com

Experience once again the beauty of this film and the iconic musical numbers from Alan Menken and Howard Ashman on the big screen. 

Odd Nights At The Autry

Autry Museum | Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Aug. 19 | 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. through September. 

Pico Rivera Summer Street Fest

Smith Park | 6016 Rosemead Blvd, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 | Aug. 19 | instagram.com/p/CgkS6gmPlMf 

Enjoy an evening of live music from Stone Soul, Soto and The Mary Jane Girls; a variety of food; vendors; a beer garden; jumpers and games.

LA Magazine’s Whiskey Festival

The Bloc | 700 W. 7th St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 | Aug. 19 | eventbrite.com

Sip the finest whiskeys while meeting distillers, learning cocktail recipes and enjoying hors d’oeuvres and live music. 

The Music Center’s Dance DTLA

Jerry Moss Plaza | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Aug. 19 | musiccenter.org

Learn a new dance under the stars at this very popular, free event. Instructor Andy Vaca will teach you to groove to disco as DJ Dirty Dave plays some tunes. 

Jazz at LACMA: 6 Beats Apart

Smidt Welcome Plaza | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Aug. 19 | lacma.org

This six-piece band out of Burbank will serenade you with jazz fusion from the ‘70s through the ‘90s.

El Monte Dive-in Movies: “Encanto”

El Monte Aquatic Center | 11001 Mildred St., El Monte, CA 91731 | Aug. 19 | ci.el-monte.ca.us

Cool off during these unreasonably warm summer nights by lounging around the pool, enjoying the water slide and watching Disney’s “Encanto.” Register in advance as space is limited.

Witch!

Heritage Square Museum | 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles, CA 90031 | Aug. 19–21 | eventbrite.com

Witch! Witch! You’re a witch! In this immersive experience inspired by the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, you might get separated from the people you arrived with as you meet witches and inquisitors around the haunted mansions and abandoned chapel. Goody Putnam might even accuse you of witchcraft. 

Aug. 20

Head in the Clouds

Brookside at the Rose Bowl | 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103 | Aug. 20–21 | la.hitcfestival.com

Featuring food from the 626 Night Market, this Asian music festival has a lineup featuring Jackson Wang, NIKI, Rich Brian, Bibi and many more. 

Chinatown Summer Nights

943–951 N. Broadway, Los Angeles CA 90012 | Aug. 20 | chinatownla.com

This summer party in the heart of LA’s Chinatown features more culinary offerings than any human being can get to in one night, cooking demonstrations from chefs, outdoor video projections, hands-on cultural activities, Chinese beer, live bands and dancing with KCRW DJs. 

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Tenderfest

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts | 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | Aug. 20 | eventbrite.com

Winner winner chicken dinner! Enjoy tenders from chicken spots like Willie Mae’s, Raising Canes, Howlin’ Rays, Delilah, Original Dinos Famous Chicken, Daring and LA’s Go Go Bird. Chefs like Tim Hollingsworth, Marc Iacono, Nyesha Arrington and more will battle it out in the National ConTender Championships for Best Tender. There will also be dessert vendors and an all-you-can eat french fry station.

Makeshift Musse Pop-Up

Big Bang Theory Way | Big Bang Theory Way, Pasadena, CA 91105 | Aug. 20 | eventbrite.com

This pet-friendly, free-admission pop-up will feature 40 local makers showcasing their artisanal crafts and brands, live music, a beer garden and more. 

La Bulla: The Lucha Libre, Music & Arts Festival

Plaza de la Raza | 3540 N. Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA 90031 | Aug. 20 | eventbrite.com

Get your tickets for this festival featuring lucha libre legend Solar Jr. and Laredo Kid for a double main event, art, live musical performances, poetry, a fashion show, face painting, a bike show, vendors, food and full bars. 

Thomas Anders & Modern Talking Band & Sandra

Starlight Bowl | 1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank, CA 91501 | Aug. 20 | starlightbowl.com

Euro Dance takes the spotlight as Thomas Anders and Sandra perform with live bands of their own. DJ BPM will open the night with ‘80s hits to get you dancing. 

“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” in Concert

FivePoint Amphitheater | 14800 Chinon, Irvine, CA 92618 | Aug. 20 | pacificsymphony.org

“Star Wars” just wouldn’t be the same without the iconic music from John Williams. Dress up in your best costume or cosplay to watch the film as a live symphony plays along to the film. 

Summer of Moz: Tribute to The Smiths & Morrissey

The Mixx | 443 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 | Aug. 20 | themixxclub.com

Rock out with Nowhere Fast as they pay tribute to The Smiths & Morrissey.

Family Campfire Night

San Dimas Canyon Nature Center | 1628 N. Sycamore Canyon Road, San Dimas, CA 91773 | Aug. 20 | instagram.com/p/ChSerEZp4Kc 

Enjoy a free campfire with the family while learning about nighttime wildlife, making crafts, singing songs, listening to nature stories, and meeting animal ambassadors. 

Street Food Cinema: “Guardians of the Galaxy”

The Autry | 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Aug. 20 | streetfoodcinema.com

Arrive before the movie to enjoy live music from Patrolled By Radar and enjoy food from CHD Mandu, District Burger, Jay’z Tacos, Nibble Night and Uncle Al’s BBQ. 

Summer SoundWaves: A Night with Chiquis

Jerry Moss Plaza | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Aug. 20 | musiccenter.org 

The Music Center’s Summer SoundWaves outdoor concert series features Latin music recording artists Chiquis Rivera on the heels of her new album, “Abjea Reina.”

Filipino American Symphony Orchestra Presents “Celebration!”

Walt Disney Concert Hall | 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Aug. 20 | musiccenter.org

Featuring the music of singer-composer Jose Mari Chan and the Philippine Mastersingers, this concert takes audience members on “a celebratory journey through multiple musical eras starting from traditional marches for bands to modern-day anthems about finding your heart’s true love.”

Hollyhock House Lawn Party

Hollyhock House | 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Aug. 20 | hollyhockhouse.org

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House is finally opening its doors to the public once more and is celebrating with a lawn party featuring music, a Bob Baker Marionette Theater performance, crafts, 100 free hot dogs (in celebration of the house’s centennial) and food for sale. 

Latin Sounds: Alih Jey

Hancock Park | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Aug. 20 | lacma.org 

Dominican singer-songwriter Alih Jey has an eclectic catalog ranging from folk, rock, indie to pop. 

Monrovia Movies in the Park: “Encanto”

Recreation Park | 620 S. Shamrock Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016 | Aug. 20 | cityofmonrovia.org

Pack a picnic, some pillows and blankets to enjoy Disney’s “Encanto” at dusk. 

Aug. 21

Grand Park’s Sunday Sessions

Grand Park | 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Aug. 21 | grandparkla.org

Celebrating this year’s theme of “Utopia: One Tribe One Love” with global house music, the DJ lineup includes DJ Adé, Jerry Flores, DJ Rashida, KG Superstar, Tony Touch, Tailwind Turner and surprise guests yet to be announced.This free event will also have food and drinks for sale but picnicking is also encouraged. 

Slumber Party: “Death Becomes Her” & “Jennifer’s Body”

Hollywood Forever | 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038 | Aug. 21 | hollywoodforever.com

This beautiful but deadly double feature will feature a beer and wine bar, photo booths, concession and grilled foods. First, watch Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep battle for the affections of Bruce Willis and discover the secret to immortality. Then watch Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfriend in the cult classic about best friends, high school, murder and demons.

Day Trip LA

The Patio at Academy LA | 6021 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | Aug. 21 | daytrip.la 

Gene Farris, Mason Maynard and Max Low ignite what might be a boring Sunday with dance and electronic music.

Aug. 22

A Night Benefiting Reproductive Rights

Troubadour | 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 | Aug. 22 | troubadour.com 

X Ambassadors and This Fiction Music headline a night supporting The National Network of Abortion Funds, featuring acoustic performances from Grandson, UPSAHL, Jensen McRae, Corook, and Rosie.

Spotlight: Soccer Mommy

The Grammy Museum | 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 | Aug. 22 | grammymuseum.org

After discussing her new album lyrically dark, the “Sometimes, Forever,” her creative process, musical influences and career, Soccer Mommy will perform in the Clive Davis Theater. 

Aug. 23

The Drawing Club

Nucleus | 210 E. Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801 | Aug. 23 30 | eventbrite.com

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

Rudolph Valentino Memorial

Hollywood Forever’s Cathedral Mausoleum | 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038 | Aug. 23 | hollywoodforever.com

The 95th Annual Rudolph Valentino Memorial Service starts at noon and will feature video presentations, live music, and readings of Valentino’s poetry. Valentino’s descendents will be in attendance to pay tribute to to the 100th anniversary of “Blood and Sand.”

“Amadeus” Live in Concert

Hollywood Bowl | 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068 | Aug. 23 | hollywoodbowl.com

Experience this multi-Oscar winner like never before as the LA Phil performs the score, made up of many of Mozart’s works, as the film plays simultaneously. 

“(Re)Inventing the Americas: Repeat. Erase, Construct”

The Getty | 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049 | Aug. 23–Jan. 8 | getty.edu 

Challenging European interpretations and often racist versions of history, “(Re)Inventing the Americas: Repeat. Erase, Construct” analyzes the creation of the mythologies that arose during the conquest and exploration of the Americas and reveals the influence that those myths and visions have had on defining the two continents. The exhibition will feature a collaboration with Denilson Baniwa, a contemporary artist from the Brazilian Amazon region who will generate different artistic interventions throughout the show.

Aug. 24

Black Movie Soundtrack IV

Hollywood Bowl | 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068 | Aug. 24 | hollywoodbowl.com

Craig Robinson hosts a night of Black film music curated by Reginald Hudlin and Marcus Miller.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Juan Gabriel

Ovation Square Long Beach | 350 Pine Ave., Long Beach, CA, 90802 | Aug. 24 | 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.”

Garry Marshall Theatre Outdoor Summer Concert Series: Joseph Leo Bwarie

Garry Marshall Theatre | 4252 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505 | Aug. 24 | garrymarshalltheatre.org

Broadway vet Joseph Leo Bwarie headlines this solo concert with an unplugged glimpse at his time as Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys.”

Kobe Day Paint Party

Glendora Public Market | 905 E. Arrow Hwy., Glendora, CA 91740 | Aug. 24 | glendorapublicmarket.com/ 

In honor of Kobe Bryant Day, Glendora Public Market will have a custom canvas of him for attendees to paint while having fun and enjoying good food, music and prizes. 

Aug. 25

Downtown Street Market with Sonora Dinamita & Kechente Fernandez

Baldwin Park | Main Avenue, between Ramona Boulevard and Clark Street, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 | Aug. 25 | 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. 25, catch Sonora Dinamita with Vilma Diaz playing cumbias on the South Stage and Kechente Fernandez performing a tribute to Vicente Fernandez 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.

South El Monte Summer Concerts: Soto Band

South El Monte City Hall Front Lawn | 1415 Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte, CA 91733 | Aug. 25 | cityofsouthelmonte.org

Norwalk-based Soto Band brings Latin, funk, R&B, dance, ballads and high energy to this free summer concert featuring food vendors and game booths. 

Garry Marshall Theatre Outdoor Summer Concert Series: Crystal Lewis

Garry Marshall Theatre | 4252 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505 | Aug. 25 | garrymarshalltheatre.org

Grammy-nominated jazz artist Crystal Lewis is a captivating vocal force to be reckoned with and she’ll be joined by surprise special guests.

Ongoing

THE RiDE 7D

Ontario Mills | 1 Mills Circle, Ontario, CA 91764 | theride7d.com

This interactive and immersive experience combines virtual reality, video games and thrill rides—think like a cross between WEB SLINGERS at Disney California Adventure and Astro Blasters at Disneyland. This eight-passenger simulator offers seven themed rides. Riders will get 3D glasses to make the content on the screen come to life while the other 4Ds are the motion of the seats, wind, interactivity/scoring and special effects.

“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. 

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.

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Nisei Week Japanese Festival

Little Tokyo | Through Aug. 21 | niseiweek.org

This showcase of Japanese culture will feature exhibits, music, entertainment, food, and the plaza festival on Aug. 20. 

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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