This week, SoCal offers a diverse array of events, including World Cup 26 Fan Zone watch parties, Shakespeare by the Sea performances, a DTLA ArtNight, and local community celebrations.
Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone at Los Angeles County Whittier Narrows
Whittier Narrows | 1600 Rosemead Blvd., South El Monte | July 9-11 | eventbrite.com
Enjoy free live match viewing, live music, cultural performances, local food vendors, art activities, soccer challenges, and family-friendly fun. Admission is free with an Eventbrite ticket, but entry is first-come, first-served and subject to capacity.
DTLA ArtNight
Emerging Gallery | 125 W. 4th St., Los Angeles | July 9 | dtlaartnight.com
DTLA ArtNight brings Downtown LA to life on the first Thursday of every month with a self-guided art walk featuring more than 30 galleries, studios, and local businesses. Expect rotating exhibitions, art in various mediums, and plenty of reasons to explore the neighborhood after hours.
Shakespeare by the Sea
Valley Park | 2521 Valley Drive (Valley & Gould), Hermosa Beach | July 9 | shakespearebythesea.org
Point Fermin Park | 807 Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro | July 10-11 |
Hesse Park | 29301 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes | July 12 |
In “Macbeth,” a Scottish general whose ambitious quest for power, fueled by a prophecy and his wife’s encouragement, leads to a descent into tyranny, paranoia, and his ultimate downfall. Admission is free.
Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone at Venice Beach
1 Windward Ave | 1 Windward Ave., Los Angeles | July 10-11 | eventbrite.com
Enjoy two days of FIFA World Cup 2026™ Quarterfinal action at Venice Beach with live match viewing, music, food, and a vibrant beachside atmosphere. Free public Fan Zone access is available, with optional paid Watch Party and VIP experiences offering premium viewing, exclusive amenities, and after-party access.
BBQ Music Fest
Oso Viejo Community Park | 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo | July 10-12 | bbqmusicfest.com
The BBQ Music Fest returns to Mission Viejo for three days of smoky flavors, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. There will be local artisan vendors, carnival rides, tastings, and nonstop music. It’s a summer festival built for hungry crowds and good times. Tickets starting at $5. Free for Children 12 and under.
Creep I.E.
Ontario Convention Center | 2000 E Convention Center Way, Ontario | July 10-12 | creepiecon.com
Creep I.E. Aftermath brings together horror fans for a night of immersive entertainment, featuring live performances, interactive installations, and spooky-themed experiences. Whether you’re into the eerie, the unusual, or just looking for a unique night out, this event has plenty to explore.
Friday Nights at The Gamble House
The Gamble House | 4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena | July 10 | gamblehouse.org
Enjoy access to the first floor of the famed Gamble House, where docents will be stationed in each room to share insights and answer questions. Then head out to the lawn and sip curated wine flights from West Altadena Wine, stretch out on a blanket, and settle in with a picnic while Maiden Names plays live rock music. Tickets: $40 w/wine tasting (21+) for non-members, $5 w/out wine tasting, and free for children 12 and under.
Beach Movie Nights
Dockweiler Youth Center | 12505 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey | July 10 | beaches.lacounty.gov
Enjoy a free screening of “Elio” on the sand, by the waves, and under the stars. Seating is festival-style, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Luceros y Penumbras: The World’s Largest Pop-up Book
Richard J. Riordan Central Library | 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles | July 11 | lfla.org/popup
Celebrate the Central Library’s centennial with Luceros y Penumbras, a monumental pop-up book installation that aims to become the world’s largest. It features original artwork, intricate paper engineering, and rarely displayed books from the Library’s collection. The exhibit explores Los Angeles, memory, and the enduring power of storytelling. This event is free to attend.
Central Library Centennial Festival
Central Library | 630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles | July 11 | lapl.org
The Los Angeles Central Library marks its 100th anniversary with a day of free celebrations, including live performances, exhibits, family activities, and special guests. Admission is free. Tickets are not required but are highly encouraged.
Los Angeles French Fry Festival
The Autry Museum of The American West | 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles | July 11 | bucketlisters.com
The Los Angeles French Fry Festival takes over National French Fry Day 2026 with a full-on celebration of all things crispy, golden, and loaded. Expect food trucks serving every fry style imaginable, a “sauce city” of creative dips, eating contests, blindfold challenges, games, and a lively vendor market built around one simple obsession: fries in every form. Tickets range in price.
Dancing in the Street: Music Of Motown
LA County Arboretum | 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia | July 11 | pasadenasymphony-pops.org
A soulful celebration brings the timeless sound of Motown to the stage, featuring music from The Temptations, The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder. Expect a night of classic hits like My Girl, Superstition, and more. Tickets: General Admission Lawn ($15.00 – $42.00) Table Seats ($69.00 – $92.00) Table Seats Front ($79.00 – $149.00)
LAAS Star Party
Mount Wilson Institute | 75 S. Grand Ave., Pasadena | July 11 | mtwilson.edu
Spend an evening under the stars at Mount Wilson Observatory during a public star party hosted with the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. Peer through telescopes, explore the night sky from the San Gabriel Mountains, and enjoy a relaxed night of stargazing. This event is free, donations are welcomed.
I Love Oldies
Pershing Square | 532 S Olive St., Los Angeles | July 11 | eventbrite.com
Enjoy a day of classic soul and oldies at Pershing Square with live performances from The Chi-Lites, Heatwave, The Stylistics, Joe Bataan, and more. There will be food trucks, full bars, art vendors, and an afternoon of timeless hits. This is a 21+ event. Admission is free with RSVP on a first-come, first-served basis.
Salsa & Bachata Night
Rodeo 72 | 7012 Walnut Grove Dr., Whittier | July 11 | cielo.dance
You don’t need a partner. Just show up at 6:30 p.m. with your dancing shoes on for a free beginner-friendly salsa lesson. Then enjoy social dancing from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Off the 405
Getty Center | 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles | July 11 | getty.edu
The Getty Center’s annual Off the 405 concert series returns with outdoor performances from some of today’s most exciting artists. Enjoy live music in the museum’s scenic courtyard, where striking architecture and sunset views create a memorable summer concert setting. Admission is free.
Lotus Festival
Echo Park Lake | 751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles | July 11-12 | recreation.parks.lacity.gov
One of LA’s favorite summer traditions returns as the Lotus Festival transforms Echo Park Lake into a vibrant celebration of culture and community. This year’s event honors Sri Lanka with live music, dance, cultural performances across two stages, authentic cuisine, and the festival’s signature dragon boat races.
Nishi Obon 202
Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple | 815 E. 1st St., Los Angeles | July 11-12 | nishihongwanji-la.org
Celebrate the traditions of Obon at Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple with a weekend of community, culture, and family-friendly fun. The festival features Obon Odori dancing, live entertainment, a produce market, games, and more.
Levitt Vibe Pasadena Music Series
Memorial Park | 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena | July 11 | levittvibepasadenamusicseries.com
The Levitt VIBE Pasadena Music Series kicks off its summer run at Memorial Park with a performance by pianist Yuko Mabuchi. Her appearance is part of the series’ 10 nights of live music, food, and community celebrations throughout the summer. Admission is free.
‘Waiting in the Wings’
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum | 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga | July 11 – Oct. 3 | theatricum.com
Set in “The Wings,” a charity home for retired actresses, Noël Coward’s 50th play is a witty portrait of nine opinionated, funny, difficult and full of life women, each of whom once basked in public admiration — but who must now learn to face old age together, long after the curtain has fallen. A tribute to the theater that evokes the lives of aging stars, their lingering jealousies and the enduring power of friendship, Waiting in the Wings is a meditation on community and forgiveness. Old grievances linger here like half-remembered roles, but Coward suggests that bitterness is heavy to carry, and that reconciliation, no matter when, can be liberating. Tickets to performances range from $15 to $63.
‘DEFIANTLY JONI: A Singer/Songwriter Bares Her Soul’
Mark Taper Forum | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles | July 11-19 | muse-ique.com
“DEFIANTLY JONI” is an intimate tribute to Joni Mitchell’s unique genius — as well as a testament of the cultural milieu and musical streams that fed into her art and then poured out of Laurel Canyon and into a surplus of other genres and artists. Admission for non-members starts at $75 for a single admission.
Dapper Day LA
Pico House, 430 North Main St., Los Angeles | July 12 | dapperday.com
Dress to impress for Dapper Day at Olvera Street, where vintage fashion meets one of LA’s most historic landmarks. Stroll through the shops, restaurants, museums, and enjoy live music while browsing a curated vintage market inside the historic Pico House. Tickets starting at $10.
Journey Through Cahuenga: Indigenous Storytelling and Dance
The Ford | 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Los Angeles | July 12 | theford.com
Celebrate Indigenous cultures through music, poetry, storytelling, and dance at this family-friendly LA Soundscapes performance. The event honors the traditions and contemporary voices of First Peoples, Featuring Native artists from across the country. Tickets starting at $13.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Rose Bowl | 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena | July 12 | rgcshows.com
Hunt for vintage treasures from more than 2,500 vendors. Regular admission: $12.
Frida Fest
Casita Del Pueblo | 13100 Philadelphia St., Whittier | July 12 | casitadelpueblo.org
Celebrate the life and legacy of Frida Kahlo at this annual festival featuring local artists, artisan vendors, live music, delicious food, and a spirited dress-up contest.
Bastille Day Los Angeles
California Plaza, Downtown Los Angeles | July 14 | us.diplomatie.gouv.fr
Celebrate French culture at Bastille Day Los Angeles 2026, featuring live music, a French market, authentic cuisine, artisans, entertainment, and more.
Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone at Fairplex
Fairplex | 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona | July 14-15 & 18-19 | fairplex.com
Experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup at Fairplex with live match viewing, a high-energy festival atmosphere, and activities for fans of all ages. Enjoy interactive soccer games, crafts, and, entertainment. General Admission: $21.10/person for all 4 games. VIP starting at $36.55. Children 5 and younger are free.
Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone at West Harbor
West Harbor | 1332 South Harbor Blvd., San Pedro | July 14-15 & 18-19 | westharborla.com
Experience FIFA World Cup 2026™ at West Harbor’s official Fan Zone, where the San Pedro waterfront transforms into a vibrant soccer celebration. Watch the final rounds on massive screens, enjoy live entertainment, interactive fan activities, and waterfront dining. Tickets starting at $5.
Moonlight Movies on the Beach: ‘Mean Girls’
Granada Beach | 5000 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach | July 14 | moonlightmoviesonthebeach.com
Pack up the car with chairs, blankets and snacks and head to the beach for a free movie at sunset. Don’t want to pack food? Local food trucks and kettle corn vendors will be on site.
Camarillo Heritage Days Fiesta
Old Town Camarillo | July 15-19 | camarilloheritagedays.org
Celebrate Camarillo’s heritage with carnival rides, food, local craft vendors, live music, live art, car show and more.
ONGOING
‘Mamma Mia!’
Ahmanson Theatre | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles | Through July 19 | centertheatregroup.org
For more than 25 years, “Mamma Mia!” has brought the music of ABBA to the stage in this tale of love, friendship and the relationship between mother and daughter. Tickets: range in price.
‘Coriolanus’
Old Zoo in Griffith Park | Through July 26 | indieshakes.org/free-shakespeare-2026
The Independent Shakespeare Co. kicks off its free Shakespeare festival with “Coriolanus,” a surprisingly comedic political tale. In a corrupt Rome where the gap between the poor and rich widens, Roman general Coriolanus is expelled from the city over his contempt for his people. Coriolanus then sets off on a path for revenge. Arrive early for pre-show events
The Great Clown Bank Show
Atwater Village Theatre | 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles | Through Aug. 1 | openfist.org
Under the cracked neon glow of the Big Top, a wild-eyed, clown-capitalist circus fantasia erupts in a fever-dream spectacle of greed, glitter and grotesque excess. The gleefully deranged story follows the rise of the Greedy family — a scheming dynasty of powder-faced hustlers who transform their tiny carnival cashbox into the most powerful clown bank in America. Tickets range from $26 to $40. Content warning: risqué language and situations; parental guidance is advised for children under 13.
‘Mexodus’
Pasadena Playhouse | 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena | Through Aug. 2 | pasadenaplayhouse.org
The season’s most award winning Off-Broadway live-looping hip-hop musical and New York Times Critic’s Pick – created and performed by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson and directed by David Mendizábal with choreography by Tony Thomas – concludes its critically acclaimed run. Playwrights, actors, and musicians Quijada and Robinson tell the story of the Underground Railroad that led south, taking 4,000 to 10,000 enslaved people to seek freedom in Mexico. Tickets start at $40.
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach | Through Sept. 6 | sawdustartfestival.org
Discover handmade artwork from more than 180 local artists, enjoy live music, art demonstrations, take a glassblowing or mosaic class (among many offered), and soak in Laguna Beach’s beautiful scenery. Single day ticket: $12.50 for adults, $10.50 for seniors, $5.50 for children.
‘Romeo and Juliet’
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum | 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga | Through Sept. 26 | theatricum.com
Co-directors Ellen Geer and Willow Geer have set their “Romeo and Juliet” in New York City during the tumultuous Gilded Age, a period marked by stark social inequality and rampant industrialization. Through this lens, the famous love story becomes not just a tragedy, but a powerful warning about the costs of division, hatred and fear. Tickets to performances range from $15 to $63. Children 4 and under are free. Pay-What-You-Will at the performances on Monday, Aug. 3.
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum | 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga | Through Oct. 10 | theatricum.com
Set against the natural backdrop of Topanga’s woods, this production requires no elaborate set design to conjure Shakespeare’s enchanted forest brimming with magic, mischief and romance. Audiences of all ages will be enchanted by the whimsical entanglements of four lovers, a troupe of bumbling actors, and the mischievous fairies who meddle with them. Tickets to performances range from $15 to $63. Children 4 and under are free. Pay-What-You-Will at the performances on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
‘WASHOKU | Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine’
Japan House LA | 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles | Through Oct. 18 | japanhousela.com
This landmark exhibition explores the core elements, evolution, and cultural significance of washoku, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage.
‘Treasure Island’
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum | 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga | Through Oct. 3 | theatricum.com
In this re-imagining of the novel by Theatricum artistic director Ellen Geer, a young man’s romantic dream of pirates on the high seas becomes a harrowing reality. Tested at every turn, young Jim Hawkins faces each challenge with courage, trusting in a moral compass strong enough to triumph — and to discover the true treasure: a life lived with integrity and purpose. Tickets to performances range from $15 to $63. The performance on Monday, Aug. 10 is Pay-What-You-Will (available online the week of the performance or pay cash at the door) and features a 30-minute pre-show discussion, beginning one hour before curtain, at 6:30 p.m.
‘Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo’
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles | Through Jan. 10 | academymuseum.org
The Academy Museum presents Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo, celebrating the artistry of Studio Ghibli and the hand-drawn animation behind the 2008 film. The exhibition features over 100 original materials from Studio Ghibli, including art boards, posters, an animation desk, and hand drawings by Hayao Miyazaki, many on display in North America for the first time. Curated by Jessica Niebel with assistant curator Emily Rauber Rodriguez. The museum is open six days a week, closed on Tuesdays. Tickets $15–$25; film screenings $5–$10.
‘Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon’
Academy Museum | 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles | Through Feb. 28 | academymuseum.org
“Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon” will celebrate Marilyn Monroe as a visionary actor and image-maker, examining the many facets of how she created and shaped her public image in the context of the classical Hollywood studio system. The pink satin gown will be on view in the exhibition, located on Level 3 in the Rolex Gallery. General admission tickets for the museum’s exhibitions are $25 for adults, $19 for seniors (age 62+), and $15 for students.
