Find concerts, screenings, performances and more of our critics’ picks with the best events and things to do in Los Angeles this week
Edited by Michael Juliano
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If we could write the rules of living in Los Angeles this would be our No. 1, always at the top of our list: When you live in this city, there’s no excuse for boredom just because it’s a weeknight. There are hundreds of things to doin Los Angeles each week,whether you hit the beachat sunset or go for a morningbike ride, or catch aconcert or a comedy show—and that’s really only scratching the surface. Well, we don’t make the rules, but we will provide you with plenty of ideas for your next free weeknight right here. Nowgo out and tackle these things to do in L.A. this week.
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The best events in L.A. this week
- Movies
Hollywood
Plunge into the deep end whilewatching a slate ofmovies (sometimes ones filmedat the Hollywood Roosevelt) during this outdoor screening series at the Tropicana Pool & Cafe. You’re welcome to get wet (towels, blankets and heaters are available on a first-come, first-served basis) or stay dry.Seating is available by the bed, which fit two to four people comfortably.
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- Theater
- Musicals
Downtown
Musical-theater auteur Michael R. Jackson turns himself inside out in this thrilling show. Check out our five-star review from its New York run.
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- Movies
- Drama
Downtown Historic Core
The L.A. Conservancy offers a delightful summer time machine in the form of classic films, screened inside Downtown’s grand old movie palaces throughout the month of June.
This year’s lineupincludesThe Cabinet of Dr. Caligariand The Seven Year Itch at the Orpheum on June 1, Bullitt andGaslight at the Los Angeles Theatre on June 8, andFrom Russia with Love andMi Vida Loca at the Palace Theatre on June 15.
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- Music
Chinatown
Everyone’s favorite NPR member station has a hand in aslew of summer concert slates atpublic plazas and beloved museums, and this summer’s schedule is particularly packed. Familiar KCRW DJs and local buzz bands will be providing free, open-air tunes on select nights fromJune through September at Union Station,CAAM,Descanso Gardens, Bowers Museum, Century Park, the Autry, KCRW’s Santa Monica headquartersand—our favorite—the party-till-midnight bashes at Chinatown Central Plaza.
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- Movies
- Animation
Santa Monica
Every Sundayduring the summer at sunset,both hotel guests and vistors attheFairmont Miramarcan slip into something waterproof and enjoy a family-friendly flick around the Santa Monica hotel’s luxurious pool.You’ll find a mix of nostalgic favorites and more recent releases on the Hulu-curated schedule.Eats and libations will be available for purchase fromthe FIG Restaurant menu menu, and though seatingisfree for hotel guests, visitors will have to secure a $45 reservation (that price includes popcorn and a themed three-course meal).
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- Bars
Los Feliz
Now one of L.A.’s most treasured summer traditions, Barnsdall Park’s wine tastings are back after a five-year hiatus. Perched atop Olive Hill on the west lawn of the historic Hollyhock House (which you can tour during the evening for an additional $25), the Barnsdall Friday fund raisers include fine selections of boutique wines provided by Silverlake Wine with a spectacular sunset and 360-degree views of the city. Bring along a blanket and a picnic basket, or just nosh on the variety of food trucks parked up there.
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- Music
Downtown
This epic (and free) outdoor concert seriesfeatures live performances by artists from around the world at thetotally overhauledCalifornia Plazastage in DTLA, where the shallow water separating the stage from the audience has been replaced by a proper event lawn.Don’t miss a diverse and highly intriguing mix ofbands, DJ sets and dance parties.
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- Music
Fairfax District
The Original Farmers Market is host to a plethora of fun, family-friendly outdoor events, and its summer music series are some of its best. Take a load offnear the end of the work week and stop by the West Patioon Thursday nights from6:30 to 8:30pm to heara genre-spanning mix of live music.
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- Things to do
- Performances
Topanga
For more than 50 years, this venue has drawn theatre aficionados to its storied, open-air stage for engaging productions in a magical setting. The 299-seat amphitheater in Topanga Canyon hosts audiences of all ages for plays from a wide range of genres, like Shakespearean classics and folktales. This season, catch highlights such as William Shakespeare’s The Winter's Tale andA Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well asWendy’s Peter Pan,Tartuffe: Born Again andThe Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote.
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- Things to do
- Performances
Santa Monica
Summer’s just heating up, but thanks to areturning summer event series it’s set to be scorching: Santa Monica mainstay the Bungalow will host itsnight market every Thursdayjust a block from the beach. Over the summer, expect food from the likes of Tacos 1986, the Boiling Crab and the Lonely Oyster, plus celebrity guests.
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- Music
- Jazz
Miracle Mile
One of L.A.’s best free live music offerings, Jazz at LACMA has featured legit legends over its three-decade run at the museum. Seating for the program is available in the museum’s plaza on a first-come, first-served basis, though you’re welcome to picnic on the grass, too (you won’t really be able to see the show, but you’ll still hear it). You’ll find the series on Friday evenings in LACMA’s welcome plaza (just behind Urban Light)starting in April.
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- Music
- Latin and world
Downtown
See a free salsa concert every second Friday of the summer during this series at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. This year’s lineup includes Rumbankete,Gabrielito y La Verdad, Son Mayor,Son Miron andClub Mambi—all featuring Super DJ Robby.
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- Things to do
USC/Exposition Park
Nature lovers rejoice! Spend a day at the Natural History Museum’s Butterfly Pavilion, which will openfrom March 17 throughAugust 25 withup to 30 butterfly and moth species and an assortment of California plants. The seasonal outdoor exhibit allows for adults and children alike to witness nature up close—we’re talking having bufferlies take flight and land on your arms or shoulders. Prime time for these unique butterfly flight experiences are between 10 and 11am each morning.
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- Things to do
Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates
Walk through a pavilion of fluttering butterflies and peep a chamber with pupae and caterpillars at South Coast Botanic Garden’sseasonal exhibition.For an extra $6, you can pick up a flower vial or ring filled with nectar to attract and feed butterflies.
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- Things to do
- Talks and lectures
Westside
L.A.’s star-studded lecture seriesreturns—both virtually and in person—with a lineup of writers, artists, performers, scientists and business leaderswho will graciously blow your mind. For both online and IRL events, you’ll often have the option ofpurchasing a signed copy of the speaker’s book, as well.
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- Movies
Hollywood
It isn’t summer in L.A. until the first cemetery screening brings hoards of movie-lovers to Hollywood Forever, toting folding chairs, picnic blankets, snack spreads and lots of booze. Each year, Cinespia brings classic cult favorites to the hallowed resting place of such Hollywood greats as Rudolph Valentino and Bugsy Siegel.
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- Movies
Downtown
The masters of alfresco rooftop movie viewing have returned for another season of screenings in Downtown L.A. Known for excellent film choices and a steady supply of snacks and booze, Rooftop Cinema Club is your snazzy, comfortable and less stressful alternative to other outdoor movie screenings. You don’t even need to bring your own camping chair—Rooftop Cinema Club provides you with your very own comfy lawn chair. And instead of listening to the movie over loudspeakers, you’ll get a set of wireless headphones so you never have to miss a word.
Find the full schedule on their site, or in our outdoor movie calendar.
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- Movie theaters
- Outdoor
Griffith Park
For dinner and a movie, all in one, just follow the food trucks. Duringthe spring, summer and fall, Street Food Cinema throws together a series of outdoorparties that include screenings of some of our favorite movies, paired with an assortment of gourmet food trucksand even a live music performance from a cool local band.
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- Movies
Sherman Oaks
Take a seat atop Westfield Fashion Square’s parking garage for this afresco film series. Each Friday and Saturday in the summer, you can catch a different popcorn flick, includingTop Gun,La La Land,The Sandlot,Clueless and more.
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