Plus, “Dogust” festivities and a Route 66 film series
Every Thursday, Los Angeles magazine curates a list of the best events in and around Los Angeles. Craft a great last-minute schedule with our Weekend Guide to L.A., and don’t forget to sign up to have the guide delivered to your inbox every week by clicking HERE.
Credit: LAIKA Studios
The world of LAIKA Studios’ upcoming film Wildwood comes to life at The Grove this weekend after a terrific opening at San Diego Comic-Con. The immersive portal experience transports fans to the film’s vivid and mystical wilderness at human scale, animating its characters, artifacts and environment. The pop-up runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Sunday for those looking to (kind of) escape the city.
Credit: AZIONE
Fans of Kosas won’t want to miss the clean beauty brand’s takeover of Pantry at Madhappy West Hollywood, where two limited edition drinks are available in celebration of four new shades of the Cloud Set Loose Translucent Powder. Try the Cloud Set Latte or Matcha, infused with vanilla and butterfly pea, and get a free mini loose powder with every order. The first 50 customers will even receive a free full-size Kosas product with their drink.
Credit: AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh
The Los Angeles Chargers’ training camp kicks off this weekend, and fans can join in by securing tickets to watch at the team’s El Segundo facility, The Bolt. Presented by UCLA Health, the camp offers 14 practices open to the public, released on a first-come, first-served basis the Monday before each week. Bring the whole family on Aug. 15 for face painting, candy trucks and air-brush tattoos.
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Credit: Barnsdall Art Park Foundation
This weekend’s installment of Friday Wine Nights at Barnsdall Art Park features an appearance from chef Majda Belaroui of Cafe Maghreb, the acclaimed North African pop-up set to open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in November. Guests can enjoy their beverages — curated by Silverlake Wine — alongside Moroccan-inspired bites, including sardine and merguez sandwiches, msemen, pastries and traditional sweets. Tickets start at $55 online for four glasses of wine.
Credit: Photo courtesy Casa Vega
Third-generation Casa Vega owner Christy Vega welcomes her cousin, Michelin-starred chef Javier Plascencia, for a one-night-only takeover of the iconic restaurant through the lens of Baja California cuisine. The family affair features both an à la carte and prix fixe menu, as well as a Baja oyster station and wine pairings from Michelin-starred sommelier Lauren Plascencia. Guests will also be joined by fellow Michelin-starred chef and cousin Oscar Torres for an evening of Mexican cuisine and cultural celebration. Running from 5 to 11 p.m. at $150 per person, this is the kind of family dinner not to miss.
Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for CBS
One of the Hollywood Bowl’s most renowned programs is back this Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. — Troupe Vertigo, the L.A.-based theatrical circus company that dazzle crowds with acrobatics, trapeze, contortions, juggling and more. This year, the show is set to excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, performed by the orchestra and Tchaikovsky specialist Chloé Dufresne. The evening closes with the triumphant 1812 Overture featuring the USC Marching Band and an out-of-this-world fireworks show. Tickets for the jaw-dropping experience start at $44.
Credit: ANIMA ANDANTE
SOLO-ARTS Gallery presents the second movement of ANIMA Andante at 8 p.m. on Saturday in Long Beach. The immersive, interdisciplinary performance series combines poetry, opera, contemporary dance and sculptural light installations for a two-hour “inquiry into consciousness, transformation, and the act of becoming.” The performance features poet and philosopher Nico Patio, opera performer-composer Elliot Menard, installation artist Michael MacLean and choreographer Seda Aybay. Tickets for opening night start at $25 online, with a second performance on Aug. 8.
Credit: Tanveer Badal
The Regent Santa Monica Beach invites Angelenos to the second installment of its oceanfront film series, happening every Saturday through Aug. 29. This week honors the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with specialty cocktails and elevated bites in addition to the classic popcorn, candy and soft drinks. The movie of choice is Eat Pray Love, with tickets starting at $40 and seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Credit: Westway Studio/ JustFoodForDogs
Saturday marks DOGust, the universal birthday for rescue dogs whose actual birthdays are unknown — and what better way to celebrate than by adopting a furry friend in need? JustFoodForDogs partners with VanderPump Dogs at its West Hollywood location and Eastwood Ranch Foundation at its Sherman Oaks store to help dogs find loving homes. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., attendees can meet adoptable dogs and connect with rescue experts, even receiving a $50 JustFoodForDogs gift card if they opt to adopt.
Credit: Peter Sorel, © Columbia Pictures
Another Saturday film series kicks off this weekend at Pasadena’s Norton Simon Museum, celebrating 100 years of “the Main Street of America” in honor of Route 66. Four films will be shown through Aug. 22, each featuring the California section of the famous highway and beginning with Dennis Hopper’s iconic Easy Rider. The screening is free with museum admission and begins at 4:30 p.m. in the theater.
Credit: Nosotros Tequila
Nosotros Tequila takes over Caravan Swim Club at Hotel June West L.A. for two weekends of poolside rest and relaxation. From 2 to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Aug. 29, guests can enjoy a roaming Nosotros tasting cart, tequila cocktails and live DJ sets from the comfort of the Westside’s most sun-soaked pool deck. Be sure to RSVP online in advance.
Credit: Courtesy of Wags & Walks
The nonprofit dog rescue Wags & Walks invites puppy lovers to the Santa Monica Pickleball Club for its third annual pickleball tournament, featuring ice cream from Servet and music by DJ Cathy Michele. All proceeds go to the dogs at the organization’s rescue, and players will even have a chance to win customizable Wilson athletic kits as the championship prize. Running from 3 to 6 p.m., it’s the perfect way to celebrate furry friends for star players and bench warmers alike.
Credit: The SAKE COMPETITION Organizing Committee
From 1 to 4 p.m. at Japan House, The Sake Competition Organizing Committee welcomes Angelenos for a free afternoon of tastings from the premier Japanese breweries that delivered this year’s winners. Guests can enjoy unlimited sake samples from 11 different producers in Hyomon ice-pattern crystal glasses, as well as food pairings by Asakura — the culinary group behind Tokyo’s Michelin-starred La Bombance. Bring the sake-lover in your life to make their day or the skeptic to change their mind.
Credit: Keiki Lani Knudsen
Everyone’s favorite annual EDM and hip-hop festival is back at Hollywood Park this weekend with a next-level lineup. Kali Uchis anchors Saturday alongside Mau P, Nick León, Brutalismus 3000 and more, while Sunday features headliner Zedd back-to-back Knock2, as well as Shygirl, 2hollis, DJ Snake and Sammy Virji. Taking place adjacent to the iconic SoFi Stadium, sets run from 2 to 10 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with two-day general admission tickets starting at $312.