{"id":409652,"date":"2026-07-23T17:26:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T17:26:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/409652\/"},"modified":"2026-07-23T17:26:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T17:26:14","slug":"fun-things-to-do-in-socal-july-23-29","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/409652\/","title":{"rendered":"Fun things to do in SoCal: July 23-29"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>This week, SoCal invites you to expand your mind during the Los Angeles Indie Book Crawl or Shakespeare by the Sea, boogie at one of many outdoor music events including at National Day of the Cowboy and Cowgirl, and celebrate local diversity at events honoring Iranian and indigenous communities.<\/p>\n<p>Sunset Concerts<\/p>\n<p>Skirball Cultural Center | 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles | July 23 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skirball.org\/programs\/sunset-concerts-terrace-martin-plays-miles-brandee-younger\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">skirball.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Terrace Martin honors Miles Davis\u2019s centennial with a stirring tribute and will be joined by harpist, composer, and bandleader Brandee Younger. Sunset Concerts are free, with walk-up tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n<p>Shakespeare by the Sea<\/p>\n<p>Soka University | 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo | July 23 | <a href=\"https:\/\/shakespearebythesea.org\/locations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">shakespearebythesea.org<\/a><br \/>Veterans Park | 309 Esplanade, Redondo Beach | July 24 |<br \/>Dominguez Park | 200 Flagler Lane, Redondo Beach | July 25 |<\/p>\n<p>In \u201cMacbeth,\u201d a Scottish general whose ambitious quest for power, fueled by a prophecy and his wife\u2019s encouragement, leads to a descent into tyranny, paranoia, and his ultimate downfall. Admission is free.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1598\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Sample-LA-Indie-Book-Crawl-Passport-1-1598x1080.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-312728\"  \/>| Map courtesy of  LA Indie Book Crawl <\/p>\n<p>Los Angeles Indie Book Crawl<\/p>\n<p>13 LA County bookstores | July 24-26 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.laindiebookcrawl.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">laindiebookcrawl.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>From Manhattan to Pasadena, 13 independent bookstores across the greater Los Angeles region are joining forces to create an unforgettable weekend for bibliophiles. To participate, visit any one of the bookstores, and make your first purchase of at least $10. From there, you will receive your Book Crawl Passport and first passport stamp. Then simply visit the next bookstore (in no particular order) and make a purchase of $10 or more at each stop for prizes and exclusive merchandise. People who get their passports stamped at all 13 stores will be entered to win a grand prize, $25 gift cards at each store. The event is free and open to everyone.<\/p>\n<p>Zoo After Dark<\/p>\n<p>LA Zoo | 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles | July 24, July 31 | <a href=\"https:\/\/lazoo.org\/plan-your-visit\/special-experiences\/zooafterdark\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">lazoo.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>When the zoo closes, the party starts! The night will feature live music, a silent disco, lawn games, food trucks, and full bars. Head back in time to the \u201880s as Flashback Heart Attack jams out starting at 6:30 p.m. General admission: $30.<\/p>\n<p>Friday Nights at The Gamble House<\/p>\n<p>The Gamble House | 4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena | July 24 | <a href=\"https:\/\/gamblehouse.org\/events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">gamblehouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>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 The Wise Guys Big Band rock and swing all night. Tickets: $40 w\/wine tasting (21+) for non-members, $5 w\/out wine tasting, and free for children 12 and under.<\/p>\n<p>Beach Movie Nights<\/p>\n<p>Dockweiler Youth Center | 12505 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey | July 24 | <a href=\"https:\/\/beaches.lacounty.gov\/beachmovienights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">beaches.lacounty.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Enjoy a free screening of \u201cAnaconda (2025)\u201d on the sand, by the waves, and under the stars. Seating is festival-style, available on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n<p>KCRW Summer Nights at MOLAA<\/p>\n<p>Museum of Latin American Art | 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach | July 24 | <a href=\"https:\/\/molaa.org\/events\/2026\/7\/25\/kcrw-summer-nights-at-molaa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">molaa.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Dance under the stars to sets from KCRW DJs Tyler Boudreaux and Wyldeflower, then explore the museum\u2019s exhibitions featuring Latin American artists like Mercedes Gertz, Guillermo Bert, and Antonio Romero. There will also be food trucks, a full bar, and an open-air courtyard. RSVP: free.<\/p>\n<p>A Toast to the Rat Pack<\/p>\n<p>LA County Arboretum | 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia | July 25 | <a href=\"https:\/\/pasadenasymphony-pops.org\/concert\/rat-pack-tribute\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">pasadenasymphony-pops.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Step back in time to when the voices of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Ella Fitzgerald reigned supreme for an evening of smooth vocals and big band swing featuring classics like \u201cMy Way,\u201d \u201cCome Fly with Me,\u201d \u201cI\u2019ve Got the World on a String,\u201d \u201cAin\u2019t that a Kick in the Head,\u201d \u201cCome Rain or Come Shine\u201d and many more. Tickets start at $38.<\/p>\n<p>National Day of the Cowboy and Cowgirl<\/p>\n<p>Autry Museum of the American West | 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles | July 25 | <a href=\"https:\/\/theautry.org\/cowboy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">theautry.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy and Cowgirl with trick ropers, cowboy poetry, live music, country line dancing lessons, a film screening, horse photo ops, workshop and docent-led tours. General admission adult: $25.<\/p>\n<p>TOLTECAYOTL Ceremonia<\/p>\n<p>Villa Park | 363 E. Villa, Pasadena | July 25 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/yankuititl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">instagram.com\/yankuititl\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Learn traditional Aztec dance steps, movements, and drum rhythms as instructors guide participants from basic techniques to choreographed dances, all accompanied by live Aztec drumming. This free event starts at 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Off the 405<\/p>\n<p>Getty Center | 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles | July 25 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getty.edu\/whats-on\/off-the-405\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">getty.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Getty Center\u2019s annual Off the 405 concert series returns with outdoor performances from some of today\u2019s most exciting artists. Enjoy live music in the museum\u2019s scenic courtyard, where striking architecture and sunset views create a memorable summer concert setting. Admission is free.<\/p>\n<p>Levitt Vibe Pasadena Music Series<\/p>\n<p>Memorial Park | 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena | July 25 | <a href=\"https:\/\/levittvibepasadenamusicseries.com\/jul-25-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">levittvibepasadenamusicseries.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Levitt VIBE Pasadena Music Series continues its summer run at Memorial Park with a performance by pianist Julian Torres and Mariachi Cenzontle. Admission is free.<\/p>\n<p>Matinees on the Mountain<\/p>\n<p>Mount Wilson Observatory | 100 Mt Wilson Circle Road, Mt Wilson | July 18 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtwilson.edu\/events\/movie071826\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">mtwilson.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Enjoy \u201cThe Right Stuff\u201d (1983) in the observatory\u2019s 256-seat auditorium. Moviegoers can enjoy lunch at the Cosmic Cafe or picnic on the grounds, explore the Observatory\u2019s history, and then settle in for the movie. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. General admission: $20.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Smokey Robinson &amp; Gladys Knight: Just the Two of Us<\/p>\n<p>Hollywood Bowl | 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles | July 24-25 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollywoodbowl.com\/events\/performances\/4259\/2026-07-24\/smokey-robinson-gladys-knight-just-the-two-of-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">hollywoodbowl.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>These two icons of soul music have eight Grammy wins and 28 nominations between them. Tickets start at $24.50.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1617\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Akex-Tietre-Bruna-Fachetti-1617x1080.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-312855\"  \/>Director Alex Tietre and Bruna Fachetti. | Photo courtesy of the artists<\/p>\n<p>\u2018The Hour of the Star\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Broadwater Black Box Theatre | 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles | July 25-Aug. 1 | <a href=\"http:\/\/thehourofthestar.eventbrite.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">thehourofthestar.eventbrite.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Brazilian artist Bruna Fachetti stars in a powerful adaptation of Clarice Lispector\u2019s acclaimed novella The Hour of the Star, a landmark of Brazilian literature. Bringing six characters to life, Fachetti tells the story of Macab\u00e9a, a young woman from Brazil\u2019s impoverished Northeast whose quiet existence becomes a profound exploration of identity, invisibility, poverty, resilience, and the universal search for belonging. Tickets: $20.<\/p>\n<p>The People\u2019s Home: Intertribal Indigenous Pow Wow\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>California State University, North Field | 5401 Paseo Rancho Castilla, Los Angeles | July 25 | <a href=\"https:\/\/uaii.org\/event\/the-peoples-home-intertribal-indigenous-powwow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">uaii.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>From drum groups and dancers to Native artists, food vendors, and cultural sharing, this gathering honors the traditions of the Native community. Festivities will begin at 10 a.m.<\/p>\n<p>The Music of Star Wars<\/p>\n<p>Great Park Live | 250 Corsair, Irvine | July 25 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificsymphony.org\/show-details\/the-music-of-star-wars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">pacificsymphony.org<br \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Pacific Symphony led by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Ya\u00f1ez will perform John Williams\u2019 scores from the \u201cStar Wars\u201d franchise, including \u201cRevenge of the Sith,\u201d \u201cStar Wars Main Title\u201d and \u201cDuel of the Fates.\u201d Tickets start at $40.<\/p>\n<p>Cinespia: \u2018Edward Scissorhands\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Hollywood Forever Cemetery | 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles | July 25 | <a href=\"https:\/\/cinespia.org\/event\/edward\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">cinespia.org<br \/><\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Picnic at Hollywood Forever Cemetery as DJ sets bring the block party to life, and enjoy classic movie treats. There will also be a free photo booth. Tickets start at $24.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1492\" height=\"685\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-20-153535.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-312857\"  \/>Montebello Downtown Street Fest. | Screenshot courtesy of City of Montebello \u2013 Government\/Facebook<\/p>\n<p>Montebello\u2019s 2026 Downtown Street Fest<\/p>\n<p>Whittier Boulevard, Montebello | July 25 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montebelloca.gov\/cms\/one.aspx?portalId=58756&amp;pageId=58772&amp;objectId.9870=314295&amp;contextId.9870=61817&amp;parentId.9870=61818&amp;localStartDate=2026-07-25T15:00&amp;localEndDate=2026-07-25T22:00\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">montebelloca.gov<br \/><\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Enjoy a day and night filled with live music, food, artisan vendors, a beer garden, family fun, and all the summer vibes from 3 to 10 p.m. Admission: free.<\/p>\n<p>Christmas in July<\/p>\n<p>Heritage Square Museum | 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles | July 25-26 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/christmas-in-july-tickets-1991643158300\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">eventbrite.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christmas is coming early! Explore historic Victorian homes transformed into festive Christmas storybook settings such as Santa\u2019s Tropical Summer House, Toyland and Candyland. There will also be a 30-minute performance with Santa and storybook characters performed by the Pasadena Civic Ballet. General admission: $43.45.<\/p>\n<p>Plei Game Night<\/p>\n<p>The Mixx | 443 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | July 25 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/plei-game-night-pasadena-tickets-1990632802298\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">eventbrite.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Enjoy over 100 nostalgic and modern games, plus music, dining, and dancing all night long. Tickets: $20 presale, $25 at the door.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Frida Garden Muses<\/p>\n<p>Heritage Museum of Orange County | 3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana | July 26 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/frida-garden-experience-tickets-1991763923512\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">eventbrite.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>This Frida-inspired garden celebration features art, culture, wine tastings, workshops, artisan vendors, and Frida-inspired photo installations. Early bird general admission: $28.52.<\/p>\n<p>SmorgasJOON<\/p>\n<p>Row DTLA | 777 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles | July 26 | <a href=\"https:\/\/farhang.org\/festival\/smorgasjoon-a-celebration-of-iranian-angeleno-culture-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">farhang.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Join Farhang Foundation and Smorgasburg LA for the 2nd Annual SmorgasJOON, a one-day celebration of Iranian Angeleno culture through food, music, art, shopping. The day will feature music by KCRW and DJ Nassir Nassirzadeh, live Persian calligraphy gifts, and more. Admission: free.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Silent Sundays Series<\/p>\n<p>San Gabriel Mission Playhouse | 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel | July 26 | <a href=\"https:\/\/missionplayhouse.org\/event\/silent-sundays-series-the-thief-of-bagdad\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">missionplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Silent Sundays, with live accompaniment on the Playhouse\u2019s 1924 Mighty Wurlitzer, returns with \u201cThe Thief of Bagdad\u201d starring Douglas Fairbanks. In this fantasy adventure drama, Fairbanks plays a swashbuckling thief who decides to change his ways after falling for a princess and then embarks on a journey to make himself worthy of her love. Tickets: $12.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1620\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Dead-Man_DSCF1924-1620x1080.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-312730\"  \/>Jeffrey Johnson, Ann Noble, and Christian Haines in \u201cDead Man.\u201d | Photo by Carolina Rodriguez<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Dead Man\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Atwater Village Theatre | 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles | July 28, Aug. 4 | <a href=\"https:\/\/echotheatercompany.ludus.com\/show_page.php?show_id=200537897\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">EchoTheaterCompany.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Echo Theater Company and Theatre Ghosts present \u201cDead Man,\u201d direct from its smash hit run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. In this noir comedy clown mystery written and directed by Ann Noble, a lone private eye investigates a crime everyone wants to forget: it will definitely take more than one clown to figure it out. Somebody\u2019s dead. Somebody must find the killer. Life is easier when everything\u2019s black and white. Except for those pesky greys. Tickets: $20.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Coriolanus\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Old Zoo in Griffith Park | Through July 26 | <a href=\"https:\/\/indieshakes.org\/free-shakespeare-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">indieshakes.org\/free-shakespeare-2026<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Independent Shakespeare Co. kicks off its free Shakespeare festival with \u201cCoriolanus,\u201d 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<\/p>\n<p>The Great Clown Bank Show<\/p>\n<p>Atwater Village Theatre | 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles | Through Aug. 1 | <a href=\"https:\/\/openfist.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">openfist.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>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 \u2014 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: risqu\u00e9 language and situations; parental guidance is advised for children under 13.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Mexodus\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Pasadena Playhouse | 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena | Through Aug. 2 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pasadenaplayhouse.org\/event\/mexodus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">pasadenaplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The season\u2019s most award winning Off-Broadway live-looping hip-hop musical and New York Times Critic\u2019s Pick \u2013 created and performed by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson and directed by David Mendiz\u00e1bal with choreography by Tony Thomas \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<p>Sawdust Art Festival<\/p>\n<p>935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach | Through Sept. 6 | <a href=\"https:\/\/sawdustartfestival.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">sawdustartfestival.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s beautiful scenery. Single day ticket: $12.50 for adults, $10.50 for seniors, $5.50 for children.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1618\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/RJ2026_0264-1618x1080.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-311024\"  \/>Asher Hagler and Quinnlyn Scheppner in \u201cRomeo and Juliet.\u201d | Photo by Ian Flanders<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Romeo and Juliet\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum | 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga | Through Sept. 26 | <a href=\"https:\/\/theatricum.com\/romeo-and-juliet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">theatricum.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Co-directors Ellen Geer and Willow Geer have set their \u201cRomeo and Juliet\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Waiting in the Wings\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum | 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga | Through Oct. 3 | <a href=\"https:\/\/theatricum.com\/waiting-in-the-wings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">theatricum.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Set in \u201cThe Wings,\u201d a charity home for retired actresses, No\u00ebl Coward\u2019s 50th play is a witty portrait of nine opinionated, funny, difficult and full of life women, each of whom once basked in public admiration \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018A Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum | 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga | Through\u00a0 Oct. 10 | <a href=\"https:\/\/theatricum.com\/a-midsummer-nights-dream\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">theatricum.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Set against the natural backdrop of Topanga\u2019s woods, this production requires no elaborate set design to conjure Shakespeare\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018WASHOKU | Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Japan House LA | 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles | Through Oct. 18 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japanhousela.com\/exhibitions\/washoku-food-nature-culture-traditional-japanese-cuisine-kaiseki-unesco-asahi-shimbun\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">japanhousela.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>This landmark exhibition explores the core elements, evolution, and cultural significance of washoku, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1620\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Treasure-Island_4492-1620x1080.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-311807\"  \/>Gerald C. Rivers and Ruben Jones in \u201cTreasure Island.\u201d | Photo by Ian Flanders<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Treasure Island\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum | 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga | Through Oct. 3 | <a href=\"https:\/\/theatricum.com\/treasure-island\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">theatricum.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>In this re-imagining of the novel by Theatricum artistic director Ellen Geer, a young man\u2019s 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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1620\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Academy_Museum_Marilyn-Monroe-0303-1620x1080.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-311912\"  \/>Exhibition photography for \u201cMarilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon.\u201d | Photo by: Emily Shur \u00a9Academy Museum Foundation<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Academy Museum | 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles | Through Feb. 28 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.academymuseum.org\/exhibitions\/marilyn-monroe-hollywood-icon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">academymuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cMarilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon\u201d 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\u2019s exhibitions are $25 for adults, $19 for seniors (age 62+), and $15 for students.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Studio Ghibli\u2019s Ponyo\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles | Through March 21 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.academymuseum.org\/exhibitions\/studio-ghiblis-ponyo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">academymuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Academy Museum presents Studio Ghibli\u2019s 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\u2013$25; film screenings $5\u2013$10.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t<script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This week, SoCal invites you to expand your mind during the Los Angeles Indie Book Crawl or Shakespeare&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":409653,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[48,52,51,47,50,49],"class_list":["post-409652","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-los-angeles","tag-la","tag-la-headlines","tag-la-news","tag-los-angeles","tag-los-angeles-headlines","tag-los-angeles-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/409652","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=409652"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/409652\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/409653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=409652"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=409652"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=409652"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}