Photo of Echo Park Lake by susan catherine via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

DRINK BEER, SEE ART: The opening of the Vice Photo Show (featuring Rennie Ellis, Nippon Eye, and a special section curated by Tim Barber) promises beer and photos in affable combination in Culver City (eflyer). Give them an RSVP here.

CELEBRATE THE LOTUS (WITHOUT ACTUAL LOTUS FLOWERS): It's the 36th annual Lotus Festival in Echo Park, although this year the lotus are woefully absent. Still, it's a great reason to get out, celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, see the famous Dragon Boat Races, and roam around on the shores of lovely Echo Lake. Plus, it's free!

SHHH, IT'S A SILENT MOVIE NIGHT: Pack a picnic and hit the lawn at the Heritage Square Museum as tonight is the first of three nights this summer to see silent (and, on other nights, classic "talkies") films. Tonight it's "Silent Movie Comedians", with shorts from Charlie Chaplin (Police, and Shanghaied), Buster Keaton (Hard Luck, and Cops) and Harold Lloyd (Are Crooks Dishonest?).

GET YOUR ART ON UP IN NELA: It's Second Saturday Gallery Night in Northeast Los Angeles (NELA), which this month is focused on the opening of a huge group show at the Cactus Gallery in Eagle Rock"depicting the characters, infamous people and urban legends that symbolize freedom, success, fame and lawlessness." You've got the work of 50 artist, DJ entertainment, and a price tag of zero bucks. (More info via Yelp.)

LEARN ABOUT TRANSITION TOWNS & OTHER GREEN-NESS: There's a talk tonight at L.A. Eco Village by May East, who will be discussing Transition Towns, Findhorn, and Gaia Education. Reservations are required (phone: (213) 738-1254 or email: crsp@igc.org).

Other Things to Do: Discover some Unknown dancers, figure for yo'self if you're fond of Yogurtland's fro-yo, check out the High-Fructose art show, pay a visit to the newly dedicated Larry King Square, or take a walk in Sherman Oaks.