Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
23 Of The Best Things To Do This Weekend In Southern California
This weekend, you can celebrate some of the longest days of the year in the Southern California sun -- from Arroyo Seco Weekend in Pasadena and CicLAvia in the Valley to a mass meditation in an open field and a massive bounce house. For those who prefer the nighttime, Drunken Devil holds an immersive "Sin-a-Rama" party and there's samba dancing under the stars.
Saturday, June 23; 7 - 11 p.m.
ERIC JOYNER: "GLAZED MACHINATIONS" @ Corey Helford Gallery -- 571 S. Anderson St., Boyle Heights
The gallery holds an opening reception for a new body of work from its longest featured artist. The exhibition is a love letter to California by melding images of coastal landscapes, cities with his signature vintage robots and donuts. The gallery also opens "It's Not Glitter, It's Stardust" with works by CANTSTOPGOODBOY and a group exhibition assembled by Waxploitation Records, featuring art from the book Waxploitation Stories For Ways & Means.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Saturday, June 23 - Sunday, June 24; Opens at noon each day.
ARROYO SECO WEEKEND @ Brookside at The Rose Bowl -- 1133 Rosemont Ave., Pasadena
Support for LAist comes from
We've heard about the music -- with headliners Neil Young, Jack White, Kings Of Leon and Robert Plant -- and the food. But did you know that this is a family-centric festival where children ages 10 and younger get in free? Pasadena's Kidspace Museum runs a tentful of activities for the young ones, from a make-your-own box guitar to an interactive drum circle and tons of arts and crafts. The Huntington Library and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory are hosting installations while Vroman's Bookstore curates Little Libraries throughout the fest.
COST: $149-$999; MORE INFO
Sunday, June 24; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
ANNIFURSARY CELEBRATION @ Annenberg PetSpace -- 12005 Bluff Creek Dr., Playa Vista
The community space, focused on pet adoptions, educational programming and the science between the animal-human bond, celebrates its first anniversary with an open house. Play with adoptable pets, take behind-the-scenes tours, eat at free food trucks, get your face painted and snap your picture in a photo booth. Well-behaved dogs are invited to attend; one visiting pet per family.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Friday, June 22, 8 p.m.
ÓLAFUR ARNALDS @ The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian -- 3300 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown
The Icelandic composer, musician and producer -- currently on tour to support his August release "re:member" -- plays a sold-out show. The LP features groundbreaking new software that transforms the piano "into an almost entirely new instrument." Manu Delgado opens.
COST: $47+ (resale); MORE INFO
Saturday, June 23; 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.
SIN-A-RAMA @ Secret location in downtown L.A.
Support for LAist comes from
Horror-themed production and event company Drunken Devil will try to transport guests back to the 1970s, in the middle of a grindhouse movie. Actors playing sleazy film stars will mix with the crowd as they bring a "terror-tinged narrative" to life. Listen to live music by Dave Cavalier Trio and watch burlesque performers Olivia Bellafontaine, Jessabelle Thunder, Brynn Route, Kristina Nekyia and Miss Ashley Hayward. Guests can indulge in a concessions stand with movie theater popcorn, candy and a hosted bar.
COST:$80; MORE INFO
Saturday, June 23; 2 - 4 p.m.
DEAD PILOTS SOCIETY @ Dynasty Typewriter at The Hayworth -- 2511 Wilshire Blvd., Westlake
Most pilot scripts end up in the circular file, even if the ones penned by established writers. For a little ego boost, listen to live reads of rejected scripts by Jenji Kohan ("Orange Is the New Black"), Patrick Schumacker and Justin Halpern (Harley Quinn; $#*! My Dad Says) and Caroline Williams ("Arrested Development"). They'll be read by actors Justin Kirk, Nicole Byer, Phil Lamarr, John Gemberling and Carrie Wampler.
COST: Tickets start at $15;MORE INFO
Saturday, June 23; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
THE MASS MEDITATION INITIATIVE @ Los Angeles State Historic Park -- 1245 North Spring St., downtown L.A.
The healing arts and vegan festival features yoga, music, guest speakers, art installations, a sound healing dome, a children's space and a global group meditation at 2 p.m. via a live stream. At 8:30 p.m., there's a screening of "Above Majestic," an examination of a secret space program and "origins of technologies, history, coverups, conspiracies, testimony and research that goes beyond!"
COST: Free; MORE INFO
Sunday, June 24; 9 a.m - 4 p.m. CICLAVIA: THE VALLEY @ Panorama City, Arleta and Pacoima
Ditch the car for a day and explore what Van Nuys Boulevard has to offer. Walk, ride, skate or hop on a free pedicab. Check out activities at each of the three hubs along the four-mile route, from games and bike safety to basic skateboarding workshops and performances by the Street Poets.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Support for LAist comes from
Saturday, June 23; 9 and 10:30 p.m. sets
NEDRA WHEELER | MINGUS, MONK AND MORE @ The World Stage -- 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park
The composer and bassist takes on the jazz masters with a little help from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Jamael Dean, Dale Fielder and Thomas White.
COST: $20; MORE INFO
Saturday, June 23; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
THE SOUTH BAY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS @ Torrance Cultural Arts Center -- 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance
The community festival offers music and performances on three stages as well as art exhibitions, demonstrations and hands-on crafts for all ages. Participating food and drink purveyors include Brio Coastal Bar and Kitchen, Castle Rock Winery, Chado Tea Room, King Harbor Brewing, Luna Grill, Madre Restaurant and Pink's Hot Dogs. While GA entry is free, food and drink tickets are $3 each.
COST: Free - $150; MORE INFO
Saturday, June 23 - Sunday, June 24
THE LA TACO & BEER FESTIVAL @ Raleigh Studios -- 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood
Sate your appetite with unlimited tastings of L.A.'s two basic food groups. Other food and beverages will also be available for purchase. The festival includes boutiques, games, hand-rolled cigars and DJs providing the weekend's soundtrack.
COST: $35 - $49; MORE INFO
Support for LAist comes from
Hallelujah! Ron Athey: A Story of Deliverance (1997) [Trailer] from Aubin Pictures on Vimeo.
Friday, June 22; 7:30 p.m.
HALLELUJAH! RON ATHEY: A STORY OF DELIVERANCE @ Billy Wilder Theater, Hammer Museum -- 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood
Artist, producer and LGBTQ activist Zackary Drucker will screen Catherine Gund's 1997 documentary of performance artist Ron Athey as part of the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project. Athey's incorporates aspects of S&M and this film is NOT for the squeamish. Drucker, Athey and Gund will be on hand to discuss the film and Athey's work.
COST: $8-$10; MORE INFO
Sunday, June 24; 7 p.m
DOLORES: OUR LADY OF THE SORROWS @ The Vortex -- 2341 E. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A.
It's a Ron Athey double-header. He teams with Nacho Nava to create an epic night of music and performance art with a cast of international artists. The event includes the L.A. premiere of sword swallower Missa Blue's "Black Madonna" performance. Other artists throughout the night include Little Annie, San Cha, Arshia Fatima Haq and Austyn Rich.
COST: $20; MORE INFO
Saturday, June 23; 7 p.m.
KOREAN INSPIRATION: A NIGHT OF ART & EXPLORATION @ LACMA -- 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile
Explore the museum's Korean art collection and celebrate Korean culture with a special night gallery viewing, a fashion show of traditional and contemporary Korean clothes, discussions, art workshops, complimentary tea and desserts. You can buy soju cocktails and bulgogi beef or vegetarian bibimbap served with steamed rice and pickled vegetables.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Sunday, June 24; 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
SUNSETS AT THE ZOO @ Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park -- 1801 East Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana
The zoo pairs local bands and breweries for its summer series. This weekend, Full Spectrum plays tunes from the '60s and '70's with Stereo Brewing, Stone and Tustin Brewing Company serving the hops. Guests can explore the zoo after-hours, buy tickets to ride the Zoofari Express Train, the new 50 Monkey Ferris Wheel and the Conservation Carrousel.
COST: $19.95 (zoo admission) and $15 for optional beer garden for those 21+; MORE INFO
Friday, June 22; 7 - 11 p.m.
DANCE DTLA @ Grand Park -- 200 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A.
Dance under the stars with free beginner samba dance lessons or freestyle it, all to the tunes of drum ensemble Samba Da Mudança. Pack a picnic or buy food and drinks on site. Cocktails are available for those 21+ with valid ID.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Saturday, June 23; noon - 5 p.m.
BLUE ROOF STUDIOS ARTS FESTIVAL @ Blue Roof Studios -- 7329 S. Broadway, South L.A.
The festival aims to bring community together through music (from local DJ Joaquin Romero /DJ Wordamouph) and art from more than 60 artists and 20 artisans. Check out free cooking demos by RootDown LA; art workshops by Barnsdall Arts, CAAM and Blue Roof resident Beverly Morrison; and food by Tacos Hasta La Muerte, Delicious Pizza and Pocho Pops.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Saturday, June 23; 9 p.m.
CALPURNIA @ The Fonda Theatre -- 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
The young Canadian quartet plays an all-ages show in support of "Scout," its first EP. Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler from "Stranger Things") is the band's most recognizable member, singing and playing rhythm guitar. Rounding out the group are Malcolm Craig on drums, Ayla Tesler-Mabe on vocals and lead guitar and Jack Anderson on bass.
COST: $26.50; MORE INFO
Sunday, June 24; 2 - 4 p.m.
Clifton's Living History Tour and 100 Things L.A. Book Signing @ Clifton's Republic -- 648 S Broadway, downtown L.A.
Take a private, guided excursion through L.A. history at the elaborately decked out restaurant, then stick around to pick up a signed copy of the book and chat with authors Danny Jensen and Carrie Kim.
COST: $10; MORE INFO
Saturday, June 23; 1 - 6 p.m.
CONCHA CON @ Plaza de la Raza Gallery -- 3540 North Mission Rd.,
Lincoln Heights
The food event pays homage to the Mexican and Latin American shell-shaped sweet roll. The event features interactive installations, live food demos, a fashion show, a Lucha Libre Art exhibit and kid friendly activities. Of course, a variety of conchas, from plain to tricked-out -- concha burger anyone? -- are available for purchase.
COST: $10 - $25; MORE INFO
Friday, June 22; 9:30 p.m
RED BARAAT @ The Satellite -- 1717 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake
The Brooklyn-based sextet explores South Asian culture through music, mixing Bhangra with jazz, hip-hop and psych. The band is currently on tour in advance of its upcoming release, "Sound The People," which is due out June 29. The Higgs opens.
COST: $16; MORE INFO
Saturday, June 23 - Sunday, June 24
LONG BEACH BAYOU FESTIVAL @ Queen Mary Events Park -- 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach
The festival returns for its 32nd edition -- but in a new location. Listen to musicians play blues, Cajun and zydeco then dance off the beignets in the French Quarter marketplace. Or don't sweat the calories and sign up for the popular crawfish and watermelon eating contests. The ticket price includes admission and entertainment, but the gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, hush puppies, beignets and other victuals are all sold à la carte.
COST: $25 - $35, free for children 12 and younger, active military and veterans; MORE INFO
Saturday, June 23 - Monday, June 25
THE BIG BOUNCE AMERICA @ Fairplex -- 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona
Here's a great way to de-stress this weekend: Hop into the world's largest bounce house. We're talking 10,000 square feet of inflatable fun. There are plenty of play zones and activities in the house -- basketball hoops to a ball pit and dozens of inflatable toys. A DJ keeps things moving with age-appropriate party music. There are split, hour-long sessions by age throughout the weekend because... safety first.
COST: $13 - $21 (each person needs a ticket); MORE INFO
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.
You made it! Congrats, you read the entire story, you gorgeous human. This story was made possible by generous people like you. Independent, local journalism costs $$$$$. And now that LAist is part of KPCC, we rely on that support. So if you aren't already, be one of us! Help us help you live your best life in Southern California. Donate now.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist