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Free weekend? Try the Paramount Drive-in, Doggie Street Festival or a Ninja Turtle anniversary

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We're in the thick of the summer. You know what that means: Drive-in movies, beach parties and outdoor music. This weekend, we're listening to live jazz under urban lights; visiting Paramount, California for a dose of nostalgia; and treating our dogs to a day on the town. 

Here's everything you need to know: 


1. Jazz at LACMA

Photo: #JazzatLACMA

What's better than taking a selfie in front of LACMA's iconic "Urban Light"? How about a night of live (and free!) jazz music among the illuminated art installation? This Friday's Jazz at LACMA features the Henry "Skipper" Franklin Quintet. Franklin rose to fame in the '60s while working with Hugh Masakela on his single, "Grazing in the Grass." Watch Franklin play the double bass here.

When: 6 p.m. Friday

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Where: LACMA | MAP

Price: Free 


2. Paramount Drive-in  

(Photo: Paul Richards/Getty Images)

Paramount Drive-In reopened in April after being closed for more than 20 years. It now fits 800 cars, two 75-foot screens and has digital projection with FM radio sound. Grab a date and head out to this weekend's screenings of "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," "Transformers: Age of Extinction," "Tammy" and "Deliver Us From Evil."

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Do you remember the drive-in's heyday in Los Angeles? Reminisce here. 

When: First movie starts at 8:20 p.m. 

Where: Paramount Drive-In Theatres | MAP

Price: $9 for adults, $3 for kids, free for kids under 5 


3. Annenberg Beach House 

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(Photo: Saija Lehto/Flickr)

The Annenberg Community Beach House might be your perfect solution to beat the heat this weekend. The 5-acre public beach house located at the Santa Monica State Beach is a blast from the glamorous past. The estate was originally built during the 1920s by William Randolph Hearst for actress Marion Davis. It showcases a large pool lined with marble and is just a stone’s throw away from one of SoCal’s most iconic beaches. The facility also has a rec room with games and a ping pong table.

When: Pool open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sunday

Where: The Annenberg Community Beach House  | MAP 

Price: $10 adults, $4 kids, $5 Seniors | Read about new reservation system here


4. 626 Night Market 

Video: Meet us at the Night Market

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Feeling hungry? Head to the 626 Night Market in Santa Anita Park, the largest Asian-themed market in the United States. Taking a cue from the popular markets in Asia, the market boasts over 200 vendors, live music, art and games. 

When: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Santa Anita Park | MAP

Price: $3 | Parking: Free 


5. "American Psycho" at Griffith Park 

Video: "American Psycho" trailer

Watch Patrick Bateman unravel at Eat|See|Hear's outdoor screening of "American Psycho" Saturday. The outdoor movie, food truck and live music event series is back at the Autry National Center in Griffith Park this weekend. Food trucks include Vchos, Azteca Truck, Wise BBQ, Hamborghini, Coolhaus and more. Arrive early for a performance by the folktronic band yOya (see music video below). 

Watch yOya's music video of "Fool's Gold"

When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Autry National Center | MAP

Price: $8 to $10 | Purchase tix here 


6. Doggie Street Festival

Tweet: @Doggie_Street promotes its San Diego event

Street festivals aren't just for humans anymore. Make it a date with your dog at the Doggie Street Festival this Sunday. There will be adoptable dogs and cats, pet book authors, free veterinarian advice, good eats and music. Bring a blanket or folding chair so you can sit on the grass and enjoy the live entertainment. Did we mention: There's a cupcake lounge?! And that is definitely for the people. 

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Where: Westfield Century City Mall | MAP

Price: Free admission; donations welcome


7. 30 years of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Tweet: Costumes welcome

Dudes and dudettes, we've saved the most wicked event for last. Artists from around the world will celebrate the legacy of the mean, green fighting machines — also known at the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — with a Cowabunga art show Saturday at Iam8bit. The 4,500 square foot gallery is co-curated by former video game reviewers (and Comic-Con attendees) Jon M. Gibson and Amanda White, whose opening reception parties "are actually parties," according to Time Out Los Angeles. Saturday's reception is open to all ages. 

When: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday

Where: Iam8bit | MAP

Price: Free 


What'd we miss? Let us know in comments.


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