Best Things To Do This Weekend In Los Angeles And SoCal: Oct. 20 - 22

Get ready to laugh at bedroom exploits as Awkward Sex… and the City makes its Los Angeles debut this weekend. Comedians share their awkward, intimate tales about their sex lives while breaking barriers about sex and dating. The show aims to take on taboo subjects while creating a safe space for all people to feel seen and heard.

The Hollywood Fringe Festival comedy, BEFOK (or the Desperate Attempt to Impress Iñárritu), is a one-woman show written and performed by Asta Leigh. Her character, the South African-born Lola Luvv, thought she’d be a world-renowned actress by 40, but that’s in seven days. And she's no closer than when she first moved to Hollywood. Seeing Academy Award-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu at Whole Foods strikes Lola as a sign that she’s destined to play the lead in his new TV show, The One Percent. Hang on for a manic ride. The show is directed and storycrafted by Matt Ritchey.

The Egyptian American writer, performer and comedian brings his perspective and brand of storytelling to the Regent for two nights. Youssef created, produces, directs and stars in the hit Hulu show Ramy, inspired by his own experiences with his immigrant family and his spiritual journey in his politically divided New Jersey neighborhood.

Gloria Molina Grand Park showcases a public art installation that honors the longtime customs and traditions of Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. For 12 days, explore the park and 19 altars created by professional artists and local organizations honoring their deceased loved ones. Visitors can also contribute to the annual community altar which will honor the victims of gun violence in Monterey Park and those who perished in Maui’s wildfires. The Opening Day Community Celebration takes place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a mariachi band, folklórico dancers and arts activities. The closing night features an outdoor screening of Macario (1960) on Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

The 11th edition of Gabba Gallery's affordable art show opens this weekend, featuring more than 75 artists from around the world. The cash-and-carry show lets the collector take the art home right away. When pieces are sold, they are replaced, with the show changing throughout the night. Curated by Jason Ostro and Elena Jacobson, featured artists include CANTSTOPGOODBOY, Jaq Frost, Donna Bates, Nichole McDaniel and Konecki. The works will be on view through Nov. 11.

The Newport Beach 4-Man Volleyball Invitational features both a men’s and women’s division on a two-court stadium on the beach. Unlike traditional two-on-two tournaments, this event features a faster pace and speed in a four-on-four competition. The roster includes Olympians and AVP stars, including Todd Rodgers, Jake Gibb, Taylor Crabb, Kelly Cheng, Taylor Sander, Todd Rogers, Sarah Sponcil, Betsi Flint and others. A portion of its proceeds will be donated to the May-Treanor Ohana Foundation, dedicated to promoting active and healthy lifestyles for young people through sports and educational programs. Open seating is available on the sand, attendees are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs.

Organized by the nonprofit Silver Lake Improvement Association, the festival takes place just across from the "Music Box Steps" where the comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy lugged a piano up a never-ending staircase in their 1932 short film The Music Box. The day features Laurel & Hardy lookalikes, free food, live music, a magic show, educational displays, a raffle, and screenings of The Music Box.

The Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) celebrates the grand opening of its new physical location in downtown L.A. — which includes a gallery, classroom, studio, and a digital print lab — with an awards ceremony that honors Catherine Opie, William Camargo, Rose Shoshana and Jordie Oetken. All proceeds support the center and its community outreach program.

Shop for pins, prints, art, zines and ceramics at the gallery. Participating artists include: Trevor Shin, Nellie Le, Kevin Chan, Luke Chueh, John Banh, Marina Caro, Stacy Javier, Opened Jesus, Jenn Lima and Schessa Garbutt on Oct. 21 and Kelly Yamagishi, Kevin Chan, Cassia Lupo, Tiny Deer Studios, Po Yan Leung, Sean Keeton, Lucas Pincer-Flynn, and Le, Banh, Caro and Open Jesus on Sunday, Oct. 22.

Enjoy snacks and beverages as you test your knowledge of noir, suspense, thriller, and horror flicks against other movie buffs. Participate as a team or solo, but dress to impress as the best costume* wins a prize during the costume contest. (*Not allowed: full body paint, functional props or weapons, and/or full-face coverings.) The night is co-presented by the Cinephile card game, which is $5 off with the trivia ticket.

Get ready to yuk it up for a good cause as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s annual comedy show returns for its seventh event with a lineup that includes Craig Robinson, Melissa Villaseñor, Frankie Quinones, Evan Williams, Rick Glassman and surprise guests. Get there early for the silent auction, drinks and entertainment or stay at home and watch the show virtually. The show is 21+ in person and 18+ for the livestream.

The live music and interview show features actors, artists and musicians in conversation about risk-taking, artistic process and creative choices (in a similar vein to Jones’ former TV show/podcast Off Camera with Sam Jones). But in this show, after the conversation, the guest — and this week it’s actor, comedian and multi-instrumentalist Ed Helms — plays music with a band and often brings up famous friends to join them. The venue is 21+.

The tennis and racquet sports community Break The Love and The Botanist Islay Dry Gin present a rooftop event at E.P. & L.P. that features ping pong, paddle tennis and pickleball competitions with balanced Botanist cocktails such as the citrus-forward Courtside Collins. The event also includes small bites, a DJ, giveaways and photo opportunities. All guests must be 21+ to attend.

Proof is a short film festival that's dedicated to showcasing the best in proof-of-concepts from emerging filmmakers. The competitive festival screens works that have the potential to turn into feature films or TV shows. The weekend also includes mixers, panel discussions and workshops.

The annual SHRIMPFEST returns for its third year, offering diners a buffet-style feast with unlimited tastes of more than 16 San Pedro Fish Market dishes. The night also features live entertainment, including a Mariachi band and hourly prizes.

This huge celebration of chicken tenders returns to Beverly Hills for its third year. Created by The h.wood group co-owner John Terzian (The Nice Guy, Bootsy Bellows, Delilah, SLAB) and Lawrence Longo (owner of Irv’s Burgers, Prince Street Pizza, Bar Next Door, Sparky’s and founder of Off The Menu), the festival showcases the chicken tenders of Le Coupe, Raising Cane’s, Harold & Belle’s, Delilah, Pioneer Chicken, Community Goods, Love Baked Wings, Trippie’s Strips & Dips and Caviar Kaspia (VIP only).

Bakers from around the city participate in a cookie contest to celebrate National Cookie Month, simultaneously raising funds for animal shelters. Best part? We get to sample the goods. This weekend's Bakecamp event takes place at the uber-cool Valley Relics Museum, and admission is included in the purchase of Bakecamp tickets. Tasting tickets start at five cookies and run up to 25 tastings.

Maple Block's parking lot will be transformed into a lively biergarten for its 8th annual Blocktoberfest. The carnival setup features multiple food and drink stations where guests can use tickets for each item. Foods available include Maple Block Chicken's spatchcock grilled chicken baskets, Farina Pizza with chef Michele Galifi and his wood-fired pizza oven, offering Maple Block's brisket on individual pizzas. The beer garden includes offerings from four breweries: Modern Times, Big Noise, Paperback, and Maui Brewing Company. Adult tickets include a beer or cocktail.