Best things to do this weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: August 2 - 4

Fans of classic comics will want to head to the Corey Helford Gallery before the Kirbyvision exhibit closes. The Arts District space partnered with the Jack Kirby Museum & Research Center for a show celebrating Captain America creator Kirby's influence on comics, art, and pop culture. Kirby was the co-creator of the first iterations of many favorite characters, including Ant-Man and the Avengers. The exhibit displays rare Kirby original comic art alongside new works inspired by the “King of Comics.”

More than 100 artists and designers from the ArtCenter’s LatinX alumni community are showing work in a range of disciplines through Sunday. From illustration to photography to product design, the ArtCenter’s galleries have been dedicated all summer to the IdentificarX exhibition, which explores “the intersection of identity and creativity within the culture.”

John Waters: Pope of Trash is the kind of exhibit you’re kind of shocked can even exist at a mainstream museum like the Academy. Of course, John Waters is a film icon and creator of characters that revel in the nonconformist, from Edna Turnblad to Dawn Davenport to Beverly Sutphin. The show is a candy-colored dream trip into Waters' mind, and if you aren’t already a fan, you’ll either come out wanting to watch (or rewatch) all his films or be totally confused. Of course, I love him, and being from Maryland originally, it’s practically impossible not to. This weekend is your last chance to see the exhibit. Saturday at 7 p.m. there’s also a talk with Hairspray star Ricki Lake ($10).

Slap on the sunscreen, pack a picnic, and bring the kids to the Getty Center for the annual free outdoor music series for families in the Central Garden. The Grammy-winning Okee Dokee Brothers play the first show of the season, with new songs to share about a “community of critters who are restoring interconnections through the healing power of nature.”

Aparna Nancherla is among a host of bold-faced comedy names coming to the Lyric Hyperion for a comedy variety show set in a “post-apocalyptic future where lone video store employees gather for a warped night of nostalgic, film-inspired sketch comedy, stand-up, animation, trivia, puppetry, and madness.”

Cat ladies are having a moment and nowhere will my fellow cat people be more at home than at the annual CatCon at Pasadena Convention Center. Miserable? Far from it, with a performance by Bob Baker’s Meow-ionettes, conversations with vets about cat care and health, and meet and greets with your favorite furry stars.

Could the smooth sounds of piano wizard and writer of everyone’s wedding song™ John Legend at the Greek be anything other than…legendary? Snuggle up under the stars for a summertime date night.

Obviously, a Charli XCX dance party is brat.

Lucha Libre wrestling matches take center stage at the La Bulla event in Plaza de la Raza, but there are also more than 150 artists exhibiting works to explore, curated by legendary street artist Man One and inspired by Lucha Libre. Plus, music, fashion, and lowrider shows.

The eighth edition of Boleros de Noche with guitarist and singer Jose Feliciano is happening all weekend at The Ford. Saturday is already sold out, so they’ve added an additional date; snag your tickets fast. The nine-time Grammy winner will perform bolero classics like "Poquita fe," "Cuando Pienso En Ti," "Como Fue, En Mi Viejo San Juan," and many more.

Join L.A. River experts @nature_is_not_metal and @jasonjourneyman for a sunset walk along the river bank, home to tons of local birds and plants just waiting to be discovered by you. The guides may even have some light foraging in store, so be ready to taste some local vegetation as well!

Before the Swifties, before the Beyhive, before New Kids on the Block, and even before Beatlemania… there was Conrad. The 1963 musical Bye Bye Birdie shows just how much – and how little – teenagehood has changed through the lens of girls, their friends, and their teen idol obsessions. Enjoy it under the stars in Brand Park thanks to the Alex Theatre’s outdoor series. Classics like “The Telephone Hour” (a concept you might have to explain to anyone under 25!) and “Put on a Happy Face” will have you singing all the way home.

Is there anything an avocado can’t do? Head to Angel City Brewery for their 12th annual Avocado Fest, featuring their Classic Avocado Ale and Guavocado Ale, both Kölsch-style brews with that je ne sais quoi only the bright green miracle food can impart. There will also be a marketplace with Etsy makers and more.

Walk around the zoo grounds while tasting craft beers, spirits, cocktails and mocktails. There’s also food for purchase, tunes from KCRW DJs Tyler Boudreaux and Raul Campos, animal keeper talks, and more.

The Girl and the Goat owner and Top Chef alum Chef Stephanie Izard has invited friends and fellow Chefs Claudette Zepeda, Antonia Lofaso, and Danielle Duran-Zecca to create a special Mexican and Italian-inspired brunch at her signature arts district space. It’s a communal dining experience, so you’ll get to taste amazing bites and make some new friends.

I’ve been lucky enough to snag a ticket to the Harry’s Berries dinner a couple of times and all I can say is you’d better love strawberries! It’s such a special experience to try all the incredible varieties they grow in one spot. Plus, with Wolfgang Puck doing the catering, everything else is delicious, too. And it’s for a great cause: this year all proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.