This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Best things to do this week in Los Angeles and Southern California: June 8-11
The World Cup kicks off this week, and there will be watch parties all over town.
(
Irfan Khan
/
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
)
It’s a very sports-focused week. From the NBA Finals to last weekend’s French Open (I’m still catching up on sleep from getting up too early!) and Freeway Series, to, of course, the first games of the World Cup starting Thursday, there’s really something for every type of sportsball fan. But if you’re not set on gluing yourself to a TV, there’s still plenty to do.
Music-wise, Lyndsey Parker at Licorice Pizza notes that Monday will be a bittersweet night, as the Regent hosts a celebration of life for Gregg Foreman — of Cat Power, the Delta 72 and many other bands — who tragically died in April. Members of She Wants Revenge, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and many more will come together to honor this local hero.
On Tuesday, Rush continues their comeback at the Forum (they’ll also be there Thursday and Saturday), while Quintron & Miss Pussycat with Dagger Polyester bring their revue to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater.
Wednesday, Rod Stewart and special guest Richard Marx play the Hollywood Bowl, the Church congregates at the Fonda and Earl Sweatshirt plays the Hollywood Palladium. On Thursday, FIFA World Cup fever kicks off, with Snoop Dogg at the Santa Monica Pier and Peso Pluma playing the Adidas Home of Soccer event at BMO Stadium.
Elsewhere on LAist, you can vouch for L.A. pizza alongside food editor Gab Chabrán, get your guide to the local World Cup fan fests and follow the election results as they continue to trickle in and finalize
Events
Hugh Ryan: My Bad: A Personal History of the Queer Nineties
Tuesday, June 9, 6:30 p.m.
ASU FIDM
919 S. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Sponsored message
Writer, historian and curator Hugh Ryan will be in conversation with author Michelle Tea to discuss his new book about LGBTQ life in the '90s, My Bad: A Personal History of the Queer Nineties and Beyond. The talk goes along with the exhibit at FIDM, Obsessed: Fashion and Nostalgia in the ‘90s, open now through June 27. The gallery will be open late as well.
Paint the Park
Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Crystal Cove State Park
Los Trancos Lot
Newport Beach
COST: $110; MORE INFO
Paint en plein air like Matisse, Renoir, and the great French masters who headed to the Riviera to be inspired by the light and the sea. We have our own little slice of beach heaven right here in Crystal Cove, and twice a week all summer long, you can learn to paint and enjoy the fresh air.
Sponsored message
Alt:adena
Tuesday, June 9, 7 p.m.
Good Neighbor Bar
2311 Lincoln Ave., Altadena
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
The second of three community-healing conversations in June is happening at Good Neighbor Bar. This week, Alt:adena focuses on the theme of the land and rebuilding. All are welcome at these events, which are aimed at convening “fire survivors, builders, organizers, and technical experts united by a shared curiosity, whether by choice or lived necessity.”
Tiny Desk Concert
Wednesday, June 10, 7 p.m.
The Regent
448 S. Main Street, Downtown L.A.
COST: $35.75; MORE INFO
Sponsored message
(
LAist
)
The winner of the 2026 Tiny Desk Concert contest, Cure for Paranoia, is out on tour and will take the not-so-tiny stage at the Regent downtown with special guests Noa Bar and Jacquie Lee. Quite the upgrade from Bob Boilen’s desk in DC!
World Cup watch parties
From Thursday, June 11
Various locations
COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
The World Cup is coming to SoFi Stadium, and there will be watch parties all around town.
(
Patrick T. Fallon
/
Getty Images
)
I don’t even know where to start! From the first coin toss on Thursday, countless local bars, public viewing spaces, fan zones, museums and more will be showing all the World Cup games, so you don’t miss a single kick. As a starting point, you can check out the free watch parties the city is putting on.
Sponsored message
Photography Meets Sculpture
Wednesday, June 10, 7 p.m.
Beverly Hills Public Library
444 N Rexford Drive, 2nd Floor, Beverly Hills
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
(
PAC LA
/
Eventbrite
)
Get a preview of LACMA photography department curator Eve Schillo’s upcoming exhibition, Photography Meets Sculpture: Talking about Photo Hybrids, at this event hosted by the Photographic Arts Council Los Angeles. The exhibit will tour Southern California next summer as part of LACMA's Local Access initiative.
Eugene Daub: Sculpting Through History
Thursday, June 11, 5:30 p.m.
El Segundo Public Library
111 W. Mariposa Ave., El Segundo
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Just ahead of America’s 250th birthday, historical sculptor Eugene Daub will talk about some of his favorite artworks, like his sculptures of Sacagawea, Rosa Parks and more, at the El Segundo Public Library. Daub will also sign copies of his new book, Eugene Daub: Portraits, Medals, and Monuments, which will be available for purchase.
Foodie Week
Through Sunday, June 14
Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City
COST: VARIES, MORE INFO
Century City Mall has attracted some of the buzziest restaurants in the city, and this week, many are featuring specials for the center’s Foodie Week. Some of the highlights include Katsuya’s $65 three-course prix fixe menu at dinner, while Super Peach also has a $65 prix fixe. Eataly's rooftop restaurant has $35 lunch and $65 dinner prix fixe menu, and my favorite, Venchi, has buy one gelato, get the second half off, plus 20% off all gelato to-go containers.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
