Best things to do this weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: August 1-3

The L.A. arts community lost a giant this week in Wallis Annenberg, whose name graces The Wallis in Beverly Hills and the new wildlife crossing over the 405. Annenberg supported the arts and other causes in L.A. in myriad ways over her 86 years, from building the Annenberg Pet Space in Playa Vista to supporting theater and fine art at all levels throughout the city.

More from LAist: Follow the crosswalk drama in West L.A., join the debate over whether L.A. is really a “coffee city,” and find out who won this year’s Tournament of Cheeseburgers.

Events

August 1-3
Jesus Christ Superstar
Hollywood Bowl 
2301 Highland Ave., Hollywood
COST: VARIES; MORE INFO

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What’s the buzz? I have been waiting all summer for this. Wicked star Cynthia Erivo is playing Jesus in this gender-swapped production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar, with Queen frontman Adam Lambert playing Judas and Josh Gad as King Herod. Great casting or best-ever casting?

Saturday, August 2, 8 p.m.
Boleros de Noche 
The Ford
2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E, Hollywood
COST: FROM $64; MORE INFO

It’s a busy night up Highland! Boleros De Noche, outside at The Ford, features Bolero Soul, a talented duo of brothers who have been serenading fans for more than 40 years. The annual music event seeks to “preserve, uplift and celebrate Latin American bolero music in Los Angeles,” and was recently honored by the City of L.A. as it declared August 2 "Día del Bolero," or Bolero Day, for the event’s contributions to the cultural fabric of the city.

Friday, August 1, 7 to 9 p.m.
She Speaks: The Last Word, with Yesika Salgado
Grand Performances 
Two California Plaza, 350 S Grand Ave., Downtown L.A.
COST: FREE WITH RSVP; MORE INFO

Poet and author Yesika Salgado performs at the "Selena For Sanctuary" concert at Los Angeles Grand Park in 2019.

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Ray Tamarra/Getty Images

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Getty Images North America

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L.A.-born Salvadoran and two-time National Poetry Slam finalist Yesika Salgado headlines this final poetry event of the season at Grand Performances. She’s joined by a powerhouse group of female poets, including Jasmine Williams, the executive director of Da Poetry Lounge Co., and Guatemalan poet Vanessa Tahay, who will inspire strength, curiosity and positivity.

Through Sunday, August 24
The Fantasticks 
Ruskin Group Theater
3000 Airport Ave., Santa Monica
COST: $30-45; MORE INFO

With classic songs like “Try to Remember,” The Fantasticks once held the claim to fame as the longest-running show off-Broadway, racking up more than 17,000 performances — and starring Jerry Orbach of Law & Order fame for many of them! The Ruskin Group Theater production is only here until August 24, so while it won’t be breaking that Guinness record, you should try to catch it while it’s here. The production, helmed by award-winning director Elina de Santos and starring Rogue Machine regular Sophie Pollono alongside Rhett Hemingway, is getting rave reviews.

Sunday, August 3, 2 to 8 p.m. 
RiverFest 
L.A. State Historic Park 
1245 N Spring St., Chinatown
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

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Courtesy Friends of the L.A. River

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Explore the charms and mysteries of the L.A. River at RiverFest, a free, family-friendly arts and environmental festival at L.A. State Historic Park. It’s an all-ages celebration of everything that makes the L.A. River community so vibrant, featuring performances by local bands and DJs, art installations, interactive workshops, nature and climate education booths, and, of course, food trucks, vendors and giveaways.

Friday, August 1, 6 to 9 p.m. 
Dinner With Elvis
Catalina Museum for Art & History 
217 Metropole Ave., Avalon
COST: $40; MORE INFO

TCB down in Catalina at the annual Dinner With Elvis, hosted by the Catalina Museum. The night features a performance by one of the most top-notch Elvis impersonators this side of Vegas, James Kruk. Guests will enjoy a buffet-style dinner inspired by The King’s favorite flavors (I’m going to guess there will be peanut butter, banana and bacon involved), set against a backdrop of his greatest hits.

August 2-3
CatCon 
Pasadena Convention Center
300 E Green St., Pasadena
COST: FROM $11.50; MORE INFO

Meow! CatCon returns to the Pasadena Convention Center for its tenth year, celebrating the intersection of cats and pop culture. The two-day experience aims to bring together cat enthusiasts from around the globe, helping over 200 kittens find their forever homes through the Pasadena Humane Adoption Village. This year, $1 from each ticket sale will be donated to the Pasadena Humane Society to support their continued efforts in caring for family pets still displaced from the Eaton Fire in Altadena.

Saturday, August 2, 3 and 4 p.m.
LADP Studio Session Rehearsals with Benjamin Millepied 
2245.2245 E Washington Blvd., Downtown L.A.
COST: FREE WITH RSVP; MORE INFO

If you’ve been watching Etoile on Amazon Prime, or you were a Bunhead or a Center Stage-obsessed kid, you’ll want to check out this special behind-the-scenes look at how choreographer Benjamin Millepied puts together his award-winning productions. Join Los Angeles Dance Project for a sneak preview of his new work as he and his dancers prepare for the world premieres of Reflections, Hearts & Arrows and On the Other Side.

Outdoor Pick

Sunday, August 3, 9 a.m. 
Yoga on the Farm 
Sendero Farm
30124 Florear, Mission Viejo
COST: $28; MORE INFO

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Patrick McGregor

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Enjoy mindful movement, meditation and a soothing sound bath on this quiet and relaxing farm in Orange County.

Viewing Pick

August 2-3
Cat Video Fest 2025
Vidiots 
4884 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock 
COST: $13; MORE INFO

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Cat Video Fest

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I hear you saying, "Is Laura really putting more cat stuff in the Best Things To Do column?" And to that I reply, "Yes, yes, I am." Especially when it’s a cat video festival helping shelter cats find new homes. Your ticket goes to helping Tail Town in Pasadena. Sure, you could watch all the videos on your phone, but where’s the fun in that?

Dine & Drink Deals

Friday, August 1, 1 to 9 p.m.
Cole's French Dip Goodbye & Farewell Celebration
118 E. 6th St., Downtown L.A.
COST: VARIES

The countdown to say a final farewell to Cole’s French Dip is on. The historic restaurant has extended its closing date from Aug. 3 to mid-September, so you have time to get that last sandwich, but there's a Pickle Party happening Friday to continue their farewell celebrations. Head downtown for sandwiches, pickles, music and more.

Saturday, August 2, 8 to 2 p.m. 
Hatch Chile Roastings & Street Fair 
Gelson’s La Cañada
635 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

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Melissa’s Produce

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No trip to New Mexico is complete without hatch chiles in any form you can take them. Travel to the land of enchantment at the La Cañada Gelson’s for a taste of these prized peppers, known for their smoky heat and subtly sweet flavor. Check out additional events in Long Beach and Dana Point later in the month.

Sunday, August 3, 5 p.m.
Sommelier Sundays 
WeVINO
31149 Via Colinas, Westlake Village
COST: $35; MORE INFO

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WeVINO

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This Sunday marks the start of a weekly guided tasting led by Head Sommelier and Beverage Director Andrei Garcia Starshaya at WeVINO. The first event is an Italian white wine discovery, featuring crisp, mineral-driven and aromatic whites from Italy.