17 Awesome Things To Do In Southern California This Week

Get a sneak peek at immersive, indoor theme park Two Bit Circus, where you can play VR and IRL games. Listen to and exchange of ideas at Girlschool's Idealab.2. Travel PCH for a new Pop Art exhibit. Play bingo with bourbon. Watch as Harry Potter get roasted for laughs on stage. Check out documentaries on Yayoi Kusama and Afro-Punk. Although summer is waning, the number of concerts under the stars isn't with shows from Alice Bag, Gili Yalo, Cracker and Camper van Beethoven.
MONDAY, AUG. 27 - THURSDAY, AUG. 30; 4 - 11 p.m.
Two Bit Circus Sneak Peek
Two Bit Circus -- 634 Mateo St., Arts District
Be one of the first patrons to experience the micro-amusement park before it officially opens on Sept. 7. You can navigate several themed zones and 37,000-square-feet of attractions including boardwalk games with a high-tech twist, new and classic arcade games, VR experiences and cooperative escape rooms. The admission ticket includes a playing card with a $50 gaming credit that never expires.
COST: $25; MORE INFO
THROUGH SUNDAY, SEPT. 9
The Get Animated Invasion
Grammy Museum -- 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A.
The music museum hosts an interactive exhibition celebrating music from callsic Warner Bros. animated films, including the upcoming feature "Smallfoot." The pop-up's nine interactive spaces feature Bugs Bunny musical scenes, Judy Jetson's futuristic bedroom, Scooby-Doo's psychedelic stage and a "Space Jam" homage.
COST: $11.95 - $15 (museum admission); MORE INFO
TUESDAY, AUG. 28; 7:30 p.m.
In Conversation: Jason Alexander
Pasadena Playhouse -- 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena
Although he's best known for his iconic turn as George Costanza in "Seinfeld," Alexander started in theater, first as an actor and later as a director. His latest project is helming "Native Gardens," a new comedy by Karen Zacarías, which runs at the Playhouse from Sept. 5 - 30. He'll discuss the production, in which neighbors turn into feuding enemies, as well as his lengthy career.
COST: $10+ fees; MORE INFO

TUESDAY, AUG. 28 - SUNDAY, DEC. 2
'Pop! 50 Years of Art & Popular Culture from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation'
Frederick R. Weisman Museum, Pepperdine University -- 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu
The exhibition features more than 50 items, from historic Pop Art examples to works by emerging artists. Highlights include Richard Artschwager's "Exclamation Point," Keith Haring's graffiti art, Yayoi Kusama's polka dotted pumpkins as well as works by Claes Oldenburg and James Rosenquist.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
TUESDAY, Aug. 28; 7 - 10 p.m.
Blockbuster Trivia Night
Hamburger Mary's -- 8288 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
Do you think you know movies? Then test your trivia skills against other teams while noshing on burgers and sipping brews. Hang out afterward for the "Dreamgirls Revue." Call (323) 654-3800 to reserve a table -- teams of two to six people preferred. Walk-ins welcome, too.
COST: FREE ADMISSION; MORE INFO
TUESDAY, Aug. 28; 7 - 10 p.m.
Big Kid Bingo with Belle Meade Bourbon
Barrel & Ashes -- 11801 Ventura Blvd., Studio City
Sip bourbon while playing bingo for prizes like a mini barrel, flight boards, shirts, hats and restaurant gift cards. Included in ticket prices are a barbecue sandwich, a Belle Meade cocktail and a bingo card. Additional cards and happy hour specials will also be available for purchase. The event is 21+.
COST: $22; MORE INFO

TUESDAY, AUG. 28; 7 - 10 p.m.
Girlschool 'Idealab.2'
Pico-Union Project -- 1153 Valencia St., Pico-Union
Girlschool, which has evolved from a women-led music and ideas festival into a larger community, explores interdisciplinary collaboration and creativity. The theme is "ATTRACTION: a force under the influence of which objects tend to move toward each other." The night features a performance by musician Julianna Barwick, visual design by Kerstin Hovland, a reading by Kamil Oshundara and a conversation between Jerico Mandybur of Girlboss and writer Eve Barlow. It's sponsored by Glenfiddich Single Malt so complimentary whiskey drinks will be served. The event is 21+. VIP tickets include parking and reserved seating.
COST: FREE - $30; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 29; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Old Town Yappy Hour
Big Bang Theory Way -- 93 E. Green St., Pasadena
Bring your leashed and well-behaved dogs for a paw-ty. Take part in photo ops with your fur babes, let them indulge in samples from The Dog Bakery and Splash & Dash Dog Groomerie while DJ Glenn Red spins tunes. Next door, Dog Haus Biergarten has a dog-friendly patio and extended happy hour pricing (for the humans). Other Old Town eateries -- Edwin Mills by Equator, Lucky Baldwins, Prawn Coastal Casual, Sage Vegan Bistro, Sushi Roku, True Food Kitchen and We Olive & Wine Bar -- are also offering special happy hour pricing until 9:30 p.m.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 29; 7:30 p.m.
Afro-Punk
Hammer Museum -- 4212 W. Sunset Blvd., 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood
James Spooner's 2004 rock documentary follows four black people from different cities who are involved in predominantly white punk scenes. The film includes performances by Bad Brains and Cipher and interviews with Fishbone, Dead Kennedys and Candiria. The film is part of "The Black Book" series, curated by writers and educators Tisa Bryant and Ernest Hardy. Spooner joins the curators for a post-screening Q&A.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 29; 7 p.m.
The Do Over
UCBT Sunset -- 5419 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
Combining storytelling and improv, the show features guest storytellers regaling the audience with a real-life event, moment or encounter that they wish had gone differently. Aided by UCB performers, the storytellers get a mulligan to relive the moment -- improvising it the way it was meant to happen.
COST: $5; MORE INFO
THURSDAY, AUG. 30; 5 p.m.
Cinecon Opening Night
Egyptian Theater -- 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
The classic film festival returns for its 54th edition, presenting well-known and obscure features as well as shorts rarely shown on the big screen. The opening night reception in the Egyptian's courtyard precedes the screening of the 1924 silent film "Helen's Babies" starring Clara Bow, with live musical accompaniment by the Famous Players Orchestra. Other titles screened on opening night are "Sweet and Low-Down" and "Scotland Yard." The festival runs through Sept. 3. No individual screening tickets are sold so you have to buy either a day pass or a full pass to attend.
COST: $40 - $200; MORE INFO
THURSDAY, AUG. 30, 7 p.m.
Alice Bag
Levitt Pavilion -- Northwest corner of MacArthur Park, near the intersection of W. 6th and S. Park View streets
The punk rocker, author, educator and feminist activist crafted the Chicanx-inspired sound that's often credited for paving the way for hardcore punk. Bag headlines a bill that includes the new wave punk of Generacion Suicida. DJ Shannon Cornett spins between sets.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
THURSDAY, AUG. 30; 8 p.m.
Harry Potter and the Fictional Roast
Dynasty Typewriter -- 2511 Wilshire Blvd., Westlake
The folks behind the Historical Roast series take skewer Harry Potter with help from Dumbledore, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Snape and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
COST: $10 - $15; MORE INFO

THURSDAY, AUG. 30; 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
FwD Lobstah Roll Takeover
Manhattan Beach Post, 1142 Manhattan Ave. Manhattan Beach
You had us at "lobstah." Fishing With Dynamite takes over MB Post's dining room to present an epic lobster roll lunch that includes chef David LeFevre's favorite roll, summer sides and strawberry shortcake. Reservations needed, so call 310-893-6299. A special drinks menu will also be offered.
COST: $50 (includes food, tax and tip); MORE INFO
THURSDAY, AUG. 30 - SATURDAY, SEPT. 1
Campout 14 2018
Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace -- 53688 Pioneertown Rd., Pioneertown
Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven present their 14th all-ages music festival, on indoor and outdoor stages, in the high desert. Expect performances by the host bands as well as Johnny Hickman, Jonathan Segel, Chris LeRoy & The Dangers, Victor Krummenacher, Jesika Von Rabbit, Jim Dalton, Hickman-Dalton Gang and Ike Reilly.
COST: $30 - $125 (free for children 14 and younger); MORE INFO
THURSDAY, AUG. 30; 7:30 p.m.
'Kusama - Infinity'
LACMA, Bing Theater -- 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire
The artist Yayoi Kusama, best known for her polka-dotted works and Infinity Mirrored Rooms, hasn't had an easy life -- growing up in Japan during WWII, a dysfunctional family that stifled her creative ambitions, battling mental illness -- but she wresteld with those challenges and has become the world's top-selling female artist. Written and directed by Heather Lenz, a new documentary explores her fascinating life. Stick around after the film for a post-screening conversation with Lenz. Standby tickets only.
COST: FREE, but tickets required; MORE INFO
THURSDAY, AUG. 30; 8 p.m.
Gili Yalo
Skirball Cultural Center -- 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood
The Sunset Concert series wraps up its 2018 season with the L.A. debut of Israeli-Ethiopian performer Gili Yalo. Singing in both English and Amharic (Ethiopia's official language), he melds funk, jazz and soul with traditional Ethiopian tunes. Rani de Leon of dublab opens the night with a DJ set at 6:30 p.m. The Skirball's art galleries also stay open late.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
How are you spending your week? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.
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