The Secret Movie Club throws a Kaiju party and screening. The L.A. Zoo hosts a night of animals, music and beer. UCB Franklin showcases experimental comedy. Film screenings honor Agnès Varda and Mary Lambert. Long Beach kicks off its restaurant week. A one-day music festival pops up under the oldest bridge in L.A.
FRIDAY, AUG. 2 - SATURDAY, AUG. 3
Jackalope Summer Nights
Central Park -- 275 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena
Organizers of the Jackalope Art Fair present this afternoon/evening shopping event that includes more than 200 hand-picked makers and exhibitors selling handmade wares, from jewelry to yerba mate blends. The indie fair also features live music throughout the weekend.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 2; 3 - 11 p.m.
Queens of the New Age: Festival of Extraordinary Women
California African American Museum -- 600 State Dr., Exposition Park
Queens of the New Age, an L.A.-based creative collective, returns to CAAM for a celebration that lifts up creative women of color. The day's jam-packed schedule includes live music, dancing, museum tours after hours, workshops, salons and a book swap by the Free Black Women's Library LA. The whole family is invited to join in the celebration with food trucks, a 21+ beer garden, and a POC-driven marketplace provided by Come Up Markets. Expected performers include: Aluna George, Madame Gandhi, Tiffany Gouché, DJ Rashida, TRAKGIRL, NOVA Wav, Asmara and Liv.E., among others.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 2; 7 - 11 p.m.
Kaiju Summer Party
Live House Hollywood -- 1534 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood
The Vista Theater -- 4473 Sunset Dr., Los Feliz
The Secret Movie Club throws a party that marks the midpoint of its Kaiju Summer series with open bar, food, music and all things Japanese pop-culture. (Kaiju refers to Japanese movie monsters.) When the party winds down, guests can head from Hollywood to the Vista for an 11:59 p.m. screening of Destroy All Monsters in 35mm.
COST: $57.75 - $65 for general admission party and screening tickets; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 2; 7 - 11 p.m.
Brew at the Zoo
Los Angeles Zoo -- 5333 Zoo Dr., Griffith Park
More than 40 breweries -- MacLeod Ale, San Fernando Brewing Co., Golden Road and Frogtown Brewery among them -- participate in this 21+ beer tasting event under the stars. The night also also features pop-up zoo keeper talks, animal discovery stations and grub available for purchase. Listen to live music from Boombox Heroes, dance to the GEC Dance Party or sing live karaoke with Casual Encounters.
COST: $55 - $135, $35 for designated drivers; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 2; 11:59 p.m.
Cool Shit/Weird Shit
UCB Franklin -- 5919 Franklin Ave., Franklin Village
The New York UCB show with a cult following lands in L.A. Hosted by Matthew Brian Cohen, Drew Spears and Ele Woods, the night features comedy bits and acts that aren't easily classified. There's no sketch or traditional stand-up and guest performers are asked to stretch beyond comedy's usual boundaries.
COST: $7; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 2; 5:50 p.m.
The Female Gaze: French Women Directors Shine a Light on Their World
The Norton Simon Museum -- 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
The museum's latest film series, curated by critic Peter Rainer, comes to a close with the late Agnès Varda's Vagabond (1985). Sandrine Bonnaire plays a woman whose desire to be free leads to her demise. The film is presented in conjunction with the current exhibition, The Sweetness of Life: Three 18th-Century French Paintings from The Frick Collection. Rainer introduces the film.
COST: Included with museum admission: $12 - $15; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 2 - SUNDAY, AUG. 4; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Animanga 2019
Fairplex, Expo Hall 4 -- 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona
Fans and collectors of manga, anime and Japanese-inspired collectibles should head to the IE for this convention that features competitions, gaming, performances and panels. Topics include Videogame Voice Acting, Studio Yuraki Animation and Cosplayers Unite!
COST: $15 - $125; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 2; 8 p.m.
One Nation Under a Groove
Greek Theatre -- 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Griffith Park
The renowned music collective George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic headlines the show but the undercard acts are just as funk-tastic. Get ready to get down with Dumpstaphunk, Fishbone and Miss Velvet & The Blue Wolf.
COST: $39.50 - $150; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 2 - SATURDAY, AUG. 3
Charles Burnett: A Cinematic Social Conscience
Highways Performance Space -- 1651 18th St., Santa Monica
The special two-night retrospective of Burnett's work doubles as a benefit for the arts and performance organization, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The screenings also launch Highways' new O.U.R. retroSPECTIVE film series. The Burnett films being featured are two of his lesser known, yet most socially impactful. Nightjohn (1996) screens on Friday at 7:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A with the director and actor Carl Lumbly. The Glass Shield screens on Saturday at 7:30 pm followed by a Q&A with Burnett and actors Lori Petty and Michael Boatman.
COST: $15 - $35; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 2 - SUNDAY, AUG. 4
La Habra Corn Festival
El Centro-Lions Park -- 320 E. Erna Ave., La Habra
You'd be "a-maized" at how this festival celebrates that humble vegetable, corn. For more than 60 years, the local Lions Club has thrown this BBQ and dance, which has become La Habra's largest fundraiser and community event. There's a car show (hot rods, customs, classics and muscle cars) on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.; a corn parade on Saturday at 9 p.m.; a corn eating contest on Sunday; live music throughout the festival and, for the first time, a beer and wine garden (for those 21+).
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3; 7 p.m.
USWNT Victory Tour vs. Republic of Ireland!
Rose Bowl Stadium -- 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena
America's team -- the United States women's national soccer team -- is on a victory lap after winning the 2019 FIFA World Cup. The ladies kick off a five-game tour in Pasadena by hosting Ireland. It marks their first game in the U.S. since winning the Cup in France. If you can't make the match in person, it will be broadcast on ESPN2 and the ESPN App.
COST: $40 - $300; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3 - SUNDAY, AUG. 4
Midsummer Scream
Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center -- 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
It's never too early to start planning for Halloween as the world's largest horror and Halloween convention returns to the LBC. Check out more than 13 haunted attractions in the Hall of Shadows. Shop and browse more than 300 vendors selling costumes, decorations, makeup and special effects. Listen in on podcast tapings, panels and presentations, including 30 Years of Tales from the Crypt to A Chilling Legacy: 50 Years of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Kids 10 and younger get in free with paid adult admission. Maximum two kids per adult.
Cost: Tickets/passes: $33 - $95; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3 - SUNDAY, AUG. 4
Nike Basketball 3ON3 Tournament
L.A. Live -- 800 Olympic Ave., downtown L.A.
Now in its 11th year, the biggest street basketball tournament and fan fest boasts 1,500 teams, 5,000 players and 25,000 spectators during the course of the weekend. Watch ballers of all ages and skill levels compete in a serious competition. On Friday night, there's a free opening night ceremony and pep rally from 6 - 11 p.m. as part of Downtown Dark Nights at L.A. LIVE.
Cost: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Primo's Donuts 63rd Anniversary
Primo's Donuts -- 2918 Sawtelle Blvd., Sawtelle
Ralph and Celia Primo, owners of the famed donut shop, celebrate more than six decades in business by giving away mini versions of their famous Buttermilk Bars to every customer. The giveaway has become an annual tradition. If you go on Saturday, check out the shop's expanded menu, which includes vegan donuts, devil's food cake and the Tatiana (French vanilla custard-filled donut with chocolate shavings).
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3; 6 - 8 p.m.
Pop-up Dinner at the Armory: The Island of California
Armory Center for the Arts -- 145 North Raymond Ave., Pasadena
The MexiCali Biennial, a nonprofit contemporary visual and performing arts organization, presents a three-course dinner and community-building event. It's inspired by the warrior and sailor, Queen Calafia, and the mythical island of California. The meal includes sustainable seafood and produce, drinks and conversation with artists, curators and arts advocates. All proceeds from this event will go toward future MexiCali Biennial programming and exhibitions.
COST: $65; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3; 12 - 7 p.m.
Soulful of Noise Music Festival
Leimert Park -- 4343 Crenshaw Blvd., Leimert Park
The music, art and culture festival makes its debut, aiming to "empower, educate and uplift creatives." The lineup includes more than 20 music acts, comedians, DJs, food trucks and local organizations' resource booths.
COST: $10 - $50; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3 - SUNDAY, AUG. 4
Spirits in the Sky: A Weekend with Mary Lambert
Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum -- 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood
The works of award-winning, groundbreaking filmmaker Mary Lambert are shown over two nights, from a 30th anniversary presentation of Stephen King's horror classic Pet Sematary to a selection of music videos directed by Lambert during MTV's heyday. Her first feature, Siesta (1987), starring Academy Award-winning Jodie Foster and Emmy Award-winning Ellen Barkin, also screens with the two actors in person with Lambert.
COST: $10 each screening; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3 - SUNDAY, AUG. 11
2019 Dine LBC
Various locations in Long Beach
Long Beach's restaurant week returns with dozens of venues offering three-course lunch and dinner prix fixe meals over nine days. Participating restaurants include District Wine, The Federal, Aji Peruvian Cuisine and the newly opened Japanese tavern, Tokyo Guild.
COST: $15 - $65; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 29
Museum of Weed
The Weedmaps Museum of Weed -- 720 North Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood
The 30,000-square-foot pop-up takes guests through the history of cannabis, moving through varied locations and time periods where weed has been consumed. The space features interactive exhibitions, art installations and historical artifacts that "shed light on the tie between cannabis prohibition and racially disparate policies in hopes to drive advocacy and reform efforts." The museum is 18+.
COST: $35 - $200; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3 - WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21
Comfort Creature Feature by Theo Ellsworth
Giant Robot 2 (GR2 Gallery) -- 2062 Sawtelle Blvd., Sawtelle
The gallery opens a solo show of more than 70 new works by the comic creator and artist, known for his books Capacity (2004) and Sleeper Car (2009). Meet Ellsworth at the opening reception on Saturday from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3; 8 p.m.
Future Sounds Festival
The Viaduct -- 1799 Baker St., downtown L.A.
A one-day music festival takes place at one of the coolest outdoor venues -- under the oldest bridge in L.A. Popping up at the edge of the Los Historic State Park in Chinatown, the event features live music by Jesse Jo Stark, Raquel Rodriguez, Stan Taylor, CAPYAC, syd B and Floyd Fuji as well as immersive activations, food vendors and craft bars. This is a 21+ event.
COST: $20 - $45; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3; 7 - 11 p.m.
Black Pumas
KCRW HQ -- 1660 Stewart St., Santa Monica
KCRW's Summer Nights series welcomes the gritty soul-funk-R&B sounds of the Austin, Texas-based band for a free, all-ages outdoor show. DJs Anne Litt and Raul Campos help provide the night's soundtrack. Please leave the ice chests, alcohol, dogs, lawn chairs and blankets at home. Food trucks will be onsite as will craft cocktail makers (for those 21+) with items available for purchase.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3; 5 - 7 p.m.
Latin Sounds: West Coast Salsa Orchestra
Hancock Park at LACMA -- 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire
The museum's Saturday night concert series continues through Labor Day, featuring a variety of artists from Central and South America as well as from L.A. The salsa orchestra was founded in 2013 by pianist, composer and musical director Fabian Otero, who leads the ensemble through danceable tunes.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 3; 1 - 6 p.m.
Free Skid Row Community Music Festival and Block Party
Gladys Park -- 808 E. 6th St., Los Angeles
Skid Row's resident DJ, Sir Oliver, throws his annual Jamaican Independence Day Festival. He's joined by local musicians and DJs whose reggae beats showcase the resilient spirit of the community and its residents. All are welcome to dance, eat and browse the art exhibitions and visit community booths from local advocacy organizations.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, AUG. 4; 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
PickleFest at the Farmers' Market 25th Anniversary
Beverly Hills Farmers Market -- 9300 Civic Center Dr., Beverly Hills
Nate'n Al's Deli sponsors the 7th annual pickle/pickling festival with categories that include the "Best [Whole] Dill Pickle in Beverly Hills" and "I Can Pickle That!" (any pickled vegetable or fruit grown in California). Pickling winners will win gift cards from Nate'n Al's.
COST: $10 contest fee, free to attend; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, AUG. 4; 3 and 5 p.m.
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome
Mt. Wilson Observatory -- Red Box-Mount Wilson Rd., Mount Wilson
Listen to classical chamber music inside the observatory's great dome. The Lyris Quartet (Alyssa Park, Shalini Vijayan, violins, Luke Maurer, viola, Timothy Loo, cello) and cellist Cécilia Tsan perform Schubert's String Quintet in C Major. There's a 4 p.m. reception with the artists between concerts.
COST: $50; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, AUG. 4; 3 - 6:30 p.m.
2nd Annual Afro-Latin Jazz Experience
Delicious at the Dunbar -- 4229 South Central Ave., Historic South Central
Soul food, wine and jazz. That's all you need to know about this event. Tickets include Afro-Latin jazz from Flowers RDM, food (jambalaya, Mexican salad and tacos) and wine pairings selected by the South LA Wine Club.
COST: $40; MORE INFO
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.
