The Los Angeles Tea Festival spills the tea. The Warriors screens at a Johnny Ramone tribute. Two L.A. teams face off in a roller derby double-header. Psychedelic surf punk comes to Long Beach. An immersive skateboarding experience pops up in Venice. And houseplants take center stage at Plantasia.
FRIDAY, AUG. 9; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Fleabag Guinea Pig Café Pop Up
Hilary's Café -- 7024 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood
Fans of the award-winning show Fleabag can now visit a pop-up guinea pig café inspired by the one in the series. Hang out and play with live guinea pigs while enjoying complimentary snacks and beverages.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 9; 8 p.m.
Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks
Hollywood Bowl --2301 N. Highland Ave., West L.A.
The Bowl's annual Tchaikovsky Spectacular celebrates its 50th anniversary. Bramwell Tovey conducts the L.A. Philharmonic, joined by USC's marching band, as they perform the composer's most famous works. End the night with the 1812 Overture while fireworks light up the sky.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 9; 7 - 9:30 p.m.
Movies Under The Guns: A Dog's Way Home
Battleship IOWA Museum -- 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro
Board the USS Iowa's rear deck for a free showing of A Dog's Way Home, a 2019 movie about a pup's 400-mile journey home to find her owner. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., L.A. Animal Services will be onboard with adorable pets. Seating is limited so bring blankets and chairs. Parking is available at the Cruise Terminal Parking Lot. The battleship's free outdoor screening series continues with Captain Marvel on September 20.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 9; 8 p.m.
Galactic Archaeology: Digging Through the Remnants of Galaxies
Caltech -- 1216 E. California Blvd., Pasadena
Explore the galaxies at a series Caltech hosts one Friday per month. Each night includes a 30-minute lecture, 90 minutes of guided stargazing and a Q&A with world-class scientists. This lecture, held in the Cahill Astronomy and Astrophysics building, is led by astrophysicist Gina Duggan and focuses on the galaxy's evolution.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 9 - SUNDAY, AUG. 18
Vans' Black Rainbows
Rose Room -- 6 Rose Ave., Venice
Celebrate the history of skateboarding in Venice, the place where Vans was born. The SoCal company is partnering with skateboarding legends to create a 10-day immersive experience, taking fans back to the 1970s with punk shows, screenings, workshops and panel discussions. Starting August 11, every day will begin with a waffle brunch.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 9; 7 - 11 p.m.
Salsa at The Music Center Plaza
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion -- 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A.
The 15th season of Dance DTLA showcases dancing and live music every Friday night through August 30. Each event features a dance from a different part of the world as expert instructors teach beginners in group lessons. This week, learn how to spin and do the Suave.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 9; 9:30 p.m.
Hi, Honey!
UCB Franklin -- 5919 Franklin Ave., West L.A.
Texts, emails, voicemails -- our phones are filled with endless messages. Bring them all to Winslow, a comedy troupe that turns these snippets into hilarious improv sketches. Also performing is Soundtrack, who improvises an entire show to music that you provide.
COST: $14; MORE INFO
THROUGH FRIDAY, AUG. 30
Little Tokyo Summer Festivals
Various locations -- Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo has a string of cultural and foodie adventures coming up. Admire beautiful traditional kazari decorations and celebrate the folktale of two lovers at the annual Tanabata Festival, August 10-11. On Saturday, the Natsumatsuri Family Festival will feature free activities including an origami corner and Okinawa treat-tasting. Take your dog out for shopping, food and socializing at Sunday's Aki's Pup up Party. While you're in the 'hood, explore more than 100 Little Tokyo restaurants with this handy guide.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, AUG. 9; 10:30 - 11:30 p.m.
Your Late Night Show Tonight
Pack Theater -- 6470 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood
Love late-night gabfests? Come see one with a twist. Every night, a different performer hosts an original talk show, each with different guests, performers and a writing staff from the Pack Theater community. Every episode is brand new and a one-time only event.
COST: Pay what you can; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10
Kiss Me
Mast on Fig -- 4030 N. Figueroa St., Montecito Heights
Take your significant other on an adventure at this 21+ pop-up. Kiss Me celebrates the magic, beauty and innocence of the kiss with a 45-minute date designed to foster intimacy. The experience concludes with a private makeout room and a song that you and your sweetheart choose. Each guest will receive a mocktail and a bite to eat.
COST: $23 per person; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10; 5 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Chinatown Summer Nights
Chinatown Central Plaza -- 727 N. Broadway, Chinatown
Summer Nights celebrates Chinatown's rich history and culture with live demos from Chinese chefs. Sample culinary delights and gourmet food trucks from around the city. Festivities include outdoor video projections, hands-on cultural activities and dancing. Live music and DJs will also perform after a lion dance.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10; 9 p.m.
The Fleshtones
The Redwood Bar -- 316 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A.
One of the only original CBGB bands still standing, New York garage-rockers the Fleshtones just released their new 45, Layin' Pipe. Four decades into their career, the band has done it all, even playing on Andy Warhol's MTV show while Sir Ian McKellen read Shakespeare. This weekend, they come to L.A. with the Magnet Hearts, the Brutalists and Frankie Delmane & The Electric Needles.
COST: $15; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10; 6:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Remember the Titans
Rose Bowl -- 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena
Nineteen years ago, the Rose Bowl hosted the premiere for Remember the Titans. Now, the sports classic returns to the stadium for a jumbotron screening. Before the movie, enjoy games, food and beverages on the grass.
COST: FREE for ages 5 and under, $10 for ages 6-10, $20 for ages 11 and up; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10; 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Mortified L.A.
Wanderlust Hollywood -- 1357 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood
Teenage diaries, love letters, poems, home movies. Everyone has embarrassing memories from the past. Enjoy the shame -- and the hilarity -- as adults share their most embarrassing childhood stories with complete strangers.
COST: $17-$40; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10
Roller Derby Double Header
ACDG Headquarters -- 1519 W. 139th St., Gardena
Angel City Derby faces off against their local rivals, the SFV Roller Derby, as well as the Reign of Terror from Seattle. The evening will kick off with Angel City's Shore Shots battling SFV's The Like OMG's
COST: $10-$13; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 11; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Unique Markets: L.A.
Barker Hangar -- 3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica
Support local designers and small business owners while you shop for housewares, ceramics, handbags, clothes, sunglasses, skincare products and greeting cards. Guests receive a free tote bag, ice cream from the Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream truck, a shake from Shake Shack and a portrait at the photo station.
COST: $15; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10; 12 - 3 p.m.
California Feetwarmers
Skirball -- 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood
This eight-piece ensemble pays homage to the New Orleans music of the Roaring 20s. They specialize in a blend of traditional jazz, blues and ragtime. The museum's Family Amphitheater Performance series highlights interactive shows that celebrate the diversity of music, dance and storytelling.
COST: Included with museum admission; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10 - SUNDAY, AUG. 11; 11 a.m.
Los Angeles Tea Festival
Magic Box -- 1933 S. Broadway Blvd., DTLA
Sip and chat chai for two days. In-depth discussions and presentations will take you on a tour of teas from various regions. Celebrate the culture of tea with performances and activities while enjoying pairings, cocktails and boba.
COST: Varies, tickets start from $20; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10 - SUNDAY, AUG. 11; 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Plantasia
UCLA Botanical Garden -- 707 Tiverton Dr., Westwood
This is a multi-sensory experience that brings sound and light to the garden's plant life. Composer and interactive ecology designer Mileece will discuss plant sentience and biocommunication before demmoing her invention, which uses plants to generate light and music. After, immerse yourself in Mort Garson's 1976 album, Mother Earth's Plantasia, during a listening session among lush vegetation. Visitors can interact with plants, mix their own drinks at the DIY Botany Cocktail Bar/Lab, take photos with their favorite houseplants, get a whiff of the Aroma Sensory Exhibit or bring their plant for a check-up.
COST: $45; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10 - SUNDAY, AUG. 11
Reptile Super Show
Fairplex -- 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona
Fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events may remember the Reptile Room. Imagine that but bigger. Much bigger. Reptile enthusiasts can explore more than 100,000 square feet of cold -blooded creatures including geckos, pythons, chameleons and giant centipedes. The show features educational workshops as well as a selling floor with animals, cages, lights and supplies.
COST: $9-$14 tickets; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10 - SUNDAY, AUG. 11
Real Street Festival
Honda Center -- 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
One of Orange County's largest music events, this immersive hip-hop festival celebrates music and street art. Top acts include A$AP Rocky, Cardi B, Future, Migos, 2 Chainz, Big Sean and Meek Mill.
COST: Passes start from $99; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, AUG. 10 - SUNDAY, AUG. 11; 7 p.m.
Carly Rae Jepsen - The Dedicated Tour
The Wiltern -- 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown
The Canadian singer-songwriter comes to the Wiltern on a tour to support the release of Dedicated, her fourth album. The star has partnered with PLUS1 so $1 from every ticket will go to support Crisis Text Line. Call it, maybe.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, AUG. 11
The Experiment Stage
Various Locations
Beginning August 11, downtown Santa Monica's public space laboratory, The Experiment, will debut at the Third Street Promenade with a night of salsa dancing. It continues with rotating free events every day until September 30. Upcoming activities include group fitness classes, family fun nights, comedy shows, live bands and guest lectures. Bike or take public transit as parking will be difficult.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, AUG. 11; 11 a.m.
Good Girl Dinette Pop-Up
Hollywood Farmers Market - 1600 N. Ivar Ave., Hollywood
Inspired by her recent travels to Vietnam and the doner banh mi she ate there, chef Diep Tran (of Good Girl Dinette) will be serving the street food fusion dish on the streets of Hollywood. It's part of the Red Boat Fish Sauce Summer Series, which will return to the Hollywood Farmers Market on Sep. 15.
COST: admission to farmers market is free; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, AUG. 11; 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.
The Surfrajettes, The Volcanics, Los Frenéticos, The Greasy Gills
Alex's Bar -- 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach
Turn up the energy at this 21+ surf-music show. The concert will open with the instrumental reverb 'n' roll band Greasy Gills. Next up are the surf-rock bands Los Frenéticos and the Volcanics. Canadian headliners the Surfrajettes will close the night with some psychedelic sounds.
COST: $12; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, AUG. 11; 2 - 5 p.m.
'Offal' Opening Reception
L.A. Municipal Art Gallery -- 4800 Hollywood Blvd., East Hollywood
Featuring works from 45 contemporary artists, Offal is a group exhibition about the culture of consuming innards. The show explores human relationships with food and how that plays out in Los Angeles. Offal will be on view through September 29.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, AUG. 11; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Food & Art in the Park
Brand Library & Art Center -- 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale
Get to know your neighbors by sharing stories at a community picnic. In addition to culinary performances, a selection of food trucks will be available as artists make crafts for children. Bring your recipes to add to the Brand Gallery's Homesite Recipe Exchange. At 2 p.m., artists and curators of the exhibition Blind Courier will lead a free tour with LA Weekly editor Shana Nys Damrot. The tour meets in front of the gallery doors.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, AUG. 11; 7 p.m.
Death Cab for Cutie
Hollywood Bowl -- 2301 N. Highland Ave., Neighborhood
Following the success of their latest album, Thank You For Today, the alternative rock band returns to the Bowl with special guests Car Seat Headrest and Will Toledo.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, AUG. 11 - SUNDAY, AUG. 18
Black Restaurant Week
Various Locations
The nation's largest black-owned, eight-city food celebration partners with local restaurants to offer prix-fixe meals starting at $10. Options include gourmet burgers with shrimp and lobster from Billionaire Burger Boyz, fried chicken wings from Comfort L.A., and Mexi-soul food tacos from Sky's. The festival will also host the culinary showcase NOSH.
COST: $10-$55; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, AUG. 11; 8 p.m.
Johnny Ramone Tribute
Hollywood Forever Cemetery -- 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood
Pack a picnic and head to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for a 40th anniversary screening of the 1979 cult classic The Warriors. Surprise special guests will perform and the Cathedral mausoleum will host a one-night exhibition featuring punk and glam rock images by photographer Danny Fields and others.
COST: $20; MORE INFO
How are you spending your week? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.
