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LAist gets a lot of event announcements, and we comb through them all to bring you a curated list of what’s happening in LA this weekend. These 12 events don't involve fireworks, so for those options, check out The Best 4th of July Fireworks. We didn't count Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Dustbowl Revival at the Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday either, but that should be a good time, too. Read on for all the details.
FRIDAY, JULY 4
FILM + POTLUCK: The Lost & Found Film Club brings a patriotic 16mm mix of short ephemera and oddities to screen from 2-5 pm, all of which will make us proud to be ‘Merican. The screening is followed by a live set by surf/punk guitar legends Davie Allan & The Arrows. But the piece de resistance (around 6 pm) is a rare 35mm screening of the infamous motorcycle gang doc Hells Angels Forever (1983). It’s a potluck, so bring a dish (and don’t be the one caught bringing a bag of chips). Tickets: $15/free for members.
ART + BBQ: La Luz de Jesus hosts an opening reception and backyard BBQ from 8-11 pm on Friday for art exhibitions by Brad Parker and Damian Fulton. Parker’s Red Tiki Lounge combines the technique of old Flemish masters with pop culture. Fulton’s show RAD! celebrates the 35th anniversary of BMX cartoon character Radical Rick. There’s also live performances by The Insect Surfers at 9 pm. Drinks courtesy of Sammy's Beach Bar Rum. The exhibitions will remain on view through July 27.
FILM: It’s the 25th anniversary of Oliver Stone’s film Born on the Fourth of July, starring Tom Cruise, and the Aero Theatre screens the film at 7:30 pm. The film will be introduced (schedules permitting) by director Oliver Stone and writer Ron Kovic (the film is based on his autobiography) and a discussion moderated by Patt Morrison. Tickets: $11.
SATURDAY, JULY 5
ANIME: There’s a free anime festival (to complement/compete with the Anime Expo going on at the Convention Center) at JACCC in Little Tokyo. The free event features live performances, cosplay dance, anime movie screenings of Doraemon and Giovanni’s Island, as well as food and games at the Japanese Matsuri Summer Festival and more. 10:30 am-9:30 pm.
MUSIC: Grand Performances in DTLA helps Stones Throw Records continue its 10th year anniversary celebration with a Stones Throw Picnic on Saturday night. The evening at California Plaza includes live performances and DJ sets by Peanut Butter Wolf, Dam-Funk, The Lions and special guests. Show at 7 pm and doors at 5. Free.
COMEDY: On Saturday at 9 pm, Guy Branum presents Talk Show: The Game Show at Nerdmelt. Comedian Branum hosts a panel of comedians who compete against each other, vying for the title of “best talk show guest by plugging, name-dropping, and anecdoteing their way to victory.” This week’s guests are Kumail Nanjiani (Sili on Valley), Kyle Kinane and Sara Benincasa. Admission: $8 in advance, $10 at the door.
PARTY : Swimming with Sharks presents a party at the Standard DTLA on Saturday from 1 pm to sundown, The night features performances by Them Jeans, Young Skeeter, Yung Pinot (XY), Sleazemore, Richie Panic and Remy Marc. Free to first 100 with RSVP.
COMEDY: DJ Faucet brings an evening of dark, absurdist sketch comedy on Saturday night at 8 pm at the Kirk Douglas Theater in Culver City. DJ Faucet is Taylor Cox, Meg Favreau, Kristen Henley, Jesse Klein, Matt Lieberman, Bill Posley, Katie Willert and Heather Woodward. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door.
SUNDAY, JULY 6
BRONY BBQ: Cinefamily presents A Brony BBQ on Sunday beginning at noon. Around 1:30 pm guests get a sneak preview of the documentary, A Brony Tale, which follows the cultural phenomenon of adult fans of My Little Pony and historian Jerry Beck will also be screening cartoons. Q&A with special guest, filmmaker and My Little Pony voice artist Ashleigh Ball, too. Tickets: $15/free for Cinefamily members.
FOOD TOUR: Six Taste Presents a 4th of July Weekend Spicy Food Tour Challenge of Hollywood on Sunday at 11 am. The tour includes five stops with beer and food tastings, from the Hollywood Farmer’s Market Spice Alley; to spicy culinary cuisine at Palm’s Thai; German sausages at Berlin Currywurst; Indian comfort food at Urban Masala; and regional Mexican specialties at Loteria Grill. Tour starts at 11 am and lasts four hours with roughly 10 blocks of walking. Tickets: $75 (advance purchase required).
COMEDY: There’s a free showcase of rising comedy talents at The Satellite on Sunday.The Kinda Open Mic Show is a half-booked, half open mic show featuring Josh Androsky, Jess Lane, Sean Keane, Rye Silverman and Stephanie Simbari. Doors at 5 pm with the show running from at 5:30-8 pm.
COMEDY: Westside Comedy presents an evening of creepy standup comedy with the show Casual Stalker at 7 pm. Hosted by Chet Wild, the lineup includes Nicholas Anthony, Amir K, Brandt Tobler, Ali Wong with special guest Yakov Smirnoff. Tickets: $10. 21+ show.
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