Check Out The Best Los Angeles Things To Do In June

Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash (1960). Photograph by Leigh Wiener, courtesy of the Annenberg Space for Photography.

From outdoor music and world class theater, to foodie and film fests, opening night at the Hollywood Bowl and more find the best Los Angeles things to do in our June 2014 events roundup.

Edited by Christina Xenos

Farmers Market Music Nights
May 29-Aug. 29. Celebrate The Original Farmers Market’s 80th birthday all summer long with free music performances on Thursday and Friday nights from late May until the end of August. Thursday Night Jazz and Friday Night Music at Farmers Market offer an eclectic and entertaining summer of performances which draw heavily on Los Angeles’ many musical and ethnic sub-cultures. The season kicks off with Bobby Matos Afro-Cuban Jazz band on May 29, followed by Rockabilly artist, Slim Jim Phantom on May 30. Through the summer, the series will welcome the California Feetwarmers, purveyors of 20s & 30s gypsy jazz on July 10, the Jennifer York Quartet (sans traffic reports) on July 24, and the renowned Bill Watrous with his musical best friend Rob Stoneback on July 31.  The jazz roster also includes Sydney Weisman and the Wayne Peet Trio, jazzing up the American songbook on August 7 and Cow Bop, a cowboy jazz band, on August 21. Free. 7 p.m. 2 hours free parking with validation from purchase at all Farmers Market shops. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211. farmersmarketla.com

L.A. Wine Fest
May 31-June 1. Ninth annual festival brings hundreds of top wines, craft brews and spirits from around the world, plus food trucks, seminars, demos from local celebrity chefs (including Tony Esnault of Church & State) and more to historic Raleigh Studios. Sa 2-6 pm, Su noon-5 pm. See website for ticket information. 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. lawinefest.com

Country: Portraits of an American Sound
May 31-Sept. 28. Witness the evolution of country music through the camera’s lens in Country: Portraits of an American Sound, showing at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City. The sweeping exhibition features portraits of celebrated performers such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Keith Urban, as well as the deejays, fans and executives who helped shape the genre through the generations. Complementing the more than 110 historical and contemporary prints on view are an original documentary, country albums and film posters, a slide show of digital images, musical instruments and stage costumes, and a jukebox containing rare audio files. 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, 310.209.4560. annenbergspaceforphotography.org

Taste of the Nation 
June 1. Top fine restaurants and beverage purveyors including Wilshire, Mélisse and Superba Food + Bread dole out their signature dishes. Proceeds benefit Share Our Strength. 1–4 pm (VIP 12:30 pm). $110–$160, kids ages 5-12 $25, under 6 free. Media Park, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City, ce.strength.org/losangeles

Taste of the Eastside
June 1. Fourth annual food and drink festival showcases culinary diversity of Eastside neighborhoods such as Silver Lake and Echo Park, with proceeds to benefit local charities. Participating purveyors include Allumette and G&B Coffee. 4–8 pm (VIP 2:30 pm). $40–$70, kids ages 2-12 $5, under 2 free. Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, 570 W. Ave. 26, L.A. tasteoftheeastside.com

Thaïs
June 1, 4, 7. The most beautiful courtesan in Alexandria, Thaïs holds an entire city in her thrall as she embraces life’s most sensual delights. One man alone, the monk Athanaël, weeps for her sins, but his pilgrimage to save the sinner’s soul becomes a tortured journey of erotic obsession. As seducer transforms into saint, the holy man falls victim to his own passions. Nino Machaidze returns as Thaïs, with Plácido Domingo as her would-be savior, in the L.A. Opera’s production. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.8001. laopera.org

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
June 3-22. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical retelling of the biblical story of Joseph, starring Broadway and television star Diana DeGarmo and Broadway star Ace Young. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com

The Country House
Opening June 3. Actress Blythe Danner stars in this world premiere about a family of actors, inspired by Anton Chekhov’s pastoral comedies. Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies and directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com

LA Greek Film Festival
June 4-8. The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival showcases new films from Greek filmmakers worldwide. Find premieres, features and short films that have received recognition in global film circles such as the Cannes, Venice and Sundance film festivals. Opening night feature is the world premiere of Nick Cassavetes’ hit romantic comedy “The Other Woman” with Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton. Appearing as one of the highlights of The New Greek Cinema section is Alexandros Avranas  “Miss Violence” which took home Best Euro-Mediterranean Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Film honors in the ‘Young Cinema Award’ section last year at the Venice Film Festival. Closing Night Gala will include the L.A. premiere of Yorgos Tsemberopoulos’ gripping revenge thriller “The Enemy Within” (O ehthros mou), the festival’s prestigious Orpheus Awards and closing night party. For tickets and screening times, visit lagff.org

L.A. Pride
June 6–8. West Hollywood’s popular annual event celebrates the TLGB community. Highlights include transgender performances (June 6); festival (June 7–8) with entertainment, cocktail gardens, food, art exhibits; and parade (June 8). Festival $20–$100; other events vary. See website for complete event schedule. Parade, Santa Monica Boulevard between Crescent Heights and Robertson boulevards, West Hollywood. lapride.org

A Prairie Home Companion
June 6. Garrison Keillor will be uprooting his Minnesota based radio program and heading to Los Angeles. He will be joined by special guests including 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Heart, plus The Royal Academy of Radio Actors, Tim Russell, Sue Scott, sound effects guru Fred Newman, and musical director and pianist, Richard Dworsky. Greek Theatre, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Griffith Park, 323.665.5857. greektheatrela.com

Gilmore Heritage Auto Show
June 7. The casual classic and vintage American car show celebrates its 20th year with a celebration of the Mustang’s 50th anniversary. At the Gilmore Heritage Auto Show, view more than 100 classic and vintage American cars and trucks, including original Mustangs from the inaugural 1965 model year (officially 1964), a pristine 1967 Shelby Mustang GT350 and convertibles, Mach 1s and 2+2s. The show also features what may be the most popular rental car ever, a 1965 Hertz Rental Mustang Fastback. In all, more than a dozen classic Mustangs will be on display. Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211. farmersmarketla.com

Make Music Pasadena
June 7. Free, all-ages music festival features more than 150 concerts from top bands and emerging talent. Past performers include Tanlines, Warpaint, Grouplove. Schedule, stage information at makemusicpasadena.org. 11 am–11 pm. Free; $5 donation suggested. Colorado Boulevard and side streets, Old Pasadena, 626.744.0340. makemusicpasadena.org

The Last Confession
Opening June 7. Drama recounts the mysterious 1978 death of Pope John Paul I from the point of view of Cardinal Giovanni Benelli, played by David Suchet. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org

Secrets of Pasta-Making Revealed at Drago Centro
June 7, 28. Have you ever wondered how to perfectly finesse fettuccini from flour to noodle? From spaghetti to cavatelli, learn how to prepare a variety of fresh pasta and traditional Italian sauces with Drago Centro’s Chef di Cucina, Ian Gresik. The delicious three-hour class, on June 7 or 28, also includes a take home pasta-making kit for participants. Noon-3 p.m. $100/pp. Reservations required call 213.228.8998 or betty.cardenas@dragocentro.com. 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.228.8998. dragocentro.com

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena 1865 Anniversary Tea
June 10. Indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea and pay homage to Europe’s first grand luxury hotel, The Langham, London, with a The Langham Huntington, Pasadena 1865 Anniversary Tea. The special anniversary tea turns the clock back to 1865 when the Langham, London originally opened and offers its signature Tiffin Afternoon tea for the original price of 1 shilling, 6 pence (or 15 cents). Embark on the tea that features astries inspired by the jewelry collection of one of the hotel’s co-owners, the glamorous Arabella “Belle” Huntington. Belle Huntington’s famous jewels were purchased in 1926 by acclaimed jeweler Harry Winston, and they continue to inspire luxury pieces today. You must sign up for a lottery for a chance to attend the tea before May 31 HERE. The Langham, Huntington Pasadena, 1401 South Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, 626.568.3900. pasadena.langhamhotels.com

Los Angeles Film Festival
June 11–19. Lisa Cholodenko is guest director for the 20th anniversary of Film Independent’s annual fest, which showcases feature films, shorts and music videos representing more than 30 countries. Bong Joon-ho’s Snowpiercer opens the festival, and Warner Bros. Pictures’ Jersey Boys, directed by Clint Eastwood, closes. The hub is at L.A Live (800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown). Tickets start at $11. 866.345.6337. lafilmfest.com

Last Remaining Seats
June 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28. Now in its 28th season, the Los Angeles Conservancy’s Last Remaining Seats series is a summer tradition, presenting classic films in historic theaters accompanied by live entertainment, vintage cartoons and newsreels and other extras. This year, the series takes place entirely in downtown Los Angeles, with such highlights as screenings of The Lady Eve (1941) at the 1931 Los Angeles Theatre, Citizen Kane (1941) at the 1926 Orpheum Theatre and the cult classic Back to the Future (1985) at the meticulously restored The Theatre at Ace Hotel, formerly the United Artists Theatre (1927). Keep your eyes peeled for special guest appearances from cast members as well as the DeLorean Time Machine. Showtimes,locations vary by screening. $16–$20. laconservancy.org

Black Truffle Friday Dinner at Mélisse
June. 13. Black truffle season office launches on Black Truffle Friday, June 13. Celebrate the occasion with a decadent truffle-focused dinner at Mélisse. Chef Josiah Citrin will collaborate with Australian Chef Peter Gilmore of Quay restaurant for a one-night-only “Black Truffle Friday” five-course menu featuring Western Australian truffles from The Truffle & Wine Co. Two seating windows offered, 5:30-6:30 p.m. and 8:15-9:15 p.m. $185/pp, or $280/pp with wine pairing. Reservations are open via phone or through OpenTable.com. 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.395.0881. melisse.com

Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks
June 13-15. Take dear ol’ Dad to see Los Angeles’ own Boys in Blue play the Arizona Diamondbacks, plus enjoy special giveaways and events, at Dodger Stadium on Father’s Day. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., L.A., 323.224.1507. dodgers.mlb.com

Playboy Jazz Festival
June 14-15. Pack your picnic basket and get ready to boogie at the 36th annual Playboy Jazz Festival, hosted by George Lopez, at the Hollywood Bowl. The star-studded two-day lineup features emerging artists as well as jazz legends, including Dianne Reeves (above), Al Jarreau and Stanley Clarke on June 14 and George Benson, Earl Klugh and James Cotton on June 15. 2301 N Highland Ave., L.A., 323.850.2000. hollywoodbowl.com

Father’s Day “Collabrewtive” Brunch
June 14. Treat Dad to an afternoon of indulgent tastes at this festive brunch presented by Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Food GPS. Some of the area’s best breweries (Golden Road Brewery, El Segundo Brewing Co., Eagle Rock Brewery, among others) and coffee roasters (LAMILL Coffee, Handsome Coffee Roasters, Intelligentsia Coffee) have collaborated on coffee-flavored beers, created specially for the day. While you’re getting your brew-buzz on you can also nosh on eclectic bites offered by a dozen notable chefs (think Loteria Grill’s Jimmy Shaw, Plan Check’s Ernesto Uchimura, Mud Hen Tavern’s Kajsa Alger, and more) at individual food stations. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for VIP guests and 12:30 p.m. for general admission. $65/pp, $90/pp VIP, $30 children 7-12. Tiato, 2700 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica. collabrewtive.nightout.com

Santa Monica Festival
June 14. Fun, family-friendly festival features musical and dance performances, art workshops, food trucks, cooking demonstrations, fitness classes and more that reflect the “intersection of art and the environment.” 11 am–6 pm. Free. Parking, bike valet free. Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park, Santa Monica, 310.458.8350. smgov.net

Dwell On Design
June 13-14, 20-22. Meet the Architects (at Ace Hotel June 13), home tours (June 14, 21) and expo (June 20-22) hosted by Dwell magazine. More than 400 exhibitors at expo, plus speakers, seminars, a shop, family and tech pavilions, and more. Call or visit website for hours. General tickets $15–$60; home tour tickets $85–$95. Expo, Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 508.743.8593. dwellondesign.com

Made in L.A.
Opens June 15. Hometown art pride is at an all-time high at the Hammer Museum this summer with the biennial Made in L.A. exhibit. Opening June 15, the show provides a glimpse into the city’s artistic currents and offerings through the works of under-recognized artists. Organized by Hammer chief curator Connie Butler and independent curator Michael Ned Holte, Made in L.A. offers visitors the opportunity to explore the talents of 35 locally based artists through a series of thought-provoking paintings, sculptures, performances and video installations—including 11 commissioned pieces—on display throughout the UCLA-backed institution. Visitors are judges, too: The recipient of the $25,000 Public Recognition Award is determined by viewers’ votes. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, 310.443.7000. hammer.ucla.edu

Ballet Preljocaj
June 20-22. France’s leading contemporary company conjures the sensual world of the ancient Orient in a new work freely inspired by the popular tales of “A Thousand and One Nights.” Seducing audiences with the mysterious and flamboyant world of these legendary tales, Ballet Preljocaj’s 18 dancers astound in a piece choreographed by Angelin Preljocaj, with music by Natacha Atlas & Samy Bishai and 79D, costumes by Azzedine Alaïa and set design by Constance Guisset. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.8001. musiccenter.org

Hollywood Bowl Opening Night
June 21. The Hollywood Bowl opens for the season with a star-studded extravaganza featuring Hall of Fame inductees Kristin Chenoweth, the Go-Go’s and Pink Martini. In addition to the new inductees, you will also notice improvements to the space like all new benches seats and refreshed lighting throughout the venue. 2301 N Highland Ave., L.A., 323.850.2000. hollywoodbowl.com

Friday Flights at the Getty Center
June 27. Punk-inspired shop Ooga Booga curates a free evening of art, music, talk and dance from 6-9 p.m. for this month’s Friday Flights at the Getty Center. 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.7300. getty.edu

Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host
June 28. Radio host Ira Glass joins Monica Bill Barnes and Anna Bass at UCLA’s Royce Hall for an unlikely pairing of dance and radio. The evening includes radio interviews restaged as dance pieces, plus stories from the lives of each of the three performers. Royce Hall, UCLA Campus, Westwood. roycehall.org

California Dreamin’: The Sounds of Laurel Canyon 1965-1977
Continuing. Photographs and artifacts from the heyday of classic rock are featured in California Dreamin’: The Sounds of Laurel Canyon 1965-1977, on view at the Grammy Museum. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.6800. grammymuseum.org

Pompeii: The Exhibition
Through Jan. 4. Relive the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and see more than 150 artifacts excavated from its ashes at the California Science Center’s Pompeii: The Exhibition. California Science Center, 700 State Drive, Exposition Park, downtown, 323.724.3623. californiasciencecenter.org

WET Sundays at W Los Angeles – Westwood
Through Sept. 1. WET Sundays at W Los Angeles – Westwood summer pool party serves up craft cocktails from The Hookup at WET, the hotel’s mobile poolside bar, housed in a vintage 1963 Airstream Bambi trailer to the tune of live beats from local DJs. Hang out poolside, take a dip in the 280-square-foot pool or reserve one of 11 private cabanas. If you need a mid-week fix you can stop by on Wednesdays for the Midweek Hookup (5-9 p.m., Wednesdays in June), where you can enjoy drink specials, DJ tunes, ping-pong, swimming and board games. WET Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. 930 Hilgard Ave., L.A., 310.208.8765. wlosangeles.com

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