Top Los Angeles Things to Do in July

Jaws movie
Listen to Oscar-winning scores from “Jaws”  in concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

This month, L.A. is overflowing with movie nights, outdoor festivals, award-winning performances and more. See our list of 30+ top Los Angeles things to do in July.

107th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition
Through July 1. Presented by the California Art Club, view a superb selection of contemporary art in a traditional style at this annual exhibit. The show celebrates a range of California artists—229 to be exact—and explores issues facing society, including diversity, social justice and environmentalism. Free with Museum Admission: $15 adults; $10 seniors, students, children ages 3+. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., L.A., 626.538.9009. nhm.org

 

Melrose Rooftop Theatre
July 1-31. E.P. & L.P. presents the second season of Melrose Rooftop Theatre, whose mix of movies—such as Ready Player One, Singing in the Rain and Straight Outta Compton—are projected against a Hollywood Hills backdrop. Prescreening Dinner & a Movie packages with a three-course modern Asian meal at E.P. by executive chef Louis Tikaram are available. 603 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.855.9955. melroserooftoptheatre.com

 

Grand Performances
July 1, 6-7, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29. This free outdoor summer concert series spotlights global performing arts with a lineup of quality music, dance, theater and more in downtown L.A. Highlights from this month’s lineup include Bootsy Collins and Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. California Plaza, 300 & 350 S. Grand Ave., downtown. grandperformances.org

 

Rooftop Cinema Club
July 1-31. The U.K.’s “Number One Outdoor Cinema Series” screens acclaimed films, including recent Oscar winners and classics, on the rooftops of LEVEL in downtown L.A. and the private, members-only NeueHouse in Hollywood. Enjoy food and drinks while you take in views and watch flicks. On deck for July is Frida, City of God, Pretty in Pink, Isle of Dogs and more. See website for a full lineup and schedule. Ages 18+; select screenings 21+. 8 p.m. $17-$25. 888 S. Olive St., downtown; 6121 Sunset Blvd., L.A.
rooftopcinemaclub.com

 

Cinespia
July 3-4, 7, 14, 21, 28. Watch films projected on a mausoleum wall during this popular Amazon Studios-sponsored film series at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Also on hand are pre-movie DJs and themed photo booths. This month’s screenings of Thelma & Louise and Footloose are capped off by a fireworks show. See website for full schedule. Doors 7:15 p.m.; movie 9 p.m. $16; fireworks screenings $35. Parking $15-$20. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 877.435.9849. cinespia.org

 

Poolside Cinema Series
July 3, 10, 17. Upgrade your Tuesday nights with a poolside film screening at Mr. C Beverly Hills. This month’s offerings include Pirates of the Caribbean (July 3), Eat Pray Love (July 10) and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (July 17) to follow. The movie-going experience takes a luxurious spin when guests pre-reserve their seats by purchasing a Mr. C Cinema Prix-Fixe Menu featuring Cipriani classics like the Pizza Mr. C with Burrata, prosciutto crudo di parma with melon, tuna tartare and Mr. C guacamole. 7 p.m. $35-$45. 1224 Beverwil Dr., Beverly Hills, 877.334.5623. mrcbeverlyhills.com

 

Silver Lake Picture Show
July 5, 19. Heading into its 7th summer season, this outdoor film series screens feature films alongside short films made by local filmmakers. On deck for July are film classics Jaws and Mrs. Doubtfire. 6:30-11 p.m. Free. Sunset Triangle Plaza, 1523 Griffith Park Blvd., L.A. silverlakepictureshow.com

 

Friday Night Wine Tastings
July 6, 13, 20, 27. Attracting crowds for years now, Barnsdall Art Park brings back its annual Friday Night Wine Tastings for a tenth year. Friday nights through August 31, spend the evening touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House (for an additional charge) while enjoying boutique wines curated by Silverlake Wine, food truck fare and music by KCRW DJs. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $35. West Lawn, Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. barnsdall.org

 

on your feet musical
Mauricio Martinez and Christie Prades as Emilio and Gloria Estefan in the musical “On Your Feet”

“On Your Feet!”
July 6-29. This Broadway musical tells the story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s romantic and musical success. Groove along to hit songs like “Conga” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.” See website for show times and ticket prices. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com

 

Long Beach Vegan Festival
July 7. Bring the family to this local fest offering a delicious smattering of vegan fare, live music and a chili cook-off. Art installations and a kids area complete with hula hooping, face painting and crafts round out the day-long experience. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $10 before event, $15 at the gate; Free kids 12 and under. 1250 N. Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach. lbveganfest.com

 

Dessert Goals
July 7-8. This sugary fest is back for a second year with double the capacity and an all-new theme: Moon & Stars. Before indulging on sweet treats from L.A.’s top dessert vendors, be sure to snap a photo in the new dedicated photo garden. See website for time entry options. $15-$35. Cooper Design Space, 860 S. Los Angeles St., Floor 11, downtown. Tickets

 

Eat|See|Hear
July 7, 13-14, 21, 28. Traveling outdoor film and music series, presented by Showtime, boasts the largest outdoor inflatable screen on the West Coast, as well as food trucks and live musical performances. Highlights this month include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Ocean’s Eleven and Blazing Saddles. See website for a full schedule. Doors 5:30 p.m.; band 7 p.m.; movie 8:30 p.m. $8-$21, under 5 free. 213.267.4393. eatseehear.com

 

Street Food Cinema
July 7, 14, 21, 28. This outdoor summer film series hosts screenings every Saturday night at various locations throughout L.A., complete with live music and food from the city’s top trucks. For July, enjoy flicks like E.T., 500 Days of Summer, Space Jam and more. See website for a full schedule. Door time varies; band 6:30 p.m.; movie 8:30 p.m. $6-$22, under 6 free. 323.254.5068. streetfoodcinema.com

 

Skeleton Crew
Kelly McCreary (left) and Caroline Stefanie Clay in “Skeleton Crew”

“Skeleton Crew”
Through July 8. This third installment in playwright Dominique Morisseau’s acclaimed The Detroit Project trilogy follows four co-workers at a Detroit auto factory in 2008 as they deal with uncertainty in both their professional and personal lives. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.org

 

Hammer Museum x KCRW Summer Nights
July 12, 19, 26. This local, summertime signature event series continues in July with three free shows at the Hammer Museum. On the bill for July is Still Woozy, Neil Frances, Kauf, Sam Evian, Cut Chemist and KCRW DJs Jeremy Sole, Valida and Anthony Valadez. The Hammer’s galleries will also be open late for the occasion. Happy Hour 6:30 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. Free. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. events.kcrw.com

 

La Bayadère
July 13-15. The world-renowned American Ballet Theatre returns to The Music Center for three mesmerizing performances of this classic 19th-century ballet. F-Sa 7:30 p.m., Su 2 p.m. See website for ticket prices. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.0711. musiccenter.org

 

Summer dineL.A.
July 13–27. Nearly 400 restaurants across the county offer prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner during this biannual culinary event, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Brand-new additions for this summer include the Lobby at the NoMad Hotel, 189 by Dominique Ansel and Jaffa. See website for full list of restaurants. discoverlosangeles.com

 

Summer Nights in the Garden
July 13, 27. In Exposition Park, The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County presents Summer Nights in the Garden, complete with botanical tours, garden-experts meetings, performances and live music. Pack your picnic essentials or grab bites from the on-site food trucks in the North Plaza. 5-9 p.m. NHMLA, 900 W. Exposition Blvd., L.A. nhm.org

 

Colorado Street Bridge Party
July 14. Every other year, this local gathering celebrates the majestic Colorado Street Bridge with a festive, vehicle-free evening. Traffic will be rerouted to make way for three stages, a dance floor, an adjacent vintage car show and activities for kids. Those staying through sunset are treated to beautiful views illuminating Pasadena and Eagle Rock. 6-11:30 p.m. See website for ticket prices. Colorado Street Bridge, 504 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. pasadenaheritage.org

 

Smorgasburg L.A. attracts thousands of visitors each week

Smorgasburg LA
July 15. The open-air food market springs up each Sunday, but this week features extra treats. In honor of National Ice Cream Day, the annual Ice Cream Alley launches with 10 top scoop shops dishing out favorites. Also: The Smorgasburg LA Record Fair offers over 10,000 highly curated vintage vinyl for sale. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 777 S. Alameda St, downtown. smorgasburg.com

 

“Jungle Book”
July 17-29. Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theater of California, brings to life the classic childhood favorite featuring Mowgli and Baloo the Bear. The family-friendly production is written and directed by Craig Francis and Rick Miller (Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea). See website for show times and ticket prices. 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, 626.356.7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org

 

El Segundo Art Walk
July 19. Enjoy studio tours and artwork in El Segundo’s downtown and Smoky Hollow neighborhoods at this essential summer gathering. Food trucks, live music and and interactive experiences are also on deck for the evening. 5-9 p.m. Free. elsegundoartwalk.com

 

Delicious Little Tokyo
July 20-21. This 3rd annual event shines a light on authentic Japanese culture and cuisine. Stroll through the streets of Little Tokyo for unique culinary demos, food tours, DIY workshops, a live art calligraphy performance, sake tastings and much more See website for complete lineup. Free. golittletokyo.com

 

Roaring Nights
July 20. The Los Angeles Zoo goes wild during its annual summer series. This month, expect animal encounters, food trucks, a silent disco and a special “Saved by the ’90s” playlist. 21+. 6-10:30 p.m. $21 GA, $16 members. The L.A. Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr., L.A., 323.644.4200. lazoo.org

 

“Jaws—in Concert”
July 20-21. The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra brings John Williams’ spine-tingling, Oscar-winning score to life at the Bowl’s screening of the original summer movie blockbuster. See website for start times and ticket prices. 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.850.2000. hollywoodbowl.com

 

The Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure
July 21. Now in its fifth year in L.A., this wine festival brings together over 45 wineries from all over California and over 200 ultra-premium, hard-to-find wines. 3-6 p.m.; VIP early access 2 p.m. $69; VIP $99. Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club, 1210 4th St., Santa Monica. californiagaragistes.com

 

Taste of Farmers Market
July 24. The 10th annual tasting event at the historic Original Farmers Market features samples from more than 50 of the market’s top-rated restaurants, grocers and eateries. 5-9 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211. farmersmarketla.com

 

International Champions Cup (ICC)
July 25, 28. The World Cup may be over but the soccer adrenaline, passion and heartbreak continue throughout the summer in L.A. when the city plays hosts to two ICC games. First up, AC Milan takes on Manchester United on July 25 at the StubHub Center. F.C. Barcelona then face off with Tottenham Hotspur F.C. at the Rose Bowl Stadium on July 28. See website for pricing and start time. internationalchampionscup.com

 

Luckyrice Feast: Los Angeles
July 26. This year’s “Breaking Bao”-themed iteration of the touring Asian-food festival spotlights intergenerational cuisine with a family-style feast. Sample offerings from two dozen of the city’s brightest stars in Asian and Asian-inspired cuisine (including Seoul Sausage, Button Mash and Little Sister), as well as libations. 7-10 p.m. $150. Vibiana, 214 S. Main St., downtown. luckyrice.com

 

Uncorked: LA 90+
July 27. Popular wine festival Uncorked presents a new 90+ event that showcases over 100 wines from across the globe rated 90 points and higher. Pair with food from a variety of gourmet food trucks, live music and more. Cocktail attire requested but not required. 7-10 p.m; VIP entry 6 p.m. $60; VIP $70. 21-plus. Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica. uncorkedwinefestivals.com

 

The Music Center Presents: Max Richter’s “Sleep”
July 27-28. Head downtown for a unique overnight performance of Max Richter’s Sleep, complete with cots. The mesmerizing eight-hour live musical journey will feature a hybrid of piano, strings, electronics and vocals. F, Sa 10:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m. $6-$80. Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., downtown. musiccenter.org

 

White Light White Night
July 28. This twelfth-annual wear-all-white event benefits L.A.-based nonprofit Walk With Sally. Expect food from 25 of L.A.’s best restaurants, craft cocktails and a special musical performance. Check website for time and prices. The Top of the Plaza at Continental Park, 870 S. Nash St., El Segundo, 310.322.3900, walkwithsally.org

 

California Pizza Festival
July 28-29. The inaugural California Pizza Festival brings renowned pizza chefs from all over the world to the epicenter of SoCal. Enjoy unlimited pizza samplings, live music, booze and giveaways. Noon-8 p.m. $20-$80. Los Angeles Center Studios, 450 S. Bixel St., L.A. calipizzafestival.com

 

 

Reed Birney and Jayne Houdyshell in the New York production of “The Humans.”

“The Humans”
Through July 29. This new American classic, which won the 2016 Tony Award for best play, takes place over the course of a family’s Thanksgiving dinner in a Manhattan apartment. See website for show times and ticket prices. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org

 

“Our Very Own Carlin McCullough”
Through July 29. Meryl Streep’s daughter Mamie Gummer stars in this play about a rising tennis star, her mother and her coach, written by actress Amanda Peet. See website for show times and ticket prices. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.org

 

Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival
Through September. Each summer, the Independent Shakespeare Co. brings the Bard’s works to Griffith Park’s Old Zoo. This year’s performances include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (June 30-Sept. 2) and Titus Andronicus (July 28-Sept. 1). See website for complete schedule. Free. iscla.org

 

DAYDREAM
Through Sept. 30. Break a sweat before soaking in the sun at this poolside summer series at the W Los Angeles – West Beverly Hills. The complimentary Sunday experience—available to both hotel guests and locals—kicks off with a 9 a.m. fitness class led by popular L.A. instructors and studios. After raising your heart rate, grab a complimentary drink at The Hideout by STK Los Angeles restaurant and enjoy DJ tunes for the rest of the afternoon. Event runs every Sunday through September 30. 930 Hilgard Ave., Beverly Hills, 310.208.8765. wlosangeles.com

 

“Jaws” photo courtesy Universal Pictures. “On Your Feet” photo by Matthew Murphy. “Skeleton Crew” photo courtesy Chris Whitaker. “The Humans” photo ©2015 Joan Marcus.

[et_bloom_inline optin_id=optin_11]

Share

Sign up for FREE to receive our exclusive Weekend Roundup!

Get the best things to do in our favorite SoCal spots delivered to your inbox every week

Los Angeles

Orange County

San Diego