Events
L.A. RiverFest
Aug. 3. The L.A. River takes center stage at this annual celebration from Friends of the L.A. River, showcasing its role as a wellspring of creative energy. Held at L.A. State Historic Park, the event features live music, performances by Aztec dance company Xipe Totec, eco-inspired art activities, food trucks and a bustling marketplace with 40 local vendors. Admission is free, but registration is required—reserve your spot online in advance. Sunday at 2 p.m. 1245 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles. More Information
Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert in Jesus Christ Superstar
Aug. 1-3. The iconic rock opera takes center stage at the Hollywood Bowl this summer, channeling the grit and energy of its original 1970s roots. With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar unfolds through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, capturing the final days of Jesus in a sung-through score that’s both haunting and electrifying. Directed and choreographed by Tony winner Sergio Trujillo, with musical direction by Stephen Oremus, this bold reimagining revives anthems like Superstar, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, and Gethsemane for a new era—amplified by the Bowl’s iconic open-air stage. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 7:30 p.m. 2301 Highland Ave., Los Angeles. hollywoodbowl.com
Vacation X Desert 5 Spot
Aug. 2. Vacation brings its offbeat charm to Los Angeles with Corporate Cookout West on this weekend at Desert 5 Spot. Blending summer fun with tongue-in-cheek office nostalgia, the rooftop bash includes free Baileys cocktails, tacos, Vacation sunscreen and pool access. Guests can enjoy live sets from Poolsuite DJs, a country band covering Jimmy Buffett classics and even a mechanical bull—all wrapped in Vacation’s signature “corporate-approved good times” vibe. Saturday, from 2-6 p.m. 6516 Selma Ave., Los Angeles. RSVP Now
HARD Summer
Aug. 2-3. The popular EDM event returns to Hollywood Park, reclaiming its spot next to SoFi Stadium with a genre-blurring lineup that bridges EDM and hip-hop. Known for delivering high-energy sets and major talent, this year’s festival features Dom Dolla, Feid, Gesaffelstein, Kaytranada, Sean Paul, Juvenile & the 400 Degreez Band, Four Tet, Floating Points, Sara Landry and Nico Moreno—solidifying its place as one of SoCal’s most anticipated summer blowouts. Saturday-Sunday at 2 p.m. 1001 S. Stadium Drive, Inglewood. Get Tickets Now
KCON
Aug. 1-3. If Hallyu—the Korean Wave—speaks to your soul, mark your calendar for KCON LA, one of the largest K-pop and Korean culture convention in North America. Taking over the L.A. Convention Center , this three-day festival offers panels, dance workshops, beauty pop-ups, artist meet-and-greets and exclusive merch drops, all celebrating the global rise of Korean entertainment. The weekend culminates in back-to-back star-studded concerts at Crypto.com Arena, featuring top-tier idols and rising acts from across the K-pop spectrum. Friday-Sunday at 12 p.m. 1111 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. kconusa.com
Food + Drinks
National Watermelon Day at TLV Tapas Bar
Now Serving. To celebrate National Watermelon Day, TLV Tapas Bar in Tarzana is serving a limited-time summer special that blends vibrant flavor with seasonal flair. The Watermelon Yellowtail Tartar layers golden watermelon with fresh yellowtail, mint, cilantro, serrano, pine nuts, herb oil and ponzu for a bright, refreshing dish perfect for warm nights. Pair it with the Tropit, a guest favorite cocktail made with vodka, watermelon, guava and pineapple—crafted to sip like a tropical escape. Both are available for the next few weeks. Hours vary. 5442 Yolanda Ave., Tarzana. tlv-tapas.com
The Culver Hotel’s Garden Escape for Pups
Now Serving. The garden patio of The Culver Hotel offers a relaxed, pet-friendly escape in the heart of Culver City, where guests and their furry companions are equally welcomed. Just steps from the pedestrian promenade, the shaded patio—adorned with striped umbrellas and vintage birdcages—sets the scene for alfresco dining with signature cocktails, wine spritzes and microbrews. Dogs can enjoy their own “barcuterie board,” a paw-shaped platter with peanut butter dip, crunchy treats, fruits and veggies ($11). On Saturdays, the hotel hosts Garden Parties from 3-6 p.m. with rosé flights, Kikori whiskey cocktails, canapés and floral pop-ups—making it an ideal weekend outing for humans and pups alike. Hours vary. 9400 Culver Blvd., Culver City. Reserve Now
National Spritz Day with the Cabo Spritz at Santa Monica Proper
Starts Aug. 1. There’s no better place to toast summer than atop the Santa Monica Proper, where Loreto x Proper’s rooftop pop-up is shaking up bold Baja flavors. Their Cabo Spritz—Aperol, fresh strawberry, lime, sparkling wine and soda—is a vibrant twist on the classic, best paired with ocean views and fresh crudo. From signature cocktails to seafood-forward plates, this weekend residency has become one of the season’s most buzzed-about culinary collaborations at The Proper. Friday-Sunday, 4-6 p.m. for Proper Hour and 6-10 p.m. for dinner at Calabra Rooftop. 700 Wilshire Blvd., Entrance on 7th Street,
Santa Monica. properhotel.com
Sommelier Sundays at WeVINO
Starts Aug. 3. Westlake Village’s WeVino is showcasingSommelier Sundays, where they invite guests on a weekly exploration of wine, guided by the expertise of their in-house sommelier. Each session highlights a distinct theme—spotlighting different regions, varietals and winemaking techniques—within a refined and inviting setting. Ideal for both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers, the series begins this Sunday at 5 p.m., with tastings continuing weekly thereafter. 31149 Via Colinas, Westlake Village. Reserve Now
Happy Hour at Arden
Now Open. Mix and mingle at Arden’s Happy Hour with $12 craft cocktails, $2 oysters and shareable bar bites like crispy curry cauliflower and truffle fries. Offered exclusively at the bar, the menu highlights the chili-spiked Wicked G’arden with Milagro tequila, the bright Tastes Like Strawberry with Haku vodka, Aperol, orgeat and lemon, plus the smoky Blue Ember, layered with mezcal, blueberry and orange liqueur. House wines pour at $10, beers at $5 and liquors with mixers round out the list for an early evening under Arden’s floral canopy. Wednesday-Friday, from 6-7 p.m. 8289 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. ardenweho.com
Arts + Culture
If I Awaken in Los Angeles
Aug. 1. This multimedia performance at The Ford weaves spoken word, music, dance and film into a sensory journey across the city’s cultural and historical landscapes. Directed by Gina Belafonte, the piece traces LA’s Indigenous roots through neighborhoods like South Central, Boyle Heights, Koreatown, Chinatown and The Canyons, evoking the layered identities that shape the city today. With musical direction by Derrick Hodge, the production features appearances by YVHIKV of T H R O N E, Dante Basco, Sekou Andrews, Jason Chu and others. Set at The Ford, the evening extends beyond performance—offering a space for communal reflection and resilience in the wake of January’s wildfires. Friday at 8 p.m. 2580 Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles. theford.com
CatCon
Aug. 2-3. The popular cat fest returns to the Pasadena Convention Center for its 10th anniversary, bringing two days of feline-focused fun including panels, workshops, a Natural History Museum presentation and meet-and-greets with internet-famous cats. With 150 vendors selling everything from toys to cat-themed merch, plus an on-site adoption village, the event blends pop culture and pet culture seamlessly. Saturday is sold out, but Sunday tickets are still available. Saturday-Sunday at 10 a.m. 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena. catconworldwide.com
Taste of Edo Japanese Food Culture Through Ukiyo-e Art
Aug. 2. Step into Edo-period Japan with a one-day cultural salon inspired by the golden age of Ukiyo-e and culinary innovation. Held on the fifth floor, the event complements the ongoing NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND exhibition and features guest speaker Ukiyo Kuruma, a historical novelist and member of the International Ukiyo-e Society. Kuruma will spotlight iconic artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige, exploring how their work reflected the vibrancy of Edo’s streets and food culture. The talk concludes with a tasting of traditional Edo-period dishes by Chef Kazuma Yamasaki, whose roots trace back to a 200-year fishing lineage on Awaji Island. A rare chance to savor history—one bite, one brushstroke at a time. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Level 2 & Level 5, Los Angeles. japanhousela.com
Wende Zine Fest
Aug. 2. The Wende Museum debuts its first-ever Zine Fest in Culver City this weekend, spotlighting L.A.’s vibrant DIY publishing scene. Visitors can shop zines from over 40 local artists, join workshops on figure drawing and zine-making and explore a pop-up library alongside the museum’s Cold War-era “samizdat” collection—underground publications that speak to the enduring power of self-publishing as resistance. Free and open to the public. Saturday at 11 a.m. 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. wendemuseum.org
Twilight Garden Strolls
Aug. 1. This summer, enjoy six special evenings at The Huntington as the gardens stay open into twilight. Stroll the grounds with friends and family after hours, soaking in the golden light and cooler air. While the Library, art galleries, Conservatory and Children’s Garden will be closed, most other garden spaces remain open for exploration. Red Car coffee shop serves until 5:30 p.m. and the 1919 Cafe reopens from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., with hot food service ending at 7 p.m. Boba and light bites are available from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Freshwater Pavilion in the Chinese Garden. The Huntington Store also stays open throughout the evening for a bit of post-sunset shopping. This Friday, 4:30-8 p.m. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. huntingtonroad.com
Photo credit: All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
