Events
Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone at Venice Beach
July 10-11. World Cup energy hits the sand as Venice Beach hosts two days of quarterfinal match viewing, food, music, DJs, cultural programming and family-friendly activities at Windward Plaza. Fans can watch knockout-stage matches on a large LED screen, explore global food vendors and beverage gardens, or upgrade to paid Watch Party and VIP areas with premium sightlines, dedicated bars and access to select after-party programming. VIP is 21+. Friday, 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, noon–10 p.m. 1 Windward Ave., Venice Beach. venicebeachfwc26.com
The Los Angeles French Fry Festival
July 11. Bucket Listers and Street Food Cinema launch a new festival devoted entirely to french fries, bringing together chefs, food trucks, collaborations and loaded fry creations for a crispy, carb-heavy day at The Autry. Tickets start at $30.03 for general admission, with VIP tickets starting at $64.43 and including skip-the-line access, a bag of fries, a welcome cocktail and access to the 21+ VIP area. Food tokens are available as add-ons. Saturday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., 2:30–5:30 p.m. and 6–9 p.m. The Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org
Central Library Centennial Festival
July 11. Downtown’s Central Library turns 100 with a free birthday bash inside one of L.A.’s great architectural landmarks, filling the day with performances, family-friendly crafts, exhibits, hands-on activities and special guests. Highlights include the debut of Luceros y Penumbras: The World’s Largest Pop-Up Book by artist Daniel González and paper engineer Matthew Reinhart, plus appearances and performances from Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Susan Orlean, the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, L.A. Taiko Ichiza and The Linda Lindas. Free admission; tickets encouraged. Saturday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Central Library, 630 W. 5th Street, Downtown Los Angeles. lapl.org
Lotus Festival
July 11-12. Echo Park Lake’s beloved summer tradition returns for its 45th year with a weekend celebrating Asian American cultures while honoring the people and culture of Sri Lanka. Expect live music and dance performances, international food vendors, dragon boat races, carnival rides, arts and crafts, family-friendly activities and, if nature cooperates, the seasonal bloom of the park’s iconic lotus flowers. Highlights include the Lights of Dreams lantern festival and the second annual Lotus 5K Run/Walk on Sunday morning. Saturday-Sunday at 12 p.m. 751 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles. lotusfestivalla.com
Food + Drinks
California Cooking at the Hammer Museum
Open. Open. Conceived by legendary chef and food activist Alice Waters, LULU at the Hammer Museum serves California cooking from local organic and regenerative farms. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, LULU offers à la carte and prix fixe menus in an open-air courtyard. Admission to the museum is always free. Open Tuesday-Sunday. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood.
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Max & Helen’s Blue Plate Specials
Now Serving. One of the city’s great diner traditions is making a comeback with a rotating prix-fixe menu inspired by the hearty meals that fueled diners and railway cars from the 1920s through the 1950s. The weekly lineup includes catch of the day on Mondays, brisket pot roast Tuesdays, fried chicken Wednesdays, eggplant parm Thursdays, pork chops Fridays, sloppy joes Saturdays and spaghetti & meatballs on Sundays. Available daily, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 127 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles. maxandhelens.com
Dōmokase at Majordomo
Now Serving. An intimate eight-seat chef’s counter experience from Executive Chef James Bailey showcases a 10-course progression of ssäms inspired by the flavors of Majordomo and Momofuku, with highlights including dry-aged market fish, grilled dorade, cold fried chicken with caviar, smoked Duroc pork belly and a signature beef ssam board. The experience is $175 per person, with optional wine and sake, nonalcoholic or combination pairings available. Reservations are required through OpenTable. Tuesdays–Thursdays at 7 p.m. 1725 Naud St., Los Angeles. Reserve Now
Concern Foundation’s 51st Annual Block Party: “Concern on Safari: Lions, Tigers & Cures”
July 11. The Paramount Pictures backlot transforms into a safari-inspired fundraiser as more than 4,000 guests gather for the Concern Foundation’s signature Block Party, featuring tastings from more than 70 of Los Angeles’ top restaurants, breweries, wineries and spirit brands. The evening also includes live music across three stages, with performances by the Tom Nolan Band, D’ City Sound & Events and the Vibrato Grill Jazz Stage. Proceeds support the Concern Foundation’s mission to fund pioneering cancer research, while longtime board chair and co-founder Jackie Gottlieb will be honored with the Steve R. Freed Spirit of Concern Volunteer Leadership Award. Saturday, 6–11 p.m. Paramount Pictures Studios Backlot, 5515 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. concernfoundation.org
Arts + Culture
Music from the Films of Wes Anderson
July 10-11. The Hollywood Bowl transforms into Wes Anderson’s world for a two-night celebration of the filmmaker’s iconic soundtracks, featuring live performances by Beck, Jenny Lewis, Jackson Browne, Jason Schwartzman, Mark Mothersbaugh and more, with Bill Murray serving as host. Performances are accompanied by the Los Angeles Philharmonic under conductor Thomas Wilkins, with immersive themed displays, the Criterion Mobile Closet, exclusive merchandise, character-inspired treats and a Criterion Cinema showcasing films personally selected by Anderson. Friday–Saturday, 8 p.m. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. hollywoodbowl.com
Shakespeare in the Park: Coriolanus
Now-July 26. The Independent Shakespeare Co.’s beloved summer tradition returns to Griffith Park with Coriolanus, Shakespeare’s gripping political thriller about power, class division and ambition. Set against civil unrest and shifting political alliances, the production blends sharp drama with unexpected humor in the outdoor setting of the Old Zoo. Admission is free, with advance reservations recommended. Wednesday–Sunday, 7 p.m. Old Zoo, Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive., Los Angeles. indieshakes.org
Summer of Salsa
July 10. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes’ popular summer concert series returns with one free Friday night of live salsa each month, featuring performances by El Presidente de la Salsa, La Verdad, Rush Hour Orquesta and Conjunto Oye, with music by Super DJ Robby. Each evening begins with a free salsa dance lesson from Dancing 101 with Roberto before the live performances. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and dancing shoes. Select Fridays, dance lesson at 6 p.m. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main Street, Los Angeles. lapca.org
Grand Performances
Starts July 10. Downtown Los Angeles’ longest-running free outdoor performing arts series celebrates its 40th season with a summer lineup of concerts, DJ sets, dance parties, poetry and cultural performances at California Plaza. This year’s highlights include tributes to Stevie Wonder, Ritchie Valens and Roy Ayers, performances by Grupo Soñador and Wachiwara and a KCRW Summer Nights event featuring Mariachi El Bronx and Tijuana Panthers. Free admission; advance RSVPs are recommended. Select Friday and Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. grandperformances.org
Photo Credit: Block Party Photo courtesy of Concern Foundation. All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
