Events
UNO Social Club Takes Over No Vacancy
Aug. 27. Hollywood gets dealt a colorful game night as the classic card game fills No Vacancy with friendly competition, local DJs and MCs, themed cocktails, photo opportunities and prizes ranging from branded merchandise to UNO game packs. Admission is free for guests 21 and older, with entry granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance RSVP is encouraged but does not guarantee admission. No Vacancy, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. 1727 N. Hudson Ave., Los Angeles. RSVP Now
Taste of RUNWAY in Playa Vista
Aug. 27. Eight tasting tickets turn the neighborhood into a progressive dinner, with bites from RUNWAY restaurants and an early look at forthcoming newcomer Dizzy Bird. Live music from Undecided Future fills The Turf throughout the evening, while beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase. Thursday, 5:30–8 p.m. The Turf at RUNWAY Playa Vista, 12775 Millennium Drive, Playa Vista. Get Tickets Now
Fiesta La Ballona Celebrates 75 Years
Aug. 28-30. Culver City’s “Party at the Park” marks a milestone with three days of carnival rides, games, food vendors, an artisan market and community booths. Two entertainment stages host live music and dance performances throughout the weekend, while adults can settle into the beer and wine garden. Admission is free; rides, games and refreshments are sold separately. Friday, 4:30–10 p.m.; Saturday, noon–10 p.m.; Sunday, noon–8 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park, 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City. fiestalaballona.org
LA Chinatown Hungry Ghost Festival
Aug. 29. Ancient tradition takes shape through ancestral altars, ritual offerings and performances honoring the wandering spirits believed to return each year. The third annual celebration opens with the East Wind Lion Dance Troupe and continues across two stages with dragon dances, kung fu demonstrations, fan dancers, shadow puppetry and local musicians. Costumes are encouraged for the closing parade, while children can enjoy crafts, face painting and a bounce house. Saturday, 4–7 p.m. Alpine Recreation Center, 817 Yale St., Los Angeles. lahungryghostfestival.com
Food + Drinks
Taqueando After Dark Takes Over Level 8
Aug. 27-28. Taco authority and James Beard Award–winning writer Bill Esparza joins the Houston Brothers and chef Ray Garcia for a two-night celebration spanning all eight venues at Level 8. Guests can explore regional specialties from Tijuana to Sinaloa, with general admission including five featured bites and entry into a raffle for trips to Tijuana and Valle de Guadalupe. Additional food will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds benefiting CIELO’s work with Indigenous communities across Los Angeles. Thursday–Friday, beginning at 6 p.m. Level 8, 1254 S. Figueroa St., eighth floor, Los Angeles.
Get Tickets Now
Hummus With Chef Eyal Shani at Miznon
Aug. 29. The celebrated chef brings his signature Mediterranean cooking to Beverly Grove for a lively afternoon of freshly prepared hummus, specialty bites and community. Guests can watch Eyal Shani work in the kitchen, sample Miznon favorites and meet the chef as he visits Los Angeles ahead of the opening of his acclaimed Malka concept. Saturday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Miznon, 8370 W. Third St., Los Angeles. miznonusa.com
Salt & Straw’s Daisy Chain Fields Sugar Cookie Ice Cream
Aug. 29-30. Olivia Rodrigo’s inaugural music festival gets its own limited-edition scoop: sweet cream ice cream folded with vanilla sugar-cookie crumbles, chewy cookie dough and ribbons of pink frosting. Salt & Straw will serve the flavor at Daisy Chain Fields in Irvine and at shops nationwide, with 100% of proceeds supporting 10 nonprofit organizations selected by Rodrigo that advocate for women and girls. Locations and hours vary, available in all Salt & Straw stores. More Information
Fifteen Doru Hour at OTOTO
Now Serving. Weekday happy hour gets a sake-friendly spin with $15 plates ranging from ponzu-dressed Peruvian scallops and crispy lemon-pepper tebasaki to Japanese eggplant with ginger, Kurobuta corn dogs and the bar’s “Ode to MOS Burger.” Drinks include $10 spicy yuzu-hai and ume-hai cocktails, plus $5 Orion lagers. Hand-cut fries can be added for $6. Monday–Friday, 5–7 p.m. OTOTO, 1360 Allison Ave., Los Angeles. ototo.la
Arts + Culture
Smooth Summer Jazz at the Hollywood Bowl
Aug. 30. Motown grooves and contemporary jazz settle into the Bowl as The Commodores perform enduring hits including “Brick House,” “Easy,” “Nightshift” and “Three Times a Lady.” Saxophonist Boney James brings his polished fusion of jazz, R&B, funk and pop, while legendary percussionist, singer and former Prince collaborator Sheila E. opens the evening. Sunday, 6:30 p.m.; gates open at 5 p.m. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. hollywoodbowl.com
Lucha VaVoom de La Liz
Aug. 28. Masked wrestlers, burlesque performers, aerialists and Aztec dancers reclaim the historic Downtown theater where the spectacle built a 23-year legacy. Led by co-founder Liz Fairbairn, “Return to the Mayan Temple” combines high-flying lucha libre, live music and sharp comedic commentary, with tequila and tamales fueling the ringside revelry. Friday at 8 p.m. luchavavoomdelaliz.com
Full Moon Bathing at the Arboretum
Starts Aug. 27. Moonlight, stillness and the garden’s after-hours sounds guide these meditative walks inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku. A certified guide leads participants through sensory exercises designed to deepen their connection with nature, with each two-hour session ending beneath the full moon over herbal tea. Advance registration is required and the experience is recommended for ages 12 and older. Thursday and Friday, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. arboretum.org
Moonlight Hike
Aug. 28. Ambient guitar, vintage synthesizers and field recordings soundtrack sunset at Coldwater Canyon Park as psychedelic instrumental collective Head Shoppe performs beneath the open sky. Bring a blanket and settle in with tea before TreePeople’s educators lead three moonlit hikes designed for different ages and ability levels. Advance registration is recommended due to limited parking and capacity. Friday at 7 p.m. 12601 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles. treepeople.org
Photo Credit: Uno courtesy of Mattel. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
