Summer arrives with plenty of outdoor fun to choose from. Movies, theater, music and more. Here are our 30+ top things to do in Los Angeles this June.
Edited by William Yelles.
Melrose Rooftop Theatre
All Month. This film series screens a mix of new releases and classic movies Sunday-Thursday nights on the rooftop of hot spot E.P. & L.P. Relax on bean bags and enjoy food, specialty cocktails and views of the Hollywood Hills. The VIP seated experience and dinner package offers a three-course modern Asian meal at E.P. Rooftop opens 5 p.m.; movie 8:30 p.m. $27.50-$65. E.P. & L.P., 603 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.855.9955. melroserooftoptheatre.com
POP SK8
All Month. California’s first themed pop-up outdoor roller-skating rink features all-ages fun with performances, contests and themed nights like disco, ’80s and “La La SK8 Land” (movie musicals and show tunes). Quad skate rental included with admission. You may also bring your own quad or inline skates. M-Th 2-10 p.m., F 2 p.m.-midnight, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-10 p.m. $15+. Westfield Promenade, 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, 818.508.0082. popsk8.live
Rooftop Cinema Club
All Month. The U.K.’s “Number One Outdoor Cinema Series” returns to the rooftops of Hollywood’s private NeueHouse and downtown‘s Level for its fifth season in L.A. Enjoy street food and drinks while you take in views and watch acclaimed films. See website for full lineup and schedule. Ages 18+. $17-$25. 6121 Sunset Blvd., L.A.; 888 S. Olive St., downtown. rooftopcinemaclub.com/los-angeles
LA Wine Fest
June 1-2. Now in its 14th year, this outdoor “celebration of all things wine” brings wines and brews from around the world to a new location in Long Beach. Enjoy unlimited wine and beer sampling, a live DJ set and shopping at boutiques. Ages 21+. Sa 2-6 p.m.; Su 1-5 p.m. General admission $70; all-access one-day ticket $95; designated drivers $20. The Pike Outlets, 95 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach. lawinefest.com
Cinespia
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. 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. See website for schedule. Doors 7:15 p.m.; movie 9 p.m. $18. Parking $12-$20. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, 877.435.9849. cinespia.org
Eat/See/Hear
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Traveling outdoor movie-event series, presented by Showtime, boasts the largest outdoor inflatable screen on the West Coast, as well as food trucks and live musical performances. Venues include the Autry Museum in Griffith Park and Los Angeles State Historic Park. 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
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. This outdoor film series hosts screenings on Saturday nights at various locations across L.A., including Exposition Park and the L.A. Arboretum. Features live music and food from the city’s top trucks. See website for a full schedule. Doors 5:30 p.m.; band 6:30 p.m.; movie 8:30 p.m. $6-$22, under 6 free. 323.254.5068. streetfoodcinema.com
Last Remaining Seats
June 1, 8, 16, 22, 29. Now in its 33rd season, this summer film series screens classic movies in historic theaters. Some highlights of this year’s lineup: The Maltese Falcon and Rebecca. Separately ticketed backstage tours precede each screening. After the screenings, learn about the theaters’ history and architecture at free Q&A sessions. Showtimes, locations vary by screening; check website for details. $22. Tours $10-$20. 213.623.2489. laconservancy.org
La Traviata
June 1, 9, 13, 16, 19, 22. Experience the glamour and romance of Verdi’s essential opera, performed in Italian with projected English translation. L.A. Opera music director James Conlon conducts. Marta Domingo directs. See website for show times and ticket prices. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7211. laopera.org
Les Miserables
Through June 2. One of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history has been reborn with new staging and reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo—but the beloved score is still intact, featuring memorable songs like “I Dreamed a Dream” and “One Day More.” See website for show times and ticket prices. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
Indecent
Opens June 5. This Tony winner from Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel tells the true story of the passionate artists who risked their lives to perform a groundbreaking piece of theater, Sholem Asch’s God of Vengeance. See website for show times and ticket prices. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Phantom of the Opera
Opens June 6. Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic returns to L.A. with new staging, choreography and scenic design. The cast and orchestra of 52 breathe new life into the beloved story and score. See website for show times and ticket prices. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
First Fridays
June 7. See a whole new side of the Natural History Museum at this after-hours series with bands, DJs, cocktails, food trucks and science discussions. This month, learn about earthquakes and groove to Gavin Turek. See website for schedule and ticket prices. 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, 213.763.3466. nhm.org
Contemporary Crafts Market
June 7-9. More than 200 artisans will be on site exhibiting and selling their custom creations of functional, wearable and decorative art at this 35th annual event. Shop one-of-a-kind furnishings, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, blown glass and more available for purchase. F-Sa 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $8 GA; children 12 and under, free. visitpasadena.com
L.A. Pride Festival
June 7-9. Part of L.A. Pride Week (May 31-June 9), West Hollywood’s annual festival feting the LGBTQ+ community and their allies features a block party and concerts by headliners Meghan Trainor and Years & Years. The weekend kicks off with a free outdoor concert by Paula Abdul. The Pride Parade, which travels along Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, attracts thousands of spectators. See website for a complete Pride Week schedule. Sa noon-1 am; Su noon-11 pm (parade 11 am-2 pm). Single-day ticket $30, weekend pass $50; VIP Backstage Experience $250, weekend VIP Backstage Experience $450. West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.969.8302. lapride.org
Hola Mexico Film Festival
Through June 8. The largest Mexican film festival outside of Mexico strives to highlight the best and brightest talents in Mexican filmmaking. In addition to the lineup of comedies, dramas, horror films and documentaries, the festival features parties and outdoor concerts. Screenings, galas and other events will be held at the Montalbán Theatre, Regal Cinemas LA Live and LA Plaza De Cultura Y Artes. See website for show times, film schedule and ticket prices. holamexicoff.com
Playboy Jazz Festival
June 8-9. This year’s lineup features Kool & the Gang, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Angelique Kidjo, Sheila E., Boz Scaggs and more. Comedian George Lopez hosts. 3 p.m. See website for ticket prices. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000. hollywoodbowl.com
Mysterious Circumstances
Opens June 11. Having its world premiere here, this play tells the stranger-than-fiction true story of the life and sudden death of Richard Lancelyn Green, the world’s foremost scholar on Sherlock Holmes. See website for show times and ticket prices. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.org
Hollywood Fringe Festival
June 13-30. This annual event celebrates freedom of expression and collaboration in the performing arts community. Theaters, parks, clubs, churches, restaurants and other unexpected places throughout Hollywood host hundreds of productions by local, national and international arts companies and independent performers. See website for schedule, venues and tickets for individual shows. hollywoodfringe.org
Hollywood Bowl Opening Night
June 15. The beloved outdoor music venue kicks off its summer season with a Legend-ary talent. At Opening Night at the Bowl With John Legend, the EGOT winner—that’s an Emmy, 10 Grammys, an Oscar and a Tony—will take the stage accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and a dazzling fireworks show. Arrive early to enjoy food from James Beard Award winners Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000. hollywoodbowl.com
Taqueando
June 15. James Beard Award winner and Mexican-food expert Bill Esparza is behind this new “taco lifestyle festival” at Row DTLA. The lineup of top taquerias from SoCal, Mexico and beyond includes Guerrilla Tacos and Salazar. 21+. 1-5 p.m. $45-$75. 777 Alameda St., downtown. Tickets
Pasadena Chalk Festival
June 15-16. Spend Father’s Day weekend at this 27th annual free family-friendly event, where nearly 600 artists create amazing life-sized murals with the sidewalk as their canvas at open-air lifestyle/shopping center The Paseo. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. 300 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. pasadenachalkfestival.com
Rodeo Drive Concours D’Elegance
June 16. Beverly Hills’ largest public annual event, now in its 26th year, fills up legendary Rodeo Drive with rare automobiles and motorcycles each Father’s Day. Gourmet food trucks are also on hand. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 200-400 blocks of Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. lovebeverlyhills.com
Gather: Surprising Stories & Other Mischief
Through June 22. Oscar and Tony nominee John C. Reilly and an ensemble of actors create an evening of story theater full of legendary creatures and colorful characters. See website for show times and ticket prices. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, 626.356.7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
Titanic Live!
June 22. James Cameron’s Oscar-winning film will be shown outdoors with New West Symphony performing James Horner’s epic score, live. 7:30 p.m. $25-$175. William Rolland Stadium, Cal Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. newwestsymphony.org
Mariachi USA
June 22. The premiere mariachi music festival and only annual Latinx-themed event at the Hollywood Bowl celebrates 30 years with the top mariachi bands from the U.S. and Mexico, traditional folkloric dance and the legendary fireworks finale. 6 p.m. Pre-show activities begin at noon. See website for ticket prices. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000. hollywoodbowl.com
Dana H.
Through June 23. This play tells the story of Dana Higginbotham—a psych-ward chaplain who was held captive by an ex-convict for five months—in Dana’s own words and reconstructed for the stage by her son, award-winning playwright Lucas Hnath. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert
June 29. The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra accompanies Harry Potter as he searches for the secret behind his terrible nightmares. Sarah Hicks conducts. 8 p.m. See website for ticket prices. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000. hollywoodbowl.com
CatCon
June 29-30. The biggest cat-centric, pop culture event in the world returns with “celebri-cats,” exhibitors, meet-ups, cosplay, seminars, workshops and experiential activations, plus adoptable cats and kittens. Sa 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10-$75. Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Tickets
Happy Days
Through June 30. Academy Award winner Dianne Wiest stars as the buoyant and optimistic Winnie in Yale Repertory Theatre’s production of this funny and compassionate play by Samuel Beckett. See website for show times and ticket prices. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
Invisible Tango
Through June 30. Magic sensation Helder Guimarães returns to the Geffen with the world premiere of this one-man show, directed by film producer Frank Marshall (Jurassic World, The Goonies, Back to the Future) and featuring original music by Moby. See website for show times and ticket prices. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.org
Photos: Cinespia by Kelly Lee Barrett/Cinespia. “Indecent” by Photo by T. Charles Erickson. “Titanic” courtesy 20th Century Fox.
