Events
The 81st Nisei Week Japanese Festival
Starts Aug. 12. Celebrate Japanese American heritage and traditions at one of the country’s longest-standing ethnic festivals. Nisei Week honors Japanese-American trailblazers over two weekends filled with complimentary cultural events, live music, interactive activities, and more. For specific times and locations, visit niseiweek.org.
‘Only Murders in the Building’ Escape Room Debuts at Westfield Century City
Aug. 11-13. From screen to reality, the hit parody brings its murder mystery to life with a special complimentary escape room event. Dive into a reimagined 10th floor of the Arconia, seeking a key from Oliver’s ‘Death Rattle’ stage show. Uncover secret doors, hidden passageways, and nods to the acclaimed streamer starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-midnight. Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. theescapegame.com
LA Art Book Fair
Aug. 10-13. Printed Matter returns featuring a diverse array of artists’ books, catalogues and zines with 300 global presses and independent publishers showcasing their publications. Explore a variety of art-focused literature from risqué paperbacks to modern art catalogues, and participate in workshops or enjoy music in the plaza. Starts Thursday, at 6 p.m. Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Aveat 1st St., Los Angeles. More Information
Dance DTLA at The Music Center
Aug. 11. This weekend The Music Center’s Dance DTLA summer series presents Disco Night featuring DJ Dirty Dave. Catering to all skill levels, this dance party offers complimentary dance lessons set to live music. You can also partake in art workshops, delightful food, refreshing beverages and delightful surprises. Friday, 7-11 p.m. The Music Center, 135 N Grand Ave., Los Angeles. musiccenter.org
Food + Drinks
Taste the Good Life with Mount Gay
Aug. 10. Mount Gay, reportedly the world’s longest-operating rum distillery since 1703, is celebrating summer with its “Après the Day Series.” The series begins with a limited “Après the Day Cocktail Kit”, offering a Barbados peach tea cocktail set, complete with a custom City Bonfire and s’mores kit. They will also serve complimentary cocktails, tasty bites and a chance to win some swag. Thursday, 3 p.m.-8 p.m. 24 Windward Ave, Venice. mountgayrum.com
Halleck Vineyards Showcases at Hotel Amarano
Aug. 13. Burbank’s luxury boutique hotel is offering a complimentary wine tasting. Ross Halleck of Halleck Vineyard will preside over the event, with FYC Bar + Kitchen complementing the wines with chef-curated pairings. Sunday, from 4:30-6 p.m. 322 N Pass Ave, Burbank. hotelamarano.com
Oath Pizza
Now Open. The popular Nantucket pizza joint just brought their distinctive craft pizzas to L.A., crowned with house made sauces such as tomato, basil pesto and truffle spread, topped with fresh vegetables and organic proteins from Applegate. For dessert, try the chocolate chunk cookie pizza, featuring a soft mini crust layered with cookie dough, ricotta, chocolate drizzle and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 a.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 720 S Allied Way Unit B, El Segundo. oathpizza.com
Layla Bagels x Brightland
Now Open. Santa Monica’s Layla Bagels collaborates with popular pantry brand Brightland to introduce a new bagel sandwich. It features pistachio pesto crafted with ALIVE olive oil, farm-fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and arugula, seasoned with Saba and Brightland’s ARISE basil and ROSETTE garlic olive oils. 1614 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica. Open daily from 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. More Information
Arts + Culture
Drake and 21 Savage Take Over L.A
Aug. 12-22. The four-time Grammy-winning artist, boasting numerous chart-topping works, delivers six major performances alongside 21 Savage in the “It’s All a Blur Tour” celebrating their joint album, “Her Loss,” which premiered as No. 1 on the charts. Starts Saturday, at 7 p.m. 3900 W Manchester Blvd., Los Angeles. Get Tickets Now
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome
Aug. 13. Experience mountaintop melodies at the Mount Wilson Observatory’s summer concert series, set inside the iconic 100-inch Hooker telescope dome. Immerse yourself in the harmonious performance by the Zelter String Quartet, featuring violinists Kyle Gilner & Gallia Kastner, violist Carson Rick, and cellist Allan Hon. Sunday, 3 and 5 p.m. Mount Wilson Rd., Los Angeles. mtwilson.edu
Carla Morrison at The Bowl
Aug. 12. Three-time Latin Grammy-winner Carla Morrison debuts a fresh sound and poignant message at the Hollywood Bowl. After unveiling her anticipated album, ‘El Renacimiento’, she will be showcasing her signature acoustic touch, while diving into broader pop dynamics, demonstrating her versatility and depth. Saturday, at 8 p.m. 2301 N Highland Ave., Los Angeles. hollywoodbowl.com
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Nisei Week Japanese Festival. Carla Morrison courtesy of Hollywood Bowl. Drake courtesy of Seat Geek. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
