Events
Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival
Starts Aug. 20. Pride month might be over, but who says you can’t continue to support the LGBTQ+ community? Check out Outfest L.A.’s annual film fest featuring more than 160 films, including 35 world premieres, 10 North American premieres and four U.S. premieres to Los Angeles—and to where you are—virtually through August 30. In addition to virtual screenings, outdoor cinephiles can enjoy the “Under the Stars” drive-in series of screenings across six-nights on two lots at the Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. outfestla2020.com
Digital Dance DTLA: Motown
Aug. 21. Bust a move (virtually) with instructor Harry Weston from Versa-Style Dance Company to the soul music of Motown during the Music Center’s annual summer dance series. Tune in Friday night to learn other signature moves of the ‘60s including the shimmy, the mashed potato and the twist! Each dance lesson from this series promises to entertain those who love to dance and includes a warm-up, choreography and cool-down session. 7-8 p.m. Free. musiccenter.org
The Method Fest
Aug. 21-23, 26-30. Movie buffs rejoice! This annual independent film festival is back to host a rooftop drive-in experience at Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks. Watch a variety of film genres, including American and international feature films, as well as short films. Kicking off the fest is the world premiere and screening of Beautiful Dreamer (pictured). 7 p.m. $20 per person in a car; $40 (with beverage and food on select screenings); passes available $75-$295. Westfield Fashion Square, 14006 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks. methodfest.com
Food + Drink
Alfresco Dining at Little Tokyo
Available. Want to help our neighborhood favorites in Little Tokyo stick around? There’s now a new community food space with picnic tables and patio umbrellas where you can enjoy take-out services from one of the many eateries. We’re looking forward to noshing on crispy takoyaki from TaNoTa Takoyaki and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki from Chinchikurin! For rooftop open-air dining, head to Izakaya Fu-ga to check out new beer garden and try the new menu offerings. golittletokyo.com
Discovery Bar by EarthBar
Now Open. Give your immune system a boost at Earthbar’s new pop-up concept Discovery Bar for healthy food, vitamins and supplement options in Santa Monica. Menu items include toasts, waffles, paninis, superfood wellness lattes, herbal tinctures, supplements and wellness shots. The location also has a new uplifting mural created by July (@art.of.july on Instagram). M-F 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Sa-Su 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 1426 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310.299.7622. earthbar.com
Hideout at STK Steakhouse
Now Open. Looking for a new lunch spot to escape to? While you might know STK as one of L.A.’s top steakhouses to dine at for dinner, it is now open for lunch during the day as Hideout on the outdoor patio. Lunch offerings include the lobster BLT, tiger prawn salad, grilled peach flatbread and brioche French toast. The cocktail menu is also offered with options such as Cucumber Stiletto, Not Your Daddy’s Old Fashioned and Strawberry Cobbler. Lunch daily 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 930 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, 310.659.3535. stksteakhouse.com
Market Tavern
Now Open. The highly anticipated British gastropub from acclaimed musician and bar impresario Gary Twinn and chef Brendan Collins (of Fia, Birch and Waterloo & City) is officially open for business! Come hungry to indulge in savory dishes such as roast beef and horseradish, half-roast chicken with sage and onion stuffing; lamb leg and mint sauce; and Collins’ British roast (this is served on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.). Open daily from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, 323.452.9299. markettavernla.com
Summer Offerings at Veranda
Now Available. Beat the heat with refreshing cocktails and cool treats at Hotel Figueroa’s poolside restaurant Veranda. From L.A. native and executive chef Adrian Garcia comes a sweet new dessert menu to keep you cool on the hottest of days such as Mexican paletas, Baja fish tacos and housemade frozen paletas in three flavors: cucumber-lime; hibiscus and basil; and a boozy tamarind-mango option made with tequila and sprinkled with Tajín. W-Su noon-7 p.m. 939 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 877.724.1973. hotelfigueroa.com
Arts + Culture
“Hecho en Mexico” (“Made in Mexico”)
Aug. 21. Don’t miss the first episode of this six-episode series hosted by artistic director Gustavo Dudamel, which highlights unforgettable performances at the Hollywood Bowl and the venue’s history and rich diversity. Gustavo Dudamel and the L.A. Phil perform Marquez’s El Nereidas de Dimas; performers also include Rodrigo y Gabriela, Natalia Lafourcade, Los Ángeles Azures, YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) and La Santa Cecilia. 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal. laphil.com
Backstage LIVE at the Geffen
Aug 22. Rory O’Malley (Book of Mormon, Hamilton) hosts a virtual benefit honoring Diane Keaton, Gloria Calderon Kellett and Frank Mancuso. Enjoy exclusive performances and behind-the-scenes stories from the Hollywood celebrities. Funds raised help support theater accessibility to more than 15,000 youth, seniors and veterans in communities across Los Angeles. The event starts at 6 p.m. with a pre-show virtual dinner party by Lucques Catering with food delivered to your doorstep. Tickets
Photo credits: “Beautiful Dreamer” courtesy Phillip Nakov. Chef Brendan Collins and Gary Twinn of Market Tavern courtesy JS2 PR. Veranda courtesy Modern Currency PR. All other images are courtesy of the venues.
