Los Angeles

Weekend roundup

August 21-24

Events

John Williams: Maestro of the Movies

Aug. 22-24. The Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor David Newman return to the Hollywood Bowl for three nights of John Williams: Maestro of the Movies, a beloved Bowl tradition honoring one of cinema’s greatest composers. Audiences will hear iconic scores from Star WarsIndiana JonesSuperman and more, paired with film clips projected on the Bowl’s massive screens—including the full short Dear Basketball. To make the evening even more memorable, the first 500 young fans through the gates will receive a free lightsaber, setting the stage for an unforgettable night under the stars with John Williams’ legendary music. Friday-Saturday, at 8 p.m. Sunday at 7:30 p.m. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. hollywoodbowl.com

THE ROSES Exclusive Pop-Up at Brentwood Country Mart

Aug. 22-23. To mark the release of The Roses—hitting theaters August 29—Searchlight Pictures is hosting a pop-up at Brentwood Country Mart. Inspired by Ivy Roses’s fictional crab shack, We’ve Got Crabs!, the activation transforms the Santa Monica landmark into a summer escape with treats, sips and gifts. You can enjoy Negronis, Whispering Angel rosé, cookies from Levain Bakery and raspberry scones, alongside curated gifting items such as Lands’ End totes, The Spice Lab blends, aprons, Negronis, crab crackers and floral bouquets from Empty Vase. With additional activations planned in Nantucket and the Hamptons, the Brentwood stop of The Roses movie pop-up captures the film’s coastal charm right in Los Angeles. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 225 26th Street, Santa Monica. brentwoodcountrymart.com

Dive-In Movie Nights

Aug. 22. The InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown is turning movie night into a poolside escape with its Dive-In Movie Nights. Every other Friday, families and friends can splash, relax and enjoy screenings of beloved films under the stars. Hotel guests receive complimentary access, while non-guests can purchase $27 tickets that include pool entry, a reserved chair and a $15 food & beverage credit. The movie for this week is Lilo & Stitch. With city views, cozy seating and snacks to match, InterContinental Los Angeles Dive-In Movie Nights offer a summer-ready way to watch family favorites in the heart of Downtown. Friday, 8-10 p.m. 900 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. More Information

Fiesta La Ballona

Aug. 22-24. Culver City’s Veterans Memorial Park comes alive with food, music and family-friendly festivities during the annual community celebration of Fiesta La Ballona. Known as the city’s “Party in the Park,” the annual celebration features carnival rides and games, live music and performances, a beer and wine garden and a wide selection of food trucks and food court offerings. Guests can also explore artisan booths and connect with local organizations throughout the park. With its blend of culture, community and entertainment, Fiesta La Ballona 2025 is a summer tradition worth going to. Friday at 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at 12 p.m. 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City. More Information

Lucha VaVoom Returns to The Mayan for Final DTLA Show

Aug. 22. Now led solely by cofounder Liz Fairbairn, Lucha VaVoom is bringing its trademark blend of sexo y violencia back to The Mayan in Downtown Los Angeles for one final show before the historic theater closes. Dubbed The Good, the Bad and the Fabulous, the Western-themed spectacle will feature masked Mexican wrestling, burlesque stripteases, high-flying aerialists, live music and Aztec dancers—all punctuated by the comedic commentary of Drew Carey and Blaine Capatch. Guests can fuel up on tequila and tamales while watching the mayhem unfold. Though advance tickets are sold out online, a limited number will be available at the door on the night of the show. Friday at 8 p.m. 1038 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles. luchavavoomdelaliz.com

Food + Drinks

Bavel Brings Elevated Middle Eastern Cuisine to LA’s Arts District

Open. For Middle Eastern dining in the heart of the Arts District, Bavel offers a bright, greenery-filled escape from Ori and Genevieve Menashe. The Downtown Los Angeles restaurant is celebrated for its inventive yet soulful flavors—starting with blistered housemade pitas paired with spreads like duck ’nduja hummus and beet-infused baba ganoush. Guests can then move on to larger plates such as the richly spiced beef cheek tagine. Hours vary. 500 Mateo St #102, Los Angeles. Reserve Now

Teleferic Barcelona’s New Menu

Now Serving. The popular Spanish restaurant has introduced a bold new menu that reimagines its Spanish roots with modern techniques. Known for pintxos and paellas, Teleferic Barcelona balances tradition with fresh, modern flavors in its latest lineup. New dishes include Manchego-laced Spanish meatballs with ham carbonara sauce, golden pollo empanadas with spicy aioli, Iberian pork steak with Parmentier foam and Cocido sauce and an Ibérico paella layered with smoked pork chop, pork belly and Iberian ham. For dessert, orange mochi with Valencian orange jelly, citrus mousse and crispy rice provides a bright finale. Exclusive to the Los Angeles location, guests will also find specials like garlic scallops, Basque halibut, toro paella and veggie corona. For more information about hours and locations visit telefericbarcelona.com

Bap & Bird Grandopening

Aug. 24. A new Korean fried chicken and omubap spot inside Seoulmates in Mid-City. Guests can try signatures like Korean honey garlic and “Korribbean” KBBQ wings, plus spicy pork and elote omubap—a mashup of Korean kimbap and Japanese onigiri—with 40% off the full menu. The first 50 guests will receive free wings, while Big Noise Beers will be pouring $2 drafts (cash only), with proceeds benefiting Angel City Pit Bulls. The celebration also includes a live DJ, giveaways such as Labubu collectibles, gift cards and flash tattoos for both humans and Labubus, making Bap & Bird’s debut a high-energy addition to Los Angeles’ Korean food scene. This Sunday, with a launch party from noon-4 p.m. 8320 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles. bapandbird.com

Vegan Summer Steak Night in West Hollywood

Until End of Aug. Crossroads Kitchen in West Hollywood is heating up summer with the return of its beloved Vegan Summer Steak Night. For $65, guests enjoy a three-course, all-plant-based feast crafted by Chef Tal Ronnen. Starters include a lobster mushroom cocktail or hearts of palm–stuffed mushrooms, followed by entrées like the perfectly charred lion’s mane steak or tender eggplant filet. Decadent sides—mac & cheese, creamed corn and truffle fries—round out the table, with desserts ranging from hummingbird cake to a brownie sundae or banana pudding. Every Thursday-Saturday, 8284 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Reserve Now


Lavender & Truffles Bread Espresso collaboration

Aug. 23. L.As’ cult-favorite ice cream brand, has partnered with Bread, Espresso & for two sweet collaborations this summer. The first one already launched, pairing the bakery’s skillet French toast with a scoop of artisanal ice cream—a menu item still available. This weekend, the collaboration continues with a one-day-only ice cream sandwich featuring Bread, Espresso &’s signature melon bread filled with Metamorphosis, a coconut-based ice cream infused with butterfly pea flower, topped with coconut flakes and vegan dark chocolate. To round out the experience, Bread, Espresso & has introduced summer-ready drinks including blueberry matcha, dirty and classic chai, iced cappuccino, honey lemonade and iced tea lemonade. Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1212 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 100, Redondo Beach. More Information

Horchata Slushies with Tito

Now Serving. Tito’s Tacos is cooling down Los Angeles with the debut of horchata slushies. The iconic Culver City fast-casual spot—famous for its folded hard-shell tacos and burritos beloved by locals—pairs the refreshing new drink with its menu of crispy beef tacos, tamales, enchiladas, tostadas and fresh guacamole. A nod to California’s endless summer, the Tito’s Tacos horchata slushies are set to become a seasonal favorite. 11222 Washington Place, Culver City. titostacos.com

Arts + Culture

& Juliet Musical Brings Pop-Powered Twist on Shakespeare

Now Playing. From the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt’s Creek, the hit musical & Juliet reimagines Shakespeare’s most famous love story with a hilarious twist: what if Juliet chose a fresh beginning instead of a tragic end? Set to a soundtrack of pop anthems by legendary hitmaker Max Martin—including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life,” “That’s the Way It Is,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”—the show bursts with energy, humor and heart. Part romantic comedy, part pop concert, & Juliet musical Los Angeles proves there’s plenty of life after Romeo and the only tragedy is missing the chance to see it live. Hours vary. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.com

Pink Martini Celebrates 30 Years at the Greek Theatre

Aug. 23. The self-described “little orchestra” from Portland, Oregon, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a performance at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Known for blending classical, jazz and pop standards with global influences from Brazil, Cuba and Paris, the group delivers a cosmopolitan sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. Frontwoman China Forbes, who sings in more than 30 languages, leads the evening before embarking on a two-year touring sabbatical—making this concert a rare chance to experience Pink Martini live. Saturday at 8 p.m. 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. lagreektheatre.com

Getty After-Hours Concert Series Closes with Emile Mosseri

Aug. 23. The Getty’s Off the 405 concert series ends this weekend with a free performance by Academy Award–nominated composer Emile Mosseri, whose lush, lyrical sound has scored films like MinariThe Last Black Man in San Francisco and Kajillionaire. Fresh off the release of his second solo album, tryin to be born and a U.S.–European tour, the Los Angeles–based artist brings his cinematic, deeply human music to the museum’s hilltop stage, weaving together selections from his solo work and film scores. Advance registration is required and parking is $10 after 6 p.m. Saturday, starts at 6 p.m. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. getty.edu

Pan African Film & Arts Festival Hosts Summer ArtFest

Aug. 21-24. The Pan African Film & Arts Festival is bringing its Summer ArtFest to Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, celebrating Black artistry with a vibrant weekend of culture and creativity. The opening night kicks off with a cocktail reception featuring wine and light hors d’oeuvres, setting the stage for the main festival. Guests and shoppers can explore one-of-a-kind fine art, fashion, jewelry and home goods while connecting with local, national and international Black artists. A cornerstone of Los Angeles’ cultural calendar, the event highlights the richness of the African diaspora through art, style and community. Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m..-8 p.m. Sunday, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Los Angeles. paffartfest2025.eventive.org

Photo credit: Pink Martini courtesy of The Greek Theatre. Rachel Simone Webb and the company of the North American Tour of & JULIET. Photo courtesy Matthew Murphy.Wrestleers courtesy of Lucha Vavoom. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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