Los Angeles

Weekend roundup

July 17-20

Events

Concern Foundation’s 50th Annual Block Party at Paramount Studios

July 19. One of Hollywood’s biggest nights of giving is back as the Concern Foundation celebrates its 50th Annual Block Party, transforming the Paramount Studios backlot into a life-sized board game of culinary delights, live music and fundraising fun. With a playful “GAME ON!” theme, this milestone edition honors longtime supporters and medical pioneers while spotlighting over 90 restaurants, spirit brands, wineries and breweries—plus casino games, spa stations, auctions and live entertainment across multiple stages. Expect tastings from the likes of Nobu, Yamashiro, BOA, Georgia’s Restaurant and Shake Shack, plus desserts, cocktails and immersive lounges. Proceeds support cancer research, turning every bite, sip and spin of the wheel into progress toward a cure. Saturday at 6 p.m. 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. concernfoundation.org

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Sunday Sessions

July 20. Wind down your weekend at Grand Park’s Sunday Sessions, a five-hour celebration of L.A.’s house music culture taking place on July 20 and August 17. Curated by DJ Maurice de la Falaise and hosted by KG Superstar, this open-air dance party unfolds on the park’s performance lawn just north of Hill Street. Expect live sets from Clifton Weaver, Loopdropkid and Liz O., plus a laid-back crowd, food trucks and plenty of space to spread out a blanket and let the beats carry you into the evening. Sunday at 3 p.m. 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. grandparkla.org

Free Oldies Concert at Pershing Square

July 20-21. Celebrate timeless soul at a free old-school concert at Pershing Square in Downtown L.A. Live performances include legendary acts like The Manhattans, The Stylistics, Joe Bataan, The Delfonics, Eddie Holman, The Temprees, The Drifters and surprise guests. While the event is free with RSVP (21+ only), early arrival is strongly recommended due to limited capacity. VIP pit access near the stage is available for $30 and guarantees entry. Expect fully stocked bars, local food trucks and art vendors. Sunday at 3 p.m.-12 a.m. 532 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles. Get Tickets Now

Conquer the Pier at Venice Beach 5k

Starts July 19. Lace up for a high-energy 5K steps from the ocean at Venice Beach, starting near the iconic skate park. Runners will dash across the pier and back, fueled by that unmistakable Venice vibe. Entry includes a collectible medal and shirt, cinch sack, free race day photos and access to the beer garden and tacos at the finish. Proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, directly supporting programs and preservation efforts at the Venice Beach Recreation Center. Your miles help fund youth sports and keep this iconic coastal space vibrant and inclusive for all. Race day is on Saturday at 6:30 a.m. 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice. runsignup.com

Food + Drinks

Chicago’s Mr. Beef Pops Up in L.A. for One Weekend Only

July 19-20. HexClad and Uncle Paulie’s Deli are bringing a taste of Chicago to Los Angeles for one weekend only, with the return of “HexClad Serves Up: Mr. Beef at Uncle Paulie’s Deli.” The pop-up features the legendary Italian beef sandwich from Chicago’s iconic Mr. Beef—the inspiration behind The Bear’s “Original Beef of Chicagoland”—alongside Coco’s to Go-Go Homemade Italian Ice, crafted by The Bear’s culinary director and Chicago native, Courtney Storer. Guests can also expect a complimentary pickle cart from HexClad, limited-edition merch and surprise appearances. Italian beef, Italian ice and goods are available while supplies last—early arrival is strongly encouraged. Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 8053 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles. theoriginalmrbeef.com

Rustic Canyon’s all-new Culinary Dinner Series “LA X LA” 

July 17. The Rustic Canyon’s new dinner series, “LA X LA,” debuts with a collaborative evening featuring Chef Elijah Deleon and New Orleans’ acclaimed Mike Stoltzfus of Coquette. Curated by GM Lorenzo Reef—who has deep roots in both Santa Monica and New Orleans—the series explores the culinary kinship between the two cities through shared values of hospitality, community and seasonality. The first dinner pairs his California-forward vision with Stoltzfus’ soulful, ingredient-driven cooking, honed over years as a James Beard-nominated chef and founder of one of New Orleans’ top dining rooms. It’s a one-night-only reunion of flavors, rooted in place and memory. Thursday at 5 p.m. 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Reserve Now

Sunset Sips and City Views at Barnsdall Park

Now Open. One of L.A.’s most cherished summer traditions, Barnsdall Park’s Friday wine tastings invite guests to sip boutique selections from Silverlake Wine atop Olive Hill, alongside panoramic sunset views and the historic backdrop of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House. With food trucks, picnic vibes and an adults-only lawn, it’s an ideal date night in the heart of East Hollywood. Proceeds benefit the park’s arts programming and preservation efforts and guests can also tour the Hollyhock House during the evening for an added fee. Every Friday at 5:30 p.m. 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. barnsdall.org

The Butchery Expands Footprint 

Now Open. The full-service butcher, kitchen and gourmet grocer has officially opened its newest location to the South Bay. Known for top-tier beef, pork, poultry, seafood, artisan cheeses and a curated selection of grocery items, craft beer and wine. Plus, this Manhattan Beach shop features a daily menu of made-to-order sandwiches like the roast beef-stacked house sandwich and the spicy chicken grinder, crafted from the same premium meats sold in-store. 1121 Artesia Blvd., Manhattan Beach. butcherymeats.com

Fuil Wines Hosts Summer Pop-Up Tasting at Vintage Wine+Eats in Studio City

July 20. Fuil Wines returns with its monthly Pop-Up Tasting Room on at Vintage Wine+Eats in Studio City. For $20, guests can enjoy a curated four-wine flight featuring summer releases, including a special pour of the 2023 Vogelzang Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Amryn Wine by Kara Wang. The event is kid-friendly, with food available from the kitchen and complimentary tastings offered to Kindred Fuil Wine Club members (up to four per visit). Reservations recommended at fuilwines.com. Sunday, 1-4 p.m. 12023 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. fuilwines.com

Arts + Culture

Giselle dances into Segerstrom Center

Starts July 24. American Ballet Theatre arrives in SoCal for 5 performances only, July 24 – 27.  Widely considered one of the greatest ballets of all time, Giselle is a timeless story of unrequited love, devastating loss, and triumphant forgiveness. Don’t miss the universally acclaimed production of the great Romantic classic by one of the world’s best companies! 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org


Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks

July 18-19. Charismatic conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto returns to the Hollywood Bowl to lead the LA Phil and the world-class San Francisco Ballet in an electrifying summer tradition. This year’s program features Tchaikovsky’s iconic Swan Lake, along with vivid orchestral journeys through Poland and Italy, culminating in the thunderous 1812 Overture. The finale—complete with USC’s Marching Band and dazzling fireworks—promises a night of elegance, emotion and explosive celebration under the stars. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. 2301 Highland Ave., Los Angeles. hollywoodbowl.com

Shakespeare by the Sea

Now Playing. Shakespeare By the Sea returns for another summer of alfresco theater, offering free performances of As You Like It and Julius Caesar under the stars. Founded in 1998, the touring company showcases a roster of talented local actors and brings classic works to parks across Los Angeles—from coastal neighborhoods like San Pedro and Long Beach to inland stops including Downtown, Beverly Hills and the newly restored Loma Alta Park in Altadena. Despite the name, not all venues are seaside, but each promises a chance to enjoy timeless drama with a picnic and a breeze. Wednesday-Sunday, starts at 7 p.m. 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach. shakespearebythesea.org

The Pharcyde & Friends Live’s 30th Anniversary of Labcabincalifornia

July 18. Three decades after its release, Labcabincalifornia remains a defining West Coast hip-hop album—and on this special night, The Pharcyde reunites with a full band and special guests to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Known for their jazz-soaked lyricism and boundary-pushing sound, the group helped shape a new wave of L.A. rap, while introducing the world to producer J Dilla (then known as Jay Dee), whose signature style would influence generations. Expect a tribute to the album’s impact, tracks like “Runnin’,” and the experimental brilliance that still echoes through hip-hop today. Friday at 8 p.m. 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E., Los Angeles. theford.com

Puppet Up! Uncensored

Now Playing. Leave the kids at home—Puppet Up! Uncensored is a wild, adults-only blend of improv comedy, live music and world-class puppeteering from the team behind the Jim Henson Company. Created by Brian Henson and produced by Henson Alternative, the show features top-tier puppeteers performing on-the-fly songs and sketches, all while manipulating characters in full view of the audience. Expect hilariously twisted reimaginings of classic Henson material, jaw-dropping talent and no shortage of outrageous moments that prove puppets aren’t just for children. Wednesday-Sundays, hours vary. 9820 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. puppetup.com

Photo credit: People at the park courtesy of Independent Shakespeare Co. Festival setting courtesy of Anime expo. 4th of July Fireworks courtesy of the Hollywood Bowl. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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