Garden parties, Negroni Week activities and a Stranger Things carnival on the pier—make sure you check out the best that L.A. has to offer this weekend.

Edited by Alicia Luchak.

EVENTS

 

Big Bang Theory Studio Tour
June 28. After 12 years on the air, and officially securing the title as the longest-running multi-camera show on television, The Big Bang Theory is about to be the newest addition to the popular Warner Bros. soundstage and studio tour. Fans can officially check out the highly detailed original sets from the program, including the elevator, Caltech physics lab cafeteria and apartments 4A and 4B. 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank. wbstudiotour.com

 

 

Norton Simon Garden Party
June 29. Let your imagination roam free in the Norton Simon Museum’s serene sculpture garden. Whether you wish to sketch, sculpt, watercolor or create satchels and flower crowns, there are plenty of activities and supplies for you to choose from. You can also unwind to the melody of live jazz music in the Garden Cafe. 5-7:30 p.m. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. nortonsimon.org

 

 

Stranger Things 3 Fun Fair
June 29 & 30. For those who can’t wait another second for the return of Stranger Things, immerse yourself in vintage Hawkins-style sci-fi carnival on the pier. With live ’80s cover bands, themed carnival games, a “curiosity house” with lurking Demogorgons and even Hawkins High School cheerleaders, the event doesn’t hold back on the details. Pre-existing classic rides and shops will transform in order to align with the show—fans can even take photos with Mike’s Schwinn at the “Hawkin’s bike shop.” 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. santamonicapier.org

 

CatCon
June 29-30. The biggest cat-centric, pop culture event in the world returns with “celebri-cats,” exhibitors, meetups, 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

 

 

 

SPONSORED
4th of July in the Sky
Upcoming | July 4. Celebrate the Fourth of July In the Sky! Enjoy viewing multiple firework displays around L.A., a ride on the all-glass Skyslide, two drinks and a live DJ, who’ll start spinning at 9 p.m. There is no better way to celebrate Independence Day! The 4th of July In the Sky package includes: admission, two drink tickets (good for domestic beer/wine, well drinks and soft drinks), access to all three levels of OUE Skyspace LA, and a ride on the Skyslide. $45; Kids $35. 633 W. 5th St., #840, downtown. Tickets

 

 

FOOD + DRINK

 

Negroni Week
Entire Week. To wrap up the weeklong celebration of Negronis, Cecconi’s will be offering up some specialty bites and a couple of their unique takes on the Negroni, such as the Negroni sour and the smoky ‘mezcagroni.” The outdoor area is perfect for enjoying a refreshing summer breeze. All cocktail specials benefit the James Beard Foundation. 8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. 310.432.2000. cecconiswesthollywood.com

 

 

Pain Pizza Party
June 28. Start the last weekend of the month off with a fun, uncommon pair—specialty cocktails and French bread pizza. Escape to DTLA’s fallout shelter-chic speakeasy, Birds & Bees, for three types of savory pizza on French baguettes paired with pizza-inspired cocktails garnished with pepperoni and pepperoncini peppers. 5 p.m. B, Basement, 207 S. Broadway, downtown. birdsandbeesla.com

 

 

Bacari W. 3rd Street Movie Night
June 30. For those of you who want to relax this weekend with delicious dinner and a cult-classic ’90s teen drama, check out the Mediterranean restaurant Bacari W. 3rd Street and its lush garden courtyard. For its first-ever all-inclusive movie night, a three-course cicchetti-style dinner will be prepared along with an array of unlimited candies, snacks and specialty popcorn. The intimate screening will be of the late ’90s crowd-pleaser, 10 Things I Hate About You. $50. 8 p.m 8030 W. 3rd St., Beverly Hills. bacariw3rd.com

 

SPONSORED
Gelson’s
Crazy for caprese? This fruity take on the classic is made with sweet, ripe nectarines—they taste wonderful with tangy, slightly acidic tomatoes, white balsamic vinegar, basil and creamy mozzarella. It’ll be the perfect, light, juicy side for grilled fish or steak. Check out the recipe: https://glsns.us/NectarineSalad and look for specials on locally grown large California nectarines through 7/9/19. gelsons.com

 

 

ARTS + CULTURE

 

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 July 21. 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

 

 

SPONSORED
New Repertoire
June 28 & 29 One of L.A.’s most buzzed-about dance companies will present works by three of today’s most acclaimed choreographers. Making his West Coast debut, choreographer Ma Cong will be setting a new work, as will South African-born Andi Schermoly. Also featured is a world premiere by artistic director Melissa Barak choreographed to remixes of Terry Riley’s “In C.” 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Tickets

 

 

We Should Hang Out Sometime
June 28 through August. After losing his left leg to Ewing’s sarcoma, Josh Sundquist used his unwavering positivity to follow his dreams and share his journey the world. This summer, the best-selling author, comic and Paralympian turned his romantic rejection and dating misadventures into a hilarious one-man comedy show. Those who arrive early can attend a “pre-hang” with wine and snacks. Afterward, stay for a meet & greet where you can talk with Josh and take some “awkward selfies” together. $20. 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. joshsundquist.com

 

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

 

 

 

Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary Group Show
June 29. To celebrate one of the most beloved Japanese cartoon icons, Hello Kitty, over 100 artists have paid homage in this super-cute exhibition at the the Corey Helford Gallery, with art mediums and styles ranging from oil paintings to modern interpretations. While the exhibition will run through Aug. 3, those present on opening night are in for several surprises, including the chance to purchase limited-edition prints of select artwork created for the 45th anniversary. 7-11 p.m. 571 S. Anderson St., downtown. coreyhelfordgallery.com

 

 

 

 

Photos: Garden Party courtesy The Norton Simon Museum. Big Bang Theory Studio Tour courtesy Warner Bros. Stranger Things 3 Fun Fair courtesy Netflix. Catcon courtesy @CatConWorldwide/Instagram. 4th of July in the Sky courtesy OUE Skyspace. Negroni Week by Caroline Juen. Pain Pizza Party courtesy Pain Pizza. Gelson’s courtesy Gelson’s. Bacari W. 3rd Street courtesy Bacari.  Happy Days courtesy @CenterTheatreGroup/Facebook. Invisible Tango courtesy @geffenplayhouse/Instagram. New Repertoire courtesy Barak Ballet. We Should Hang Out Sometime by Ashley Sundquist. Harry Potter in Concert courtesy @HollywoodBowl/Facebook. Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary Group’s Show, Kukula ‘RocoKitty,’  courtesy Corey Helford Gallery.