Check out the best things to do in Los Angeles this month.
Edited by Christina Xenos
Rooftop Cinema Club
July 1-29. The U.K.’s “Number One Outdoor Cinema Series” returns to the rooftop of the historic Montalban Theatre for its third season in LA. Enjoy street food and drinks while you take in views and watch classic (The Godfather, The Graduate), cult (Mulholland Drive, Almost Famous) and contemporary (Beauty and the Beast, Hidden Figures, Get Out, Logan) flicks. The series recently expanded to the terrace at LEVEL in the heart of downtown. See website for full lineup and schedule. Ages 18+; LEVEL screenings 21+. 8:15 p.m. $19-$35. 1615 Vine St., L.A.; 888 S.Olive St., downtown. rooftopcinemaclub.com
Chinatown Summer Nights
July 1. Part food event, part summer party, Chinatown Summer Nights is heating up downtown this summer. Taste the many culinary offerings of Chinatown and LA’s gourmet food trucks; sample the neighborhood’s wares; watch Chinese chefs perform cooking demonstrations; experience large-scale, outdoor video projections; take part in hands-on, Chinese cultural activities presented by local organizations and museums; sip on craft brews and dance in Central Plaza with KCRW DJs. Event occurs again Aug. 5 and Sept. 2. 5 p.m.-midnight. 943-951 N. Broadway, downtown. chinatownsummernights.com
Cinespia
July 1, 4, 8, 15, 22, 29. Watch classic and cult films projected on a mausoleum wall during this popular Amazon Studios-sponsored film series at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Also on hand are pre-movie DJs and themed photo booths. July highlights include screenings of Dirty Dancing and Jurassic Park, both of which will be followed by fireworks, and Superbad. See website for full schedule. Gates 7:15 pm; movie 9 p.m. $16; fireworks screenings $35. Parking $12-$20. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 877.435.9849. cinespia.org
Anime Expo
July 1-4. Fans converge at the LA Convention Center for this celebration of Japanese culture and all things anime. The annual convention is one of the largest in North America. Explore interactive experiences like a masquerade, anime music video contests, concerts and a fashion show. Also find late-night programming that includes gaming, video screenings and karaoke. 1201 S Figueroa St., downtown, 714.937.2994. anime-expo.org
Eat/See/Hear
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Traveling outdoor movie-event series, presented by Showtime, boasts the largest inflatable screen on the West Coast as well as food trucks and live musical performances. Venues include the Autry Museum in Griffith Park and the LA State Historic Park. This month’s highlights include Top Gun, Singin’ In The Rain and Die Hard. See website for full schedule. Doors 5 p.m.; music 7 p.m.; movie 8:30 p.m. $8-$21, under 5 free. 323.254.5068. eatseehear.com
Street Food Cinema
July 1, 2, 8, 15, 22, 29. Outdoor summer film series hosts screenings every Saturday night at various locations across LA. Enjoy live music and food from the city’s top trucks. Highlights this month include La La Land, Grease and The Hunger Games. See website for full schedule. Band 6:30 p.m.; movie 8:30 p.m. $6-$21, under 6 free. 323.254.5068. streetfoodcinema.com
Old Pasadena Summer Cinema
July 1-29. The month-long movie series celebrates motion picture in all forms, offering a variety of favorite flicks in unique locales throughout the historic district of Old Pasadena. The series kicks off with Jurassic Park (July 1); additional highlights include The Sting (July 8), Wreck it Ralph (July 15) and Mamma Mia (July 22). See website for full schedule. oldpasadena.org
Mr. C Beverly Hills’ Poolside Cinema
Through Aug. 22. The Poolside Cinema Series at Italian-inspired Mr. C Hotel’s pool deck continues its fourth season with a range of classic, contemporary, and family-friendly movies at sundown. This month, enjoy watching Miss Congeniality (July 4), Jaws (July 11), Sabrina (July 18), Pets (July 25). Relax on chic, comfortable loungers and pre-reserve your seats by purchasing in advance a Mr. C Cinema prix-fixe menus ($35 or $45/pp) featuring Cipriani classics, cocktails, Peroni Nastro Azzurro and popcorn. Doors open at 7 p.m. 1224 Beverwil Dr., L.A., 310.277.2800. mrcbeverlyhills.com
Twilight Concert Series
Through Aug. 17. Spend Thursday evenings ocean-side at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, for the annual Twilight Concert Series sponsored by KCRW. Highlights this month include Marcia Griffiths (July 13), Eric Burdon & The Animals and Mr. Elevator (July 20) and Miami Horror and Cleopold (July 27). Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. kcrw.com
The Book of Mormon
Through July 9. The irreverent, nine-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy from the creators of South Park and the co-creator of Avenue Q returns to the Pantages. Contains explicit language. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
Grand Performances
July 1, 6-9, 15, 20-22, 28-30. This free outdoor summer concert series spotlights global performing arts with a lineup of high-quality music, dance, theater and more in downtown LA. This month’s highlights include a beer-education series from Ale Academy, music by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and a performance of Peter & the Wolf. California Plaza, 300 & 350 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.687.2190. grandperformances.org
Constellations
Through July 23. Playwright Nick Payne’s work about the universal truth of finding and losing love combines romance with physics. Ginnifer Goodwin (Once Upon a Time) and Allen Leech (Downton Abbey) star in the play’s Los Angeles premiere. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
OUE Skyspace Los Angeles
Ongoing. California’s must-see attraction, nearly 1,000 feet above downtown Los Angeles, boasts entertainment and excitement for audiences of any age. The unobstructed 360-degree view compliments the two open-air observation terraces where guests can see iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign to the Catalina Island plus everything in-between. Experience the thrill of the world’s first ever Skyslide and engage with an array of interactive technology. $19+. 633 West Fifth St., Downtown, 213.894.9000. skyspace-la.com
AmericaFest
July 4. Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Stadium hosts the 91st annual celebration, featuring entertainment and a world-renowned fireworks display. 2:30-9 p.m. 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena. rosebowlstadium.com
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular With Pentatonix
July 2-4. See the Grammy-winning a cappella group perform patriotic music and other songs in their repertoire with the Hollywood Bowl orchestra. Their hits include arrangements of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Daft Punk.” A stunning fireworks display caps off the night. Hollywood Bowl, 2301, N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.850.2000. hollywoodbowl.com
4th of July Block Party
July 4. For the fifth year running, Grand Park and the Music Center team up to present this patriotic party, complete with live music, food trucks and a fireworks display launched from the roof of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. 2-9:30 p.m. Free. Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.8080. grandparkla.org
4th of July Fireworks Show
July 4. Showy fireworks display over the water set to synchronized music; picnic in the park, enjoy a waterfront dinner with firework views, or hop aboard an observation cruise for a front-row seat. 9 p.m. Free. Viewing at Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way; Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey. visitmarinadelrey.com
All-American 4th of July
July 4. Family-friendly Independence Day festivities aboard the Queen Mary; entertainment, family games, arts and crafts, special historic tours, a patriotic movie screened in the Queen Mary Theatre, a performance by the Pointer Sisters and fireworks. 2-10 pm. $24-$49; VIP $99; under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com
Rebel Rebel
July 6, 13, 20, 27. The Hammer Museum and KCRW join forces for a summer live music series that features an eclectic lineup of groundbreaking, female-fronted bands and KCRW DJs performing in the Hammer’s lively courtyard. The series kicks off July 6 with genre-bending Portland-based singer-songwriter Grace Mitchell. All concerts are free, open to the public and all-ages. See website for full schedule. Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. kcrw.com
Harry Potter in Concert
July 6-8. See the series’ second (July 6) and third (July 7-8) films at the Hollywood Bowl as the L.A. Phil performs John Williams’ scores. Hollywood Bowl, 2301, N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.850.2000. hollywoodbowl.com
WP24 by Wolfgang Puck – Summer Supper and a Show
July 7-Aug. 26. Get the rare opportunity to catch a movie on the rooftop of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel downtown. The new movie series screens classic and fan-favorite movies like Singing’ in the Rain (July 7-8), Octopussy (July 14-15) and Grease (July 21-22). Take your night to the next level by opting for a two-course pre-set menu within WP24 by Wolfgang Puck, followed by select reserve seats on the deck for movie viewing, accompanied by individual concession boxes filled with Wolfgang Puck’s favorite cinema snacks. $25 movie only; $85 with food. 213-743-8824. ritzcarlton.com
Pageant of the Masters
Opening July 7. Enjoy 90 minutes of tableaux vivants (“living pictures”), incredibly faithful re-creations by live models of classical and contemporary works of art, accompanied by live narration and orchestra. This year’s theme is “The Grand Tour.” Nightly 8:30 p.m. $25-$262. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1145. foapom.com
Wine & Jazz Summer Concert Series at Hollywood & Highland Center
July 11-Aug. 8. Hear live music from jazz greats Tuesday nights in the Hollywood & Highland Center’s central courtyard. Highlights of the season are Naughty Professor (July 11), Cameron Graves (July 18) and Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra (July 25). A nominal donation includes wine or beer, cheese selection and preferred seating. All proceeds will directly benefit Project Angel Food. 7-9 p.m. Free. Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.817.0220. hollywoodandhighland.com
World Series of Beach Volleyball
July 13-16. The world’s best beach volleyball players, chart-topping musical artists, cutting-edge brands and assorted beach-related activities converge for a week of elite competition and fun in the sun. 9 a.m. General admission Th-F free; Sa-Su $10; check website for courtside seat pricing. 700 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, 310.906.3800. wsobv.com
Summer dineL.A.
July 14–28. More than 300 restaurants across the county offer prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Eat your way across LA during this year’s “summer roadtrip”-themed event. See website for list of restaurants. discoverlosangeles.com
Tim Mcgraw and Faith Hill
July 14-15. The shows are part of the couple’s Soul2Soul The World Tour 2017, which marks the 10th anniversary of their Soul2Soul II Tour—the highest-grossing country-music tour of all time. 111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7100. staplescenter.com
The Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure
July 15. Now in its fourth year in LA, this wine festival—a gathering of 50 high-quality, limited-production winemakers from all over California—brings some 200 ultra-premium, hard-to-find wines, paired with complimentary cheese and charcuterie, to Santa Monica. 3-6 p.m.; VIP early access 2 p.m. $69; VIP early access $99. Event is 21+. Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club, 1210 4th St., Santa Monica. californiagaragistes.com
Taste of Farmers Market
July 18. The ninth annual tasting event at the historic Original Farmers Market features samples from more than 50 of the market’s top-rated restaurants, grocers and eateries, plus live entertainment. 5-9 p.m. $10-$40 (online preregistration recommended). 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211. farmersmarketla.com
FYF Fest
July 21-23. Premier SoCal music fest features more than 70 bands—ranging from up-and-comers to hipster darlings to big-name headliners—performing at Exposition Park. Food and drink vendors on-site. F 5 p.m.; Sa-Su 2 p.m. Friday single-day ticket $109; Saturday and Sunday single-day tickets $125; weekend passes $329; VIP passes $549. 700 Exposition Park Drive, L.A. fyffest.com
Roaring Nights
July 21. Head to the LA Zoo for an evening featuring live performances, a DJ dance party, food trucks, pop-up zookeeper talks and animal encounters. This month the event features performances by Country Thunder and Gold Rush Country. 18+. 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.644.4200. lazoo.org
Sunset Concerts at the Skirball Cultural Center
July 27-Aug. 31. Enjoy live music from around the world Thursday nights at the Skirball Cultural Center’s outdoor courtyard. The 21st season kicks off this month with American Tune Featuring Sean Watkins & Friends: A Singer-Songwriter Celebration of Paul Simon. Arrive early and check out the Skirball’s current exhibition, Paul Simon: Words & Music. Free. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.440.4500. skirball.org
Mamma Mia!
July 28-30. The Hollywood Bowl’s annual staged musical features the ABBA-song-filled story about a young woman’s plot to uncover the identity of her father among three of her mother’s former loves all invited to her wedding on a Greek island. Sing and dance along to ABBA hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Voulez Vous.” Hollywood Bowl, 2301, N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.850.2000. hollywoodbowl.com
East LA Meets Napa & La Rioja
July 28. Community health organization AltaMed hosts this celebration of food and wine that brings together Latin food and Latino-owned vineyards in California. Enjoy live entertainment and tastings from over 80 top LA restaurants and premium vintners. 7-10 p.m.; tasting room VIP experience 6-7 p.m. $175-$200; celebrity lounge $300. Event is 21+. L.A. Live, Chick Hearn Court, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown. altamed.org
BalletNOW
July 28-30. Guest curator and international ballerina Tiler Peck leads an exciting roster of dance superstars for three distinct performances. See renowned dancers push the boundaries in a mix of iconic and contemporary ballets by some of the most revered choreographers. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.0711. musiccenter.org
Luckyrice
July 28. This feast showcases the best of the city’s Asian and Asian-influenced chefs and mixologists. Taste the most popular foods from Asia’s eating capitals as interpreted by up-and-coming chefs, food truck favorites, popular pop-ups and old favorites, complemented by Asian-influenced cocktails. Participants include Bone Kettle and Starry Kitchen. 8-10 p.m.; VIP entrance 7 p.m. $88; VIP $150. Vibiana, 214 S. Main St., downtown. luckyrice.com
Summer Happenings at The Broad: Strange Forest
July 29. This night of Japanese culture inspired by Takashi Murakami culminates in a show by LA-based Devendra Banhart. Also see performances from Tokiko Ihara, female drum and guitar duo Afrirampo, solo artist Oorutaichi and ex-DNA member Ikue Mori and Miho Hatori of Cibo Matto. 21+. $25 advance/$30 door, includes access to the full museum. 8:30 p.m. The Broad, 221 S. Grand Ave., downtown. thebroad.org
California Watermelon Festival
July 29-30. Stepping into carved-out watermelon halves and participating in a “melon ski” across a greased canvas are just a couple of the many melon-centric activities at the California Watermelon Festival. Additional family-friendly activities include a seed spitting contest, carnival rides, games, live entertainment and more, including free watermelon. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $12; children ages 3-12, $7; under 2, free. Hansen Dam Soccer Complex, 11480 Foothill Blvd, Lake View Terrace. watermelonfest.org
Heisenberg
Continuing. Visionary playwright Simon Stephens (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime) explores human connection in this acclaimed play, which finds Georgie (Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds) pursuing a much older man, played by Denis Arndt (Basic Instinct). Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
