International Surf Festival, Summer Jazz Nights, the L.A. County Fair, Fleet Week and more …
Edited by Alicia Luchak.
Stand Upstairs
Aug. 1. The Ace Hotel will be holding a monthly comedy series on first Thursdays. This month, head upstairs to the rooftop for a night of stand-up comedy hosted by Louis Katz. 21+. 8 p.m. Free. 929 S. Broadway, downtown. acehotel.com
Death and the Maiden
Aug. 1-4, 8-11. American Contemporary Ballet wraps up its eighth season with the world premiere of its rendition of the unforgettable drama Death and the Maiden. The haunting score from the string quartet is now a famous classic often used for funerals and featured in gloomier films and plays. $45-$105. The Fashion Theater, 110 E. 9th St., downtown, 213.304.3408. acbdances.com
Eataly’s Guest Chef Dinner
Aug. 1. As part of Eataly L.A.’s guest chef summer series, chef Avner Lavi of Cento Pasta Bar will be taking over for the night and offering some of his signature dishes. Partial proceeds go toward the LAFD Foundation. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. 213.310.8000. Make reservation
Jackalope Arts Summer Nights
Aug. 2-3. This family-friendly indie artisan fair returns to Central Park for a weekend of crafts, culture and handmade shopping at over 200 curated booths. Attendees can also enjoy acoustic musical performances, artisanal food and drinks, a beer garden and more. F 5-10 p.m., Sa 3-10 p.m. 275 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. jackalopeartfair.com
Terrace Fridays: Mar x Moet
Aug. 2 – Sept. 30. There’s nothing like summertime dinners under the stars. Bar Blanca’s ew summertime Friday tradition features iced Moet cocktails and an exclusive seafood menu with rotating specials every week including unique menu items and cocktail pairings. The Moet Package includes a bottle of Moet Ice, 1oz Osetra Sturgeon Caviar and a half dozen oysters. See website for full menu. 7 p.m.- closing. Moet Package $250. Bar Blanca Terrace at SLS Hotel, Beverly Hills. 310.246.5555. Make a reservation
Cinespia
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24. Watch 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. Aug. 17’s 9th Annual Movies All Night Slumber Party features ‘90s favorites Never Been Kissed, I Know What You Did Last Summer and Jawbreaker. Get there early to secure a spot! See website for full schedule. Doors 6:45 pm; movie 8:30 pm. $18; Slumber Party $29. Parking $12-$20. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 877.435.9849. cinespia.org
Downtown Burbank Car Classic
Aug. 3. This eighth-annual event turns Burbank’s downtown area into a pedestrian-friendly concourse showcasing 200 classic and custom vehicles, DJs and chalk artists. The Red Carpet Expo showcases picture cars from World Famous West Coast Customs, Vehicle Effects, Television Motion Picture Car Club and more. 3-9 pm. Free. San Fernando Boulevard from Magnolia Boulevard to Angeleno Avenue, Burbank, 818.238.5180. dtnbur.com
Eat/See/Hear
Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. This traveling outdoor movie-event series, presented by Showtime, boasts the largest outdoor inflatable screen on the West Coast, as well as food trucks and live musical performances. Highlights from this month’s lineup include North by Northwest, Fargo and The Shining. Venues include the Autry Museum in Griffith Park and La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills. See website for a full schedule. Doors 5:30 pm; band 7 pm; movie 8:30 pm. $8-$21, under 5 free. eatseehear.com
Street Food Cinema
Aug. 3, 10-11, 17, 24, 31. This outdoor film series hosts screenings at various locations across L.A., including Los Angeles State Historic Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park. Enjoy live music and food from the city’s top trucks. See website for a full schedule and door times. Band 6:30 pm; movie 8:30 pm. $6-$23, under 6 free. 323.254.5068. streetfoodcinema.com
International Surf Festival
Through Aug. 4. This summer festival, now in its 57th year, celebrates the South Bay beach cities and includes three signature events: the Judge Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay, the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim and the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament, as well as surfing contests, a beach run and youth events. This year’s host city is Hermosa Beach. Check website for schedule, event locations and registration fees. surffestival.org
Subaru Summer Jazz Nights
Aug. 6. Hollywood & Highland’s summer live-music series ends its season with a performance by Marquis Hill Blacktet in the central courtyard. For $14, you receive wine or beer and a cheese selection, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Project Angel Food. 7 pm. Free. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.6412. hollywoodandhighland.com
Malibu Country Mart Summer Block Party
Aug. 10. This annual Summer Block Party is returning to Malibu with special family-friendly activities and luxury seaside shops. Some of the festivities this summer include snow cones and cotton candy by Love Swirls, a henna tattoo station, live music, a caricature artist, tarot-card readings by Cathy Crystal, Ginger’s Dine ice cream pops and more. All activities and treats are complimentary. Noon-4 p.m. Malibu Country Mart, 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu. malibucountrymart.com
Miss Saigon
Through Aug. 11. Superstar theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh is behind this new production of the legendary musical, which is based on Madame Butterfly. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. Tickets
The Play That Goes Wrong
Through Aug. 11. Broadway and London’s award-winning comedy follows the misfortunes that befall a production of murder mystery The Murder at Haversham Manor—think Sherlock Holmes meets Monty Python. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. Tickets
Echo Park Rising
Aug. 15-18. This free, all-ages music festival—now in its ninth year—focuses on the music, creativity, diversity and small businesses of Echo Park. Enjoy music on multiple stages and activities throughout the weekend. Check website for lineup and set times. Th 7 pm; F-Sa 3 pm; Su noon. Free. Stages located on Sunset and Glendale boulevards, Alvarado Street and Echo Park Avenue, L.A. epr.la
LA Taco Festival
Aug. 17. Gorge on tacos for a good cause at Grand Park. The lineup includes Kogi, Azulé Taqueria and Jackfruit Cafe, as well as live bands, with proceeds benefiting homeless youth. Noon-8 p.m. Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., downtown. latacofestival.com
Witch
Opening Aug. 20. The Big Bang Theory’s Simon Helberg stars in the West Coast premiere of this play— an inventive retelling of a Jacobean drama—which kicks off the Geffen Playhouse’s new season. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454. Tickets
Los Angeles Food & Wine
Aug. 22-25. This epicurean event showcases the finest in food and drink culture throughout Los Angeles, as well as culinary personalities from throughout the nation. Expect tastings, cooking demonstrations and special events across L.A. See website for this year’s schedule, locations and ticket information. 855.433.5239. lafw.com
Taste of Brews
Aug. 24. This ninth annual craft-beer festival offers unlimited tastes of dozens of microbrews from breweries like Beachwood and Golden Road Brewing—along with food from SoCal’s premier mobile restaurants—at an oceanfront venue. Noon-5 pm (alcohol service ends at 4 pm). Advance purchase $25.50-$40. Shoreline Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 714.375.1132. tasteofbrews.com
Level 8 Drive-In
Aug. 28. The Grove has turned the roof of its parking lot into a luxury drive-in theater. This month, catch Back to the Future, and check out the film’s DeLorean—on loan from the Petersen. 189 The Grove Drive, West Hollywood. 323.900.8080. thegrovela.com
L.A. County Fair
Opens Aug. 30. Cheer on a racing pig, learn about farming, ride a Ferris wheel, attend a concert and chow down on deep-fried food at this year’s “pop”-themed fair. W noon-10 pm; Th noon-11 pm; F noon-midnight; Sa 10 am-midnight; Su 10 am-10 pm. $6-$20, under 6 free; parking $15. Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, 909.623.3111. lacountyfair.com
L.A. Fleet Week
Aug. 30 – Sept. 1. The fourth annual waterfront celebration of America’s Sea Services returns for the extended Labor Day weekend. Some highlights will include Live U.S. Navy parachute demos, the 11th Annual 5.3-mile “Conquer the Bridge” Labor Day morning race over the Vincent Thomas Bridge, active duty ship tours, obstacle course competitions, a five-on-five basketball tournament, Galley Wars culinary competition, live entertainment and more. Visit website to view map or register for competitive events. 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. lafleetweek.com
Maestro of the Movies
Aug. 30- Sept. 1. Oscar-winning film composer John Williams introduces a night of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (led by David Newman) performing his iconic scores. 8 p.m. Visit site for ticket prices. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. 323.850.2000. Tickets
The Taste
Aug. 30-Sept. 1. During the Los Angeles Times’ annual food and wine fest, dozens of hand-picked local restaurants come together for three evenings of amazing food, wine, spirits and chef experiences, plus unique culinary pop-ups and collaborations, over Labor Day weekend. Check website for schedule. Ages 21+. 7:30-10:30 pm. $115-$190. Paramount Pictures Studios Backlot, 783 N. Van Ness Ave., L.A., Tickets
Pasadena Daydream Festival
Aug. 31. Rock & Roll Hall of Famers the Cure curated and headline this new music fest at Brookside at the Rose Bowl. The Pixies, Deftones and more round out the bill. $150 GA, $300 VIP. 1133 Rosemont Ave., Pasadena, 626.585.3594. Tickets
Melrose Rooftop Theatre
All month. This film series screens a mix of new releases and classic movies Sunday through Thursday nights on the rooftop of hot spot E.P. & L.P. Relax on bean bags and enjoy food, specialty cocktails and views of the Hollywood Hills. VIP Dinner & a Movie package offers a three-course modern Asian meal at E.P. Dinner & a Movie 6:30 pm; theater opens 7:30 pm; movie 8:30 pm. $27.50-$65. E.P. & L.P., 603 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.855.9955. melroserooftoptheatre.com
Rooftop Cinema Club
All month. The U.K.’s “Number One Outdoor Cinema Series” returns to the rooftops of Hollywood’s private NeueHouse and downtown‘s Level for its fifth season in L.A. Fill up on street food and drinks while you take in views and enjoy favorite summer films and sing-alongs. See website for full lineup and schedule. Ages 18+. $17-$25. 6121 Sunset Blvd., L.A.; 888 S. Olive St., downtown, rooftopcinemaclub.com
Photos: LA Fleet Week courtesy LA Fleet Week. Jackalope Arts Fair courtesy Jackalope Arts Fair. Malibu Country Mart Block Party courtesy Malibu Country Mart. L.A. Food and Wine Festival courtesy @foodandwinefestival/Facebook. Taste courtesy L.A. Times The Taste.
