The 56 best things to do in L.A. this week (2024)

Plunge into the deep end whilewatching a slate ofmovies (sometimes ones filmedat the Hollywood Roosevelt) during this outdoor screening series at the Tropicana Pool & Cafe. You’re welcome to get wet (towels, blankets and heaters are available on a first-come, first-served basis) or stay dry.Seating is available by the bed, which fit two to four people comfortably.

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One of the biggest pride events in the country, L.A. Prideattractsthousands to a what had typically been a two-day fest and parade in West Hollywood—but is now located a bit to the east. The parade portion will step off in Hollywood while the music fest heads to the edge of Chinatown for L.A. Pride in the Park. The atmosphere is good-natured and raucous; local color is provided by divas, drag queens and DJs.

RECOMMENDED:Full guide toL.A. Pride

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Musical-theater auteur Michael R. Jackson turns himself inside out in this thrilling show. Check out our five-star review from its New York run.

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Catch a screening ofthe legendary Talking Heads concert film at Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre—where it was originally shot over four nights—with a Q&A led by Fred Armisen (who’s no stranger to the film) with the members of the band.Don’t expect the more or less broken up band to perform. But you will see Blondshell tackling“Thank You for Sending Me an Angel,” from the forthcomingEveryone’s Getting Involved tribute album.

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Each floor of the GRAMMY Museum will host a different showcase—includingdance byLeslie “Big Lez” Segar and Richard “Swoop” Whitebear,fashion from Cross Colours and the Black Design Collective,photos by Alvin Allure & Entertain the Angels and Corentin Villemeur,and music by UraelB,Xian Bell and DJ R-Tistic—during this celebration tied toHip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit.

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June 9 has been dubbed Bill & Ted Day for the past decade-plus (it’s tied to a “69, dudes!” quote from the first film), and to celebrate this year, the Valley Relics Music will host a screening ofBill and Ted’s Bogus Journey. The event includes the original prop phone booth from the movie as well as somemost excellent special guests: production designer David L. Snyder and storyboard artist Robbie Consing.

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If you’re sick of First Fridays only offering a high density of food trucks and lines at your favorite dive bars, check out something old—in a good way, we promise—at the Natural History Museum, where First Fridays offer dinosaurs and DJs. The first Friday of every month fromFebruary through June plays host to a KCRW-presented evening of music, allowing visitors of all ages to stay late for a night at the museum. Each month offers a different lineup of musical guests and DJs, guided museum tours, and scientist-led talks. Check out the museum’s website for advance tickets and updates on info.

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Ricky Martin headlines this year’s Christopher Street West-produced concert, which will once again set up atL.A. State Historic Park. Catchadditional sets from MUNA, Tokischa, JoJo Siwa and the cast of We’re Here, includingSasha Velour, Latrice Royale, Jaida Essence Hall and Priyanka.

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The annualMariachi USA once again returns to the Hollywood Bowl for a nearly five-hourextravaganza of mariachi master groups from Mexico, L.A. and around the world. The bands will becomplemented by a company ofkaleidoscopically-dressed dancers and a finale of fireworks. Bring your Malagueña-loving compadres and a picnic;the doors open at 4pm (and there’s a pre-party in the Bowl’s plaza that starts at noon), giving you every reason to make this an all-evening event. Just make sure to nab your tickets quick—they’re selling faster than a plate of homemade tamales.

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The L.A. Conservancy offers a delightful summer time machine in the form of classic films, screened inside Downtown’s grand old movie palaces throughout the month of June.

This year’s lineupincludesThe Cabinet of Dr. Caligariand The Seven Year Itch at the Orpheum on June 1, Bullitt andGaslight at the Los Angeles Theatre on June 8, andFrom Russia with Love andMi Vida Loca at the Palace Theatre on June 15.

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The two legendary Mexican rock bands team up for this coheadlining show at the Hollywood Bowl.

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Everyone’s favorite NPR member station has a hand in aslew of summer concert slates atpublic plazas and beloved museums, and this summer’s schedule is particularly packed. Familiar KCRW DJs and local buzz bands will be providing free, open-air tunes on select nights fromJune through September at Union Station,CAAM,Descanso Gardens, Bowers Museum, Century Park, the Autry, KCRW’s Santa Monica headquartersand—our favorite—the party-till-midnight bashes at Chinatown Central Plaza.

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If you love electronic music, you might want to catch buzzy Odesza at BMO Stadium, with support from Bob Moses, Ben Böhmer, DRAMA and Golden Features.

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The Huntington hosts a swanky soiree in its rose garden to toast thecontributions by the local LGBTQ+ community. Expect a garden party with music, dancing co*cktails, hors d’oeuvres.

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The Infatuation’s annual food fest, named after its popular #EEEEEATS hashtag and now presented by Chase Sapphire, will return thisJune to Santa Monica’s Barkar Hangar. Attend talks withChrissy Teigen, Sofia Vergara, Keith Lee nd David Changand enjoy comedy from Nicole Byer, plus live musical performances throughout the weekend. Participating vendors includeLoreto, Bar Chelou, Amiga Amore and visiting spots like New York’s Lucali and Austin’s KG BBQ, among many others.Note that food is not included with the price of entry.

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Every Sundayduring the summer at sunset,both hotel guests and vistors attheFairmont Miramarcan slip into something waterproof and enjoy a family-friendly flick around the Santa Monica hotel’s luxurious pool.You’ll find a mix of nostalgic favorites and more recent releases on the Hulu-curated schedule.Eats and libations will be available for purchase fromthe FIG Restaurant menu menu, and though seatingisfree for hotel guests, visitors will have to secure a $45 reservation (that price includes popcorn and a themed three-course meal).

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Now one of L.A.’s most treasured summer traditions, Barnsdall Park’s wine tastings are back after a five-year hiatus. Perched atop Olive Hill on the west lawn of the historic Hollyhock House (which you can tour during the evening for an additional $25), the Barnsdall Friday fund raisers include fine selections of boutique wines provided by Silverlake Wine with a spectacular sunset and 360-degree views of the city. Bring along a blanket and a picnic basket, or just nosh on the variety of food trucks parked up there.

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Art,fashion, film and theatermerge at the American Indian Arts Festival, a weekend-long event that is the largest of its kind in Southern California. The festival brings togetherdozens of Native American artistsand tribes for the annual showcase. Highlights of the weekendinclude food, pow-wow dancing and one-of-a-kind pieces sold directly by the artists themselves.

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After a stop last year at the Hollywood Bowl, Janet Jackson returns to town with a pair of arena dates—and arelentless stream of late-’80s hits—with support from Nelly.

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Santa Monica performance space and gallery Highways celebrates its 35th birthday with a pair of shows that featureThe Lost Art of Dreaming, the newest dance work from renowned transgender choreographerSean Dorsey, as well as the presentation ofHighways’ First Annual BEHOLD! Award to the L.A. Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the drag-practicing protest and performance group.

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