This weekend, Los Angeles is overflowing with entertainment options, ensuring that every music lover finds something to enjoy.
Join the Levitt Pavilion for a special free performance by Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band on Saturday, as the community comes together in light of recent events following the MacArthur Park immigration raid.
For those craving bigger names, K-Pop megastars Blackpink are set to electrify SoFi Stadium, while music legend Paul Simon returns to Disney Hall after a brief hiatus due to surgery.
Additionally, rising star Noah Cyrus will be performing beneath the stars at the Ford Theater, promising a memorable evening for fans.
Beyond music, explore local culture and engaging stories on LAist.com, where you can learn about the efforts of volunteers preserving the oral histories of Eaton Fire survivors.
You can also express your sadness over the closure of Cole’s French Dip downtown, plan a visit to the Orange County Fair for a taste of exciting treats, or check out recommended summer reads to fill your downtime.
The weekend also introduces a variety of events across the region, catering to diverse tastes and interests.
From July 11-13, art enthusiasts can visit the Tryst Alternative Art Fair and NOMAD IV at the Torrance Art Museum.
This annual event showcases the works of over 175 artists, spotlighting talent from Southern California and beyond, and creating a space for collaborations between artists.
Visitors can expect a lively environment with live DJ sets, performance art, and a range of exhibits to explore.
On July 12-13, a noteworthy highlight will be the Belly Laughs Comedy Festival at the Peacock Theater in Downtown L.A.
This festival, celebrating Asian-American culture, features a lineup of renowned comedians, including Hasan Minaj, Margaret Cho, and Kumail Nanjiani.
Adding to the atmosphere will be an Asian night market, offering delicious bites from popular vendors such as Holy Basil and Hermanos Empandas.
Another event taking place on July 12-13 is the 44th Echo Park Lotus Festival, held at 751 Echo Park Ave.
This vibrant celebration of South Korean heritage includes activities for families, a lantern launch, dragon boat races, and a variety of food vendors.
Live entertainment features performances like traditional lion dances and ballet, all available for free, though tickets are required for lantern launches.
The festival will also host a 5K run/walk event on Sunday, adding a sporty twist to the festivities.
For those who enjoy avant-garde arts, the Daredevil Arts Festival will be held from July 11-13 at Electric Lodge in Venice.
This eclectic festival features a diverse range of performance art, dance, theater, and even clowning, showcasing talents in productions such as Psychopomp Dance Theater’s interpretation of Der Golem and The Ramón Show.
Attendees can enjoy individual performances like John Newspaper & Friends and the dark comedic take in Brainwashed throughout the festival.
On Sunday, July 13, fans are encouraged to gather for the We Outside Soccer Fest, a Club World Cup Final watch party at Intuit Dome Plaza in Inglewood.
This free event, taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., welcomes soccer enthusiasts to partake in a collective viewing experience, accompanied by a vibrant DJ lineup and diverse food vendors.
Perspectives on production design will be offered at ‘Art Within the Craft,’ a pop-up exhibit running from July 12-13 at 120 East 8th St., Suite 805.
Recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of production designers in moviemaking, this exhibition celebrates their crucial role in bringing fantastical worlds to life in cinema.
On July 12 at 6 p.m., join a special panel discussion titled Art, Punk Rock and Gender Roles featuring Exene Cervenka at the Laguna Art Museum.
The punk icon will delve into the intersections of punk culture and feminism, coinciding with the closing of the museum’s Carole Caroompas exhibit, which blends these themes in a unique artistic presentation.
Additionally, visitors can partake in a Drop-In Tactile Filmmaking Workshop at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Sunday, July 13, starting at 10 a.m.
Participants will have the chance to create a camera-less movie using various materials on 16mm film, followed by guided curator tours of the “Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema” exhibit before its closing.
For those inclined to help the environment, the Plastic-Free July Cleanup Challenge with L.A. Waterkeeper will take place on Saturday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Tower 20 in Santa Monica.
This initiative encourages beachgoers to join in the cleanup effort, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
If you can’t make it to this event, a community plastics sweep is planned for North Atwater Park on Saturday, July 19.
On Sunday evening, fans of reality television should make their way to The Penmar at 7:30 p.m. for a Love Island USA season finale watch party.
This free event will feature drinks and camaraderie as viewers gather to watch the dramatic conclusion of the season against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.
For anyone seeking culinary delights this weekend, the Loreto x Calabra pop-up at Calabra at Santa Monica Proper continues through September 1, every weekend from 12 to 8 p.m.
This rooftop pop-up features dishes from the popular Frogtown restaurant Loreto, providing a spectacular sunset view as guests dine on delectable seafood preparations along with refreshing margaritas and spritzes.
On July 11, also be sure to check out FryLab L.A. at Amboy Quality Meats in Chinatown from 9 to 11 p.m., celebrating National French Fry Day with an experimental tasting room.
Chef Alvin Cailan will present unique fry creations, including Bloody Mary fries and Filipino-inspired Picadillo fries, all paired with beverages and ice cream.
Lastly, on Sunday, July 13, the FabFitFun x Creamy Boys will be taking over Melrose and Abbot Kinney, providing a range of free activities and offerings throughout the day.
With so many events lined up, Angelenos have ample opportunities to connect, celebrate, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of their city this weekend.
image source from:laist