The bustling University Park campus at USC is set to host the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books this weekend, gathering more than 650 authors and speakers across seven outdoor stages and 15 indoor venues.
With a vibrant lineup that includes discussions, panels, and readings, the festival promises a celebration of literature and arts that resonates deeply with attendees.
Essential Arts scribes are participating in the festivities: Jessica Gelt will engage in conversation with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, while Ashley Lee will moderate a discussion featuring director and memoirist Jon M. Chu.
Additionally, Lee leads a panel with notable figures in theater, including Lolita Chakrabarti, who adapted the stunning stage version of “Life of Pi,” playwright Larissa FastHorse, and director Robert O’Hara, who is reimagining “Hamlet” through a film noir lens.
Beyond the festival, numerous cultural events are scheduled throughout the weekend in Los Angeles.
One major highlight is the exhibition ‘Rearview Mirror: Photographs, December 1963–February 1964’ at Gagosian Gallery.
Opening this evening, the show features recently rediscovered photographs taken by Paul McCartney during the dawn of Beatlemania, showcasing moments from Liverpool to Paris and beyond, capturing the essence of a groundbreaking era in music.
The installation also includes contemporaneous ephemera and excerpts from cinema verité footage shot by the Maysles brothers, providing a rich context for the photographs.
The exhibition will be on view through June 21 at Gagosian, located at 456 N. Camden Drive in Beverly Hills.
Simultaneously, Arts Open San Pedro invites the community to a weekend-long celebration in the waterfront Arts and Cultural District.
Featuring over 100 South Bay artists, the event includes open studios, interactive workshops, and immersive art installations, all accessible via free trolley routes connecting various hotspots in the area.
Live music and dance performances will also take place across two main stages, making this a comprehensive arts experience for attendees.
Admission is free with an online RSVP, and the event runs Saturday and Sunday from noon until 7 p.m.
The stage will also feature ‘The Turnaway Play’, a thought-provoking work by Lesley Lisa Greene inspired by the Turnaway Study, which explored the effects of abortion access on pregnant individuals.
This one-night-only staged reading will star Alysia Reiner, Mishal Prada, Jenny Yang, and Sasheer Zamata, and will be followed by a panel discussion with leading experts, including Dr. Diana Greene Foster.
The reading occurs Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Lodge Room, 104 N. Ave 56, 2nd Floor, LA.
For those who enjoy the unique humor of John Waters, don’t miss ‘John Waters’ Birthday Celebration: The Naked Truth’ taking place at The Wallis on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Waters, known for his irreverent storytelling, promises an evening filled with transgressive tales and laughs, attracting fans of all ages, particularly those who identify with the unconventional.
The performance will showcase Waters’ unique viewpoint, appealing to an audience that appreciates his distinctive blend of humor and social commentary.
As the weekend unfolds, several other key events will be on offer, including Ben Folds collaborating with the Pacific Symphony for an engaging musical dive into various genres on both Friday and Saturday nights.
In the visual arts realm, Heidi Hahn’s ‘Not Your Woman’ will showcase her latest works emphasizing contemporary themes through her distinct painting style, running through June 6.
The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts will host the spirited musical ‘Legally Blonde,’ which tells the tale of Elle Woods’ journey from glamorous sorority girl to determined law student, continuing through May 18.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic will also present a classical music offering featuring Nielsen’s Fourth Symphony conducted by Ryan Bancroft, along with Yeol Eum Son performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 this weekend.
Phish, the eclectic jam band, will take to the Hollywood Bowl stage for an exciting three-night run, infusing their genre-blending improvisation into the music scene.
In operatic offerings, ‘Ainadamar’ will run at the LA Opera, showcasing Ana María Martínez in the role of Margarita Xirgu, exploring the life of poet Federico García Lorca under Lina González-Granados’ direction until May 18.
For theater aficionados, ‘All of the Above’ presents an emotional exploration through monologues and narratives performed by female-identifying actors, slated for performances Saturday and Sunday.
Another noteworthy production, ‘Centroamérica,’ tackles contemporary issues, presenting the story of a Nicaraguan woman fleeing political turmoil, set to a backdrop of compelling visual storytelling.
The Dark Library event offers an interactive experience reminiscent of Paris in 1925, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the artistic ambiance of the time while enjoying cocktails and dance.
Additionally, pianist Junwen Liang will present his ‘Sonata Extravaganza’ on Saturday night at Boston Court, featuring a captivating program that promises a mesmerizing musical experience.
Do not miss the iconic Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, running all day Saturday and Sunday, which brings together a stellar lineup of authors, including Jon M. Chu and many others.
On Sunday, exhibitions will continue, including Amy Adler’s critique of social media self-portraits and the timeless classic ‘The Glass Menagerie’ directed by Carolyn Ratteray.
Getting back to music, The Millennium Tour, featuring prominent hip-hop and R&B artists, will enchant fans at the Kia Forum on Sunday.
A captivating play, ‘The Staircase,’ directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch, will showcase the dynamic storytelling of Hawaiian folk tales this weekend at South Coast Repertory.
In culture news, Ashley Lee delved into the intricacies of stagecraft in the new Broadway show ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow,’ notably discussing the challenges behind the show’s iconic effects.
Critic Charles McNulty provides insights into his experience with the Broadway debut, reflecting on its enthusiastic visual effects and script.
Engaging conversations continue with playwright a.k. payne regarding the ongoing production of ‘Furlough’s Paradise’ at Geffen Playhouse, exploring themes of estrangement and reconciliation within families.
Sadly, the art community mourns the passing of acclaimed photographer John Humble, recognized for his unique perspective on Los Angeles’ urban landscape, leaving behind a rich legacy of impactful imagery.
In an uplifting initiative, Chanel announces the establishment of the Chanel Center for Artists and Technology at CalArts, aimed at nurturing creativity through innovative technology access for students across various disciplines.
Finally, the 60th Annual Pasadena Showcase House of Design welcomes visitors, showcasing renovated spaces and gardens while raising funds for music programs in the community through its opening gala.
This weekend in Los Angeles promises a tapestry of cultural vibrancy, rich storytelling, and artistic expression, making it a remarkable time for locals and visitors alike.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/newsletter/2025-04-25/paul-mccartney-photographs-john-waters-birthday-times-festival-books-los-angeles-arts-and-culture-this-weekend
