If you were going to attend Comic-Con, you’d already be in San Diego. Instead, you’re in Los Angeles on what looks to be a hot weekend and you want to know what to do. We have ideas.
SHOP: Renegade Craft Fair
Maybe you’ll spot the next design maven among the independent artisans. The fest brings together one-of-a-kind creations and the folks who love shopping for them. More information (July 26-27; Grand Park)
SPORTS: Asics World Series of Beach Volleyball
Pro volleyball’s elite demonstrate hard-driven spikes and courageous digs. It’s your best chance to see the athletes, who hope to represent the United States at the 2016 Olympic Games. Root for local heroes like South Bay favorite Sean Rosenthal and three-time gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings. More information (July 22-27; Alamitos Beach)
FOOD: Monterey Park Night Market
This Friday marks the first Monterey Park Night Market, which is taking place from 5 to 10:30 p.m. The event features food vendors such as Fluff Ice, Carb & Nation, Aunty Merry, and Ice Cream Lab, as well as art exhibitions, carnival games, musical performances, and the city’s first public beer and wine garden. More information (July 25; Barnes Park)
MUSIC: La Santa Cecilia
Earlier this year, the L.A. band won a Grammy win for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album for its full length studio album Treinta Dias. Named after the patron saint of music, La Santa Cecilia has embraced a hybrid sound that includes bossa nova, cumbia, boleros, and rancheras. The group released Someday New, so listen for songs from the new album. More information (July 26; First Unitarian Church)
THEATER: Puppet Up! Uncensored
Because Avenue Q is so 2004, see a new set of puppets behaving badly. This time they’re brought to you by the Jim Henson Company. But don’t expect to see any Muppets hanging around; you’ll want to leave the kids at home for this one. More information (July 24-26; Pasadena Playhouse)
NIGHTLIFE: DBA
You thought sporting whiskers to a club was only acceptable on Halloween? On Friday, July 25 and August 22 the cat face is the ultimate accessory at a throwback dance party (no EDM or Top 40) at West Hollywood nightclub DBA. More information (July 25; DBA)
MOVIES: Eat, See, Hear: Super Troopers
Watch Thorny, Mac, Rabbit, Foster, and Farva take on their roles as Vermont state troopers and notorious pranksters just “out to have a good time” in this comedy. More information (July 26; The Autry)
THEATER: Cave
This site-specific play, which is being staged at Bronson Caves in Griffith Park and is only being performed twice, tells the story of a zealot who leads his family to a cave where he plans to wait out the apocalypse. More information (July 25-August 1; Griffith Park)
CELEBRATE: Summer Fest
Hit the beach with 50,000 new friends for a weekend of oceanside food and live music. With 60 performers, more than 200 exhibitors, a carnival for kids, a beer garden for adults, and more, you won’t believe it’s free. More information (July 26-27; Venice Beach’s Ocean Walk Front)
FOOD: Crabfest
Did the recipe above pique your interest (and appetite)? Come celebrate the mighty crab at the Hungry Cat Hollywood’s tenth annual Crabfest. The menu includes Maryland crab soup, soft-shell crab po’boys, steamed blue crabs, and dulce de leche panna cotta. Tickets cost $75 per guest. More information (July 27; The Hungry Cat Hollywood)
ART: Instagram Mini-Marathon
Culture hub ForYourArt is hosting an interview event for the image-obsessed (i.e. #everyone). Guests will present photos from any Instagram feed as they explore the app and how it functions within individual artistic practices. More information (July 26, Million Dollar Theatre)
TALK: Don the Beachcomber and the Origins of the American Tiki Bar
Soak up the tropical vibes at a presentation by Sven Kirsten, the author of The Book of Tiki, about the origins of America’s midcentury fascination with Polynesian culture—as expressed through fruity drinks. The chat comes with a cocktail tasting in the lobby and a screening of the 1958 Technicolor, film Enchanted Island. More information (July 27; Egyptian Theatre)
DANCE: National Dance Day
Sashay beneath the skyscrapers at a free public event where choreographers teach fancy footwork to dancers of all skill levels. If you’d prefer a little R&R, wait until sunset and kick back with a dance-themed film. More information (July 26; Grand Park)
CELEBRATE: Roaring Nights
Lions, tigers, bears…and indie bands. Monkey around with monkeys themselves at a concert series. Attendees will be treated to a full bar, food trucks, zookeeper talks, a DJ dance party, and several exhibitions, including the new Rainforest of the Americas. While the zoo is usually a family-friendly place, leave the kids at home for this one (it’s 18 and over). More information (July 25; L.A. Zoo)
SPORTS: Street League Skateboarding Nike SB World Tour
Remedy your World Cup hangover with a day of competitive skateboard watching. Tickets start at $25. More information (July 27; Galen Center)
