Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Weekly What To Do: Comic-Con Is This Weekend, So Hopefully Less Traffic

 Just Add Sharks To The Book Crawl And You Have A Lite-Sharknado
 
Los Angeles Indie Book Crawl will take place on Friday, July 24, Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, during regular store hours. This special event, modeled after popular book crawls in San Diego and Seattle, is an invitation for readers to explore the diversity of LA’s indie bookstores, shop local, and have fun while discovering a new favorite read and a new favorite spot to get properly lost in. The event is free and open to everyone.
 
To participate, visit any one of the bookstores and make your first purchase of at least $10. From there, you will receive your Book Crawl Passport and first passport stamp. Then simply visit the next bookstore (in no particular order) and make a purchase of $10 or more at each stop. Many prizes and exclusive merchandise are available at every store. Hit as many as you can -- the more you visit, the more prizes you accrue, and the more of LA's diverse and welcoming literary scene you get to explore. 
 
 
Los Angeles: July 24 - July 26

July 24 - July 25: Roaming Ice Cream Bar-ty

    Location: Venice Beach Boardwalk
    Address: Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
    Time: 12pm - 6pm

July 26: Hunt for the Golden Stick-et

    Location: Santa Monica Pier
    Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
    Time: 12pm - 6pm 

The Great Summer Bar Drop is headed to a city near you! Come see us for NEW Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Bar giveaways and all the chunk-tastic shenanigans our roller skates can handle. Plus, join the Hunt for the Golden Stick-et for your chance to WIN a year of FREE Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Bars! These events are not ticketed, just show up and vibe with us!

Friday, July 24, 2026 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
AMC Century City 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, 2000, Los Angeles, CA 90067 
 
NEON and JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles present a special screening of SHEEP IN THE BOX, the latest film from acclaimed filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda, followed by a conversation with the director.

Set in the near future, the film explores grief, memory, and the evolving relationship between technology and humanity through the story of a couple faced with an extraordinary loss. Following the screening, Koreeda will discuss the film’s Japanese cultural influences, his creative process, and the themes that shape this thought-provoking new work.


Fri, Jul 24, 8pm - 10pm
Killer Fitness, Burbank CA
 
The story of a troubled young woman, her lonely Gen X uncle, a haunted DVD, and a movie night that won’t die. “Dead Media is an exciting homage to great horror, cult classics, and the bygone era of DVD bonus features. Post-screening Q&A with writer/director Joseph Scrimshaw. Featuring giveaways, guests, and all the retro horror you can handle!
 
Badpacks: An Improvised Trip
Friday, July 24, 2026 – 10:00 pm 
LA - FRANKLIN
$10 

Before the show, each comedian secretly packs a backpack full of strange and random props. The improvisers exchange backpacks onstage at the beginning of the show and then must use and justify why ‘they’ brought each of the various props on the “trip.”

All edible props must be consumed by the unfortunate soul who pulls it out.

FRI & SAT Nights, JULY 24, 25, 31 & AUGUST 1: (Rides Launch Every 15 Min, from 7:15p to 10:45p)
ZJU Theatre Group - 4850 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601
TICKETS:  $35 Advance TIX: (1) TIX for (1) Doombuggie - Good for Up to (2) Riders! 
For Ages 18+. For Ages 18+ (Waiver-Release to be signed at Door, Prior to Entry).
 
 All Aboard for Zombie Joe's Underground's All-New Fun N' Freaky Dark-Dark Ride-Ride thru Cosmos...and BEYOND!  Enjoy being Whirled-Around in a Thrilling Dark-Ride, safely seated-within your very own "Alien-Driven" Doombuggie...thru an Intergalactic Vortex of Celestial Stars, Dreamy Planets, Neon Constellations, Soul-sucking Black Holes, Dancing Entities, Terrifying Alien abductions...and ALL THINGS Space Madness!

 

Christian Marclay’s The Clock returns to LACMA Saturday, July 25, 7 pm, through Sunday, July 26, 7 pm. It's been over a decade already, since, it was in LA. 

The amazing piece of work might be on par with getting into the Criterion Closet for a cinephile. Having logged in check it out for a few minutes or as long as it can grab your attention. Christian Marclay’s The Clock depicts time ( in real time) from clips of cinema and television. Thousands of clips showcase time accurately as though you were checking your watch. And, it's not available online. 

Now, LACMA is only staying open 24 hours twice during this run. So, some clips will be harder to see and apparently it never repeats itself in that 24 hour cycle which is kind of insane. 

It's costing you the same as admission to the museum and on top of that reservation don't mean jack as it's a first come, first served situation. You'll be in a faster line with membership, but if someone can seat watching all the clock clips they won't be ask to leave.

You can get more details on it here.
 
Saturday, July 25, 2026 10:00 AM 3:00 PM
Hall of Science (HSCI) building California State University, 
Long Beach 1250 Bellflower Blvd Long Beach, CA
 
Join us for our annual afternoon of fun with sharks! Admission is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend.

    Tour the Shark Lab
    Learn about the latest Shark Lab Science and Technology
    Interact with live marine animals
    Participate in Sharks and Crafts
    Q&A with Dr. Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab
 
 
 
 
 
Summer’s most-anticipated television programming event, Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week,” returns for its historic 38th year on Sunday, July 26 at 8PM ET/PT, showcasing nonstop action, epic encounters, and heart-pounding investigations. 

 
 
Sunday, July 26, 2026 10:00 AM 4:00 PM
Row DTLA 777 Alameda St Los Angeles, CA
Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
 
Join us at Smorgasburg in Downtown Los Angeles for a unique event bringing the sights, sounds, and flavors of Iran to the heart of the city in a joyous, open-air festival for all.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AGFA Movie Hooky Club IMAX Matinee Screening: TICKS (1993)
July 28, 2026, 3:00 P.M.
The Michelle & Kevin Douglas IMAX Theater, RZC 119, Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts, 3131 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007

A group of troubled teenagers are led by social workers on a California wilderness retreat, not knowing that the woods they are camping in have become infested by mutated, blood-sucking ticks.
 

July 21-23
Select theaters
 
If you missed it in the Weekly What To Do Section. 

Check out this ugly-a$$ posters for Evangelion. Not sure why GKids thought that was good marketing, but also don't get why these are being shown in the middle of the week. These two movies, subbed, are compilations of the original series. The second film giving us a alternate ending that ranks as one of the most utterly insane visuals in anime history.

* When looking up screenings, no one seems to care for the first film, just like it's always been. 

July 24(Fri)– July 28(Tue)
12pm - 6pm
Exhibit A Gallery
1056 S Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90019
Free, Visitors who reserve in advance will receive a complimentary postcard as a special gift. 

An exhibition and sale of limited-edition Gintama art, officially licensed by TV TOKYO.

A diverse collection of artwork comes together, featuring pop-style character art, pieces using traditional Japanese "haku" (metal leaf), and high-impact "CONVERGE ART."

Experience the one of a kind world of Gintama, reimagined through the unique artistic vision of GAAAT, exclusively at the exhibition venue.

Ultraman Series 60th Anniversary Documentary Project. The Origin of Ultraman
Sun July 26, 2026
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location
JAPAN HOUSE Salon, Level 5
$20 (incl. taxes and etc.)

 Join us for the 60th anniversary celebration this July at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles with special episode screenings, a feature documentary, and an exclusive filmmakers’ panel honoring Ultraman’s far-reaching legacy.

 

 
Extra To Do:

All concerts begin at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm.
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
FREE admission
Walk-up tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating will be limited. Dancing will be plentiful. 
 
Our popular summertime music series returns for season 29 with a celebration of America250, honoring the uniquely American musical invention of jazz. Get together with friends and family to sing and dance to an eclectic lineup of musicians in the Skirball’s picturesque hillside courtyard in the heart of our relaxing, community oasis.
 
 

Sounds of LA County - 27 Parks. 108 Concerts. One County
A new standalone summer concert series for LA County Parks, produced by NextFest LA
Now - August 29, 2026
Multiple locations 
Free
 
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) is launching its first official standalone FREE summer concert series in LA County Parks' history. Sounds of LA County - 27 Parks. 108 Concerts. One County highlights local artists from LA County's abundant indie music scene, bringing a music festival vibe to your front door. The free concerts, taking place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, are uniquely curated to reflect the culture, diversity, and energy of the communities where they are held.
 
 
 
They're back and ready to get you funky, check out the

June-September 
20 Events
Free, All-Ages 
 
"...Outdoor parties with iconic cultural partners across Southern California. We’ve got something for everyone — DJs, live bands, special exhibitions, food and libations, and tons of free fun. It’s the perfect way to find music you love, discover something new, and connect with your community. Don’t miss out — grab your friends and experience LA like never before."

SoCal music and art lovers can save the dates for this year’s “Off the 405” artist lineup. The free outdoor concerts at the Getty Center museum include aja monet on May 30, Hunx and His Punx on June 13, Leenalchi on July 11, Horse Lords on July 25, and Laurel Halo on August 22. 

Online reservations will be available about three weeks before each concert on Getty’s website, with the ticket release dates available now on the calendar. On the day of each concert, attendees can catch a DJ in the courtyard at 6 p.m., pack a picnic or enjoy Getty drinks and snacks, and explore the art galleries and current exhibitions before the main artist begins at 7:30 p.m. 
 
 
L.A. River Expeditions is back for the Summer. Find the one-of-a-kind urban kayaking experience that's right for you! Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone or Elysian Valley Recreation Zone 
 
UCB, a cheapo comedy show almost every night, see comedians before they make podcasts and have
stories about the UCB and before they hit the big time.



 
Little Tokyo Farmers' Market Saturdays
9:00 am - 2:00 pm every Sat
Isamu Noguchi Plaza
244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free
 
"Join us at the Little Tokyo Farmers’ Market, a vibrant new Saturday tradition in the heart of Little Tokyo. Presented in partnership by JACCC and Food Access LA, this weekly market brings together fresh, affordable produce, rich cultural experiences, and meaningful community connection."
 

 

American Cinematheque-A celebrated independent theater group that brings both the talent and catalog of films to make for some of LA's best movie nights.
 
 
Cinespia -This hosts screenings outside at iconic venues including The Hollywood Forever Cemetery, The Greek Theatre, and Los Angeles Historic Park.
 

Secret Movie Club-Special edition posters and a large swatch of films to see.


Check out classics and cult movies just a few stories above street level. Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán. & Rooftop Cinema Club

 New Bev-Tarantino owned independent theater with old school style
 
Brain Dead Studios-manages to fill its schedule almost every night
611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
 
Vidiots -A one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers, filmmakers, and everyone curious about cinema. A small theater is more than made-up for with the constant content and special screenings.
4884 Eagle Rock Blvd
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Other Mommy Looks Better Than Neill Blomkamp's A.I. Short

 

Other Mommy has to sell itself by saying it's from Blumhouse, y'know they made Obsession. And, that James Wan was a producer on Backrooms in a trailer that just came out today. Not a good sign that the director's name isn't shown. That's because he's not that good a director. Rob Savage directed and co-wrote Dashcam, which might have the greatest misleading trailer ever. What looks like a found footage masterpiece, becomes a slog with one of the most annoying protagonists to make me want to stop and jump out of the car she's in. Rob's other films don't really make you think he can pull off a good scary movie.

Have to say this mommy horror movie has another slick trailer, but with whose involved, I'll wait for streaming.

On that note, the Blumhouse brand that made a kajillion dollars on Obsession doesn't even want to bother with Soulm8te, a horror movie set in the Megan universe with a killer new dating robot. I write bother, because it's going straight to rent online, no theater release; Aug 1st. But, it is co-written by Ingrid Bisu who gave us Malignant. And, that movie was fun for just being absolutely nuts. We're not saying she's a good writer, just more that it's insane they gave money for that script and was fun to see on screen.

 
 
We'd still watch either of these over whatever Neill Blomkamp's up to releasing an A.I. short online and basically killing any good press he wanted with fans. It's kind of bonkers he has no one telling him, "Not the time." Unless you're trying to get studios money or investors, don't share these things with the public.
 

Monday, July 20, 2026

Lucas Museum Tickets Go On Sale Tuesday July 21st

 

From the press release: On Tuesday, July 21 at 10 a.m. PDT, general ticketing for September 22, 2026, through February 28, 2027, will open for purchase. Here's what to know:

    -You must also have an account to purchase tickets. We strongly recommend setting this up before Tuesday to save time!
    -Tickets are $25 for adults, $21 for 65+. Children 17 and under, Members and Guests, FREE. Additional information here.
  -  Each individual may purchase up to 9 tickets per order. Children of all ages require individual tickets.
  -  We expect high demand, and you may experience a wait when making a reservation. Our virtual queue system will hold your position in line, but do not refresh or leave the queue, as you may lose your spot.
 -   Once you have added tickets to your cart, you have 20 minutes to complete your purchase.
 - We recommend having several date and time options in case your first choice isn't available. When you arrive on the ticket page, you will see a calendar showing the dates with the best ticket availability.


Joe Hisaishi Film Music Concert Jul 21-23

 

Jul 21-23 Hollywood Bowl
$$ 

The music of Joe Hisaishi has touched millions through his iconic scores to classic Studio Ghibli films such as Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and Ponyo, as well as award-winning works by leading director Takeshi Kitano. As the Bowl’s 2026 Composer in Focus, he conducts an evening of his timeless compositions, accompanied by some of his favorite film clips.

New Fast and Furious Ride Is Too Loud For Universal's Neighbors

 

The ride, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, is supposed open this Summer, but it's already getting complaints from the screams people having fun it. So, the ride seems fun, just not for the people on it.

The Largest Pop-Up Book Ever Created

 

Luceros y Penumbras, created by Los Angeles artist and printmaker Daniel González and paper engineering by Matthew Reinhart, is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest pop-up book ever created. It's only two pages, but you'll need a group of people to move a page at LA's Central Library. It's there until November. So, you have plenty of time to see it in person.

 

Photo credit: Joshua White / JWPictures 

Read more about it here. No times on when it's opened or to what page. 

Friday, July 17, 2026

Cartoon Hype: Futurama Back Aug 3rd & Adventure Time: Quadruple Feature

With how the streaming wars have gone, it's now on Disney+? 

 



Adventure Time: Quadruple Feature is a four-issue miniseries published by Oni Press exploring cinema through the ages with the Adventure Time characters. The covers alone are priceless. The first issue is already out, with the next one out in August. I'm sure you can collect it all together, but you might want to grab your fav cover.