Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Weekly What To Do: Friends, Podcasts Lend Me Your Butt-Kicking


Wed Aug 19, 2026, 7:30 PM
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N Topanga Canyon Blvd
Topanga, CA 90290
$$ 
 
Theatricum returns with its signature production! The most magical outdoor setting in Los Angeles becomes an enchanted forest inhabited by lovers, both fairy and human. Shakespeare conjures a world of wonder, magic, and romance, where comical misunderstandings and the pain of unrequited love are resolved. All is reconciled through midsummer night revelries and the enduring power of nature.
 
 
August 20 - August 27, 2026
Aero Theatre
1328 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Los Feliz Theatre
1822 N Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
$
 
For a fourth year, the American Cinematheque is thrilled to celebrate ‘Friend of the Fest,’ our week-long film festival dedicated to and curated by some of our favorite podcasts. Join us for in-person introductions all week long, and don’t forget to tune in to our incredible podcast partners for the stories behind their selections.
 
Our top pick: 
SUN AUG 23, 2026 3:30 PM
Emergency Intercom Presents THE TASTE OF TEA
$10.00 (member) ; $15.00 (general admission)
Ticket prices include a $2.00 online booking fee.
Los Feliz 3 | Introduction by Emergency Intercom hosts Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips
 
Emergency Intercom is a comedy podcast by Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips. There is no emergency, but there is an intense need for attention, so maybe listen up… You don’t want to know what happens if you don’t.

On the film: The pristine image of the Japanese family is turned on its uber-polite head with surreal aplomb in this far out collection of hilarious vignettes. 

August 21 – 23, 2026
LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale
128 Artsakh Avenue
Glendale, California 91206 

Big Bad Film Fest enters its 4th year presenting a line-up of Independent and International Action Films in Los Angeles, CA focused on cultivating the indie filmmaking, stunt and action community all in one place. Our constant mission is to celebrate and promote the action films and stars we love from the past, present, and future.


 

The opening reception takes place Saturday, August 22, from 6–9 PM. The exhibition will remain on view through September 8, 2026.
Giant Robot Gallery
2017 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
Next to Giant Robot Store
Open Thursday–Sunday, 12–6 PM
 
Giant Robot Gallery presents REANIMATED, a group exhibition celebrating the enduring influence, imagination, and visual language of animation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANIME Impulse Orange County 2026
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 - Sun, Aug 23, 2026 
10AM - 6PM
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802
$tarts at $39.94
Parking Cost: $25
 
Prepare for the ultimate weekend of anime and pop culture magic—a one-of-a-kind celebration that every fan absolutely must experience! ANIME Impulse™ (アニメ インパルス) is where fandom comes to life, combining the thrill of anime, manga, video games, and pop culture into an unforgettable adventure.
 
 

 
 
Lady Horrors
 
Murder House (The Vault)
Friday, Aug 21, 2026, 8:30 PM
The Elysian Theater
1944 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
$7.67
 
At her boyfriends invitation, a sexy, naive, and super fun woman arrives to a party only to find all the guests are dead and her boyfriend is nowhere to be found. Will you help her get out alive?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Friday, August 21  •  5 PM - 11 PM
Boomtown Brewery
700 Jackson Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free, VIP $
 
This isn't your typical movie screening — PEARL will play throughout the venue on multiple screens while guests roam freely, grab drinks, socialize, and immerse themselves in a night of horror, filmmaking, and unforgettable atmosphere. Experience exclusive indie horror shorts, meet fellow genre fans, and enjoy live filmmaker Q&As in a setting that's equal parts beautiful and unsettling.
 
jess is afraid: a pilot screening
Friday, August 21, 2026 – 8:00 pm
Upright Citizens Brigade Annex 1925 N Bronson Ave Los Angeles, CA 90068
$10 
 
As the title suggests, Jess Uhler is afraid. Of what? Well kind of a lot. After a life of running on fear, they want to better understand the things that scare them and guess what, we filmed it!

Join us for the pilot premiere of jess is afraid and some live performances set to explore the things that scare us.
 
Obsession
Aug 22, 2026 6:00 PM
The Autry Museum
General Admission $23
 
Plaza Festival (Sun, Aug 23)
11:00am - 4:00pm JACCC Plaza 
Free entry 
 
The family-friendly event features food, games, booths, and live entertainment at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) plaza!
 
 
Sunday, August 23, 2026; 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
West Hollywood Park, 647 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Free 
 
This free-to-the-public event celebrates early childhood education, bilingualism and multiculturalism for young children and their families. Fostering a love for reading, this year’s Los Angeles Kids Book Festival is presented by the American Born Chinese Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting children’s bilingual literacy and in partnership with the City of West Hollywood and proudly sponsored by the Los Angeles Clippers.

The 4th Annual LAKBF promises an unforgettable day of storytelling, performances, and interactive educational fun for families with young children.
 
Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach
$ 
 
Battle of the Arts is back at the Festival of Arts, bringing together an exciting live celebration of creativity through visual art. Festival exhibiting artists will compete in a dynamic live paint-off, creating original works in real time before your eyes. Guests can watch the full creative process unfold from a blank canvas to the finished masterpiece, then vote for their favorite piece.

Watch ceramic artists throw down on the ceramic wheel and create amazing sculptures! Don’t miss this high-energy, interactive day celebrating art, imagination, and artistic expression!
 
presents the provocative photography and video of the Los Angeles–based artist who has explored romance and rivalry, the personal and the political, and the monotony and mystery of daily life, for more than 50 years. Often blurring the distinction between nonfiction and fiction, Cowin draws on cinema, literature, poetry, and painting to shape her photographic narratives. This survey highlights the artist’s work with experimental photographic processes, Polaroids, inkjet prints, and videos, featuring works from LACMA’s collection and other Southern California museums.
Aug 23, 2026–Jan 3, 2027
LACMA 
 
Monday, Aug 24, 6:30pm
NoHo 7 
5240 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601 
$$ 

“Jurassic Park” meets “Dr. Strangelove”. It’s a reprise and fifth feature spin of the 1978 Cult Classic “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes,” the franchise that went from 80s midnight screenings to help launch the Fox Children’s TV Network. VIP and General seating available (VIPs receive a LIMITED-EDITION special swag bag, EARLY seating beginning at 630pm, and Red-Carpet Priority)
 
 
Aug 14-28 
Multiple Restaurants
$ deals vary
 
Dine LA Restaurant Week takes place twice a year and showcases Los Angeles as a premier dining destination while highlighting the diversity of culinary experiences L.A. has to offer. Participating restaurants offer special menu(s)* for dine-in for lunch and/or dinner.

Lunch: $15, $25, $35, $45, $55, $65 and Above**
Dinner: $15, $25, $35, $45, $55, $65 and Above**
 
 
 
 
 
 
more than likely sold out
 
 
Extra To Do:
 
 
An exciting new FREE outdoor summer event series celebrating live music, film, and community at Santa Monica's beautiful Tongva Park.

Presented by the City of Santa Monica Recreation & Arts Department and produced by Rum & Humble, the series will take place every Saturday from August 8 through September 12, beginning at 7 p.m. 

Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic, bring a blanket or low-back chair, and settle in for relaxed evenings just steps from the Pacific Ocean. Admission is free.
 
And, Christian Marclay’s The Clock returns to LACMA And, Christian Marclay’s The Clock returns to LACMA From Sunday, July 26, through Sunday, August 23, The Clock will be on view during regular museum hours and is included in general admission.


Entry to The Clock is first come, first served. A ticket reservation does not grant immediate entry. LACMA members receive priority access. Space is limited and there may be extensive waiting times to enter the exhibition. Visitors may stay as long as they wish in the exhibition (subject to operating hours), but must rejoin the queue to re-enter. Please refrain from talking or using cell phones. The use of recording devices, including mobile phones, is strictly prohibited.

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. 


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 
 
Zebulon, this small live music venue features a healthy amount of concerts almost nightly. Go through it's huge list of who'll be there. One of the best aspects of the musics cafe is that it has a lot of free events to jam out and dance out to.
 
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
 
 
 
 
 
 
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