Los Angeles is doling out an eclectic spread of delights this weekend. From starry Friday nights in the Natural History Museum's garden to a Lucha Libre extravaganza, your itch for "something different" is bound to be scratched. The best news of all: the heat wave is finally cooling its jets, so sweat city is a thing of the past. It's all happening, Los Angeles.
Friday, July 14
dineL.A.
Twice a year the Los Angeles Tourism Board presents dineL.A., a 15-day dining event highlighting the diversity of all the culinary experiences this city has to offer. Basically, it's an excuse to eat out all the time, especially at places we can't afford on the regular. No need for tickets or , simply dine at one of the participating restaurants. Participating restaurants are serving up special brunch, lunch and dinner menus at a fraction of the regular cost. It is wise to make your reservations ahead of time!
Deets: Varying times and locations; $15 - $100; More info
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Summer Nights in the Garden
On July 14 and 28, spend your Friday nights unwinding beneath the stars and getting lost in the Nature Gardens of NHMLA. This Friday, there will be music from Mukta Mohan, botanical tours with the garden staff and full museum access. For all the adults 21 and up, garden-infused cocktails are available for the taking.
Deets: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.;
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County; Free; More info
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Saturday, July 15
Union Station Summer Train Fest
Go on a journey through time at Union Station this weekend with their annual Summer Train Festival. With a rare collection of restored vintage train engines and cars from the 40s and 50s, you're bound to fall in love with the beauty. Additionally, the South Patio will be popping off with live music and a handful of LA's premier food trucks.
Deets: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.;
Union Station; More info
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YASS! Music & Arts Festival
MiddleGround Gallery is bringing every flavor and style of music to three stages this weekend, plus a poetry and free speech area. The aim of the festival is to celebrate the art and culture of Southern California by featuring the voices and visions of those who inhabit it. Arts, musicians, poets and markers are given the space to cultivate and inspire. Note, this event is 21 and over only so don't try to be slick and sneak in your little friends.
Deets: 4 p.m. - 12 a.m.;
The Airliner; $5 Early Admission Before 9 p.m.; $10 After 9 p.m.; More info
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Mikael B. Opening
Mikael B. refuses to make the distinction between what is realistic and what is idealistic, rather he continues to grow with his passion. With a history of graphic design, wildstyle graffiti and abstract dreamscapes, his work is constantly flourishing and changing throughout time. After selling out a solo show in Denmark, he decided to make his mark in Los Angeles with Reality Shift, a show inspired by westward influences. Make sure you RSVP online to gain access to the opening!
Deets: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.;
Gregorio Escalante Gallery; Free; More info
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Lucha Libre Extravaganza!
Explore the highflying world of Lucha Libre this Saturday as ten badass luchadors go head to head, including international superstars Taya Valkyrie and Thunder Rosa. Be sure to arrive early as seats are first come, first serve! Plus, there is a screening of Wresting School by Max Minor at 5:30 p.m. and a meet and greet between 6 - 7 p.m. prior to the first match at 7:30 p.m. Talk about getting the bang for your buck!
Deets: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.;
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA); $20 Members; $25 Nonmembers; More info
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Eat See Hear Outdoor Movie: The Sandlot
You're killing me smalls ... is exactly what someone will tell you if you arrive late to the screening and block their view of the screen. Nah, but the iconic Sandlot is playing at Autry Museum this weekend and you don't want to miss it. Bring the children along and educate the younger generation on great film while you revel in its glory. If that's not enough to sell you, this event is dog-friendly and free biscuits are offered at the door.
Deets: 5:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.;
Autry Museum of the American West; $14 GA; $21 New Zealand’s Fashionably Late Tickets; $8 Children; More info
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Sunday, July 16
37th Annual Lotus Festival
Once a year Echo Park Lake celebrates the bloom of countless lotus flowers and with the help of last winter's rain, the lakeside is booming with pops of green, pink and white. Now, each year the festival is hosted by a different country and Bangladesh is coming in hot for the 37th Annual Lotus Festival. The event kicks off with a special dance and then feel free to shop the very street vendors for homemade crafts and eats.
Deets: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.;
Echo Park Lake; Free; More info
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The Graduate
With an original soundtrack brought to you by Simon and Garfunkel, do you really need more persuading to check out or revisit this 1967 Mike Nichols classic starring Dustin Hoffman in his breakout role? Nope, didn't think so. OK, fine. The Graduate is a classic dramedy about an existential college grad who is seduced by his parents' friend Mrs. Robinson. Talk about spicy! Stay after the film for a Q&A with producer Lawrence Turman.
Deets: 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.;
Skirball Cultural Center; $9 Members; $12 GA; $7 Students; More info
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Another Sunday Funday at Good Times!
Good Time at Davey Wayne's is enjoying the summer glow with a Sunday Yacht Rock takeover. Prepare to sip sip sip on some tropical drinks and get down to some rock 'n roll. Don't party too hard now! Mondays are already hard enough, why add a roaring hangover to the mix?
Deets: 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.;
Good Times at Davey Wayne's; Free; More info
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Header image courtesy of Mikael B.