There is never a dull moment in the City of Angels, especially not during this weekend of firsts. Baja Market LA is launching the first annual Food and Wine Festival on their first birthday while the Twilight Concert series kicks off its first concert of the summer. It doesn't stop there. JapanLA presents Studio Ghibli Pop-Up & Opening and Maple Block is throwing down for the first annual Sunday Summer Smoke Outs. If none of that tickles your fancy, Arroyo Seco is sure to pique your interest with their impressive music and food line-ups. It's all happening, Los Angeles.
Thursday, June 22
Baja Market L.A. Food and Wine Fest
Chicas Tacos is launching their first annual Baja Market LA Food and Wine Festival. Each ticket provides taco lovers like you and me access to live tunes, racks on racks of tacos, wineries, micro breweries and tastings of Tequila and Mezcal. Plus, there is a special book signing with Chef Omar Valenzuela. Talk about ringing in a one year anniversary in style.
Deets: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.;
Chicas Tacos; $15 Advanced; $20 At The Door; More info
HERE
First Twilight Concert: Khalid and Bibi Bourelly
Santa Monica’s summer tradition is alive and well with the 33rd annual Twilight Concerts kicking off this week. For the next three months, enjoy live music of every genre from Neo Soul, R&B and Indie Pop to Reggae, Aussie Dance and Rock. This Thursday Khalid and Bibi Bourelly are kicking off the summer! Has anyone else been listening to “Another Sad Love Song” on loop? We highly recommend taking public transportation to avoid traffic and a stressful parking situation.
Deets: Starts at 7 p.m.;
Santa Monica Pier; Free; More info
HERE
Friday, June 23
Desert Daze Nights
Desert Daze Nights Upstairs at Ace Hotel is throwing a little banger to mentally and physically prepare you for Desert Daze 2017 in October. With Derek Cowart and Alexander Ebraham Ahmadi spinning sick beats, projections by The BlindSpot Project and art by Exodus, what more could you possibly need? Note: this event is for adults 21 and up, so call the babysitter and head downtown this Friday.
Deets: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.;
Upstairs at
Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles; More info
HERE
Funk Trump: A Funky Disco Dance Party Benefitting It Gets Better
Funk Trump is returning on Friday to keep the month-long pride celebration pulsing through these LA streets. DJ Jake Goldstein and Jennifer Tefft are spinning mad funk and disco all night so prepare to groove. There is a $5 minimum donation at the door, but feel free to spread the wallet and offer a little more as all proceeds from the night will benefit the It Gets Better Project, an organization dedicated to inspiring the changes needed to make it better for the LGBTQ+ community.
Deets: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.;
The Satellite; $5; More info
HERE
Studio Ghibili Pop-Up & Opening
JapanLA is hella stoked to announce the Official Studio Ghibli Pop-Up and Opening Park this Saturday afternoon. The event is free and tickets will be given out between 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. to the first 800 people only. We recommend showing up early for the first time in your LA life, otherwise, you'll be wiping your tears from the sidelines. Every hour, 100 people will enter the opening to get a first look at the pop-up, exclusive JapanLA products and to photobooth available from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. to commemorate the moment you are without a doubt waiting for. If you get parched, Fluff Ice Food Truck will be parked outside serving up shaved ice and boba drinks from 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Deets: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.;
JapanLA; Free; More info
HERE
Jaws
The ultimate summer Spielberg 70s blockbuster is showing this Saturday night at The Orpheum Theatre. If you have never seen Jaws, first of all, that’s un-American. The cult classic about a great white man-eating shark that terrorizes swimmers and beachgoers at a fictional New England resort is sure to get you in the summer spirit. It's the perfect choice of film for a date night, so go on and purchase two tickets today. Revel in the iconic soundtrack and corny FX.
Deets: 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.;
The Orpheum Theatre; $22; More info
HERE
Summer Happenings at The Broad: Warhol Icon
Summer Happenings at The Broad returns for its second summer session with Warhol Icon opening the season. The program is inspired by Nico, a German singer-songwriter, model and actress who was one of Warhol's superstars in the 1960s and will cover her work from the Velvet Underground to later synth collaborations. There will be musical performances by Jenny Hval, Kembra Pfahler, Rose Mcdowall, Tiny Vipers and Geneva Jacuzzi as well as a rare screening of Vaginal Davis, a film starring Nico and Pierre Clementi. Tickets can be purchased online for $25, or if you would like to enjoy the whole summer series, purchase a season pass for $75.
Deets: 8:30 p.m. - 12 a.m.;
The Broad; $25 Advanced; $30 At The Door; More info
HERE
Saturday, June 24 - Sunday, June 25
Arroyo Seco
Goldenvoice presents Arroyo Seco Weekend in Pasadena, a two-day event filled with most excellent music and great eats. With big names like Alabama Shakes, Weezer, The Shins, Mumford & Sons and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers on the lineup, your ears will likely be singing with glee through the end of next week.In between jamming, head on over to the food trucks and booths where Chego, Fritzi Coop, Rose Cafe, Sumo Dog, Sweetfin Poke and many more will be supplying good grub to recharge and refuel. Note: parking and shuttle services are available to the event. If you want to go green for the weekend, hop on the Metro or your bike as there is free bike valet all weekend long.
Deets: Saturday 12 p.m. - 11 a.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.;
Brookside at the
Rose Bowl; Single Day GA $125; Weekend GA $225; More info
HERE
Sunday, June 25
Sunday Summer Smokeout
It’s officially BBQ season and smoked meats are calling our names. Maple Block Meat Co. is doing it right with a Sunday Summer Smoke Out Series where you can enjoy signature smoked meats for just $8, perfect for any BBQ babe on a budget. Additionally, there will be $4 Shine Block drafts, live music from The Birddog and a cornhole tournament. The best part of all? Admission is free! Leave your vegan BFs, GFs, BFFs and dogs at home and head on down to Culver City.
Deets: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.;
Maple Block Meat Co.; More info
HERE
Harry Potter Trivia
Can you name all seven horcruxes? Do you know Mr. Weasley’s favorite Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Bean? Do you keep a wand tucked beneath your pillow at night? If you answered yes to one or all of those questions, head on down to Bootleg Theater this Sunday for Harry Potter Trivia. Muggles, witches, wizards and house elves are all welcome to attend as long as they’re 21+. There’s an early sesh 6:30 p.m. and a late sesh for all of you night Hedwigs at 8:30 p.m. Spoiler: all questions will be based on books 1-7, so if you only watched the movies you’re S.O.L.
Deets: 5:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.;
Bootleg Theater; $10; More info
HERE