Exploring Los Angeles: Your Guide to Events from July 29 to August 2, 2024

Los Angeles is a city that never sleeps, and this week is no exception. From film screenings and art exhibitions to comedy shows and cultural festivals, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a detailed look at the events happening in the City of Angels this week.

Donald Sutherland Screening Series

The American Cinematheque is paying tribute to the late Donald Sutherland with a series of screenings showcasing the actor’s finest films. This tribute spans his seven-decade career and will run through August 18. This week, you can catch National Lampoon’s Animal House on Monday at the Los Feliz 3, Ordinary People on Wednesday at the Los Feliz 3, and MASH on Friday at the Aero Theatre. Tickets are priced at $8 per screening.

New Exhibitions at Torrance Art Museum

The Torrance Art Museum (TAM) has opened new exhibitions that are free and open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Main Gallery features GREENHOUSE: Houseplants in Contemporary Art, while a solo exhibition by Mexican artist Guillermo Mollinedo is also on display. These exhibitions offer a unique look at contemporary art and are a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Comedy and Theatre

For those looking for a laugh, the Elysian Theater in Frogtown is hosting Help Yourself, a new comedy show by Jacob Tobia and Jeffrey Marsh. This trans-positive musical review is scheduled for Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., with tickets priced at $20. Additionally, The Comedy Patio at Grand Central Market will feature a free standup comedy showcase on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The lineup includes comedians like Melissa Villaseñor, Rachel Scanlon, and Nina Nguyen.

Shakespeare in the Park

The Independent Shakespeare Co. is bringing a summer of Bard to Griffith Park with performances of As You Like It. The season runs from July 10 to September 1, with shows from Wednesday to Sunday. The main show starts at 7 p.m., preceded by an immersive prologue at 6 p.m. This event is free to attend, although donations are encouraged.

Music and Dance

The Hammer Museum’s JazzPOP series returns for its 17th season, kicking off on Thursday with a performance by Jamael Dean and the Afronauts. The concerts are free and start at 8 p.m., with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Meanwhile, the Skirball Cultural Center’s annual Sunset Concert series continues on Thursday with a performance by Waahli, featuring Haitian rhythms. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and free walk-up tickets are available.

For those who love to dance, the Music Center’s Dance DTLA is hosting an evening of Samba on Friday. The event runs from 7 to 11 p.m. and is free to attend. Instructors will be on hand to teach guests easy steps to groove and jump to the rhythm.

Food and Drink

Foodies can look forward to several exciting events this week. On Tuesday, Los Angeles Korean restaurant Soban is teaming up with Japanese Izakya Budonoki for a special pop-up event in Virgil Village. The menu includes innovative takes on traditional Korean dishes and bar food, such as stone fruit kimchi and Galbi Jim French Dip. Reservations are available through Resy, with walk-ins seated at the bar.

On Thursday, Tabula Rasa in Hollywood is offering a Cuban Sandwich and Open Beer Lager draft for $18. This deal is available on the first day of every month, making it a must-try for sandwich lovers.

Special Events and Festivals

The Hollywood Bowl’s annual Tchaikovsky Spectacular returns this weekend with a two-night celebration of classical music and fireworks. Otto Tausk will conduct the L.A. Philharmonic, with Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov making a special appearance. The evening will culminate with the 1812 Overture, featuring the USC Trojan Marching Band. Shows start at 8 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.

For those interested in a unique shopping experience, the First Fridays event in Chinatown will take place on Friday evening. The historic neighborhood will come alive with local pop-up vendors, DJ-spun music, and extended gallery hours. This event is free to attend and runs from 6 to 10 p.m.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city brimming with activities, and this week is no different. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new to explore. For occasional travelers, we recommend taking advantage of the free events like Shakespeare in the Park or the JazzPOP series at the Hammer Museum. These events offer a unique cultural experience without breaking the bank.

For expert travelers, consider diving deeper into the city’s diverse culinary scene. The Soban and Budonoki pop-up event is a perfect example of how Los Angeles blends different cultures to create unique dining experiences. Make sure to make a reservation to secure your spot.

In conclusion, Los Angeles offers a myriad of activities that cater to all interests. Whether you’re into art, music, comedy, or food, there’s something for everyone. So, get out there and explore the City of Angels!