Los Angeles is a sprawling city with a population of 4 million, so we'd expect nothing less in the eighth largest city than spectacular offerings for every interest.
From food fests to fireworks and free food, there are no excuses when it comes to getting out and discovering all the City of Angels has to offer. Check out our list of what to do this weekend in L.A.
Friday, Aug. 9
Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks
The music of Tchaikovsky blends dramatically with fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl. Conductor Bramwell Toveyl leads the LA Phil for some of Tchaikovsky's most popular pieces, culminating with the thrilling 1812 Overture, complete with pyrotechnics.
Hollywood Bowl -- 2301 North Highland Avenue Hollywood, CA 90068 323.850.2000
Friday 7:10 PM
Saturday 6:10 PM
Sunday 1:10 PM
Doors open at 7 pm for dinner seating. Reservations are highly encouraged. All guests (21 years and older) are welcome at the bar for standing room to enjoy the show for 15 per person.
There is a complimentary salsa dance lesson at 8 p.m. on Mondays, and 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The live entertainment starts at 9:30 p.m. where you can enjoy the best salsa bands in Los Angeles! M
August 9 8 PM to August 10 1 AM
El Floridita Cuban Restaurant, 1253 N. Vine St, Hollywood, CA
LA Taco & Beer Festival
Guests will experience unlimited pours of craft beer from local and regional breweries as well as unlimited taco tastings from some of the top restaurants & food trucks in Southern California.
In addition to the free unlimited taco tastings, restaurants & food trucks will be selling additional food and beverage items.
While sampling beer and tacos, make sure to stop by our boutique vendors where you can purchase original art. There will also be DJ's, games, and more!Where: Los Angeles Center Studios
3:00 pm - 6:00pm
Taking place this year from August 10-18, Nisei Week is one of the nation’s longest-running ethnic festivals of its kind. The Festival showcases free Japanese cultural events, activities and exhibits, including music and entertainment, food, and fun spanning two weekends. Take part and experience one of LA’s premier summer cultural events!
Tanabata Festival: The 12th annual free Tanabata Festival (August 10-11) will color Little Tokyo’s Central Avenue and Museum of Contemporary Art (Geffen) between Temple and First streets with large, assorted streamers (kazari). Individuals, families, community groups, businesses, churches, temples, and others have contributed their one of a kind displays.
Plaza Festival at the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center (JACCC): Plenty of entertainment such as Taiko, martial arts exhibitions, and activities will be available for the entire family at the Plaza Festival, August 10-11. Additionally, free cultural exhibits such as bonsai, calligraphy, Ikebana, and more will be on display.
Sunset on the Plaza at JACCC: In the evenings, JACCC’s Plaza Fest transitions to the Nisei Week’s “Sunset on the Plaza” night event, featuring pop-up food vendors, entertainment, and more.
Aki’s Pup Up Party: On Sunday, August 11, come join Aki the Akita and friends at Aki’s Pup Up Party, where there will be shopping, food, and fun for pups of all ages and sizes.
Nisei Week Grand Parade: Routing through the streets of Little Tokyo, the Grand Parade will begin at 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 11. The parade will include Japanese traditional dancers, Japanese taiko drums, a Nebuta float, and special guests and honorees including this year’s Grand Marshal, retired Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender Janice Fukai.
Smorgasburg LA
ROW DTLA, Downtown Arts District 777 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
10 AM
Free Indian Food LA
You're not gonna’ wanna’ miss FREE FOOD! It's our biannual celebration of our patrons, our families, and our community. An opportunity to give back and say thank you for being apart of our history and our continuing legacy for over 30 years!
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
This completely unique walking tour will show you another side of Downtown LA. Not only will you see the iconic sights of the city, but you'll also learn about the city's vibrant LGBT history - including the first gay revolts in the US, LA's first porn theatre and the hidden bathhouses and hotels
12:00 PM