Things to do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Alive: Iconic Attractions, Cultural Experiences, and Summer Fun


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This weekend in Los Angeles is packed with activities that blend the city’s iconic attractions with one-of-a-kind cultural experiences. Listeners looking for something truly unique should start with “Bugs Bunny at the Symphony,” happening Friday and Saturday at the Hollywood Bowl. Warner Bros. celebrates Bugs Bunny’s 85th anniversary by projecting Looney Tunes classics on big screens, accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra playing the original scores live. For an unforgettable outdoor party, head to LA State Historic Park on Sunday at 2 p.m. for Day Trip in the Park, featuring house music headliners D.O.D, Aluna, and Beson. This high-energy event caters to the 21+ crowd and keeps LA’s dance music scene vibrant and fresh.

Art lovers are in for a treat with several standout exhibitions across town. Check out the Summer Open House at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica on Saturday, an afternoon of exhibition openings, artist talks, live music, and interactive experiences. Over in West LA, the Getty Center offers more than just a world-class art collection: take the tram, wander the Central Garden, then relax on the lawn. For July, The Getty also hosts “Off the 405”—its free summer concert series continues this Saturday with a performance by singer-songwriter Madi Diaz. Downtown, galleries are brimming with exhibitions, including recently rediscovered photographs by Paul McCartney and a survey of West Coast contemporary art that will fascinate fans of both music and fine arts, according to Galleries Now.

Families can head to Lake Hollywood Park, where there’s room to picnic and play under the Hollywood Sign with none of the Hollywood Boulevard chaos. The park’s grassy hills offer clear views, shaded benches, and space for tag, scooters, or a simple snack break. Just blocks from the ocean, Tongva Park in Santa Monica features artistic climbing structures set amidst Pacific breezes, while Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena turns science into hands-on fun for kids, with trike paths and outdoor water zones.

Outdoorsy listeners might want to hit the trails. Angeles National Forest is ideal for beginners and families, with shaded, soft trails and easy paths—a great way to cool off and soak up mountain vistas. For something more scenic, hike to Escondido Falls in Malibu, a moderate 3.5-mile trek ending at a multi-tiered waterfall, or take the Antonovich Trail along Walnut Creek, known for its lush canopies and tranquil setting. For those who’d like a cultural spin, join a volunteer-led wetland restoration event in Marina del Rey or help plant monarch butterfly habitat at Ascot Hills Park on Saturday morning.

July is a vibrant month for festivals. The Echo Park Lotus Festival runs this weekend, celebrating Asian Pacific cultures with cultural performances, food vendors, music, and the lake’s dazzling lotus blooms. In Hancock Park, LACMA’s Latin Sounds series offers free evening concerts—this Saturday, Brazilian singer Silvia Nicolatto headlines an outdoor show certain to get everyone moving.

Fans of food and wine should not miss Barnsdall Park’s Friday Night Wine Tastings, a signature LA summer tradition. Bring a picnic and enjoy boutique wines with a sunset city view, all atop Olive Hill beside Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House. For food adventures, guided tours through Koreatown, Boyle Heights, and Chinatown are a delicious way to taste LA’s diverse flavors, with stops for tacos, dim sum, and barbecue along the way.

Classic LA experiences are always in reach. Book a city sightseeing tour for a deep dive into Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, and the famous beaches of Santa Monica and Venice. Celebrity home and studio tours pull back the curtain on the city’s star-studded legacy—Warner Bros., Universal Studios, and Sony Pictures all offer close-up looks at where the magic happens, often with a peek at current productions.

July also brings special movie screenings under the stars, including “Cinema Under the Stars” at Broxton Plaza and L.A.’s signature rooftop cinemas. Check out “It” on July 12 and “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” on July 19 as part of Time Out’s outdoor movie calendar.

Whether you want to hike a shady canyon, sip wine on a hilltop, groove at a park concert, or explore the city’s many museums and studios, Los Angeles this week truly has something for every kind of listener.

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Things to do in Los AngelesBy Quiet. Please