Los Angeles pulses with energy and possibility, making it a playground for fun-seekers, culture hounds, outdoor adventurers, and food lovers. This weekend, the city’s vibrant spirit comes alive with events and experiences that capture both the world-famous and the hidden.
For music fans, the city offers a rich roster of live events every night. On Saturday, KCRW Summer Nights brings a celebration to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, featuring The Altons, artmaking activities, and tours tied to the new exhibition “A Great Day in East L.A.: Celebrando the Eastside Sound.” The party starts at noon with the concert beginning at 6 p.m. Just a short walk away, Grand Performances hosts a free outdoor tribute to Dr. Dre, where a 30-piece orchestra reimagines his greatest hits—perfect for anyone who loves music history and genre-bending performance. Over at MacArthur Park, the Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles summer series opens with Cambodian rock icons Dengue Fever, while Santa Monica Pier rocks all weekend at the free Pier 360 festival: expect surf competitions, games, a beer garden, and live music. And at the Santa Monica Barker Hangar, EEEEEATSCON spotlights top restaurants from LA and New York, drawing foodies for culinary exploration and live entertainment according to My Unbounded Life.
The art scene is equally dynamic. The Getty Villa reopens this weekend after months of closure, inviting visitors to marvel at classical antiquities in a stunning coastal setting. At LACMA, listeners can immerse themselves in Kamasi Washington’s sold-out shows through June 28, or wander the galleries to discover Mesoamerican art and interactive augmented-reality installations, as Time Out notes. The East Side Print Fair in Lincoln Heights celebrates the city’s creative pulse with live art, poetry, vendors, and hands-on printmaking workshops. For something completely different, the Mid City Arts + Music Festival brings together music, roller skating, food trucks, and local creativity all for free on Washington Blvd and West Blvd.
Outdoor lovers can hike the legendary Hollywood Hills trails for panoramic city views, including a challenging but rewarding trek to the iconic Hollywood Sign. Several tours offer engaging guides—some even comedians—who share LA lore and keep things lively, as highlighted by Tripadvisor reviewers. For secluded nature, Montecito Heights in Northeast LA offers Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, known for uncrowded trails, wildlife at Peanut Lake, and sweeping vistas stretching from downtown to the mountains. According to Islands, this hillside haven feels like a secret escape from the city.
Sports fans have plenty to cheer about. L.A. Live hosts the 2025 NHL Draft on Saturday, June 28, and on Sunday, June 29, basketball fans can catch the Los Angeles Sparks facing the Chicago Sky at Crypto.com Arena. The venue also offers VIP tours for behind-the-scenes glimpses of LA’s most famous sports and concert arena.
Hidden gems abound if listeners are craving something off the tourist trail. Shakespeare by the Sea mounts free performances at parks across Los Angeles, bringing classic theater to a neighborhood near you. The Black Cat in Silver Lake is hosting a pride festival with local queer artists, comedy, and community, while Good Boy & Friends Wine Fest lets natural wine enthusiasts sample from more than 40 winemakers to the sounds of DJ sets in the Arts District. According to We Like L.A., these events capture LA’s welcoming and eclectic community vibe.
No visit to LA would be complete without a dive into its culinary landscape. This weekend’s EEEEEATSCON delivers tastes from acclaimed local and visiting restaurants. For quick bites, try a taco crawl in East LA, or explore the food trucks clustered around Washington Blvd for everything from Korean BBQ to vegan delights.
Classic LA attractions are always within reach. Snap a selfie at Chris Burden’s Urban Light at LACMA, stroll the Venice Beach Boardwalk for street art and people-watching, or ride the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier. Movie buffs will want to tour the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures or hop on a guided tour of Hollywood’s celebrity homes, reported as lively and informative by recent visitors.
Whether it’s catching a sunset concert, discovering a tucked-away trail, tasting the city one bite at a time, or joining a festival downtown, Los Angeles this week brims with adventure and creativity. The only challenge a listener faces is deciding where to begin.