August 12 through Sunday, August 20, 2023
Little Tokyo - Downtown Los Angeles
Free-$
It's
one of our favorite festivals of the year, sorry Chinatown's Golden
Dragon Parade/ Festival. Check out Little Tokyo over the next two
weekends to see it come even more alive than usual with a parade and
festival booths.
This weekend, it's the festival!
"Celebrate
Japanese and Japanese American heritage and traditions during the 81st
Nisei Week Japanese Festival, one of Los Angeles’ largest Japanese
cultural experiences, taking place Saturday, August 12 through Sunday,
August 20, 2023.
As one of the nation’s longest-running, multi-weekend ethnic festivals, Nisei Week pays homage to those who blazed the trail for Japanese-American tradition within the vibrant city of Los Angeles during two weekends of free, family-friendly cultural events, interactive activities, live music, and more. "
As one of the nation’s longest-running, multi-weekend ethnic festivals, Nisei Week pays homage to those who blazed the trail for Japanese-American tradition within the vibrant city of Los Angeles during two weekends of free, family-friendly cultural events, interactive activities, live music, and more. "
Nisei Week Pioneer Luncheon & Spirit Awards
Wednesday, August 16, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Omni Hotel
A gathering to honor our friends and leaders in the Southern California Japanese American community.
Nisei Week Plaza Festival & Beer Garden
Saturday, August 19 & Sunday, August 20, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | JACCC Plaza
In partnership with the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, gather at the plaza and enjoy live music, acts, Japanese delicacies, and more.
Nisei Week Taiko Gathering
Sunday, August 20, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | JACCC Plaza
Take a front seat and enjoy the art of Taiko drumming by groups from Southern California.
Nisei Week Closing Ceremony and Ondo
Sunday, August 20, 5 - 8 p.m. | 1st Street between San Pedro Street & Central Avenue
The public is invited to join Nisei Week’s finale – the Japanese tradition of dancing in the street with live entertainment to close out the annual festival.
OLDBOY (Remastered and Restored)
20th Anniversary
Select Theaters
$
NEON got the rights to the film and remastered the brutal and very messed-up movie. Should have special scrrening in the chain theaters and some indie theaters.
Now-8/17
@ The SMC Theater
Donations asked
AUG 17-19
Redcat
631 W 2ND ST,
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
$25
The 20th Annual New Original Works Festival kicks off with a program of works by JOJO ABOT, Tuixén Benet (‘20), and Jordi & Cade & Ironstone. With a sharp interest in rituals, fantasies and memories, these works use history and technology to formulate diverse, other-worldly futures that provide a counterpart to our reality while allowing us to examine the injustices around us.
The 818 Tequila Soda Shoppe pop-up is giving away free exclusive 8.18 merch and retro-inspired Tequila Soda cocktail samples (in partnership with OLIPOP), including:
818 Tequila Añejo + Root Beer
818 Tequila Reposado + Orange Squeeze
818 Tequila Blanco + Ginger Ale
Friday, August 18, at locations across Los Angeles:
BevMo! West Hollywood – 11am-12pm
7100 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Stella Barra – 2:30-3:30pm
2000 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Hotel Erwin – 4:15-5:15pm
1697 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Townhouse – 5:45-6:45pm
52 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Additional: Must be 21+ to attend, while supplies last. The limited edition merch will also be available for purchase at shop.drink818.com beginning on 8/18 at 10am PT.
7100 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Stella Barra – 2:30-3:30pm
2000 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Hotel Erwin – 4:15-5:15pm
1697 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Townhouse – 5:45-6:45pm
52 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Additional: Must be 21+ to attend, while supplies last. The limited edition merch will also be available for purchase at shop.drink818.com beginning on 8/18 at 10am PT.
Los Angeles’ longest-running, most celebrated variety show featuring world-class lucha libre-style wrestling, burlesque, aerialists, comedy, and more -- is returning home for their annual summer spectacular show this Friday (8/18) at the historic Mayan Theatre (1038 S Hill St.) in downtown Los Angeles. Tickets for this 21+ one-night glam/slam extravaganza, dubbed El Sol de Los Angeles, are still available for $45.00‒$65.00
AUGUST 18-20
Crypto.com Arena, LA Convention Center
"KCON is the world’s largest fan celebration of Korean culture and music. We launched our flagship Los Angeles event in 2012. We invite you to explore K-Pop, K-Beauty, K-Food, and beyond through engaging panels, an expo overflowing with innovative products (and idol appearances!), KCON-exclusive programs, artist engagements—your chance to meet and even hi-touch your favorite K-Pop stars—and, of course, star-studded SHOW featuring K-Pop legends alongside the hottest rookies in the industry."
August 18th-20th
Burbank Marriott
$25 and up, depending on day
*Editor's note
This convention group needs clean websites, they look like they're from the early 2000's
Fans can expect an amazing lineup of special guests from popular
Japanese franchises such as Kamen Rider, Ultraman, Super Sentai, and
Godzilla. The convention promises to bring together some of the most
iconic figures from these beloved series, giving fans the chance to meet
their favorite stars and immerse themselves in the world of Japanese
pop culture.
Hollywood Bowl
$
One of the Hollywood Bowl’s cherished traditions, the Tchaikovsky Spectacular returns with the engaging and affable Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser leading favorite selections including Swan Lake to Romeo and Juliet. Chopin Competition winner Bruce Liu performs the triumphant, heart-on-its-sleeve First Concerto, and it all comes to a climax when the USC Trojan Marching Band and fireworks cap off the night with the 1812 Overture.
August 18, 2023 - August 20
Topanga Social
Join us for an epic weekend of festivities as we honor the San Fernando Valley on 818 Day! From Friday to Sunday, revel in nostalgia with classic Retro Arcade Games and immerse yourself in pop culture with displays from the Valley Relics Museum. Don’t miss the iconic Ecto 1 and Delorean cars on exhibit from 1 – 8pm on Friday, and capture your unique essence with our talented Caricature Artists on Saturday from 11am – 1pm. In partnership with My Valley Pass, let’s celebrate our vibrant community with sounds from local celebrity DJs throughout the weekend.
Sat, Aug 19 @ 3:30 pm
Brain Dead Studios
611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
$35.00
Experience an evening of entertainment with very sharp edges: From Severin Films — “primo purveyors of cinematic horror, trash & sleaze” (Dark Side), “the King of esoteric horror boutique companies” (Video Watchdog) and “one of the best labels in physical media” (Polygon) — comes their annual big-screen bacchanal of good movies for bad people (or vice-versa) featuring a mystery triple-feature of skull-punching, brain-melting and eyeball-slapping new titles coming exclusively to Severin Blu-ray/UHD, plus trailers & promos, free Sev swag, the ultimate Severin Merch table, and more. Be there, or suffer the interminable indignities of reading about it online!
Saturday, August 19th
Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90038
$20.00 - $32.00
Here comes the Bride, and she’s staying past midnight for a two film double-beheader. Revenge is a dish best served by Uma Thurman with kick-ass martial arts, razor sharp verbal barbs, and one Tarantino twist after another. Load the Wagon for a slumber party with a double bill ready for the kill in time for the 20th anniversary of the pop culture phenom. The party goes all night long at Hollywood Forever Cemetery with a free Photobooth, a slice-and-dice dance party, and many incredible special surprises. Leave the unfinished business at home and join us for both volumes of the spectacle!
August 19th, Saturday, 12 PM to 4 PM
Game Realms
137 N Victory Blvd Burbank, California , 91502
Fans of NES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation (and more!) can come to buy, sell and trade games with vendors, in the Game Realms courtyard!
LotZilla: ParKing of Paradise IV
The time has come for LotZilla 2023 to end!! But with every ending comes a new beginning or whatever the phrase is… COME CELEBRATE THE OPENING Of OUR GORGEOUS NEW EXPANSION!!
Saturday August 19th from 12pm - 6pm IT’S ON!!
We have SO MANY friends along for the ride Disperse Press, @disperse_press, is back with their sick apparel, Jack Foster, @recklesseyeballs, and Ed Luce, @wuvable_oaf, will be slangin’ copies of their books and tons of merch, art installations from Dreyfus, @dreyfus.art, and Matthew Crumpton, @crumpton_ ,
FOOD by Mama Musubi, @mamamusubi , and Nomad Ice Pops, @nomadicepops, and hydration by Liquid Death, @liquiddeath
Saturday August 19th from 12pm - 6pm IT’S ON!!
We have SO MANY friends along for the ride Disperse Press, @disperse_press, is back with their sick apparel, Jack Foster, @recklesseyeballs, and Ed Luce, @wuvable_oaf, will be slangin’ copies of their books and tons of merch, art installations from Dreyfus, @dreyfus.art, and Matthew Crumpton, @crumpton_ ,
FOOD by Mama Musubi, @mamamusubi , and Nomad Ice Pops, @nomadicepops, and hydration by Liquid Death, @liquiddeath
Free
On Sunday, August 20, we're opening up streets connecting Koreatown and Hollywood so you can jog, ride, bike, skate, run, walk, skateboard, spectate, and enjoy the route however you want. Our routes are welcoming to people of all ages and abilities! This CicLAvia is presented by Metro.
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
5919 Franklin Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90028
$15.00
$15.00
The WGA and SAG-AFTRA are on strike is on strike! But a strike is more than just a cause. Sometimes, it’s a place where dreams are made, love thrives, and actors get their 15 minutes of fame. Come see a series of stories behind the scenes of the picket line. Everyone wants something in a strike. We hope they get it!
Splash House
UCB, a cheapo comedy show almost every night, see comedians before they make podcasts and have
stories about the UCB and before they hit the big time.
Smorgasburg Los Angeles
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, with markets in Los Angeles attracting 50,000 people each weekend to eat from a hundred local vendors. 
Do you have Cine Insomnia? We have the cure! Join us at Landmark's Nuart Theatre for midnight weekend programs ranging from classic anime and horror to sci-fi favorites, offbeat musicals, cult sensations and more!
American Cinematheque-A celebrated independent theater group that brings both the talent and catalog of films to make for some of LA's best movie nights.
Secret Movie Club-Special edition posters and a large swatch of films to see.
Street Food Cinema-Outdoor cult or recent hits you'll love.
Brain Dead Studios-Newcomer that manages to fill its schedule almost every night
Aug 18-20
Three Resorts in Palm Springs
$
21+
Escape from the Summer heat with other party people with great music as you splash around three different resort's pools.
Extra:
ARTIST FILM SERIES RETURNS TO MOCA GRAND AVENUE
All screenings begin at 6pm unless otherwise stated and are free with advance reservations.
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Ulysses Jenkins
Remnants of the Watts Festival, 1972-73, 1980, 60 min.
In 1972 and 1973, Ulysses Jenkins and the collective from Venice, California known as Video Venice News documented the Watts Summer Festival—a major Black cultural event established in 1966 to commemorate the Watts Rebellion that jolted the Los Angeles community the year before. In addition to capturing an electrifying performance by the funk band War, this historically important tape examines the issue of covert surveillance that has long defined the relationship between the state and the Black community in America.
Jenkins will be present for a post-screening conversation with fellow artist Amitis Motevalli.
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Ulysses Jenkins
Remnants of the Watts Festival, 1972-73, 1980, 60 min.
In 1972 and 1973, Ulysses Jenkins and the collective from Venice, California known as Video Venice News documented the Watts Summer Festival—a major Black cultural event established in 1966 to commemorate the Watts Rebellion that jolted the Los Angeles community the year before. In addition to capturing an electrifying performance by the funk band War, this historically important tape examines the issue of covert surveillance that has long defined the relationship between the state and the Black community in America.
Jenkins will be present for a post-screening conversation with fellow artist Amitis Motevalli.
Pack a picnic, blankets, and beach chairs and enjoy four Saturday afternoons, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m, showcasing music and dance from Brazil, Cuba, Latin America, and Hawaii, including Grammy-award-winning artist Daniel Ho. Youth from Santa Monica will take the stage performing orchestral and chamber music, Balkan music, Hawaiian dance, and Ballet Folklorico. Hands-on craft workshops celebrating the park’s plants and world traditions enhance the day’s activities. The Ice Guys LA will serve frozen treats for purchase. Explore Tongva Park’s amenities which include a splash pad, playground, ocean observation deck, public art, and 100+ species of plants. Make a day in Santa Monica and explore local businesses and restaurants in nearby Downtown, 3rd Street Promenade, the Pier, and Main Street.
stories about the UCB and before they hit the big time.
Every Sunday
10am-4pm at @rowdtla
Free Entry, Family Friendly Beer Garden, No Pets.
Free Entry, Family Friendly Beer Garden, No Pets.
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, with markets in Los Angeles attracting 50,000 people each weekend to eat from a hundred local vendors.
Largo,
known for comedy shows. Grab some
tickets before everything sells out. Many new shows from some of LA's
top comedians. We see Bill Burr, Patton Oswalt,
Pete Holmes and Sarah Silverman performing here to name a few.
Film
This
hosts screenings outside at iconic venues including The Hollywood
Forever Cemetery, The Greek Theatre, and Los Angeles Historic Park.
Check
out classics and cult movies just a few stories above street level.
Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán. Added Thursday nights to the line-up
and themed nights in August and September.
Do you have Cine Insomnia? We have the cure! Join us at Landmark's Nuart Theatre for midnight weekend programs ranging from classic anime and horror to sci-fi favorites, offbeat musicals, cult sensations and more!
New Bev-Tarantino owned independent theater with old school style
Cinelounge-Hollywood based tiny theater, showing off indies you've never heard of
Electric Dusk Drive-In- A drive-in playing classic movies during the Summer
