It's time to show your Pride with happenings and celebrations all weekend. There's also a donut festival, rosé wine tastings, Swedish fika, a Prince roller-skating tribute, a jazz festival, immersive theater and street art installations.
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 - SUNDAY, JUNE 9
L.A. Pride Weekend
West Hollywood Park, Pacific Design Center Plaza -- West Hollywood
More than a party, parade and festival, Pride gives the LGBTQ+ community and its allies a chance to unite in support of equality, diversity and inclusion. There are numerous activities happening throughout the weekend, from a free opening ceremony on Friday night (which includes a set by Paula Abdul), the Weho Vogue Ball & Drag Show and the Dyke March. The ticketed festival, on Saturday and Sunday, features respective headliners Meghan Trainor and Years & Years while the Pride Parade, held Sunday morning, marches down Santa Monica Blvd. from Fairfax to Doheny.
COST: Many Pride events are free, but admission to the ticketed festival starts at $30; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, JUNE 7; 5 p.m.
First Fridays
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County -- 900 Exhibition Blvd., Exposition Park
NHM's final First Friday event of the season focuses on earthquakes, which is timely given the 430 of them we've just experienced. Famed seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones chats with Los Angeles Times writer Patt Morrison about earthquakes, readiness and fallout. Science correspondent and Ologies podcast host, Alie Ward, talks to NHM specialists about secrets in the vaults. After, explore the exhibitions, sip cocktails in the DJ Lounge (Novena Carmel, DJ MS. JCK and Anthony Valadez), and hear live performances by Claude Fontaine and Gavin Turek.
COST: $25 per person; MORE INFO
FRIDAYS in June
3rd Annual Pizza Coven Comedy Fest
DeSano Pizza Bakery -- 4959 Santa Monica Blvd., East Hollywood
Barbara Gray, Jeff Wattenhofer, Erin Lampart and Brodie Reed host some of the best women comics in the biz at the monthly show. This Friday's lineup includes Aparna Nancherla (Corporate), Marcella Arguello (The Woke Bully), Ellington Wells (The New Negroes), Atsuko Okatsuka (Let's Go Atsuko), Kimberly Clark (Timeout Comics to Watch), Caitlin Peluffo (Late Show w/Stephen Colbert) and Sofia Cleary (Smile Knife). Come for the laughs, stay for the pizza, gelato and $5 beers.
COST: FREE with RSVP ($5 suggested donation); MORE INFO
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 - FRIDAY, JUNE 28; 5 - 8 p.m.
Butterflies and Brews
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden -- 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont
On Friday nights in June, sip a craft beer among butterflies in the largest botanic garden dedicated to California native plants. Tickets include one drink, admission to the butterfly pavilion and live music. This event is 21+. Additional food and beverage options will be available for purchase.
COST: $10 - $15; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 - SATURDAY, AUG. 17
The Assassination of Edgar Allan Poe
Heritage Square Museum -- 3800 Homer St., Montecito Heights
The Downtown Repertory Theater Company presents the world premiere of a choose-your-own adventure, immersive theater experience set amid the neighborhood's Victorian mansions. Explore the strange and tragic life (and death) of Poe in a production with 15 actors and multiple storylines. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
COST: $25 (opening weekend June 7 - 9) - $35; MORE INFO
FRIDAYS IN JUNE; 6 p.m.
FIGFest 2019
FIGat7th -- 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown L.A.
End the work week with free concerts, starting with the rock of Cherry Glazerr (June 7), followed by the hip-hop soul of rapper and live band Oddisee & Good Compny (June 14), the experimental pop-Latin-fusion tunes of Buscabulla (June 21) and the indie-electronic-rock of STRFKR (June 28). The bar opens (for those 21+) at 6 p.m. An opening act starts at 7 p.m. with headliners at 8:30 p.m. All ages shows.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 - SUNDAY, JUNE 9
Cairo ShimmyQuake Belly Dance Festival
Glendale Civic Auditorium -- 1401 N. Verdugo Rd., Glendale
The annual international dance festival includes workshops and performances of international music and dance -- from Bollywood, Flamenco, Balkan, Egyptian pop, tribal, cabaret and gypsy styles. In addition to dancing and drumming workshops, food and other vendors will be onhand.
COST: Varies, but single-day admission starts at $15 - $20; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 - THURSDAY, JUNE 27
94th Annual Juried Exhibition
Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center -- 1100 W. Clark Ave., Burbank
The Pasadena Society of Artists opens its yearly exhibition of more than three dozen artists selected by curator Jay Belloli. The artists' reception and awards ceremony takes place on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, JUNE 7; 8 p.m.
Back to the Future
The Roadium Open Air Market -- 2500 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Torrance
The market launches its weekly summer drive-in series, starting with the 1985 Robert Zemeckis film starring Michael J. Fox as a time traveling high school student. Watch films from the comfort of your car, retro style. Food truck fare and movie concessions will be available for purchase. The gates open at 6:30 p.m. -----> DEAL ALERT: Type in the promo code "LAIST" at checkout and you'll get 10% off tickets for this weekend's event. <----- Other titles this summer include Moana (June 21), Selena (July 19) and E.T. (Aug. 30).
Cost: $20 per car; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 - SUNDAY, JULY 7
Brown & Out Fest V
Casa 0101 -- 2102 E. 1st St., Boyle Heights
It's Pride Week (and month) as well as the nearly 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York -- perfect timing for a festival of 11 short plays and one short film that celebrate the LBGTQ LatinXperience. The works explore socio-economics, politics, religion and all those topics you're not supposed to talk about at the dinner table. The opening gala takes place on Friday, June 7.
COST: $18 - $65; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, JUNE 7; 11:59 p.m.
Annual Prince Tribute Skate 2019
Moonlight Rollerway -- 5110 San Fernando Rd., Glendale
Get ready to backwards skate and roller dance to Prince tunes until 3 a.m. at the annual tribute night. This event is 21+.
COST: $20 - $25; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 9 a.m. - noon
Refoundry LA Workshop XVIII
LA Design Center -- 5955 S. Western Ave., South L.A.
Refoundry, created by Made in L.A.'s Cisco Pinedo, trains formerly incarcerated people to repurpose and remake throwaway materials into home furnishings. The organization also mentors participants into launching their own businesses or career-track jobs. At this workshop, join staff, volunteers, sponsors, designers and criminal justice reform advocates in creating pieces that will be available for sale, with 100% of the proceeds going to the program.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The Rose Venice x Russ & Daughters Brunch
The Rose Venice -- 220 Rose Ave., Venice
New York's famed appetizing shop and restaurant does a pop-up brunch at the Venice restaurant. The one-day-only event will feature the pastrami Russ (pastrami cured salmon, muenster cheese, sauerkraut, mustard, pickle, pretzel bagel), a super Heebster bagel (white fish and baked salmon salad, wasabi infused fish roe, horseradish dill cream cheese) and chocolate babka French toast.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 1 - 8 p.m.
Rosé Day L.A. Summer Kickoff Party
Angeleno Wine Company -- 1646 N. Spring St., downtown L.A.
It's National Rosé Day and there are many ways to celebrate. This one won't cost a fortune. Angeleno Wine Co. has amassed a collection of small production rosés from boutique wineries in Southern California. Taste wines from Angeleno, Acri Wine Co., Byron Blatty Wines, Cavaletti Vineyards, Discovino, Republic of Pink and Say When.
COST: $10 for a flight of all seven wines; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 10 - 2 p.m.
DTLA Donut Fest
Union Station, South Patio -- 800 N. Alameda St., downtown L.A.
Why not celebrate National Donut Day a day late? The festival that honors L.A.'s favorite holey pastry returns for its second edition with more than a dozen donut vendors including Voodoo Doughnut, Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, Primo's Donuts and RING Baked Tofu Donuts. Additional activities include baking demos from Jane Soudah, winner of 2016 Food Network Spring Baking Championship; a donut arts and crafts area; a donut eating contest; and a 60-minute yoga class to help you mellow out that sugar high.
COST: $5 - $7, free admission for kids 12 and younger (donuts extra); MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 6 p.m. - midnight
Summer on 7th 2019
Inner-City Arts -- 720 Kohler St., downtown L.A.
The night doubles as a fundraising party for the organization, which supports equal access to arts education for L.A.'s youth and teens. Check out live music by Best Coast and Shannon and the Clams, and a special 45s B2B DJ set from J.Rocc and Peanut Butter Wolf. Food and drinks vendors include Arts District Wine, Cassell's Hamburgers, Chinese Laundry, Comfort LA, Everson Royce Bar, Guerrilla Tacos, Pizzanista, Plant Food for People and Manuela. 21+.
Cost: $55 - $110; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 4 - 10 p.m.
Friends Trivia Bar Crawl - DTLA
Various locations in downtown L.A.
Answer trivia about '90s TV show Friends while bar hopping during this traveling party. Could bar crawling be any more fun? Register from 4 to 6 p.m. at L.A. Cita Bar (336 S. Hill St., downtown L.A.) then get crawling with exclusive drinks specials at various bars as you compete against hundreds of other participants for the trivia crown. You'll need a smartphone to participate in the trivia contest. This event is 21+.
COST: Tickets start at $15.99; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Golden Years Vintage Market
Artist Village -- 207 N. Broadway, Santa Ana
This market brings together vintage and vinyl, with more than two dozen vendors selling men's and women's clothing, accessories and records.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; noon - 7 p.m.
Mid-City Arts & Music Festival
Washington Blvd. between Vineyard Ave. and Rimpau Blvd., Mid-City
The music lineup for the festival includes The Delirians, Rocky Dawuni, Novena Carmel, 2Mex and DJs Battlecat, Anthony Valadez and Owesscoast on the main stage. Watch live painting by Secret Walls artists while the kids browse books and meet Lil' Libros writers or play in the children's area. Adults 21+ also have a space to chill, A beer garden sponsored by 6th & La Brea Brewery.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8
BoldPas: A Day of Art & Play
Old Pasadena Public Alleys (Mercantile Place and three legs of Big Bang Theory Way)
While Old Pasadena is mostly visited for its shopping and dining options, BoldPas will be adding another layer of intrigue to the area. BoldPas plans to bring 17 art installations and interactive experiences to its unique public spaces.
COST: Free; MORE INFO
SPONSORED
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 11 - 2 p.m.
Swedish Fika Pop-Up
Hästens Los Angeles -- 8827 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood
The Swedes believe in the concept of Fika -- a coffee and cake break taking time to chat, socialize and hit the "pause" button on life. The pop-up at the Swedish mattress store features coffee and treats from Bulle Bakery, iKandi candies, Swedish Scoops and Olsons Scandinavian Deli.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8 - SUNDAY, JUNE 9; 3 p.m.
Playboy Jazz Festival
Hollywood Bowl -- 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood
Picnic baskets at the ready? The festival features a great lineup of traditional jazz and jazz-adjacent acts, including performances on Saturday by Kool & The Gang, Terence Blanchard, Angélique Kidjo and Sheila E. On Sunday, artists include Boz Scaggs, Maceo Parker, The Cookers, Eddie Henderson, Donald Harrison, David Weiss, Cecil McBee and Billy Hart, George Cables and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
COST: Tickets start at $22; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 4 p.m.
Stranger Things the Musical Tribute
The Broadwater Black Box -- 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood
Before the third season of the Netflix series starts streaming on July 4, watch a recap of season 2 -- with music. Directed and choreographed by Angela Todaro and written by Conor Hanney and Lee Huff, the production is part of the Hollywood Fringe Fest, which officially kicks off next week. Listen both hit and original songs inspired by the sounds of 1984. Additional performances take place on June 14, 15, 22 and 28.
COST: $20; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 8 p.m.
The Lonely Island: The Very Small Warm Up Show
The Observatory -- 3503 South Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana
The comedy trio -- Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone -- are about to embark on their first-ever multi-city tour, starting June 13 in Austin, Texas. To prep, they're doing a small show in the OC on Saturday night. Tickets are scarce.
COST: Varies; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8 (after the 7 p.m. show)
Late Night
ArcLight Hollywood -- 6360 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
The comedy, which opens Friday, stars Emma Thompson as a longtime late night host who's losing her edge. When she hires a writer (Mindy Kaling) with no experience, the newbie helps give the show and host back its punch(line). There's a Q&A following the screening with Kaling, who also wrote and produced the film, as well as actors Ike Barinholtz, Reid Scott, Paul Walter Hauser and director Nisha Ganatra.
COST: $17.50 - $18.50; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 8 p.m.
Black List Live!
The Montalbán -- 1615 Vine St., Hollywood
The annual survey of Hollywood execs' favorite unproduced screenplays presents a live read from the online scriptwriting community. Set in the 1960s American South, The Kings of Cool tells the story of a nerdy teen who tries to win a student election at an all-black high school, going up against a born badass. Written and directed by Jon Dorsey, based on his father's true story, it will be read by Justice Smith, RJ Cyler, Tyler James Williams, Lamar Johnson and Yvette Nicole Brown.
COST: $25; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Cantina del Diablo
Private location
Drunken Devil presents a nightlife experience that transports patrons to early 20th century Mexico for craft cocktails, immersive storytelling and burlesque. Upon entering, meet Marisol Cortez, the bar's resident entertainer and member of an underground coven run by the bar's owner. When an upstart threatens her status, it leads to a shattering confrontation. Guests interact with characters, plus take part in dancing and lots of photo installations. Dress to impress -- extravagant, bright-colored clothes are encouraged. Tickets are all-inclusive (you get drinks) and you must be 21+ to attend. The location will be revealed the day before the event.
COST: $100; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
3rd Annual Groundlings Diversity Festival
The Groundlings School -- 7280 Melrose Ave., Fairfax
The renowned comedy school offers a full day of workshops and performances that explore issues of diversity. More than a dozen workshops, such as Creating Diverse Characters, Queer-Prov and Finding Your Voice, are being offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. The performances begin at 1 p.m.
COST: Performances are FREE, workshops are $10 each; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, JUNE 8; noon - 10 p.m.
Pasadena Playhouse Block Party
El Molino Ave. at Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
This all-day party features 25 performances on two stages (including a family stage), activity booths, theater tours, a silent disco and plenty of food options. There's live music by Boogaloo Assassins, The Urban Renewal Project, Vignes Rooftop Revival and La Plaza de La Raza Youth Mariachi. A free shuttle runs between the Metro Gold Line, Old Pasadena the Playhouse District so you can hit both BoldPas and the Block Party.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, JUNE 9; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Love Thyself | Self~Amor Festival
Plaza de la Raza -- 3540 North Mission Rd., Lincoln Heights
Make it a self-care Sunday by attending this festival dedicated to pampering the mind, body and spirit, particularly for women of color. There are workshops, live music performances, vendors and safe spaces for dialogue. Get your nails and makeup done, experience crystal healing or spend the day shopping.
COST: Tickets start at $27; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, JUNE 9; noon - 5 p.m.
The San Fernando Valley Restaurant Tour
Valley Relics Museum -- 7900 Balboa Blvd. Hangar C3 & C4, Van Nuys (meeting point)
Local Valley historian Julie Ann Ream leads a limo bus tour to four historic restaurants in the SFV: Cavaretta's Italian Deli in Canoga Park (around since 1959), The Horseless Carriage inside the Galpin auto dealership in North Hills (since 1966), Los Toros Mexican Restaurant in Chatsworth (since 1967) and a surprise fourth location. The ticket price includes menu tastings and behind-the-scenes info.
COST: $74.95; MORE INFO
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.
