Summer is blazing by, and with it comes the second to last weekend in August. Gather your friends and family and hit the town for all the local fun from August 18 to August 20!
Los Angeles Weekend Events | August 18 – August 20
Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks
When: August 18 – August 19
Where: The Hollywood Bowl
What: Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser leads the cherished yearly event, showcasing the renowned 1812 Overture performed by the LA Phil alongside the USC Trojan Marching Band and the Bowl’s celebrated fireworks show.
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome
When: Until October 8
Where: Mount Wilson Observatory
What: Experience classical and jazz music in a dome situated over a mile above Los Angeles at this unique mountaintop concert series. This summer, the Mount Wilson Observatory is presenting monthly musical events within the dome of its famed 100-inch Hooker telescope — a marvel that stood as the world’s largest telescope for a significant portion of the 20th century.
I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) at GRAMMY Museum
When: Until Sept 18
Where: The GRAMMY Museum
What: Capitalizing on the hype of the “Eras Tour”, the GRAMMY Museum is showcasing authentic Taylor Swift artifacts. Until September 18, visitors can view 11 outfits and two instruments from Swift’s “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” video. The exhibit, including items from the Speak Now era sans the Joey King and Taylor Lautner heist, is housed in the fourth-floor theater gallery and is accessible with standard museum entry.
Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | August 18 – August 20
Garden Concerts for Kids
When: Until August 20
Where: The Getty Center
What: Listen to kid-friendly performances during this summertime concert series in the Getty’s beautiful Central Garden. Picnic blankets are welcome, but note that lawn chairs are not.
The Actors’ Gang Free Shakespeare in the Park
When: Until August 27
Where: Palms
What: The Actors’ Gang in Culver City revitalizes Shakespeare each summer with a lively, family-friendly production, often integrating playful themes. This year, “Much Ado About Nothing” transforms into a 45-minute “Winnie the Pooh” influenced play called “Much Ado About Pooh”, featuring A.A. Milne’s beloved characters. Catch the performance every weekend in August at Culver City’s Media Park.
Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare
When: May 4 – September 3
Where: Skirball Cultural Center
What: Today’s claims of censorship may seem dramatic, but years ago, the government truly enforced blacklisting in the entertainment industry due to perceived beliefs. This Skirball exhibit examines the 1947 House Un-American Activities Committee hearings, Hollywood’s response, and the blacklist’s impact, particularly on Jewish creatives and executives
San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | August 18 – August 20
818 Day: A San Fernando Valley Celebration
When: August 18 – August 20
Where: Westfield Topanga, Woodland Hills
What: Westfield Topanga is hosting an extended weekend event in honor of the San Fernando Valley, featuring vintage arcade games, DJs, caricature artists, and a beer garden showcasing local breweries. Visitors can enjoy a neon sign display by Valley Relics Museum, iconic cars from Ghostbusters and Back to the Future, and special $8.18 menu deals at Topanga Social.
Grand Views: The Immersive World of Panoramas
When: Glendale
Where: Until September 10
What: Experience the enchanting union of L.A.’s unique Velaslavasay Panorama and Glendale’s Forest Lawn Museum as they present an exhibition of striking large-scale paintings. This immersive display is categorized into three sections: the early history of panoramas, crucifixion panoramas, and panoramas representing Hollywood and Los Angeles.
Street Food Cinema
When: Until August 26
Where: Glendale
What: Combine dinner and a movie into one delightful package by trailing the food trucks. In the spring, summer, and fall, Street Food Cinema organizes a sequence of alfresco events featuring screenings of popular movies, an array of gourmet food trucks, and live performances from local bands. Some of these outdoor locales are dog-friendly, making it possible for your furry film fan to join the fun.
Conejo Valley Weekend Events | August 18 – August 20
42nd Annual Wings Over Camarillo Airshow
When: August 19
Where: Camarillo Airport, Camarillo
What: The Camarillo Wings Association, with volunteers from various aviation groups and presented by California Aeronautical University, is hosting the 2023 Wings Over Camarillo Air Show on August 19-20 at the Camarillo Airport. Gates are open from 9am to 8pm on Saturday and until 6pm on Sunday, with aerial displays from noon to 4pm. This year’s theme pays tribute to Korean War Veterans.
22nd Annual Thousand Oaks Rotary Wine & Beer Festival
When: August 19
Where: 880 S Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village
What: The Thousand Oaks Rotary Foundation is hosting its 22nd Annual Wine & Beer Festival on August 19, 2023, from 5-9 PM at the Hyatt Regency Westlake. This adults-only event, which has raised over $575,000 in the past for local causes, offers a chance to taste handcrafted wines, microbrews, and hors d’oeuvres while exploring auction items and meeting Special Olympics athletes.
Camarillo Old Town Friday Night Cruise Night
When: Until September 22
Where: Old Town Camarillo
What: The Camarillo Old Town Friday Night Cruise is back for 2023 on the 4th Friday of the month from April through September from 4-7 p.m. Drive down Ventura Boulevard with your classic car between 4 pm -7 pm. Try some local takeout by supporting the Camarillo Old Town eateries with their pre-order and/or take-out options.