Weekend Events | August 16 – 18

Dive into what’s happening locally with our weekend round-up of fun happening August 16 through August 18! From the HollyShorts Film Festival to the OC Fair and more, we have you covered on the best local activities this weekend. Check it out below!!

Los Angeles Weekend Events | August 16 – August 18 

HollyShorts Film Festival

When: Until August 18 

Where: Hollywood

What: The HollyShorts Film Festival offers a dynamic week and a half of networking opportunities, filmmaker Q&As, and screenings of short films from around the globe. Most of the festival’s events will take place at the TCL Chinese 6, the multiplex behind the iconic theater. Expect a wide range of short films, each running 40 minutes or less, with screenings from early afternoon until midnight. An all-access badge costs $160, but single-day passes are available for $60.

Roaring Nights at the L.A. Zoo

When: July 13 – September 14, 2024

Where: L.A. Zoo

What: Experience the zoo like never before at this special after-hours exploration series, returning for two nights featuring ’80s cover bands and a silent disco. Exclusively for guests 21 and over, you can explore the zoo at your leisure or gain insights from pop-up zookeeper talks and live animal encounters. Let loose at live performances by local bands and dance the night away at the carousel. Enjoy popular local food trucks and a full bar to keep the festivities lively.

Nisei Week Japanese Festival

When: Until August 18, 2024

Where: Little Tokyo

What: This two-weekend celebration of Japanese culture features martial arts displays, tea ceremonies, flower arranging, and more. The festivities attract crowds of nisei—first-generation Japanese Americans—culminating in a grand parade and the coronation of the Nisei Week Queen.

 

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events  | August 16 – August 18 

LearnAboutWine Presents: CHAMPAGNE CHALLENGE

When: August 18 

Where: Culina | Beverly Hills

What: Who doesn’t love Champagne? At these luxurious tasting events, you’ll sample 18-21 different bottlings blind, experiencing the thrill as top producers are revealed. Led by Host Educator Ian Blackburn, the tasting delves into the history, legends, and laws of the Champagne region, offering a deep dive into house styles and philosophies—an event designed to elevate the wine enthusiasts of Los Angeles.

OC Fair

When: Until August 18 

Where: Costa Mesa

What: Combine fried food, carnival attractions, and the occasional rodeo or demolition derby, and you get the OC Fair. What began as a quaint event in 1889 has evolved into a nearly month-long festival.

Roll @ Santa Monica

When: Until October 14 

Where: Huntington Beach 

What: Ahead of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenues icy winter transformation, the location will feature a roller rink. From August 10 to October 14, Roll @ Santa Monica invites you to enjoy two-hour skating sessions with rental skates available.

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events  | August 16 – August 18 

East Meets West: An Ikebana Workshop

When: August 16 

Where: Theodore Payne Foundation

What: Ikebana, a beautiful Eastern practice, incorporates organic materials beyond flowers, including branches and plants with unique aesthetics. Participants are invited to join a workshop led by Japanese artist Hiromi Sutton, where they will learn the basics of Ikebana using California native plants, followed by a simple tea ceremony.

In Between Time presents: Flowers, Sip, and Shop

When: August 16 

Where: 4350 Tujunga Ave

What: Guests are invited to an enjoyable evening of floral design with Kathryn McRitchie of Handpicked Floral Co. Participants will learn sustainable design techniques, receive a new pair of floral shears to take home along with their beautiful arrangements, and shop the latest summer and fall collections at Verona by Jeni B, with a special 10% discount on purchases.

Movies on the Roof

When: Until August 31 

Where: Sherman Oaks

What: Grab a seat on the rooftop of Westfield Fashion Square’s parking garage for this outdoor film series. Every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer, enjoy a variety of classic movies like Top Gun, La La Land, The Sandlot, Clueless, and more.

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events  | August 16 – August 18 

24th Annual Pooch Parade Dog Walk and Pet Expo

When: August 18

Where: 1538 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura

What: The Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) will host its 24th Annual Pooch Parade on Sunday, August 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura. Join C.A.R.L. and their adoptable rescue dogs for a fun-filled day under the sun, celebrating this year’s theme: “Fun, Sun, Sand, and Supporting Rescue Dogs!” Feel free to dress yourself and your pup in your best beach-inspired attire for the occasion!

Movies in the Park

When: Until September 14 

Where: 4550 Tierra Rejada Rd, Moorpark

What: The City of Moorpark presents Movies in the Park at Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. Movies start at dusk, with gates opening an hour earlier. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the show. Vendors will be available, or you can bring your own snacks. No animals allowed, except service animals. 

43rd Annual Wings Over Camarillo Airshow

When: August 17 

Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds | 10 West Harbor Boulevard

What: The air show features thrilling aerobatic performances by classic warbirds from the CAF, military aircraft, experimental planes, and more. On the ground, visitors can enjoy a classic car show, aircraft displays, food vendors, craft beer, a STEM Pavilion, robotics exhibitions, and much more.