Celebrate the weekend with fun all around town! From Gustavo Dudamel’s farewell show to movies under the stars and more, this weekend is jam-packed with things to do. Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood August 21 through August 23.
Los Angeles Weekend Events | August 21 – August 23
Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl
When: August 20 – August 22
Where: Hollywood Bowl
What: Celebrate Gustavo Dudamel and his remarkable tenure with the Los Angeles Philharmonic during a special three-night series at the Hollywood Bowl. The festivities begin with Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony alongside a world premiere by composer Michael Giacchino narrated by Amanda Gorman. The weekend continues with Gustavo’s Fiesta, featuring Los Tigres del Norte, Lila Downs, and Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, before culminating in a genre-spanning performance with Foo Fighters, the LA Phil, and Youth Orchestra Los Angeles.
VinylCon!
When: August 22 – August 23
Where: Downtown Fashion District
What: Music lovers and collectors can browse thousands of records at VinylCon!, returning to the California Market Center for a two-day celebration of vinyl culture. Featuring more than 100 local and international record dealers, the event offers everything from rare collectible pressings to affordable finds for new collectors. Along with crate digging, guests can enjoy live DJ sets from Skeme Richards, giveaways, interactive experiences, and a full bar, making it a must-visit weekend for music fans.
Dine L.A. Restaurant Week
When: Until August 28
Where: Various Locations
What: Discover some of Los Angeles’ best dining deals during Dine LA Restaurant Week, returning August 14–28 with prix-fixe menus at more than 400 restaurants across 84 neighborhoods. The two-week culinary celebration offers the perfect opportunity to experience acclaimed restaurants at special prices, from neighborhood favorites to fine dining destinations. This season’s lineup includes newcomers like Monsieur Dior, San Gabriel Valley standouts Omaniku and Hipico, and Atwater Village favorite Dune, making it one of the best times of the year to explore L.A.’s diverse food scene.
Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | August 21 – August 23
Los Angeles Kids Book Festival
When: August 23
Where: West Hollywood
What: Inspire a lifelong love of reading at this free family festival celebrating early childhood literacy, bilingualism, and multicultural learning. Held at West Hollywood Park, the event features storytime sessions, live entertainment from favorites like Blippi and Meekah, interactive educational activities, author and illustrator appearances, food trucks, face painting, and a giant foam party to close out the day. It’s one of Southern California’s biggest free celebrations of literacy and family fun.
The Actors’ Gang Shakespeare in the Park
When: Until August 30
Where: Palms
What: Just when you thought Shakespeare was sounding a little, well, dated, enter the Actors’ Gang. Each summer, the Culver City theater spins a different play from the Bard into a high-energy, family-friendly, and free-to-attend production, often wrapped in an irreverent theme (think everything from Toy Story to Power Rangers). This time around, Two Gentlemen of Verona gets a sci-fi twist dubbed Two Gentlebots of Verona. You’ll find the play the first four weekends in August at Culver City’s Media Park, then at the Buena Vista Branch Library in Burbank the last weekend of August.
Tongva Twilight: Sounds & Cinema
When: August 15
Where: Downtown Santa Monica
What: Santa Monica has really been stepping it up lately in the community programming department. Case in point: Tongva Twilight, a brand-new summer series offering free live music and films on Saturday nights, produced by Rum & Humble. Expect a lineup of big band ska, salsa, yacht rock and New Orleans funk, as well as music-themed films and free popcorn on select nights. Pack a picnic and enjoy an evening of entertainment with an ocean backdrop.
San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | August 21 – August 23
Markets at The Villa
When: August 23 – September 27
Where: Toluca Lake
What: Spend a leisurely Sunday exploring the charming Villa Blanca Lifestyle Market, held inside a beautifully restored 1929 Spanish-style villa in Toluca Lake. This indoor-outdoor market brings together local makers offering handcrafted jewelry, accessories, candles, flowers, art, and other unique finds, alongside live poetry and a welcoming community atmosphere. Grab a coffee, fresh-baked cookies, cupcakes, or sourdough pizza as you browse the historic home and courtyard, making for a relaxing afternoon of shopping and local discovery.
Brand Summer Concert Series
When: Until August 28
Where: Glendale
What: Pack a picnic and head to Brand Park for Glendale’s annual free summer concert series. Held on Friday evenings through the end of August, the outdoor performances feature an eclectic mix of genres, from retro jazz and soul to pop, Armenian folk, Congolese rumba, Cuban rhythms, and rock. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, settle onto the grassy hillside behind the library, and enjoy a relaxing evening of live music in one of Glendale’s most picturesque parks.
Classic Films Under the Stars
When: Until September 26
Where: Brand Park | Glendale
What: Spend a summer evening under the stars with the Alex Film Society as it brings classic movies outdoors to Brand Park. Held on the lawn during the warmer months, this seasonal series offers the chance to enjoy beloved films in a relaxed park setting, making it a favorite tradition for movie lovers of all ages.
Conejo Valley Weekend Events | August 21 – August 23
FamilyFUN-FEST & Spirit Day
When: August 22
Where: 1 Church Rd, Thousand Oaks
What: Kick off the new school year at FamilyFUN-FEST & Spirit Day, a free community celebration for families at the Conejo 101 Events Center in Thousand Oaks. The event features interactive activities, craft stations, youth sports organizations, wellness resources, educational exhibits, and back-to-school programs, along with a slime party, costume-themed Spirit Day, and family challenges. Early arrivals can enjoy special giveaways, and participating children can wrap up the day with a complimentary Fresh Brothers Pizza Party, making it a fun-filled morning for the whole family.
Seaside Movie Night Presents Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
When: August 22
Where: Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
What: Enjoy a movie under the stars during Summer Seaside Movie Nights at Ventura Harbor Village. This free waterfront series invites guests to arrive early for live music and entertainment. Once there, settle in on the Main Lawn for an outdoor film. This month’s featured movie is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, with pre-show entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or low-back chair, grab dinner or dessert from one of the harbor’s restaurants, and enjoy a classic summer evening by the coast.
Valley Cultural Foundation’s Free Concerts
When: August 123
Where: 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills
What: Pack a picnic and head to Warner Park for the final concert of the Valley Cultural Foundation’s free summer series. This week’s headliner, Led Zepagain, pays tribute to the legendary music of Led Zeppelin. Likewise, enjoy an evening of classic rock favorites. Emerging artists kick off the entertainment at 5:30 p.m., followed by the main performance in the park’s relaxed, family-friendly setting.