Things to do in L.A. this weekend

It isn’t summer in L.A. until the first cemetery screening brings hoards of movie-lovers to Hollywood Forever, toting folding chairs, picnic blankets, snack spreads and lots of booze. Each year, Cinespia brings classic cult favorites to the hallowed resting place of Old Hollywood greats—and a couple of off-site screenings, too.

See 18 works from the contemporary Japanese artist, as well as some immersive environments from the artist’s studio. In addition, “This Is Not America’s Flag” will feature pieces from 20 artists who’ve both championed and challenged the symbolism of the stars and stripes and channeled that into their own works.

Roam the stalls at this arts festival, sample the fine foods and listen to the music—and then take a dip in the nearby Pacific. Though last year’s capacity restrictions have been ditched, there are a few logistical changes that should hopefully make things feel a bit less crowded: You’ll still find on-the-street stalls and sidewalk vendors along Hermosa and Pier Avenues, but the live music has been moved to the beach while there’s a proper carnival and arts festival inland behind the Hermosa Beach Community Center.

Coo at baby sea otters, miniature sea jellies and other tiny aquatic creatures at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s new “Babies!” exhibition. The gallery features babies animals as well as the stories behind them and how the institution cares for them.

The very emo Vagrant America Tour gets a revival two decades later with the label’s 25 year anniversary show, which features Dashboard Confessional, Alkaline Trio, Thrice, the Get Up Kids, the Anniversary and Hot Rod Circuit.

This speakeasy-style stand-up show is set in intimate, secret locations revealed only to ticket holders. Each week, you’ll only know in advance in roughly what neighborhood the show will be staged. Better buy a ticket to find out the who and the where, and psst: It’s BYOB.

Merrill Davis hatched this bicoastal stand-up show, which features a predominantly female lineup, plus a few lucky male mortals. For the May 28 show at the Lyric Hyperion, the lineup includes Alice Wetterlund, Chelsea Devantez, Nori Reed, Dina Hashem, Kimberly Clark, Krista Fatka, Kiran Subramaniam and Yassir Lester.

If watching movies in your car or on a picnic blanket isn’t quite your speed, perhaps you’ll prefer this poolside presentation. Every Saturday night during the summer at sunset (and on some Sundays), both hotel guests and vistors at the Fairmont Miramar can slip into something waterproof and enjoy a family-friendly flick around the Santa Monica hotel’s luxurious pool. You’ll find a mix of aughts Disney faves and recent animated released projected onto a portable screen—think Moana, Encanto and How to Train Your Dragon. Eats and libations will be available for purchase from the FIG Restaurant menu menu, and though seating is free for hotel guests, visitors will have to secure a $20 reservation.

Giuseppe Verdi’s 1871 masterpiece returns to the LA Opera stage for the first time in 16 years with a lavish production that features designs from street artist RETNA. The opera (which features a full chorus, orchestra and ballet) tells the story of a tragic romance between secret lovers from rival kingdoms in ancient Egypt. Latonia Moore and Russell Thomas star, Francesca Zambello directs and James Conlon conducts.

What started as an adverse reaction to the celebutante-heavy and TMZ-soaked club scene that seemed to almost swallow L.A. has flourished into one of the the artsy-est, most inclusive parties in the city. A Club Called Rhonda steers clear of top 40 and overplayed dance by wrangling talent from Europe and American underground scenes. The polysexual crowd of extreme dressers don daring looks, and a be-whomever-you-want-to-be message prevails.

Honor the county’s sea services during this Memorial Day weekend event at and just outside of the USS Iowa. This year’s slate of events includes ship tours, live music and aerial flyovers.

Mosey your wagon on over to Pioneertown for this inaugural film fest staged on the 1940s-built Old West movie set. As you might expect, the lineup for the desert town event (53585 Mane St) leans heavily toward Westerns, with a mix of restored Paramount classics, anniversary screenings (An American Tail: Fievel Goes West), the Acid Westerns of Jack Nicholson and Monte Hellman, and premieres (The Last Manhunt), plus a performance from the Dandy Warhols and some podcast recordings.

Explore the diversity and materiality of ancient Colombian cultures with this staggeringly-sized collection of 400 works at LACMA, including a large number of loans from the Museo del Oro in Bogota.

Everybody likes a good theme party, and this Memorial Day Weekend, Main Street in Santa Monica is giving the people what they want. In an effort not only to entertain Westsiders, but also to raise funds for Summer SOULstice, much of Main Street will transform into essentially an interactive Monopoly board game, allotting attendees “MAINopoly dollars” to be exchanged for food tastings across the street’s finest establishments.

The Original Farmers Market is host to a plethora of fun, family-friendly outdoor events, and its summer music series are some of its best. Take a load off near the end of the work week and stop by the West Patio on Thursday nights from 6 to 8pm to hear a genre-spanning mix of live music, or Friday nights from 7 to 9pm for a lineup of tribute bands courtesy of E.B.’s Beer & Wine.

Tucked away in picturesque Topanga Canyon, this Memorial Day weekend festival has become a favorite local tradition. Bohemian residents of all ages as well as curious onlookers converge to celebrate music, food, arts and Mother Earth.

It’s been a mainstay of protest signs, songs and chants, but this spring the “power to the people” refrain will fill the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Gustavo Dudamel and Herbie Hancock are once again bringing together musicians, artists and activists for a series of shows between May 29 and June 9 that celebrate solidarity and humanitarian spirit.

After a short-lived stint in the early spring, UCLA’s impressively student-run fest has returned to its Memorial Day roots. Though the fest promises the same vibe—which, in the past, was definitely the most 4/20-friendly of the pre-summer festivals—its two days have been pruned down into one. Gone are the dedicated jam band and reggae days; instead you can expect a more streamlined show.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, every series didn’t need its own fan expo… but we’ll make an exception for Star Wars. Over four days at the Anaheim Convention Center, attend panels and screenings about Star Wars movies and TV shows, all while participating in contests and stocking up on so. much. merch.

Listen to stories of 10 indigenous, mestiza, Mexican-American and Afro-Mexican grandmothers as told through pphotos, documentaries, kitchen artifacts, family recipes and audio stories in this LA Plaza Cocina exhibition all about L.A. abuelas.