Things to do in Los Angeles this Sunday
End the weekend on a high note, whether on the beach or back at the brunch table, with the best things to do this Sunday
Weekend, where have you gone? Before it’s time to head back to work, take a day to relax on the beach or picnic in a park… and maybe sneak in one more boozy brunch. Make the most of your Sunday with these great things to do in L.A.
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Let’s Go, Atsuko! A (woke) Japanese Game Show
Refreshing, artistic and boundlessly confident, Atsuko Okatsuka’s sense of humor makes audiences feel like they have always been on her side, even when she’s taking them to task. On the last Sunday of the month, she hosts this Japanese game show-inspired evening at Dynasty Typewriter, with appearances from stand-ups and cultural commentators.
CicLAvia
The term CicLAvia (Spanish for “bike way”) can also be used to describe a temporary closing of L.A.’s streets. The event—inspired by the first Ciclovías in Bogotá, Colombia—welcomes bikes, tricycles, skateboards, strollers and smiles (sounds cheesy, but it’s true) to ride a rotating cast of car-free routes. While most rides center around Downtown, past events have taken the event to Wilshire Boulevard, Venice and South L.A. Expect music, street performances and food trucks, as well as general whimsy and shenanigans. Shop owners and restaurants along the CicLAvia route will also open their doors. It goes without saying that you should bike or take the Metro to your desired spot along the route.
‘Stranger Things 3’ Fun Fair
The summer of 1985 is descending upon Santa Monica this month—and it’s bringing a few Demogorgons along with it. The upcoming third season of Stranger Things finds the Hawkins, IN crew out of school and hanging out at the fictional town’s new mall, and Netflix is transporting those throwback summer vibes to the Santa Monica Pier with a Stranger Things-themed carnival takeover. On June 29 and 30, you’ll enter the pier’s parking deck to find games, a slime-filled dunking booth and dessert from Scoops Ahoy, the ice cream parlor slated to feature in the third season. Other pop-ups include the Demogorgon-filled Curiosity House, a photo op with Max’s BMX and a bunch of live entertainment: a performance from the Hawkins High School Cheerleaders, ‘80s cover bands, food eating contests, magicians and more. In addition, you’ll find Stranger Things-inspired takeovers of some of Pacific Park’s existing amusements: The landmark Pacific Wheel Ferris Wheel will dress up as the Hawkins Wheel. Admission is totally free; just swing by the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 from 11am to 9pm.
Del Close Marathon
UCB’s famed three-day improv marathon makes the jump to L.A. with around-the-clock performances. The lineup so far comprises Rachel Bloom, Lauren Lapkus, Thomas Middleditch and more.
Asssscat
Every Saturday and Sunday, the UCB franchise’s longest-running, most beloved showcase starts when a base cast of the theater’s current top-brass—including founding UCB members Matt Walsh, Matt Besser and Ian Roberts—takes the stage. Then they introduce the surprise celebrity alumnae and friends who will be joining them (think Horatio Sanz, Ben Schwartz, Adam Pally). And finally, another special guest takes the stage, a non-improviser (think Flea, Cat Power, Rebel Wilson, Lena Dunham) who opens the show with a personal story, that’s deftly mined for laughs by the players. But you have to go to find out who’s there—that’s part of the fun. Looking for a cheap night out? Sunday shows are free, but seating is first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early.
Free Shakespeare in Griffith Park
Each summer, Bard fanatics watch their favorite works come to life at the historic Old Zoo in Griffith Park. Independent Shakespeare Co. puts on a series of lively productions each week, inviting audiences to take a seat on the grass (read: bring a picnic blanket) and enjoy performances like this season’s headliners: Twelfth Night and Pericles. Insider tip: Before the show starts, grab a bite from the concession tent, which features sweet treats from the Village Bakery & Cafe, homemade kettle corn and more.
Backstreet Boys: The Experience at the Grammy Museum
Brian, Nick, A.J., Kevin and Howie might be performing with all they have to give in their Las Vegas residency, but thankfully they’re decided to quit playing games with our hearts and show L.A. that no one else comes close: From April 10 to September 2, Downtown’s Grammy Museum will host a larger-than-life exhibit dedicated to the Backstreet Boys and their roughly three decades of making boy-band history. Set adrift on memory bliss as you stroll past merchandise, photos, costumes and other memorabilia, some original and the only one of its kind. You can stare for maybe a little too long at the open, pastel blouses the boys wore in the “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” video—you know, the one with the rain where they're soaking wet? Yes, those shirts. You can see the “futuristic” hover boards BSB flew in on as they kicked off their Millennium world tour and appreciate fan art, not to mention some personal items from the five's private collections. How personal? Oh, just things like Howie's wedding album and A.J.'s baby shoes. No big deal. There’s even a hologram station, so you can dance and pose along with BSB, plus a “confessional booth” where you’ll get chances to record a video—during the call you can let them know you’ve always been the perfect fan. If sometimes you wish you could turn back time to the ’90s, impossible as it may seem, this is the exhibit for you.
“Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop”
Celebrate the photographers responsible for helping to define hip-hop’s visual identity with this display of unedited contact sheets for famous photo shoots. Author and curator Vikki Tobak has assembled over 140 works from more than 60 photographers alongside rare videos, memorabilia and music. The era-spanning exhibition features photos of both the anonymous faces who showed up to hear early hip-hop at clubs and roller rinks in the late-’70s, as well as the genre’s biggest stars: Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Salt-N-Pepa, Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B and more. You’ll spot instantly recognizable images, as well as behind-the-scenes moments, like Nas in the studio recording Illmatic and Kanye West getting a haircut during the cover shoot for The College Dropout. The exhibition pulls from a visual book of the same name, and it features a few Annenberg-only additions, including a contact sheet of Nipsey Hussle driving around town with his daughter sitting in his lap, as well as a photo of Mac Miller playing piano that was the inspiration for a memorial mural on Beverly Boulevard.
“Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983”
Trying to condense decades of diverse contributions from communities around the country into the amorphous banner of “black art” is a preposterous pursuit. William T. Williams’s hard-edge abstract canvases have little in common aesthetically with Alice Neel’s expressionistic portraits, which look nothing like Betye Saar’s ritual-inspired sculptures. “Soul of a Nation” shatters that indefinable umbrella term by shining a light on the grassroots thought, leadership and art movements that arose out of communities in cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles over a two-decade period in the 1960s, ’70s and early ’80s. You’ll walk away from the exhibit not talking about “black art,” but the power of particular artists and pieces, like Barkley Hendricks’s eye-catchingly crimson Blood (Donald Formey), David Hammons’s X-ray–like “body prints” and the legacy of local institutions and movements like Spiral, BAM, JAM and AfriCOBRA (Wadsworth Jarrell’s psychedelic word clouds of activists are a colorful standout). Disagreements surrounding pieces at the time of their creation are still uncannily relevant to social discourse today: whether works were too radical or not “black enough,” if they should cater to a black audience or a universal one, and how they were often relegated to second-tier status in institutions. Though not organized by the Broad—London’s Tate Modern first hosted the exhibition two years back—it feels well-suited for the Downtown museum’s diverse, young audience
“The Allure of Matter: Material Art from China”
Exhibition organizer Wu Hung, of the University of Chicago’s Smart Museum, has categorized the creators at the center of “The Allure of Matter” as “material artists,” and, well, that’s a pretty to-the-point description: The 21 featured artists all employ unconventional materials to create their works (each installation includes photo documentation of the piece’s construction), like Zhang Huan’s use of temple incense ash to form a landscape of field workers or Wang Jin’s imperial robes made from PVC. But the use of materials goes beyond aesthetics and instead engages with China’s extreme economic changes, history of artmaking and government censorship. The unconventional material choices lead to some sublime surprises: Gu Wenda’s rainbow, tent-like United Nations: American Code is no Insta backdrop, but rather a symbol of international tolerance made entirely of strands and braids of human and synthetic hair. Most memorably, Xu Bing’s floor-covering 1st Class looks just like a massive tiger rug, but is in fact made of half a million loosely positioned cigarettes (the smell of tobacco is unmistakable). Make sure to peek at that one from both sides: The orange-and-white design changes to brown and white depending on where you stand.
Popular
Let’s Go, Atsuko! A (woke) Japanese Game Show
Refreshing, artistic and boundlessly confident, Atsuko Okatsuka’s sense of humor makes audiences feel like they have always been on her side, even when she’s taking them to task. On the last Sunday of the month, she hosts this Japanese game show-inspired evening at Dynasty Typewriter, with appearances from stand-ups and cultural commentators.
Del Close Marathon
UCB’s famed three-day improv marathon makes the jump to L.A. with around-the-clock performances. The lineup so far comprises Rachel Bloom, Lauren Lapkus, Thomas Middleditch and more.
Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration
Who’s the leader of the club that’s made for selfies? Mickey Mouse, who, on the occasion of his 90th anniversary, has found himself at the center of a photogenic pop-up in Downtown Disney. Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration is the latest made-for-Instagram installation to swing by SoCal, though this one is filled with all things Mickey—plus a few of his friends. You’ll find seven themed rooms of varying size, including a heart-filled ode to Mickey and Minnie’s relationship, international-themed backdrops, a wall of Disneyland snacks, a gallery of Mickey sculptures and paintings “created” by Goofy, Donald, Chip and Dale and more. At Pop-Up Disney, Mickey gets in on the infinity mirror selfie funEven if you have no interest in taking selfies, the reflective, disco-inspired room in this Mickey Mouse pop-up is pretty great. https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/things-to-do/pop-up-disney-a-mickey-celebrationPosted by Time Out Los Angeles on Friday, April 26, 2019 Like similar pop-ups, some rooms elicit nothing more than a “neat!” before you move on. But plenty of installations here should hold your attention, even if you don’t have the slightest interest in taking selfies: most notably a disco-inspired infinity room lined with mirrored walls and color-changing Mickey ears that bounce off an ultra-reflective chrome Mickey statue in the center of the space. In the very first room, you can lounge on an oversized couch in the shape of Minnie’s polka-dotted bow, and in the space t
CatCon
The self-dubbed Comic-Con for cat people comes to the Pasadena Convention Center with speakers, meet and greets, furniture, art, toys and clothing—For humans? Felines? Hopefully both. Expect a panel of feline-friendly speakers as well as meet and greets. Needless to say, we’ll be stalking the event’s every move.
Once Upon a Canyon Night
Looking to spend a night at the theater? Tucked inside the hills of Coldwater Canyon Park, the rustic S. Mark Taper Foundation Amphitheatre hosts a series of diverse, open-air performances spanning comedy, theater, music and more. The summer performance series, dubbed “Once Upon a Canyon Night,” supports TreePeople’s Coldwater Park. Bonus? Packed picnics and bottles of wine are not only welcomed, but also encouraged.
Free
CicLAvia
The term CicLAvia (Spanish for “bike way”) can also be used to describe a temporary closing of L.A.’s streets. The event—inspired by the first Ciclovías in Bogotá, Colombia—welcomes bikes, tricycles, skateboards, strollers and smiles (sounds cheesy, but it’s true) to ride a rotating cast of car-free routes. While most rides center around Downtown, past events have taken the event to Wilshire Boulevard, Venice and South L.A. Expect music, street performances and food trucks, as well as general whimsy and shenanigans. Shop owners and restaurants along the CicLAvia route will also open their doors. It goes without saying that you should bike or take the Metro to your desired spot along the route.
‘Stranger Things 3’ Fun Fair
The summer of 1985 is descending upon Santa Monica this month—and it’s bringing a few Demogorgons along with it. The upcoming third season of Stranger Things finds the Hawkins, IN crew out of school and hanging out at the fictional town’s new mall, and Netflix is transporting those throwback summer vibes to the Santa Monica Pier with a Stranger Things-themed carnival takeover. On June 29 and 30, you’ll enter the pier’s parking deck to find games, a slime-filled dunking booth and dessert from Scoops Ahoy, the ice cream parlor slated to feature in the third season. Other pop-ups include the Demogorgon-filled Curiosity House, a photo op with Max’s BMX and a bunch of live entertainment: a performance from the Hawkins High School Cheerleaders, ‘80s cover bands, food eating contests, magicians and more. In addition, you’ll find Stranger Things-inspired takeovers of some of Pacific Park’s existing amusements: The landmark Pacific Wheel Ferris Wheel will dress up as the Hawkins Wheel. Admission is totally free; just swing by the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 from 11am to 9pm.
Asssscat
Every Saturday and Sunday, the UCB franchise’s longest-running, most beloved showcase starts when a base cast of the theater’s current top-brass—including founding UCB members Matt Walsh, Matt Besser and Ian Roberts—takes the stage. Then they introduce the surprise celebrity alumnae and friends who will be joining them (think Horatio Sanz, Ben Schwartz, Adam Pally). And finally, another special guest takes the stage, a non-improviser (think Flea, Cat Power, Rebel Wilson, Lena Dunham) who opens the show with a personal story, that’s deftly mined for laughs by the players. But you have to go to find out who’s there—that’s part of the fun. Looking for a cheap night out? Sunday shows are free, but seating is first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early.
C.O.L.A.
The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery present this annual premiere of new works from a dozen handpicked local artists.
Free Shakespeare in Griffith Park
Each summer, Bard fanatics watch their favorite works come to life at the historic Old Zoo in Griffith Park. Independent Shakespeare Co. puts on a series of lively productions each week, inviting audiences to take a seat on the grass (read: bring a picnic blanket) and enjoy performances like this season’s headliners: Twelfth Night and Pericles. Insider tip: Before the show starts, grab a bite from the concession tent, which features sweet treats from the Village Bakery & Cafe, homemade kettle corn and more.
Movies
Rooftop Cinema Club
The masters of alfresco rooftop movie viewing have returned for another season of screenings in Hollywood and Downtown L.A. Known for excellent film choices and a steady supply of snacks and booze, Rooftop Cinema Club is your snazzy, comfortable and less stressful alternative to other outdoor movie screenings. You don’t even need to bring your own blanket or camping chair—Rooftop Cinema Club provides you with your very own comfy lawn chair, as well as blankets on request for the ultimate cozy experience. And instead of listening to the movie over loudspeakers, you’ll get a set of wireless headphones so you never have to miss a word. Want to win two tickets to Rooftop Cinema Club? Enter now!
Jaws
Is there such a thing as a perfect film? One that knows what it wants to achieve and does it, flawlessly, artfully and intelligently? If so, then ‘Jaws’ is as good a candidate as any. Thirty-seven years on (and reissued in a new HD print), this tale of an island community terrorised by a killer shark still feels timeless and terrifying. The characterisation is precise and acutely observed (it’s one of the great guys-on-a-mission flicks), the dialogue is witty and wise, and the plot fits together like a finely crafted watch. The performances – not just leads, but the kids, townsfolk and the grief-stricken mother too – are impeccable. Best of all is Steven Spielberg’s direction: the camera moves like a predatory animal, gliding eerily across the surface of the vast Atlantic, creating sequences of almost unbearable suspense (never mind that the scariest scene was shot in a swimming pool). It’s no wonder a generation of holidaymakers still thinks twice before stepping into the water.
The Shining
All of Stanley Kubrick’s films – be it ‘The Killing’ or ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ – demand to be seen on a big screen. They’re about people trapped in huge, indifferent machines gone wrong, from a heist plot to a spaceship, and only the huge indifference of the cinema does them justice. In ‘The Shining’, the machine is a haunted house: the Overlook Hotel, created by Stephen King and turned by Kubrick into an awry environment in which mental stability, supernatural malignance and the sense of space and time shimmer and warp to terrible effect. The story sees Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) drag his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and psychic son Danny (Danny Lloyd) up a mountain to be the hotel’s winter caretaker. Things go badly. This is the original 1980 US version, 24 minutes longer than the one familiar to UK audiences. On the upside, it fleshes out the family’s city life and includes an intriguing TV-watching motif; on the downside, there are some daft scare shots and it didn’t ever exactly feel short at two hours. Still, a masterpiece.
Yesterday
There’s a lot that’s mind-bendingly corny about director Danny Boyle and writer Richard Curtis’s Yesterday, a peppy “what-if?” musical comedy that imagines a world in which the Beatles never existed. Your ability to spend time in its big-hearted, dad-joke world might lie with your tolerance for Ed Sheeran making fun of himself: If you can cope with those sort of inventions along with the film’s hit-and-miss gag rate and its happy-clappy view of modern Britain, then its endless sugar rush of Beatles covers and endearing performances from the likes of Lily James and newcomer Himesh Patel make it hard not to like. It also has a strange cameo, bold and not what you expect, and maybe the best screen jokes so far about Google searches. (Type “John Paul George Ringo” in a Beatles-less universe and what do you get? “Pope John Paul II” of course.) It all spins on a goofy high concept that blossoms in an average corner of coastal Suffolk. Jack (Himesh Patel, a real discovery) is a struggling 27-year-old singer-songwriter sick of playing to thin crowds. But his bright-eyed old friend and manager Ellie (James) is supportive—and clearly in love with him. The years of musical irrelevance end when there’s an electricity blackout across the globe, a jolt from the storytelling gods so absurd that you go with it. Jack is knocked off his bicycle and wakes in hospital to the gradual realization that not a single other soul in the world knows who the Beatles are. The most powerful moment in thi
Toy Story 4
Turns out, Pixar’s sentient toys can still make us cry: Nearly 25 years after their cinematic debut, the sweetly selfless plastic pals return in a fourth Toy Story, one charged by the animated series’ thematic essence of finding purpose in being useful to others. It’s a hopeful, immensely human chapter that echoes the franchise’s complex notions of loyalty, displacement and self-worth, doing so with humor and warmth. Working from a script by Andrew Stanton and Stephany Folsom (as well as six other story contributors, including ousted ex-Pixar chief John Lasseter), director Josh Cooley successfully balances all of these elements—a noteworthy achievement considering the large cowboy boots he had to fill after the epic yet nuanced Toy Story 3, one of Pixar’s more perfect achievements. The reliable company of old friends certainly helps: Now happily living with a new kid, Bonnie (voiced by Madeleine McGraw), Tom Hanks’s pull-string pardner Woody, Tim Allen’s devoted Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack’s feisty Jesse and the rest of the gang are back. New to the clan is Forky (Veep’s Tony Hale, adding nervy personality and genuine weirdness), an existentially confused spork with low self-esteem that the ever-imaginative Bonnie creates as a kindergarten craft project. Convinced of his status as trash (an unusually raw class dilemma for a Pixar movie), Forky get a crash course on his toyness from Woody, himself thrown by a life crisis resembling that of a retiree. Bonnie has moved on to o
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