Gillian Glover

We don’t know about you, but our mind is always focused on the weekend. It can never come soon enough—which is why we’re already thinking about what new restaurants we want to try or where we can drive for the day. Whether you’re looking to scope out the latest museum exhibitions or watch a movie outdoors, you’ll find plenty of things to do in L.A. this weekend. We curate an L.A. weekend itinerary of the city’s best concerts, culture and cuisine, every weekend, just for you. It’s Labor Day weekend, and the calendar is fittingly chock-full of things to do as the vibes turn from summer to fall. Some alfresco series are starting to wind down—it’s the last week to check out KCRW Summer Nights, the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival and Pageant of the Masters. It’s also your last chance to see the California Science Center’s “Mummies of the World” exhibition. The Hollywood Bowl’s season is still going strong, though, with the annual Maestro of the Movies tribute to John Williams’s scores. Over at the Grammy Museum, say goodbye to the Sublime exhibition and hello to a new Olivia Rodrigo exhibition. And Halloween events are already rising from the grave: In addition to Oogie Boogie Bash, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood and Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s family-friendly Hallowe’en Spooktacular kick off this week. All that being said, an off-shore hurricane(?!) might result in some rain on Sunday, so make sure to double-check your plans before heading out.

If we could write the rules of living in Los Angeles this would be our No. 1, always at the top of our list: When you live in this city, there’s no excuse for boredom just because it’s a weeknight. There are hundreds of things to do in Los Angeles each week, whether you hit the beach at sunset or go for a morning bike ride, or catch a concert or a comedy show—and that’s really only scratching the surface. Well, we don’t make the rules, but we will provide you with plenty of ideas for your next free weeknight right here. Now go out and tackle these things to do in L.A. this week. We curate an itinerary of the city’s best concerts, culture and cuisine, every week, just for you. We’re almost to Labor Day weekend, and the calendar is fittingly chock-full of things to do as the vibes (but not the weather) turn from summer to fall. Some alfresco series are starting to wind down—it’s the last week to check out the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival and Pageant of the Masters. It’s also your last chance to check out the California Science Center’s “Mummies of the World” exhibition. The Hollywood Bowl’s season is still going strong, though, with Amadeus live in concert and the annual Maestro of the Movies tribute to John Williams’s scores. Over at the Grammy Museum, say goodbye to the Sublime exhibition and hello to a new Olivia Rodrigo exhibition. And Halloween events are already rising from the grave: In addition to Oogie Boogie Bash, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studio

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles? We have you covered with the very best that L.A. has to offer. I’m a Los Angeles native and have lived here all my life, and take it from me: There’s always more to discover and explore. Whether you’re a culture vulture, an outdoorsy type or simply a lover of our fine city, you’ll find more than enough here to keep you busy. Even lifelong Angelenos can find something new to add to their to-do list, between the city’s landmark attractions, an ever-changing inventory of the best restaurants in Los Angeles, essential L.A. museums and even some off-the-beaten-path secrets. How many of the best things to do in Los Angeles will you try? Updated September 2026: Summer is on the way out, but lots of our favorite alfresco movies, concerts and parties are still in session—take advantage of the warm nights before things turn autumnal. But if you can’t wait for the weather to change and spooky season to start, you’re in luck. Several of the city’s haunted Halloween attractions—including Delusion and Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights—are starting up this month, and we’re already in prime apple-picking season. Speaking of Universal, the long-awaited Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster officially opens on September 16. Other huge news for this month: The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art finally opens to the public on September 22; Ocean Way Festival brings live music back to Santa Monica Beach on September 26 and

Not all Halloween events are hell-bent on scaring you straight. Well, all right, a lot of them are, but in addition to haunted houses and spooky screenings, you’ll also find some family-friendly activities and trick-or-treating opportunities in Los Angeles. To make your Halloween planning a little bit easier, we’ve split this feature in two: Scary and adult-focused events are toward the top, and you’ll find a whole section of kid-friendly events about halfway down the page. Outside of these picks, if you’re looking for a real taste of the fall, you’ll find apple picking aplenty and—for the thrill-seekers—some real-life haunted places. But if you simply want something festive, there’s no shortage of worthwhile Halloween events in Los Angeles. RECOMMENDED: See more of Halloween in L.A.

September is an interesting time in L.A.—while the rest of the country is sipping pumpkin spice lattes and welcoming fall, we’re dealing with a heat wave. So you’ll find this month is still filled with summery events—think outdoor movie screenings, as well as alfresco music and theater. And luckily several of the best things to do in September are free, from art walks to Oktoberfests to pop-culture exhibitions. This month also sees the return of two beloved free events that were rescheduled from earlier in the year: Bob Baker Day at L.A. State Historic Park and the Pasadena Chalk Festival. 

August may signal summer’s home stretch, but that doesn’t mean the seasonal vibes need to end. Grab an ice cream cone, splash around in a swimming hole, see a movie outdoors or dine on a rooftop—and make sure to follow our August events calendar for the best activities in L.A. this month. RECOMMENDED: Full events calendar for 2026 and 2027

It’s just about Labor Day weekend, but summer sure doesn’t feel like it’s over yet. That’s kind of the blessing and curse of L.A.’s seasons: If anything, warm days are only heating up this time of year. But on the other hand, it means more weeks of outdoor movie screenings and all sorts of other alfresco affairs. With that bit of weather chat out of the way, here are the events you can look forward to over Labor Day weekend in L.A. RECOMMENDED: Labor Day weekend in Los Angeles

Here at Time Out, we love all hotels equally: the flashy five-stars, the cool boutiques, the well-thought-out budget stays. But some are, undoubtedly, better looking than others. Whether ‘beautiful’ to you is a secluded jungle lodge or an eco-cool city stay, a kitschy motel or a reawakened royal residence, we’ve got them all on this list (and then some).  Now, it goes without saying that any list of the world’s most beautiful hotels is entirely subjective and by no means exhaustive. But what we can offer is real-life experience: every place on this list has been visited by one of Time Out’s editors, writers and hotel experts. From Punjab to Palermo, California to Costa Rica, we can guarantee that each hotel packs serious wow factor, and you’ll have an excellent stay at them all.  The world’s most beautiful hotels at a glance 🏰 Best heritage hotel: Ashford Castle  ⛰️ Best for show-stopping scenery: The Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota 🌺 Most beautiful gardens and grounds: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze 🎨 Best for avant-garde art and design: Jackalope Hotel 👑 Best for all-out maximalism: The Fifth Avenue Hotel 🏊 Most beautiful pool: The Phoenicia Malta 🏙️ Most beautiful city-centre hotel: Le Pavillon de la Reine How did we choose the world’s most beautiful hotels?  Our global team of editors, writers and hotel experts spend a lot of their time reviewing hotels in their corner of the world. Every hotel on this list has been selected for a reason: show-stopping scenery, beautiful i

September may signal the end of summertime, but you’d never know it based on the weather. It’s arguably the optimal time to visit one of L.A.’s best beaches while the water’s still, relatively speaking, warm and not overrun by crowds. On the other hand, if you’re feeling like you already have a foot in the fall, it’s time to start making plans to go apple picking and visit the haunted houses that are already opening this month. If you’d rather skip town, take advantage of the long Labor Day weekend to squeeze in a day trip or road trip with the fam. But don’t worry, there’s no shortage of other local fun in L.A. in our September events calendar. RECOMMENDED: Full events calendar for 2026

When it comes to pampering and relaxation, Los Angeles knows a thing or two about the finer things in life. After all, the city is home to sought-after salons, hotels, restaurants and bars that fit the bill for high-end living. And while the beaches and Hollywood may get all the hype, the best spas in Los Angeles make a strong case as one of the best things to do in L.A. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long work week or release tension after sitting in traffic on the 405 (the culprit of many a stiff neck), whether you’re after relaxation close to home or in search of a day trip, and whether you’re willing to splash out or need budget-friendly options, you can meet all of your decompressing needs at these stunning, top-rated spas. The picks below—from luxury hotels to boutique day spas—impress not only with high-quality, experienced masseuses and treatment offerings, but also with serene interiors that set the scene for some well-deserved “me time.”  Updated August 2026: We’ve given our best spas guide an overhaul since its last update. I visited and revisited several new and tried-and-true spas alike (I know, it’s hard work, but someone’s got to do it) and have added five new entries to our list: Guerlain Wellness Spa, Spencer’s, Calamigos Ranch Spa, Fairmont Breakers Spa and Fairmont Spa Century Plaza. Meanwhile, the recently renovated Spa at Terranea made its way to the top of our rankings, and One Spa and the now-closed Ciel Spa have been removed.

One of the best things about L.A.? Undoubtedly, it’s the county’s expansive sandy shores. Miles of sunny coastline stretch all the way from Malibu down past Manhattan Beach and Palos Verdes toward Long Beach, and no matter what kind of vacation you’re seeking, you simply can’t go wrong with the best hotels on the beach in Los Angeles. So, from secluded spots along L.A.’s best beaches to swanky suites in Santa Monica, these are the best hotels on the beach in the City of Angels, handpicked by us.  L.A.’s best beachfront hotels at a glance: 💎 Best for luxury: Regent Santa Monica Beach 👛 Best value on the sand: Venice on the Beach Hotel 🏊‍♀️ Best swimming pool: Santa Monica Proper Hotel 🌃 Best rooftop: Fairmont Breakers Long Beach 🤩 Most iconic stay: Shutters on the Beach ➡️ Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in L.A. Which area is best to stay in Los Angeles for the beach? Each beach town boasts a different vibe to suit your fancy: the ’Bu for an A-list-style retreat; Venice for an eclectic, no-frills getaway; a trendy, commercial setting in Santa Monica; Rancho Palos Verdes for a luxury resort feel with a golf course to boot; and a laid-back, surf and beach-volleyball vibe in Manhattan Beach. Oh, and have a look at our brilliant neighborhood guide for more insight from local editors.  How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh,

July kicks off the wild, infectious summertime spirit around L.A., and there’s no shortage of things to do. Take advantage of warm summer nights and catch an outdoor movie screening, escape the heat and head for the beach, or take an impromptu weekend getaway. Follow our guide to some of the best events and festivals in L.A. this month—including 4th of July events. And of course, make sure to catch one of L.A.’s excellent fireworks displays. RECOMMENDED: Full events calendar for 2026 and 2027

The Academy Museum is hosting a day of spooky silver-screen experiences, looking at Halloween through a cinematic lens. This year’s event is all about vampires. Expect thrilling tours of the museum’s new “Horror Show” exhibition, appearances by Universal Studios monsters, a fake-blood workshop, special-effects makeup demos and a Killer Fitness performance and dance-along. There’s also a trio of separately ticketed fang-tastic screenings in the Ted Mann Theater: Hotel Transylvania (11am), Blade in 4K (2:30pm) and Horror of Dracula in 4K (7:30pm).

Here’s a wild card for you: The hottest game at the card table this summer isn’t poker or blackjack, but the family-game-night mainstay UNO. The colorful card game is once again hosting a tour of UNO Social Clubs across the country’s coolest cities, wrapping up at No Vacancy in Hollywood before it goes global with stops in Barcelona, Paris, Sydney and more. Entry is free, and once inside you can expect custom cocktails, prizes, branded swag and live DJ sets. Space is limited, so show up early for your best chance at a spot at the game table.

If you go anywhere near the Long Beach coastline, you’re bound to notice Fairmont Breakers. Standing 14 stories high—plus a turret topped with a flag—the hotel is now a Historical Landmark and has towered over Ocean Boulevard for 100 years. The Spanish Renaissance Revival building—with some Art Deco touches inside—was designed by Walker & Eisen, the same architectural firm behind the Beverly Wilshire hotel and United Artists Theatre. Though it first opened as the Breakers Hotel in September 1926, it only reopened in its current state in November 2024, following six years of meticulous restoration. In the decades in between, it took turns as Long Beach’s first luxury hotel, a headquarters for the Red Cross after a 1933 earthquake, an Air Watch headquarters during World War II, a playground for glamorous old Hollywood stars from Clark Gable to Elizabeth Taylor and even, more recently, a swanky retirement home. But now, it’s reclaimed its luxury hotel status as a member of the Fairmont family of properties, complete with five dining concepts and a destination-worthy spa—not to mention tranquil rooms with waterfront views.  What are the rooms like at Fairmont Breakers? Once you walk inside the hotel, you’ll check in at the front desk—which is the original desk from the 1920s, lovingly restored. Also restored is the ornate ceiling, with its original plasterwork and molding. Make sure to look up and see if you can spot Neptune, Poseidon, ships, mermaids and other sea creatures, whi

Across the street from Westfield Century City, you’ll find one of the city’s top destinations for relaxation: a 14,000 square-foot subterranean spa hidden beneath the 60-year-old Fairmont Century Plaza hotel. An elevator from the lobby deposits you at the modern, Zen-inspired sanctuary, which boasts nine private treatment rooms, relaxation lounges and a Christophe Privé salon. But the facilities themselves are the star of the show here. Imagined by renowned design studio Yabu Pushelberg, the communal area feels stark and futuristic but incredibly inviting at the same time. The curvilinear, graphite-tiled lounge leads into a cedarwood sauna, hammam, eucalyptus steam room, experiential rainfall-style shower and—my favorite—the female-only Himalayan salt room, whose detoxifying properties are meant to help with sleep. I stole away as much time as I could to sit in the serene, pink-hued space during my visit.  In addition to a full menu of massages, facials and body treatments—the Matahari journey and Icelandic moonflower body polish and glow are especially appealing options—the spa leans into some high-tech services as well. Pick from biohacking, where you meditate as you lie on an anti-gravity bed and HigherDose Mat while wearing thigh-high lymphatic-drainage boots, or red light therapy—which I tried—where you don goggles and are bathed in the healing and renewing properties of red light for up to 20 minutes. Whichever treatment you choose, you’re sure to leave feeling rejuvena

If the name “Malibu” only conjures a mental picture of sand and surf, you’re sleeping on the lovely, lush serenity of the Santa Monica Mountains, where this hideaway is nestled. You’ve probably driven past Calamigos Ranch Resort & Spa several times on your way to the beach without stopping. This rustic retreat that covers 300 acres is hidden in plain sight—which only adds to the feeling of escapism you get on the property. Established in 1937 and once home to the Biggest Loser Resort, the family-owned property is now a private world of luxury unto itself, with a members club, guest cottages, multiple dining concepts, gorgeous event spaces (it’s a hugely popular wedding location) and, what we’re here to talk about, the spa. Once you arrive, you’ll have to walk a ways along a wooden path, past the tennis courts and one of the pools, to get to the spa (you might want to ask for directions). It’s located inside a welcoming midcentury-style cabin of sorts, with floor-to-ceiling windows. While you wait for your treatment, you can spend time inside the sun-dappled front room, complete with a loose-leaf tea bar and chlorophyll water, or the candle-lit lounge with a Himalayan salt wall and armchairs outfitted with InfraMat Pro mats. The signature massage I receieved was the perfect mix of relaxing and therapeutic. Other offerings include the Malibu Made Scrub, Malibu Glow Facial and Sea of Life Facial. You can buy products from the brands used in the treatments—iS Clinical, as well as

Located on the ground floor of the historic Fairmont Breakers Long Beach is the hotel’s luxurious spa—the only luxury spa in Long Beach, in fact. The calming, ocean-inspired retreat offers just what you would expect from its chic environs, starting with the retail boutique, the high-ceilinged, sandy-toned relaxation lounge and the locker suites, which boast spacious steam rooms. The eight treatment rooms—including one couple’s suite—are located on the second-floor of the two-story sanctuary. I’ve heard wonderful things about Fairmont Breakers’ facials, which employ skincare products from Korean beauty company VENN and Paris-based Biologique Recherche. But during my visit, I enjoyed an early-morning couple’s massage—a two-person version of the spa’s signature Breakers massage—and it was the best one I’ve ever experienced. Between the tranquil environment, my skilled masseuse who employed the perfect amount of pressure and the many steps of pampering, I left in a blissed-out daze, ready to tackle the day. The spa also specializes in signature body treatments—like the Pacific detox algae body wrap, which purifies and hydrates your skin with the help of marine algae—plus a couple of rotating seasonal offerings. After your treatment, head back to the relaxation lounge with a glass of champagne, or make a cup of tea and enjoy the bright, sunny vibes. In all, the spa more than delivers on its promise of “coastal luxury wellness.”

Located inside the Regent Santa Monica Beach—the luxury hotel brand’s only stateside location—the Guerlain Wellness Spa is similarly exclusive: It’s the only one of its kind on the West Coast and one of just three in the U.S. The spa exclusively uses products from the French skincare brand and fragrance house, which has been crafting luxury products in Paris since 1828. The 10,000-square-foot spa consists of 12 treatment rooms, gender-specific lounges with a plunge pool, sauna and steam room, and a pre-treatment relaxation lounge. There’s a full menu of spa treatments on offer here. Some are even exclusive to the Santa Monica location, like Crystal Vibes, where you lie on a gem-filled mattress and enjoy a crystal sound bath (very L.A.). I opted for a tailor-made facial treatment during my visit and—as someone who gets a fair amount of facials—it truly impressed me. For days afterward, I was marveling at how smooth my skin was, to the point where I tracked down the products to use at home. (The facial’s price tag of $240 isn’t exactly cheap, but for the results and relative affordability compared to other spas, I definitely think it’s worth it.) After the treatment, I hung out and enjoyed Champagne, tea and rose macarons in the chic post-treatment relaxation lounge, where you can sample the brand’s skincare and fragrances for yourself. On your way out, there’s a requisite retail boutique, as well as a complimentary makeup refresher station—a thoughtful touch and something I ha

  Ask the coolest person you know from Los Angeles if they’ve ever been to the Magic Castle, and you’ll get one of two responses: a longing “no” or a “yes” followed by them excitedly detailing the most magical night of their lives. Yes, even though L.A. can come off as jaded, there’s one thing we can’t resist—a mysterious Victorian mansion on a hill, with a strict dress code and a highly exclusive door policy. You see, you can’t buy a ticket to the Magic Castle. The club, opened in 1963, is the headquarters of the Academy of Magical Arts, and to get in for a meal and a show, you either need to be a magician, or to know one. (There are a few workarounds, including booking a stay at the adjoining Magic Castle Hotel or even signing up for a competitive blood drive to good-deed your way in.) Once you score a reservation, speak the secret phrase to the owl sculpture in the lobby and step through the bookcase to—well, we don’t want to ruin the surprises in store for visitors at this magical institution. There are multiple performance spaces—in addition to the Palace of Mystery, you can also grab a seat at smaller, more intimate theaters—and at the Hat & Hare Lounge, you can catch close-up magic right at the bar, or grab a seat at a round table that’s the equivalent of an open-mic night for budding magicians. On your way upstairs, don’t miss a ghostly homage to the effect behind the ballroom illusion in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. Upstairs, at the Owl Bar, a taxidermied owl answ

The inimitable artist, musician and activist—and John Lennon’s other half—is the subject of the Broad’s new show, Ono’s first-ever solo museum exhibition in Southern California. Organized in collaboration with the Tate Modern in London, “Music of the Mind” is perhaps the Broad’s most participatory exhibition to date. Many of the works from the artist’s seven-decade long career invite audience engagement, all working toward a common goal of peace and connection. Hammer a nail into the wall (and hold your ears intermittently throughout the rest of your walk-through) in a re-creation of the piece that occasioned Ono and Lennon’s meeting; grab a blue marker and add your mark to a blank room anchored by a wooden boat; and listen to recordings of Ono’s music. You can even crawl into a black bag and strike a pose for Bag Piece (though no one took the plunge during my visit). In conjunction with the show, the museum has transformed the olive trees on the outdoor East West Bank Plaza into Wish Trees for Los Angeles, where visitors can tie their own wishes on the branches. Also on display is Acorn Event (1968) and Bed Peace (1969), anti-war works of activism Ono and Lennon worked on together, as well as additional performance art pieces captured on video. The minimalist exhibition is thought-provoking and mind-expanding—though it probably won’t change whatever opinion of Ono, whether positive or negative, you hold before the show.  Tickets for the special exhibition are $21 and availab

Beyond a proliferation of podcast tapings, this year’s Netflix is a Joke Fest is incorporating a lot more music, which is a welcome addition. Case in point: this unexpected mash-up at the Ford, featuring pianist and singer Ben Folds (whose lyrics often lean toward the comical anyway) and Emmy-winning comedian Alex Edelman, who blends stand-up with compelling storytelling. 

One of our picks for up-and-coming L.A. comedians to watch, this comedy-music trio returns to Netflix is a Joke with a set at the Troubadour, where you can hear tracks from their eponymous debut album and brand-new EP. Guitarist Ethan Edenburg, drummer Eric Jackowitz and keyboardist Tom McGovern have only been performing together for a few years, but the band has been on a steady rise, earning devoted fans and praise from the likes of Jack Black. Calling to mind Flight of the Conchords and “Weird Al” originals, their songs are insanely catchy and expertly produced, and they’re even more fun live. 

It’s time to put a bird on it! It’s been eight years since Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein’s sketch-show send-up of Portland and all its quirks ended—though it lasted a full eight seasons without ever seeming to run out of ideas. The friends and creative partners will reunite at the Ford for a nostalgic evening of “storytelling, jokes, conversation and more.” And given the caliber of guest-stars the IFC show attracted, I wouldn’t be surprised if some stopped by.

Many of us think of Labor Day weekend as the end of summer (though fall doesn’t technically begin until September 22). But in Los Angeles, we know better. Temps are still in the high 80s (though the rain forecast for Sunday is a curveball), and we’re likely still in for weeks of sunny days and balmy, warm nights where we can keep summer alive. In the meantime, if you’re in need of ideas for the best way to spend your long weekend, we’ve got you covered with 18 picks, from alfresco films to free concerts to stadium shows. (You can even catch Elijah Wood behind the DJ stacks.) Here are our top things to do this Labor Day weekend—including some kid-friendly picks. 1. Watch a movie outdoorsFri–Mon Outdoor movie season isn’t slowing down yet—in fact, some series keep the fun going all year long—but this weekend is particularly full of fun films. In DTLA, Rooftop Cinema Club has a reliably great lineup throughout the weekend: Obsession, 500 Days of Summer, 10 Things I Hate About You, The Notebook, School of Rock, Interstellar and La La Land. Meanwhile, Cinespia hosts Josie and the Pussycats on Saturday and The Sandlot on Sunday; the Montalbán is showing Project Hail Mary on Friday; Burton Chace Park screens Scott Pilgrim vs. the World for free on Saturday; and Street Food Cinema hosts a showing of Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman spooky favorite Practical Magic on Saturday at the Autry.  Photograph: Courtesy Smorgasburg 2. Cool off with tasty frozen treatsSun Ice Cream Alley at S

After eight years of hard work, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is finally about to open to the public. And you don’t have to be a Star Wars fan to get excited. The building itself, designed by Ma Yansong, is a marvel, and inside the museum, which feels like it’s hovering over Exposition Park, you’ll find 100,000 square feet of gallery space and more than 1,300 works of art from George Lucas’s own collection of narrative art—which ranges from Winnie the Pooh illustrations to a self-portrait by Frida Kahlo—not to mention two theaters, a library, a café, a restaurant and much more. “A picture is very powerful. And stories are very powerful. And you combine them together, and those two elements create a society,” said Lucas, explaining his passion for narrative art during a surprise appearance at the press preview on Wednesday. Another surprise? The announcement of a gallery of Banksy murals on the top floor. The fifth floor of the museum is home to the Murals gallery, a fitting home for the British street artist’s pieces. After navigating to the top floor from a rather tricky elevator system (you have to go to the fourth-floor galleries, then take the south elevators up one flight from there), you’re let out into a room full of pieces by activist artists including Diego Rivera, Judith Baca and JR. But along the back of the gallery, there are two walls of works by Banksy. Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time OutBanksy at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art You’ll probably rec

UPDATE: An official opening date has finally been announced for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. The ride will be open to theme park guests beginning Wednesday, September 16. Our original story appears below. If you were driving through the Valley this afternoon and thought you heard the sound of screaming, you weren’t mistaken. Universal Studios Hollywood surprised theme park goers today with the chance to be among the first to board Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift—as evidenced by footage of huge crowds mobbing the entrance. The long, long-awaited thrill ride—the park’s first outdoor, high-speed coaster—was officially announced three years ago and was slated to finally open this summer, without any official opening date attached. And while the ride isn’t officially open to the public (and, in fact, there’s still no full-blown opening date yet), it’s in “technical rehearsals” mode, which basically functions like a soft opening. So, should you stop what you’re doing, head to the theme park and shell out the price of admission ASAP? Well, not necessarily. We reached out to Universal about the soft opening and confirmed that the ride is indeed in technical rehearsals as of this afternoon—though if you visit sometime between now and the date of the ride’s still-to-be-announced official opening, there’s no guarantee that it’ll be running all day, every day. If you just can’t wait—or you’re an annual passholder—it might be worth a try, but if you want some assurance before buying a

Happy Valley Day! It’s August 18—a.k.a 8/18, or 818—so what better day to kick off my new series, in which I staunchly defend the San Fernando Valley against its detractors and highlight the ways life is better in the Valley? As I’m now proud to tell people: I’m a Valley girl, born and raised in Burbank. Once I reached college age and ventured out from my little Valley bubble, though, I learned that—gasp—people on the other side of the hill liked to make fun of and openly deride the Valley. I started to feel self-conscious and apologetic about my hometown. I hated listening to my own voice specifically because I would hear my rushed pace, the incessant “likes” and vocal fry at the end of each sentence. “I sound like a Valley girl,” I’d bemoan, the subtext being, “I sound ditzy.” But even though the Valley has been used as a punchline for years, those lucky enough to spend any stretch of time in the 818 have begun to wise up and admit what I’ve known all along. From its movie studios to the community feel to the less-crowded outposts of the city’s best restaurants (hello, Jon & Vinny’s and Petit Trois)—not to mention the sheer amount of space to move around in and the (slightly) lower real estate prices—the Valley is winning over converts on the daily, who, say, move to North Hollywood for the relative affordability and then realize how nice it is living blocks away from a walkable thoroughfare like Magnolia or Ventura Boulevard. Even the Los Angeles Times has noticed. From 19

If there’s one thing shoppers around the globe are always searching for, it’s French-girl style. Who wouldn’t want to channel the effortless je ne sais quoi of Parisiennes? And perhaps no brand better embodies the classic, flattering and romantic aesthetic of Paris than Sézane. (I’m speaking from experience: On my first trip to Paris last year, I hightailed it to the brand’s flagship in Le Marais.) And while L.A. already has a handful of straight-from-Paris boutiques—including It-girl sneaker brand Veja, which opened last year on Abbot Kinney—it’s now scored its very own permanent Sézane boutique. Founded in 2013 by Morgane Sézalory, the brand is beloved for its sweaters—think cardigans buttoned up and worn as blouses—dainty tops, flattering skirts, leather bags and chic totes. Over the past few years, the brand had popped up a handful of times in the upscale yet rustic Brentwood Country Mart, extending its stay each time due to popular demand, but this time it’s here for good. Located at the southern end of the center in a red barn storefront, the shop officially opens today, August 14, and will be hosting an opening celebration all weekend long, with French treats to nibble on and a special gift with purchase. The reimagined petit boutique—whose design was inspired by the idea of a jewelry box—will stock a carefully edited selection of the brand’s top sellers across every category. “This is Sézane as I have always imagined it,” says Sézalory. In addition to the brand’s famo

Inflation got you down? If you’re tired of $20-plus cocktails adding up on your tab, this Valley bar has a solution. Co-owner and barman Mike Capoferri wants Night on Earth to become your neighborhood bar, and to that end, he’s dropped a new menu of next-level cocktails with refreshingly reasonable prices. Starting today, August 13, every single cocktail on the menu will be only $13 going forward. And these aren’t your basic cocktails. No, Night on Earth is the latest bar from the team behind Thunderbolt in Historic Filipinotown, whose obsessively technical approach to deceptively simple cocktails has earned it all the accolades. It’s an approach Capoferri brings to Night on Earth, too. “We never compromise our ingredients, our procurement standards or our technique. These are fundamental to who we are,” says Capoferri. “Instead, we looked at every operational decision, from the spirits we buy and how we prep, to how we batch and serve drinks, and asked how we could create more value for our guests while staying true to our standards. We’d rather welcome more people through the door than chase bigger margins.” Located in an unassuming little strip mall, Night on Earth is located in the Cahuenga Pass, just south of Universal Studios Hollywood. (Parking is free because, Valley.) Soon after it opened at the tail end of 2024, it earned a coveted five-star rating from our food and drink editor. Kids from the ’90s will feel right at home at the futuristic yet retro bar, whose cente

L.A. bibliophiles, listen up. As BookTok and a return to analog hobbies have inspired a recent reading renaissance, Los Angeles’s many excellent independent bookstores have enjoyed renewed popularity. And this weekend, in a departure from a typical boozy “crawl” event, the literary-minded Los Angeles Indie Book Crawl is encouraging shoppers to travel between 13 of the city’s very best options. Running from Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26, the free, all-ages event is modeled after popular book crawls in San Diego and Seattle. And the more you visit, the more merch and prizes you earn. Along the way, authors will be stopping by for book signings. Read on for all you need to know about the inaugural event. The 13 bookstores participating in the crawl are spread out all across the city, from Studio City (Annabelle’s Book Club) to Manhattan Beach (Pages: A Bookstore), and from Santa Monica (Children’s Book World) to Los Feliz (Skylight Books) to Pasadena (Vroman’s). Culver City has three stops on the route: Village Well Books & Coffee, romance bookstore the Ripped Bodice and the Black-owned Malik Books. Notably absent from the itinerary are any Downtown spots (read: the Last Bookstore). Its Valley location and plant-filled Montrose offshoot Lost Books are also not participating, though if you have kids, you should absolutely still visit Montrose to shop at Once Upon a Time, the nation’s oldest dedicated children’s bookstore—and pet the store cat, Pippi Longstocking. Filling ou

One of the (many) nice things about living in L.A. is constantly seeing places you know and love in starring roles on the big and small screen alike (cue the Leonardo DiCaprio pointing meme). And while scores of TV shows have used Los Angeles as its setting, HBO’s Insecure is one of the best to ever do it. It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since the show first premiered—and five since it took its final bow. But now Issa Rae and showrunner Prentice Penny are dialing in to nostalgia and the continued love for their show both with a new rewatch podcast, Blocc Party, and an accompanying 13-city live tour, kicking off in Philadelphia and wrapping up right here in Los Angeles. The Insecure pilot, “Insecure as Fuck,” aired October 9, 2016, and now, almost a decade to the day, Insecure: The 10th Anniversary Tour will arrive at the YouTube Theater on October 8. It’s fitting that the live show will be held in Inglewood. Insecure famously showcased parts of L.A. that are often overlooked—giving Inglewood and South L.A. neighborhoods including Leimert Park and View Park-Windsor Hills as much or more screen time as L.A. hot spots like Gracias Madre, Highland Park Bowl, Damian, Alta Adams and Cinespia. Inglewood is also where Rae’s production studio, Hoorae, is based, and the multihyphenate also has a hand in the local Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen chain and the newer supper club/jazz venue Somerville. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOORAE, An Issa Rae Compa

After breaking ground back in 2018, the long-awaited Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is finally opening in September. It announced its ticketing details just last week: Future visitors to this shrine to storytelling can purchase tickets online beginning Tuesday, July 21, at 10am, and general admission tickets will cost $25—a pretty reasonable price, in line with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and LACMA. But this morning, the museum unveiled a special program for its neighbors: the LM37 pass, which will grant ongoing free access to the museum to all those living in the 90037 zip code. I spoke with Lucas Museum CEO Tracey Bates about the details of the program and more exciting museum news on the horizon. “Our founders [George Lucas and Mellody Hobson] have always wanted to be truly committed to the community that we’ve entered here at Exposition Park and all the surrounding neighborhood,” says Bates. “It’s been an exciting but long eight-year project here, and we wanted to make sure that [the direct neighbors] were gifted something back immediately as a thank you.” Those direct neighbors are the residents of South L.A.—over 65,000 people reside within the 90037 zip code. And all of them can apply for an LM37 pass, which will allow them to reserve free museum tickets for themselves and one guest. The best part? The long-term pass isn’t good for just one visit; it has no expiration date and can be renewed each year with proof of address. All those eligible can sign up at lu

It’s been eight years in the making, but the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is finally almost open to the public. Work on the $1-billion museum first broke ground in 2018 after Los Angeles—specifically, Exposition Park—was chosen as the museum’s home (San Francisco and Chicago were the other contenders). But due to delays including pandemic-related supply-chain issues, the opening date was pushed back from 2021 to 2022 to 2023 to 2025 to, finally, September 2026. Until now, we haven’t known what the ticketing situation would be, though, or what pricing would be like. But those details have finally been announced (and the ticket prices are surprisingly reasonable). Read on for everything you need to know about visiting the Lucas Museum this fall, including how to get tickets. When does the Lucas Museum open? The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will open September 22, 2026. If you just can’t wait that long to check it out, members will be able to visit during a preview period, from September 5 to 11. Not a member yet? You can sign up to become a founding member through July 12—prices start at $140 for the year and score you unlimited museum admission for you and a guest, plus priority access to tickets and previews. When do tickets for the Lucas Museum go on sale? The general public will be able to pre-purchase tickets online beginning Tuesday, July 21, at 10am Pacific time. You’ll need to choose a date between September 22, 2026, and February 28, 2027, for your visit at the time

Looking for the best things to do this Fourth of July weekend? Spend America’s 250th birthday hanging out at one of the best beaches in L.A., eating the city’s best BBQ, cooling down with classic frozen desserts and having fun at these Fourth of July celebrations. The best part about some of our picks? You can end the evening with a patriotic bang of dazzling fireworks in the night sky (or, as is becoming increasingly common, a drone show). From cemetery screenings to food festivals, here’s what the holiday has in store (including a few picks later on in the long weekend). Watch some fireworks… It’s just not the Fourth without fireworks. Luckily, we have details on a dozen different fireworks shows happening across the county—and even one in the O.C. New this year is America’s Block Party Benefiting Giving 4th, a star-studded America 250 concert at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum that boasts sets by the Smashing Pumpkins and Chris Stapleton and will be hosted by Queen Latifah. It will culminate in a spectacular fireworks and drone show. And tickets are super affordable (a symbolic $17.76), with proceeds benefiting Feeding America. Another concert with a fireworks finale? July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl, where headliners the Beach Boys with special guest John Stamos will celebrate the grand ol’ (Surfin’) USA (July 2–4).  Photograph: Courtesy Universal StudiosFireworks at Universal Studios Hollywood Cinespia also shoots off fireworks after its screenings this

After breaking ground on the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center four years ago, the California Science Center has finally announced the opening date for the 200,000-square-foot expansion: November 13, 2026. That means less than two months after the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s long-awaited opening, its Exposition Park neighbor will begin welcoming visitors to the ambitious space filled with aerospace artifacts and hands-on exhibits. The most famous of these artifacts is none other than Space Shuttle Endeavour, which has been installed in launch position—standing 185 feet, or 20 stories, tall—in the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery. The gallery serves as the centerpiece of the expansion, which also includes the Kent Kresa Space Gallery and Korean Air Aviation Gallery, each with their own interactive draws. In case you need a bit of a refresher on Endeavour’s history in L.A., here goes: After completing 25 successful trips to space between 1992 and 2011, the spacecraft was awarded to the California Science Center by NASA. Before it arrived at its temporary home in the museum—where it was displayed horizontally like an airplane—it made its way from LAX through the streets of Los Angeles, with tens of thousands of people turning out to catch a glimpse of the convoy. It was then on display from 2012 until the end of 2023, when it went off-display so it could be placed in its forever home: the soon-to-open Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. In January 2024, it was moved and lifte