Gillian Glover

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. This week is all about music. It’s LA Phil music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel’s last week with the orchestra, and he’ll be joined by a suitably star-studded lineup for his sendoff at the Bowl. It’s also the last installment of Off the 405 for the Getty—for this summer and potentially next, as the Getty Center is closing for renovation next spring. And Just Like Heaven returns to the grounds at the Rose Bowl, with the Strokes headlining on the back of a new album release. Meanwhile, Dine L.A. Restaurant Week, the Nisei Week Japanese L.A. Festival and the HollyShorts Film Festival continue, and the Los Angeles Kids Book Festival returns to West Hollywood over the weekend.

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,

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. This weekend, Last Bookstore hosts its second 12-story artisan market; KCON brings K-beauty and K-pop stars including TOMORROW X TOGETHER to DTLA; and Televerse offers a television lover’s dream lineup of TV show panels. Palisades Village reopens to shoppers a year and a half post–Palisades Fire; KCRW Summer Nights sets up shop at the Wende Museum with after-hours DJ sets and a night market; and 626 Night Market fills Santa Anita Park with hundreds of vendors. This Sunday is your last chance this summer to beat the heat and stroll through the Huntington’s gardens at sunset. It’s also the last weekend of the OC Fair, and all the thrill rides and fried food it has to offer. And if you’re up for a road trip, poolside music fest SPLASH HOUSE is back in action in Palm Springs.

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

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 August 2026: Summer may be winding down, but our favorite alfresco movies, concerts and parties are still going strong—take advantage of the warm nights before things turn autumnal. The popular 626 Night Market pops up in Arcadia this month, with over 250 Asian street food and drink vendors to choose from. And music festivals Head in the Clouds and Just Like Heaven return to the grounds around the Rose Bowl. For a free fest and music from local bands, mark your calendar for Echo Park Rising, which has expanded to two days this year. And if you’re in need of some “me” time and relaxation, check out our updated guide to the best spas in Los Angeles. Note: We’ve temporarily removed Point Dume from the list, as the beach’s access road is currently closed due to erosion from high tides. Quick Pick

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.

The summer fun continues all August long in L.A. Warm nights provide the perfect canvas for alfresco activities of all kinds. And, lucky you, a plethora of the best free things to do this month are free. We’ve rounded up dozens here: You’ll find free outdoor movies, concert series and new takes on Shakespearean classics, as well as dance parties, art nights and a sprawling free music festival, plus exhibitions at the city’s best museums.

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

If you’re looking to explore the many free attractions in L.A.—including museums, iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites—we’ve listed the best places to visit on a budget. Whether you’re looking to get outdoors and hike or explore a new neighborhood, read on for must-see L.A. attractions (including a few of our favorite free museums). You can even get some post-eating and drinking ideas for your next wallet-friendly date night or cheap eats outing. RECOMMENDED: More free things to do in L.A.

There’s this charmingly corny old PBS special, Things That Aren’t Here Anymore, that reminisces about when seemingly everything in L.A. used to cost a nickel. As Los Angeles has gotten frustratingly more expensive in recent years, I’ve found myself slipping into that same nostalgic trap: Remember when dollar tacos actually cost a dollar? Or when Griffith Observatory parking was free? But then I stop and think about this city’s wealth of free museums and its miles of public coastline, and I remember that there are plenty of incredible free things to do in L.A.—perhaps even more so here than in any other nearby city I can think of. Sure, we may live in a celebrity-driven town where indulging at the best restaurants and bars, working out and pampering ourselves are the norm, but we still jump at the chance for free things (or nominally priced items, like L.A.’s best cheap eats). Read on for the best free things to do and places to visit across L.A., for tourists and locals alike. In addition to this all-the-time list, lots of fun, free events are always popping up. Make sure to check out our monthly selection of free things to do. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Los Angeles

Get out your calendars: Your guide to the best summer concerts of 2026 has arrived. Here, our picks for the best warm-weather gigs, including summer concert series, free shows, summer music festivals and more. Make sure to check out our monthly concert calendars, too, for shows in outdoor venues, clubs and theaters. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in Los Angeles

Skim through the must-visit attractions in Los Angeles and you’ll notice a trend: It’s a lot of outdoorsy fun. So committing to a day inside of a museum might be a tall ask. In fact, choosing anything over a 75-and-sunny day at the beach is a hard ask—especially if you’re visiting from somewhere with a climate that’s not as consistently comfortable as SoCal’s.  But here’s the thing: No matter how good the weather, visiting L.A.’s museums is a must. In fact, not only are they among the city’s best things to do, but Los Angeles museums can increasingly stand toe to toe with ones in cultural capitals like New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. And, lucky you, a handful of them have stunning outdoor campuses with hilltop views, sculpture gardens and sunny courtyards. I’ve spent the past decade-plus visiting all of L.A.’s museums (and revisiting them as each riveting new exhibition and expansion opens). There are even more institutions in the L.A. area than just the ones on this list (including plenty of quirky, off-the-beaten-path museums), but I think the 21 below are the very best—and I’d say the top five in particular are borderline essential for any trip to L.A. If you’re on a budget, don’t worry: L.A. is flush with free museums. In fact, of the ones on this list, nearly half of them don’t cost a dime, and most of the rest offer regularly scheduled free days. Sure, you might have to pay for parking or trek across town, but that’s nothing a Metro trip or ridesharing service ca

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. 

I’ll watch anything Demetri Martin does since the days of Important Things on Comedy Central, but I’m particularly intrigued by his latest effort. Known for incorporating both music and drawing into his live shows, this later addition to the Netflix Is a Joke lineup finds the comic staging a comedy show inside a gallery of his paintings—located at 729 N Fairfax Ave—all of which will be for sale to visitors. The gallery space itself will be open all week, and Martin himself will pop in for a few free shows, including Saturday, May 9 at 3pm. Email studio@artjokes.com to RSVP.

Stamptown is something of an enigma to me—but it comes highly recommended via word of mouth, which is why I’m excited to check it out in person. Led by professional clown Zach Zucker, the zany live variety show is taping its first special as part of the festival. Expect a 90-minute raunchy and chaotic production; past comedian guests have included Neil Patrick Harris and Rachel Sennott. A third show was just added by popular demand, so you have three chances to see what the buzz is about. 

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.

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

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 ticket, you’re probably better off waiting until the ride is officially open. Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Universal Studios Hollywood"Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift" First Look At Roller Coaster Th

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

A turtle-y awesome new tenant has arrived at the Third Street Promenade. Anyone who knows anything about turtles (at least the teenage mutant variety) knows that the reptiles have one main food source: pizza. So it’s only fitting that there’s finally going to be an official Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzeria. And this isn’t just a temporary pop-up; it’s a permanent space that hopes to further the revitalization of Santa Monica’s pedestrian shopping stretch. File this under things we can’t believe no one has thought of until now. In fact, Lunchbox Group’s Andy Nguyen has been dreaming of making a TMNT pizzeria for a long time. After the success of the company’s fan-driven dining experiences, including One Piece and Hello Kitty cafes, he got Paramount and Nickelodeon’s attention, and they teamed up to collaborate on the officially licensed restaurant. Photograph: Gillian Glover for Time OutMerch at the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzeria. And while a TMNT pizzeria is a playful concept, the restaurant is serious about its pizza. The menu of New York–style pies was designed by Brooklyn pizzaiolo Angelo Womack, who’s also behind the pizza programs at Roberta’s and Scarr’s. The team is even adjusting the water’s PH levels for the most authentic NYC dough possible. Standouts on the menu of eight pies include the spicy Shredder’s Revenge with jalapeños and Mike’s Hot Honey, and the TCRI, with stracciatella drizzled with basil-oil ooze, but everything I tried was delicious.

It’s official: World Cup fever has taken over L.A. The global soccer tournament takes place only every four years, and this time around, it’s back in the U.S. for the first time in over three decades—and Los Angeles is hosting eight of the matches at SoFi Stadium. (The freeways are already warning of more traffic—advising people to “use transit” on June 12.) To celebrate, seemingly every local business is getting in on the action, hosting special promotions, soccer-themed activations and World Cup viewing parties. You can expect every sports bar and lots of restaurants to be tuned in—Clifton’s Republic is even temporarily reopening just for the occasion—but major museums, shopping centers and local attractions are also hosting their own events. It’s a bit overwhelming, to be honest, but to help you out, we’ve rounded up 20 ways to catch a match surrounded by a community of fellow football fans. In fact, even if you’re not a sports fan, some of these parties should still appeal to you. 1. FIFA World Cup 2026June 11–July 19 The first way to see a match is, well, to brave the traffic (or go Metro) and watch a match in person. L.A. is just one of 11 host cities in the U.S., but all of the local matches will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood (FIFA’s official schedule calls it “Los Angeles Stadium,” but that’s simply the un-branded name for SoFi). Things kick off June 12 with USA vs. Paraguay and lead up to a quarterfinal match on July 10. Photograph: Michael Juliano for Tim

Artificial intelligence continues to be a controversial topic, with some embracing what AI has to offer and others avoiding it at all costs. But the terms “AI” and “art” when used together seem to be met with nearly unanimous resistance. “There are lots of concerns about AI—and rightfully—but what happens here is something else,” Refik Anadol tells me during a preview of Dataland, his soon-to-open museum of AI arts. “This is completely done by artists, for artists. It’s a very different approach to the AI systems, and it is all about reminding us about being human.” Dataland, which officially opens its doors June 20, is the latest museum to land on Grand Avenue, inside the Frank Gehry–designed Grand complex. The media artist, UCLA professor and Angeleno knows all too well that AI is a hot-button topic that causes some to automatically dismiss his work. (And as an AI skeptic myself, I had my own questions about what I was going to think of Dataland.) But Anadol isn’t churning out the automated, dehumanized slop that comes to mind when you think of AI—Dataland is indeed something different, with humans and creativity at the helm. Data points transform into explosions of color and rainforest re-creations; projections cover the walls, floors and ceilings as you move around. And hearing him talk about the project with the zeal of a mad scientist, his enthusiasm was contagious. It’s likely you’ve encountered Anadol’s work before in some capacity. In 2018, he made headlines for tran