The 59 best things to do in L.A. this week (2024)

Partake in pup-friendly races, a nosework maze, a snooze fest and barkdancing during this dog-friendly take on the Olympics. The L.A. Coliseum event includes photography and caricature sessions and about 20 pet health and food vendors.

As sunset creeps later and later into the evening, the Huntington is taking advantage ofthe extra daylight with this coveted after-hours series.Formerly openjust for members,Twilight Garden Strollsis now open to the public, too, and will extend the San Marino garden’s hours until 8pmonselect evenings in the summer. Just a heads up that you’ll need a timed ticket that’s separate from regular morning or afternoon admission.

Two documentarians of Chicano culture—iconic black-and-white photographer Estevan Oriol and the formerTeen Angels magazine—put the spotlight on L.A.’s art, lowrider and tattoo culturein this Beyond the Streetsexhibition.

The worlds of surfing, music, dance, food and skating will come together atthis two-day fest full of ocean sports and beach vibes. At the Santa Monica Pier deck, live Polynesian bands and hula dancers will take over the stage, whilean all-day lineup of music will soundtrack an obstacle course, roller rink and beer garden.

The wheel-basedsportsof the X Games feel intrinsically linked with Southern California, and the famous skateboarding and BMX competition even calledL.A. its home for much of the aughts. In 2023, it returned to the area after a decade away (ignoring an audience-free edition during the pandemic), and in 2024 the X Games will once again come to Ventura—with even more sports and music this time around.

He cocreated Captain America, Black Panther, the Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men and some of the Marvel universe’s most cosmic characters.Corey Helford Gallery and the Jack Kirby Museum & Research Center pay homage to the legendary comic book artist with this tribute show near Boyle Heights, which features comic-inspired pieces from over 70 artists, as well as original Kirby artworks.

Move through a suite of sci-fi installations that depict a world overcome by rising seas and unchecked capitalism in this exhibition from Josh Kline. The MOCA Grand Avenue show includes a mix of sculpture, photography, moving images and ephemeral materials.

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 music, movies and more. All under the umbrella of the “TreePeople Presents” series, the events all support TreePeople’s Coldwater Park. This summer’s slate includes alto saxophonist Nicole McCabe, singer-songwriterPearl Charles and jazz vocalistNiia, as well as a moonlight hike and a screening series.Bonus? Packed picnics are not only welcomed, but also encouraged.

This winning new musical is a surprisingly clever stage update of the ’90s Robin Williams hit. Read our four-star review of its London run.

Melrose Rooftop Theatre is taking off until the fall, but in the meantime the event deck on theE.P. & L.P. rooftop is hosting this open-air roller rink. The rooftop rink is all-ages through 2pm, after that it switches to a 21+ affair. Tickets are available in one-hour time slots and include skate rentals and a churro—though that’ll all cost you a relatively steep $30 to $35.

Musical-theater auteur Michael R. Jackson turns himself inside out in this thrilling show. Check out our five-star review from its New York run.

Now one of L.A.’s most treasured summer traditions, Barnsdall Park’s wine tastings are back after a five-year hiatus. Perched atop Olive Hill on the west lawn of the historic Hollyhock House (which you can tour during the evening for an additional $25), the Barnsdall Friday fund raisers include fine selections of boutique wines provided by Silverlake Wine with a spectacular sunset and 360-degree views of the city. Bring along a blanket and a picnic basket, or just nosh on the variety of food trucks parked up there.

The Original Farmers Market is host to a plethora of fun, family-friendly outdoor events, and its summer music series are some of its best. Take a load offnear the end of the work week and stop by the West Patioon Thursday nights from6:30 to 8:30pm to heara genre-spanning mix of live music.

If you really want to immerse yourself in local and international theater, you can’t miss the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June.Since 2010, this series has specialized in shows from emerging writers and performers, and it now boasts hundreds of shows—most around $15 a ticket or less, and some for absolutely nothing. Expect one-person shows, new musicals, comedies and edgy dramas to descend on Hollywood once again from June 13 through 30.

Summer’s just heating up, but thanks to areturning summer event series it’s set to be scorching: Santa Monica mainstay the Bungalow will host itsnight market every Thursdayjust a block from the beach. Over the summer, expect food from the likes of Tacos 1986, the Boiling Crab and the Lonely Oyster, plus celebrity guests.