Hollywood Bowl
Photo Courtesy of The Los Angeles Philharmonic
With endless sunny skies and mild temperatures, it always feels like summer in Los Angeles, but this year things are really heating up in other ways. From now through the beginning of September, you can count on a full roster of outdoor concerts, movies, foodie fests and more. Here are 10 events that are sure to heat up summertime in L.A.
Consistently rated as one of the top outdoor musical venues in the world, no summer visit to Southern California is complete without seeing this iconic attraction. Pack your own picnic and grab a few bottles of wine to savor alongside a musical lineup that spans from the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s classical programming four nights a week, to top jazz acts Wednesday nights (John Legend, August 20) and cutting-edge bands performing at the SoCal NPR station’s KCRW’s World Festival 1 (Caetano Veloso, September 21).
Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival
The country’s best chefs, wineries, breweries and spirits purveyors take over downtown Los Angeles from August 21 through 24 for this fourth-annual event. Expect a four-day extravaganza of epicurean happenings ranging from Ultimate Bites of L.A. presented by Chase Sapphire Preferred, hosted by Graham Elliot and Fabio Viviani on August 21, to Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s Asian Night Market (August 22), as well as a host of other tastings from kitchen luminaries and a plateful of cooking demonstrations.
Mr. C Bevery Hills’ Yacht Club and Alfresco Movies
The Four-Star hotel’s yacht club sets sail for a poolside nautical-themed brunch on August 24. On the teak deck, soak up the sun while sipping Cipriani bellinis, dining on eggs Benedict and tuna tartare, and listening to tunes by DJ Bobby French. And on every other Tuesday, you can also catch some of your favorite flicks during Mr. C’s poolside screenings of movies such as The Graduate (August 26).
The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ Rooftop Barbecue
The luxurious Five-Star property offers poolside dining five floors up at The Roof Garden. Soak up the sun in a chic outdoor setting while noshing on a special barbecue menu — expect seasonal offerings such as smoked baby-back ribs, whole broiled brook trout and the ever-indulgent 28-day dry-aged Harvey’s Guss tomahawk steak — every Saturday and Sunday night through September 1.
Third Street Promenade’s 25th Anniversary
Santa Monica’s premier shopping and dining destination celebrates its silver anniversary this summer with a variety of events. Be a part of the festive Friday atmosphere in two ways: the lunchtime Picnic on the Promenade through September 26 and Cinema on the Street’s family-friendly screenings of timeless films such as How to Train Your Dragon (August 8) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (August 15). The revelry concludes with a community block party promising so much fun it needs two days (September 20-21) to happen.
Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concerts
You’d be doing yourself a tremendous disservice if you didn’t venture to the end of historic Route 66 and snap at least one selfie at this iconic site before heading home. Photo ops around the pier transcend into music-filled evenings during the 30th annual Twilight Concerts. With the roller coasters and carnival atmosphere of Pacific Park as your backdrop, spread out on your beach blanket and gaze up at the pier to hear from colorful acts such as Jagwar Ma (August 7), Lee Scratch Perry (August 28) and Ok Go (September 4).
Saturdays off the 405 at the Getty Center
Weekends heat up this summer with panoramic views of the city and music from up-and-coming artists and DJs, all set in the middle of the famed Richard Meier-designed museum. Spend your day perusing the Getty’s renowned collection of paintings, photos and antiquities, but when the sun sets and the sky turns pink, head to the central courtyard for live performances from BADBADNOTGOOD (August 23), Kan Wakan (September 13) and other bands.
How does eating your way through an event where chefs and mixologists from L.A.’s culinary scene offer you the ultimate spread of Asian-inspired dishes and drinks — all in the heart of Hollywood’s Create nightclub — sound? Hosted by chef Sang Yoon (Top Chef Masters) and presented by Bombay Sapphire East, this August 7 gastro get-together allows you a chance to sample offerings influenced by Thailand, Vietnam, Korea and beyond.
