K-Pop fans will surely have a packed weekend in store when this year’s KCON takes over Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center from July 26 through July 28. Those who arrive in the city prior to the start of the convention can check out related events like The Boyz at Peacock Theater and KPop Night at Teragram Ballroom.
Meanwhile, X’s Smoke & Fiction Tour hits Downtown LA’s Regent Theater. If you’re visiting to catch the seminal LA punk band play their farewell shows on their home turf, consider staying an extra day or two for more live music, like Stephin Merritt of Magnetic Fields at The Ford or Beachwood Sparks at the Lodge Room.
This week’s lineup also includes must-see events at the city’s historic amphitheaters, British hyperpop star Shygirl’s collaboration with A Club Called Rhonda at Catch One, day parties and more. Keep reading to find out what’s happening in LA between July 22 and July 28.
Jeff Parker: ETA IVtet - Zebulon (July 22)
Throughout his career, guitarist Jeff Parker has worked at the intersection of rock, jazz and experimental music. He’s best known for his contributions to bands like Tortoise and Isotope 217. On Monday night, he's bringing his ETA IVtet project to the stage at Zebulon. Tickets at Dice.
Valgur - Zebulon (July 23)
Valgur’s captivating brand of synthpop recalls everything from J-pop to Italo disco in a way that’s unique to the Mexican duo. Get ready to dance your way through their performance at Zebulon on Tuesday night. Tickets at Dice.
Song Exploder: 69 Love Songs - The Ford (July 24)
If you didn’t catch The Magnetic Fields’ sold out April concerts celebrating the 25th anniversary of the landmark album 69 Love Songs, make sure to be at The Ford on Wednesday, July 24, when the podcast Song Exploder explores the album with Stephin Merritt in this live outdoor setting. Following host Hrishikesh Hirway’s interview with Merritt, the Magnetic Field’s founder will perform solo. Note that this program will not be recorded, you must be there for the experience!
House Heads: Catz ’n Dogz - Sound (July 25)
With more than 20 years of electrifying DJ sets under their belt and a slew of dance floor heaters to their credit, Catz ’n Dogz hits House Heads at Sound on Thursday night. With discount tickets available for entry prior to 10:30pm, this is also a very budget-friendly opportunity to catch these international DJs in LA. Don’t snooze on getting tickets!
KPop Night - Teragram Ballroom (July 25)
Those in town for KCON, which starts on Friday, can get the party started early at Thursday night’s celebration of KPop at Teragram Ballroom with guest DJs playing all your favorite bops at this 18+ dance party. The venue is conveniently located near L.A. LIVE and Downtown LA hotels, making it a convenient option for those visiting LA for the convention. VIP tickets are also available.
The Boyz - Peacock Theater (July 25)
The Boyz are back in the U.S. The prolific KPop group, who recently released the bilingual hip-shop single, “Gibberish,” brings their Zeneration II world tour to L.A. LIVE’s Peacock Theater on Thursday, July 25. The location is extremely convenient for those who are in town to attend KCON at neighboring Crypto.com Arena over the weekend. Tickets to the all-ages show at AXS.
X: Smoke & Fiction - The Regent Theater (July 25)
Seminal LA punk band X says goodbye to the city that launched them when the tour for their final album, Smoke & Fiction, hits Downtown LA’s Regent Theater for two nights. While Friday’s show is already sold out, tickets are still available at Ticketmaster for Thursday night’s engagement as this post goes live.
Doris Anahí - Bob Baker Marionette Theater (July 26)
Doris Anahí was an artist manager and founder of the Solidarity for Sanctuary concerts before releasing her critically lauded debut, Aprendiendo Por Las Malas in 2022. Most recently, the singer-songwriter dropped the single “Mi Niña.” On Friday, she’ll be performing at Bob Baker Marionette Theater as part of the School House Rocks series. Recommended for ages 13+, the concert will raise funds to provide free puppet shows for schools.
Chaka Khan - Hollywood Bowl (July 26)
With 10 GRAMMY Awards and a string of hits to her credit, Chaka Khan has captivated generations with her powerful voice. On Saturday night, she’ll be performing jams like “I Feel For You” and “Ain’t Nobody” alongside covers from her album ClassiKhan, which is now 20 years old, with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Singer, musician and producer Masego opens the show.
Spiritual Cramp - Lodge Room (July 26)
With songs filled with social commentary and musical nods to late 1970s / early 1980s post-punk, Spiritual Cramp’s self-titled 2023 debut full-length was a revelation. Catch the Bay Area band live on Friday night at the Lodge Room in Highland Park with Ultra Q and Cold Gawd opening.
Club Shy - Catch One (July 26)
LA nightlife titans, A Club Called Rhonda team up with influential British DJ/singer/rapper Shygirl for Club Shy on July 26! They’ll be taking over the legendary Catch One for the party with special guests TBA. With five rooms and 17 DJs, there will certainly be something for everyone on Friday night. Tickets at Resident Advisor.
KCON LA - Crypto.com Arena (July 26-28)
For the weekend of July 26-28, KCON takes over Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center for a three-day celebration of K-Pop and Korean culture. The event, which was founded in Los Angeles over a decade ago and has since spread to locations across the globe, features the hottest K-Pop artists, including Boynextdoor, Enhypen, NMIXX and more. Various ticket packages are available at AXS, including weekend passes and premium tickets.
Barbie: The Movie In Concert - Hollywood Bowl (July 27)
Last year’s blockbuster Barbie will screen on Saturday, July 27 at the Hollywood Bowl with accompaniment from the Barbie Land Sinfonietta. Conducted by Tony Award winner Macy Schmidt, this orchestra is comprised solely of women and primarily women of color. The Hollywood Bowl will open two hours prior to showtime, giving you a chance to enjoy a picnic dinner before this special screening of Barbie.
Day Trip in the Park x Repopulate Mars - LA State Historic Park (July 28)
Insomniac’s Day Trip in the Park series of intimate, afternoon parties at LA State Historic Park continues on Sunday, July 28 with a collaboration with Lee Foss’ house-centric label Repopulate Mars. Foss himself will hit the decks along with fellow DJs Tobehonest, Kaysin and RaeCola.