The Best Things to Do in LA This Weekend

Anime Expo 2025 at the LA Convention Center
Anime Expo 2025 | Photo: LA Convention Center

Summer is here! From cultural events to superstar concerts and world-class sports, Discover LA is your go-to source for what's happening in Los Angeles. Be sure to follow @discoverla on Instagram to find out even more about what to do in LA.

Read on for the best things to do in LA this weekend.

Anime Expo 2025 at the LA Convention Center
Anime Expo 2025 | Photo: LA Convention Center

Anime Expo - LACC (July 3-6)

The largest anime convention in North America, the Anime Expo (AX) is held annually over July 4th Weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Downtown LA. Each year, the four-day AX welcomes more than 100,000 fans to celebrate Japanese pop culture and experience the Masquerade, Anime Music Video Contest, concerts, and the epic Fashion Show. There's also late-night programming such as dance, video screenings, tabletop and electronic gaming, and open-mic karaoke.

Fourth at the Fig Pool Party at Hotel Figueroa
Fourth at the Fig Pool Party at Hotel Figueroa

Fourth at the Fig Pool Party - Hotel Figueroa

The disco vibes will be strong at the Hotel Figueroa La Casita Pool on the Fourth of July! Head to the historic Downtown LA hotel for an afternoon pool party and barbecue with live DJs, veggie menu options and VIP bottle service. Tickets at Eventbrite.

Fireworks at Dodger Stadium
Fireworks at Dodger Stadium | Photo: Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers vs Astros (July 4-6)

The World Champion Dodgers are hosting the Houston Astros for a three-game home stand. This rematch of the 2017 World Series will feature an Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 4; Hololive Night on Saturday and the ever-popular Kids Run the Bases on Sunday.

Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum in "Independence Day"
"Independence Day" | Photo: 20th Century Fox

"Independence Day" - Rooftop Cinema Club (July 4)

Rooftop Cinema Club offers a premier outdoor movie experience at LEVEL in Downtown LA. On July 4th, RCC presents a screening of Independence Day (1996) starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. Ticket options include Adirondack Chair, Adirondack + Popcorn and Adirondack Love Seat + Popcorn.

Earth, Wind & Fire at the Hollywood Bowl
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular | Photo: Hollywood Bowl

Earth, Wind & Fire - Hollywood Bowl (July 2-4)

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Earth, Wind & Fire headline one of LA's greatest summer traditions, the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl. The GRAMMY Award winning music icons will perform at the Bowl over three nights, accompanied by Thomas Wilkins and the LA Phil. Tickets are now on sale - kids 12 and under are half-price!

Tom Cruise in "Top Gun" (1986)
Tom Cruise in "Top Gun" (1986) | Photo: Cinespia
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling dancing in Griffith Park in "La La Land"
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling dancing in Griffith Park in "La La Land" | Photo: Lionsgate

"Top Gun" & "La La Land" - Hollywood Forever (July 4-5)

One of LA's most popular outdoor movie series, Cinespia presents two blockbusters at the landmark Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Top Gun on Friday, July 4th; and La La Land on Saturday. Doors at 7:15pm, movie at 9pm and fireworks post-screening. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic, including beer and wine.

"Pee-Wee's Big Adventure"
"Pee-Wee's Big Adventure"

"Pee-wee's Big Adventure" - Vidiots (July 4)

The first feature film directed by Tim Burton and scored by Danny Elfman, Pee-wee's Big Adventure continues to delight new generations of fans. From his iconic "Tequila" dance to rescuing animals from a burning pet shop, Pee-wee is the hero we need. Beloved Eagle Rock theatre Vidiots will screen the cult favorite on July 4th: "Be sure and tell 'em Large Marge sent ya!"

Star-Spangled Nights at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Star-Spangled Nights at Six Flags Magic Mountain

Star-Spangled Nights - Six Flags Magic Mountain (July 4-5)

The "Thrill Capital of the World," Six Flags Magic Mountain presents Star-Spangled Nights on Friday and Saturday, July 4-5! Starting at 9:15pm, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display synced to patriotic music that the whole family will enjoy. The park recommends Full Throttle Plaza, Vault Plaza and DC Universe as the best viewing areas.

Brunch at City Cruises in Marina del Rey
Photo: City Cruises

City Cruises: Premier Brunch Cruise (July 4)

Taking place in Marina del Rey from 11am to 1pm, the 4th of July Premier Brunch Cruise offers views of LA's spectacular beaches, Burton W. Chace Park and delightful sea life.

The brunch buffet features a selection of "Early Risers" (breakfast pastries, breakfast meats and potatoes, French Toast Bake, scrambled eggs) and "Late Risers" with hand-carved tri-tip, birria-style chicken, citrus herb-roasted salmon, salads (Greek, summer berry & farro, sun-dried tomato pasta), roasted summer vegetables and the Signature Dessert Station. The buffet includes free-flowing champagne, mimosas and sparkling cider; and unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water.

Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach 2025
Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach 2025

Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach (July 4)

World-famous Muscle Beach in Venice hosts its annual bodybuilding and figure competition every July 4th. Pre-judging begins at 10am and the finals take place at 1pm. Taking place at the Venice Beach Recreation Center, the competition is open to all amateur athletes with a $150 entry fee. Admission is free to the public.

Fourth of July at the Queen Mary
Fourth of July at the Queen Mary

Queen Mary (July 4)

Celebrate the Fourth of July aboard the legendary Queen Mary with a unique, family-friendly experience that spans the entire ship! Taking place on every deck from 3pm to 10pm, the festivities include themed parties through the decades, from an Old Time Fair to a Roaring 20s Gatsby Garden Party, 1950s Sock Hop, '60s Beach Bash, groovy '70s Disco and a 2000s Hip-Hop Party with Graffiti Station. Enjoy a Country Tailgate & BBQ Buffet before the grand finale - a dazzling 15-minute fireworks display that will light up the Long Beach skyline.

"Jaws" in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl
"Jaws" in Concert | Photo: Hollywood Bowl

"Jaws" in Concert - Hollywood Bowl (July 5)

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” On Saturday, July 5, the Hollywood Bowl presents an unforgettable film-with-live-orchestra experience featuring the original summer movie blockbuster, Jaws! Conducted by David Newman, the LA Phil will perform John Williams' Oscar-winning score in sync with one of the greatest motion pictures of all time.

When the seaside community of Amity comes under attack by a man-eating great white shark, the town’s chief of police (Roy Scheider), a marine biologist (Richard Dreyfuss) and a grizzled shark hunter (Robert Shaw) embark on a desperate quest to destroy the beast before it kills again.

Directed by Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg, Jaws was released in the summer of 1975, became a cultural phenomenon and forever changed the movie industry.

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Fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl
Fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl | Photo: LA Phil

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