The Best Things to Do in LA This Weekend

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.

Since 1934, Nisei Week has celebrated Japanese and Japanese American culture and history, connecting friends, families and communities for generations. Nisei Week spans two weekends and nine days of family-friendly events and cultural exhibits in Little Tokyo, including the Grand Parade, Plaza Festival, Anime Marketplace & DEKO Car Show, and traditional performances of Taiko and Ondo.

When Puerto Ricans and Cubans arrived in New York City in the mid-20th century, they ushered in a cultural renaissance in the neighborhood that became popularly known as “Spanish Harlem,” but is also known to many simply as “El Barrio” - the Neighborhood. Presented by MUSE/IQUE in partnership with Center Theatre Group, Like It Like Harlem celebrates the power of community to inspire bold, authentic expression, and pays tribute to legendary artists like Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, Pete Rodriguez and more.

The Dodgers host the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game home stand that starts on Friday, August 8, which is also Kobe Bryant Bobblehead Night with a giveaway for the first 40,000 ticketed fans. The series continues with games on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

K-pop stars Ateez bring the [In Your Fantasy] world tour to Los Angeles on August 8 when the boy band plays the first of two nights at BMO Stadium. Tickets are going fast for both shows, so don’t snooze if you’re planning to see Ateez live this year!

Afrobeat star Femi Kuti & the Positive Force heads to The Fonda on Friday, August 8 for a headlining show with support from artist and activist Madame Gandhi. Tickets at AXS.

"Once upon a time, in a far away swamp…" On Friday, August 8, Intuit Dome presents Movie Night in the Plaza, featuring an outdoor screening of Shrek! The Oscar-winning animated film stars Mike Myers in the title role, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona and John Lithgow as Lord Farquaad. Admission is $5 for ages 13 and up, and FREE for ages 12 and under. Parking is available in the West Garage for just $5 per vehicle.

On Saturday, August 9, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood presents a 40th anniversary screening of Pee-wee's Big Adventure! The evening begins with a special themed Studio Tour - go on an adventure with an expert Tour Guide to find Pee-wee’s missing bike and join in the quirky fun as you go behind-the-scenes from the actual filming locations on the iconic WB backlot. There will be plenty of photo-ops along the way. Dress up in your best Pee-wee Herman outfit and enter the Look-Alike Meet-Up. The screening will be introduced by Mark Holton, who played Francis Buxton. Tickets are on sale at the WB website: "Be sure and tell 'em Large Marge sent ya!"

The NFL preseason kicks off with the Rams and Chargers at SoFi Stadium this weekend!

• LA Rams vs Dallas Cowboys (Aug. 9)
• LA Chargers vs New Orleans Saints (Aug. 10)

You’ve watched Danny Go! with the kids on YouTube, now take them to see the educational children’s show live. Danny Go! and friends bring their touring show to the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE on Saturday, August 9.

To celebrate the full moon, Cinespia invites horror film fanatics out to Hollywood Forever for a creature-packed night with a double feature of The Lost Boys and An American Werewolf in London, plus a dance party, giveaways and more. Gates open at 6:45pm, movies start at 8:30pm.

Kevin Kaarl has been on the road since spring in support of his latest album, Ultra Sodade. The Mexican indie folk singer’s tour finally reaches Los Angeles on Saturday, August 9, when he plays The Shrine Expo Hall.

When King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard stopped by the Hollywood Bowl in 2023, they played a marathon three-hour set that still only scraped the surface of what the super-versatile Australian band can do.

Two years later, they’ve shape-shifted yet again, this time joining forces with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and conductor Sarah Hicks, performing music from their new album Phantom Island. Plus, they’ll take an orchestral stroll through their remarkably diverse discography, which currently spans 26 albums in under 15 years. As any member of their fervent fanbase will tell you, a trip into the Gizzverse is never to be missed - especially when the orchestra is involved!

For the best guide to what's happening in Los Angeles, visit the Discover LA Events Calendar and book your stay today!