Friday
Take advantage of the extra day off and relax on the beach, picnic in a park or whip yourself into shape with a hike. It's another nine weeks—not that we're counting or anything—until the next long weekend, so savor every second of it.
We know this weekend is all about America, but if you want to get an early start on a Japanese tradition, head to Hinoki & the Bird's Tanabata Celebration. The Century City restaurant is curating a colorful five-course menu for the Japanese Star Festival, complete with a post-meal wishing ritual. Reservations are tight, so if you can't get in tonight you can still try throughout the rest of the month.
What could be more American than topless car washes, mud wrestling and loads of firearms? At least, that's what Cinefamily thought when they decided to screen Jabberwalk Parts I & II tonight. This shocking '70s double feature is certifiably insane, or in terms more appropriate to this weekend, the cinematic equivalent to that guy who lights fireworks out of his ass.
If you're looking for something a little more traditional, head a few blocks west for a headlining set from Tig Notaro at Largo. A master of dry humor and observational comedy, Notaro is simply a must-see stand-up and storyteller.
Saturday
In case the incessant sound of firecrackers didn't give it away, today's the Fourth of July. You'll find patriot events throughout SoCal during the afternoon followed by some seriously colossal fireworks shows at night.
In Downtown LA, Angel City Brewery is pouring out a patriotic salute with the aptly named 'Merica Fest. Play lawn (read: parking lot) games, drink in a beer garden and stuff your face with BBQ and popsicles. Plus, look to the northwest at 9pm and you might be lucky enough to see the fireworks being shot off of the Music Center roof.
If you'd rather view the fireworks from up close, head into Grand Park for its Fourth of July Block Party. You'll find plenty of food trucks and good tunes, though you won't find any booze (in case that's an essential).
If you have zero interest in fireworks (you know you can see them any night at Disneyland, right?), then consider a movie instead. Both Street Food Cinema and Eat|See|Hear will screen Jaws, a Fourth of July tradition in the same way that Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
Sunday
With the holiday behind us, it's back to business as usual on Sunday. Well, almost usual—it's not everyday that the Dalai Lama is celebrating his 80th birthday. An international ensemble of performers will welcome the spiritual leader to the Honda Center in Anaheim, where he'll deliver a talk on compassion, creativity and art.
Back in LA, make your way to the Convention Center for the final day of Anime Expo. This quirky, cosplay-filled celebration of anime features specialty vendors, panels and signings; you'll find us honing our skills at the cosplay makeup and armor workshops.
Wind down your weekend with all of the Asian street food imaginable at the latest installment of the 626 Night Market. Come hungry to Santa Anita Park, where over 150 vendors will be steaming, frying and roasting up delectable bites alongside tents for merch, crafts, music and games.
Find more things to do this weekend by clicking each day or by heading over to our weekend calendar.