This week’s events include tastings, author talks, music series, film screenings, flea markets, and festivals galore. Whether you’re sticking to the Westside or looking to explore a smidge farther afield, there’s something for everyone on this week’s list. 

• Taste America Culinary Series

Date: August 6

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Where: The LINE Hotel – 3515 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90010

Cost: $150

Treat yourself to a tasting tour from L.A.’s most respected chefs hailing from some of the city’s most influential restaurants as part of the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America tour at the LINE Hotel. Chefs featured include Josiah Citrin (Citrin, Melisse), Gilbert Cetina (Holbox), and Sarintip “Jazz” Sinsanong (Jitlada) among others. All are meant to display the diversity of L.A.’s food scene. 

• Meteora x Maito: Ut Unum Series

Date: August 7

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Meteora – 6703 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles CA 90038

Cost: $195

Chef Jordan Khan (Destroyer, Vespertine) welcomes guests into a space that is as much a restaurant as it is an immersive experience. This Wednesday, he hosts Chef Mario Castrellón of Panama City’s Maito for a one-night-only culinary collaboration as part of Meteora’s Ut Unum series. 

• Inventing the Page: Michael Connelly, Laurie R. King, and Walter Mosley

Date: August 7

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Where: The Skirball – 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90049

Cost: $39.19

Readers of suspense will be on the edge of their seats for this author chat with mystery connoisseurs Michael Connelly (Bosch, Lincoln Lawyer series), Laurie R. King (Mary Russell series), and Walter Mosley (Easy Rawlins series). The event will be moderated by director and author Nicholas Meyer (Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan), as the writers discuss their craft and let guests in on their approach to grisly subjects commonly featured in hardboiled crime fiction. 

• Sunset Concerts at the Skirball

Date: August 8

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Where: The Skirball – 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90049

Cost: Free (on a first-come, first-served basis), but Parking is $20

The Skirball hosts Cameroonian-American singer, songwriter, and indie-rock artist Vagabon this Thursday for their Sunset Concert series. Vagabon is the stage name of Laetitia Tamko, who will bring elements of indie rock, folk, electronic, and house music to the floor. Guests can arrive early and take in the museum’s galleries for free. 

• Summer Music at the Original Farmers Market

Date: August 8 (Thursday nights through August 29)

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: The Original Farmers Market – 6333 W. 3rd St. Los Angeles CA 90036

Cost: Free 

The Original Farmers Market will continue to host its free Thursday night music series through the end of August. This Thursday, Paul Val and his Texas Blues Rock Trio will provide a rocking night filled with bluesy tunes and electrifying performances. Start your weekend early and stop by the West Patio to listen in on them as you peruse the iconic marketplace. 

• Night Market at the Bungalow

Date: August 8 (Thursday nights through August 29)

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Where: The Bungalow – 101 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica CA 90401

Cost: Free

With beverage activations as well as family-friendly activities, Night Market at the Bungalow continues its music series with live music, DJ performances, and celebrity guest appearances. Open to the public for all ages and species (pet-friendly), expect food favorites from restaurants like Tacos 1986, The Boiling Crab, Steamin’ Burger, House of Empanadas, URBN Pizza, Bootsy BBQ, and Hustle N Dough, among others.  

• Jazz at LACMA

Date: August 9 (Friday nights through Aug. 30)

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Where: LACMA – 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90036

Cost: Free

Jazz at LACMA, one of L.A.’s premier music series, has showcased locals and legends alike over its three-decade run. Seating for the program is available on the Smidt Welcome Plaza on a first-come first-served basis, although guests are welcome to picnic on the grass. Those on the grass may not see the concert but they will still hear and experience all the action. The Smidt Welcome Plaza is just behind the Urban Light exhibit. This week’s show features the Clayton Cameron Sextet.

• Cinespia Presents: True Romance

Date: August 10

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery – 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90038

Cost: $26.66

Cinespia, the ongoing outdoor summer movie series, will show True Romance this Saturday. In celebration of their 62 Emmy nominations, Amazon MGM Studios will provide free meals, sweets and beverages. Grab your ride or die for a candy-colored Bonnie and Clyde caper. Written by Quentin Tarantino, directed by Tony Scott, and starring Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette this early ‘90s classic is sure to please. DJ Prince Paul will get the party started and keep it going before and after the film. 

• Wild Things Are Happening: Maurice Sendak – til Sept. 1 

Date: Exhibit ends September 1

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Where: The Skirball – 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90049

Cost: $18

Let the wild rumpus start at the exclusive West Coast display of the largest and most complete exhibition of Jewish artist Maurice Sendak’s sixty-year career. The presentation includes over 150 artifacts, including original paintings, sketches, videos, and objects, showcasing the depth and breadth of Sendak’s creative endeavors. Additionally, it’s free to visit on Thursdays!

•   Estevan Oriol & Teen Angel: Dedicated to You

Date: Available through September 15

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Where: Beyond the Streets Gallery – 434 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles CA 90036

Cost: Free

An exploration of Chicano culture through iconic black and white photographer Estevan Oriol and the former Teen Angels magazine, the Beyond the Streets gallery puts the spotlight on L.A.’s art, lowrider, and tattoo culture at their flagship location. The show is a testament to the rich, vibrant history of this historically overlooked community.  

•    Honorable Mention: Rose Bowl Flea Market

Date: August 11

Time: 5:00 a.m. for VIP ticketholders, 9:00 a.m. for General Admission

Where: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena CA 91103

Cost: $20 for VIPs, $12 for general admission

One of L.A.’s most iconic flea markets, this hyperbolic swap meet exists around the exterior of the Rose Bowl and is monstrous in that it encapsulates a 90,000-seat stadium. On the second Sunday of every month, an eclectic mix of vendors populate the loop with almost anything available, new and old, hand-crafted or gently used, and ranging in price from reasonable to outrageous. This destination flea market attracts bargain hunters, collectors, and antique enthusiasts alike, and with tiered admission, it really is the real deal. 

•   Honorable Mention: L.A. River Fest

Date: August 11

Time: 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Where: L.A. State Historic Park – 1245 N. Spring St. Los Angeles CA 90012 – Chinatown

Cost: Free, but RSVP is required. 

Despite its fluctuating size, the L.A. River can be inspirational and supports artistic endeavors of mediums. Now is the time to check them all out during this annual event hosted by the Friends of the L.A. River. Head to L.A. State Historic Park for music, dance, a visual art gallery, and eco-minded festivities, as well as food trucks and a 50-booth pop-up marketplace. This year’s iteration features a poetry showcase dubbed the Lewis Lounge, a tribute to FoLAR founder and poet Lewis MacAdams.

Photo by Vera_Petrunina on iStockphoto.com