The heat wave is cooling off just in time for the weekend. Take advantage of the long summer days with some of these all-day events, including not one but two music festivals. Let the day partying begin.
CULTURE PICK
Studio Ghibli Pop-Up Opening Party
WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: JapanLA, 7320 Melrose Ave. MAP
COST: Free
The beloved characters of the Japanese animation powerhouse, Studio Ghibli, are coming to L.A. JapanLA is hosting an opening party for the pop-up shop complete with a Totoro photo booth, giveaways of exclusive products and a food truck serving shaved ice and boba drinks. Meet other fans of films like "Totoro," "Spirited Away" and "Howl's Moving Castle."
FAMILY PICK
Rivera Village Summer Festival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsp_zZ8kgEo
WHEN: Saturday, June 24 - Sunday, June 25, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
WHERE: South Redondo Beach MAP
COST: Free
Celebrate summer at this huge festival just one block from the beach. There will be arts and crafts stalls, an international-themed food court, and carnival rides for the kids. The eclectic lineup of live performances at two stages includes hula dancing, Star Wars Stormtroopers and rock bands.
FILM PICK
Sing-a-long Sound of Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcheUs8rGag
WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hollywood Bowl MAP
COST: Tickets starting at $12 Get tickets
This hugely popular event is back. Join thousands of yodelers in singing some favorites from the classic movie musical "The Sound of Music." There's an hour-and-a-half pre-show of trivia and performances before the film begins at 8 p.m. Don't worry if you don't know all the words to the songs; there's subtitles!
21+ PICK
Gold Line Pub Crawl
WHEN: Saturday, June 22, 10:30 AM - 2:00 AM
WHERE: Various locations
COST: Free
In honor of L.A. Beer Week, grab your Metro card for a little day drinking. It's the fourth annual Gold Line Pub Crawl featuring eight local breweries, including the Arts District Brewing Co. and Iron Triangle Brewing Co.
SPLURGE PICK
Arroyo Seco Weekend
WHEN: Saturday, June 24 - Sunday, June 25
WHERE: Rose Bowl Stadium MAP
COST: $125 for one day passes, $225 for the entire weekend Get tickets
From the team that puts on Coachella, a new music festival is coming to Brookside Park outside of the Rose Bowl. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers headline on Saturday and Mumford & Sons finish out the festival on Sunday night. Other artists playing at the three stages include Alabama Shakes, Weezer, and The Shins.
MUSIC PICK
Uptown Jazz Festival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBPNE9Qe_X4
WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Houghton Park, Long Beach MAP
COST: Free
If you're not looking to drop a couple hundred dollars on the Arroyo Seco Music Festival this weekend, check out this free alternative in Long Beach. Six jazz acts are playing at Houghton Park, including Elaine Gibbs, a finalist on Season 1 of the X Factor, and the SoCal-based bands DW3 and Ozomatli. If that's not enough to satisfy your music cravings, hop over to the Long Beach Bayou Festival for jazz and blues music, a crawfish eating contest, and a Mardi Gras parade.
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @inkwaves and @LeoHasACat.
