BOOKS
FalconINK Presents: Hard Ball and Wild Game: Open Season – 5 PM, August 29, 2026: Join Booksoup for a special evening in celebration of FalconINK’s first two novellas! Featuring appearances by Derek Kage, Eddie Burke, co-author Ben Rush, and some of your favorite Falcon men! C’mon gay adult entertainment! Book Soup, 8818 W Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood.
What We Left Unsaid: Winnie M. Li, in conversation with Jeff Yang – 7 PM, August 25: Author Winnie M. Li discusses her book What We Left Unsaid with journalist Jeff Yang. The novel follows three estranged siblings who uncover a startling family secret as they go on an unexpected road trip. Book Soup, 8818 W Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood.
Coyotes Fiction Book Club – 7:30 PM, fourth Tuesday of the month: Join us every fourth Tuesday of the month for our fiction book club! Skylight Books, 1818 N Vermont Ave., Los Angeles.
Unsoupervised Readers Club – 7 PM, August 26: The monthly edition of the book club discusses LOVERS XXX by Allie Rowbottom! Set against the neon-lit porn world of 1980s Los Angeles, a raw and evocative portrait of sex, friendship, and the perilous edge of liberation for two young women. Book Soup, 8818 W Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood.
FILM
Back to the Future, August 27-29: Great scott! Marty and Doc are going back! BACK TO THE FUTURE! Join Gardena Cinema for 3 days of the time-traveling ’80s classic! Gardena Cinema, 14948 Crenshaw Blvd., Gardena.
Donnie Darko – The Director’s Cut – 7:30 PM, August 24: A troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes, after he narrowly escapes a bizarre accident. Gardena Cinema, 14948 Crenshaw Blvd., Gardena.
The Grandmaster on 35mm – 7:30 PM, August 27: Join us for Wong Kar-wai’s breathtaking martial arts spectacle in glorious celluloid! Vidiots, 4884 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles.
Twilight – 4 PM, August 28: Are you ready to live your Y2K gothic teen fantasy to the max with this teen goth essential as it sparkles on our big screen!?! Encore screening added August 28th – no special guests, screening only. Vidiots, 4884 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles.
Dirty Dancing – 7 PM, August 28: Carry your watermelon and don your dancing shoes and come prepared for a movie-going experience you’ll only find at Vidiots, you know you can’t resist these hungry eyes! Vidiots, 4884 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles.
North by Northwest in 70mm 7:30 PM, August 28: Hitchcock plays with the concept of the wrong man, a frequent theme in his narratives, in one of the most admired and entertaining of his mid-career films. North by Northwest stars four-time collaborator Grant as Roger O. Thornhill, a suave ad executive whose identity is mistaken for a… government agent. Ruthless spy Philip Vandamm (James Mason) is after Thornhill; on a separate mission is a group of secret agents who follows Thornhill across the country. On the run, Thornhill meets Eve Kendall, a mesmerizing, peculiar woman whose mysterious identity amplifies the level of danger he is in. The film’s ironically ecstatic tone parallels the enchanting aspect of Grant’s portrayal of Thornhill—elegantly sarcastic with a witty sense of humor. Processed in Technicolor, this spectacular thriller showcases now-iconic action sequences such as the crop duster plane chase and climax at Mount Rushmore. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles.
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan – 9:45 PM, August 29: With a special introduction from producer Monica Levinson and the man responsible for Borat’s speedo – Costume Designer Jason Alper! Outstanding information for citizens of Vidiots: your humble theater will be graced by sixth-most important journalist in all of Kazakhstan, Borat! Great success! This screamingly funny mockumentary stars comedy chameleon Sacha Baron Cohen as the titular reporter, whose journey to America involves a mix of scripted material and improvised interactions with ordinary people who have no idea the sort of madness they’ve wandered into. Along the way, he gets booed out of a rodeo, interviews U.S. politicians, and pursues his dream of marrying Pamela Anderson. You’ll laugh until it hurts as Borat tries to understand the strange, exotic culture of the U.S.A. in this hit comedy, which earned an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Verrrrrry niiiiice! Vidiots, 4884 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles.
COMEDY
Wayne Brady’s WHAT IF!? – 7 PM, August 26: What if you could see Wayne Brady and Jonathan Mangum at a live recording of their podcast? What if it was unscripted, unrehearsed, and undoubtedly hilarious? What if they were joined by their extra special guest, Joel Kim Booster? What if you could see all of this live at Dynasty Typewriter? What if?! is a completely improvised podcast where Wayne and Jonathan sit with a special guest, and YOU, to talk about anything and everything; often inspiring improv scenes, songs, and scenarios that have never been done before and will never be done again! Watch your favorite guys from Whose Line Is It Anyway and Let’s Make A Deal in a one of a kind experience you won’t want to miss! Dynasty Typewriter, 2511 W. Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.
Improvised Traitors – 8 PM, August 28: A fully improvised, high-stakes show inspired by The Traitors. Watch as eight improvisers take the stage as characters, from zany originals to pop culture icons, and navigate betrayal, twists, and of course… murder. Expect drama, absurdity, and plenty of backstabbing. Upright Citizens Brigade Annex 1925 N Bronson Ave., Los Angeles.
The Fab Four – 7 PM, August 29: The Fab Four’s blend of slow relationship focused Chicago-style improv and high energy character game based L.A.-style improv helped them become one of the winningest teams in the history of UCB Cagematch. Now they’re bringing their talents to a one-off prime time slot at UCB and they’re not alone. They will be joined by the hilarious Bernie Mac and Cheese and the amazingly talented sketch group Anointed Greens. Hosted by The Fab Four: Patrick Rowland, Mattia Day, Ashlei Theard, Edgar Blackmon Featuring: Guchi Taylor Brightman, Cam Woods, Jasmyn Carter, Paris Nicole, Alan Franks Jr. Upright Citizens Brigade, 5919 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles.
Melissa Villaseñor 7 PM, August 30: Melissa Villaseñor broke barriers by becoming the first-ever Latina cast member of Saturday Night Live. A comedic impressions expert, she got her start as a semifinalist on America’s Got Talent. Some of Melissa’s most memorable SNL impressions include Owen Wilson, Lady Gaga, and Dolly Parton. Dynasty Typewriter, 2511 W. Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.
Free Donut Tuesdays w/ Maria Bamford – 9 AM, Tuesdays: Wake up early and have a laugh and a donut with Maria Bamford. All new material! No one will be turned away for lack of funds. All proceeds go to support Outside In Theatre. Outside In, 5317 York Blvd., Los Angeles.
MUSIC
Sy Smith with special guest T.J. Wilkins – August 24: This Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter has been dubbed by her peers as the “queen of underground soul”. Sy Smith is considered one of the leaders of the indie soul movement. Her latest release “Until We Meet Again” was critically acclaimed and she’s recorded and toured with some of the biggest names in R&B, hip-hop and jazz including Whitney Houston, Meshell Ndegeocello, The Foreign Exchange, Sheila E. and Pete Escovedo. Blue Note Los Angeles, 6372 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles.
Tori Amos: In Times of Dragons Tour – 8 PM, August 25: The legendary songstress takes her latest album, In Times of Dragons on tour! The Greek, 2700 N Vermont Ave., Los Angeles.
Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra: The Night Blooms World Tour – August 25-26: The Wicked alum launched the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra 30 years ago. Since then, he and his band have performed for delighted audiences throughout the United States and all over the world playing contemporary arrangements of classic jazz and American Songbook standards.
The group has released four albums, all with Decca Records, that have featured brilliant guest artists including Gregory Porter, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Fiona Apple, Freda Payne, Haley Reinhart, Imelda May, Maiya Sykes and more. Blue Note Los Angeles, 6372 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles.
A Great Night in Hip Hop – Nas & The Roots – 8 PM, August 28: Hip Hop royalty comes to Long Beach! F&M Bank Amphitheater of Long Beach. 1051 Queens Highway, Long Beach.
THEATRE
Process: The Improvised Play Format – 7:30 PM, August 28: Process is the improvised Process of producing a scripted play from auditions and the table read to dress rehearsals and opening night! An original format created by the Available Cupholders from Austin TX in 2000. This format has been performed all over the country with extended runs in NYC, Chicago, Austin, Florida, and Los Angeles. Process is an improv format unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Directed and produced by Michael Joplin. Featuring a rotating cast of some of the best improvisers in town. Outside In, 5317 York Blvd., Los Angeles.
August in August – Celebration of Black Theatre Workshops, Readings, and Live Events, August 29-30: An action packed Two-day celebration featuring artists workshops, a monologue slam, industry panels, and a riveting staged reading honoring the works of August Wilson, and accomplished actors Starletta DuPois and Russell Andrews. Presented by The Black Creators Collective and Oshana Arts In Association With Outside In Theatre. Outside In, 5317 York Blvd., Los Angeles.
2026 LA Writers’ Workshop Reading Series – through September 27: Since 2005, CTG has invited a cohort of local playwrights to spend a year researching and writing new works with feedback from the artistic staff and their fellow writers. The program is designed to foster important voices, inspire playwrights to create their best work, encourage bold writing, and build relationships among local playwrights, CTG, and the Los Angeles theatre community. CTG’s growing list of LA Writers’ Workshop alumni is currently comprised of more than 100 playwrights. Various locations.
COMMUNITY
Skate Hunnies Party on Wheels at the Academy Museum – through September 3: The Academy Museum is rolling with Skate Hunnies to host a party on wheels, taking you around the Wilshire-Fairfax neighborhood. We’ll finish with a music-filled night of dance-skating on the Academy Museum Walt Disney Family Piazza. Bring your own skates for this free, guaranteed fun event. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles.
Gay Ass Trivia at Precinct – 7 PM, Thursdays: Queen Sheeba hosts this weekly trivia night with prizes including bar tabs, shots, and bar apparel. Maximum team sizes of six people. No cover! Precinct, 357 S Broadway, Los Angeles.
May the Balls be with You: Drag Queen Bingo 7 PM, Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Legendary Bingo is LA’s most popular Drag Queen Bingo & charity event! Come play at Hamburger Mary’s every Tuesday and Wednesday! Hamburger Mary’s, 8288 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood.
MUSEUMS AND ART
In Conversation: Compton Cowboys on the Texas African American Photography Archive – 6 PM, August 25: Celebrate the Texas African American Photography Archive with a discussion that shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions and rich history of Black cowboys in the American West. Randy Savvy, founder of the Compton Cowboys, shares his personal stories, cultural heritage, and the significance of their work in preserving the legacy of Black cowboys in Compton and beyond. Art + Practice, 3401 West 43rd Place, Los Angeles.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures ASL Interpreted Tours: American Sign Language (ASL) tours of select galleries are always offered at noon on the same day as the museum’s monthly Calm Morning program and accommodative Family Matinee film screening. Join a museum educator and ASL interpreter to experience cinema’s wide-ranging contributions to the world. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles.
Community: Selections from the Texas African American Photography Archive – through September 5: Throughout the twentieth century, nearly every small town in the United States boasted a local studio photographer. These skilled image makers were dedicated to recording the people and events of their communities. Much of this vernacular visual culture has been dispersed or destroyed. Kinship & Community takes a look at a rare slice of that history, focusing on the work of Black photographers working in urban neighborhoods and rural villages across eastern Texas from 1944 to 1984. Presented at Art + Practice, 3401 W. 43rd Place, Los Angeles.
A New Song: Langston Hughes in the West – through September 13: One of the world’s most famous Black poets, Langston Hughes (1902–1967) is often associated with the writers and artists of the Harlem Renaissance in New York. But starting in the 1930s, though the upheavals of the Great Depression, World War II, and McCarthyism in America, Hughes spent significant time in the West where he maintained deep connections and produced important work, including lectures, film scripts, plays, and his first book of short stories. Through recorded interviews, lyrical texts, archival photographs, and historic posters and prints, A New Song: Langston Hughes in the West reveals little-known aspects of Hughes’s work as a champion for justice and the special relationships he cultivated during his many sojourns in California, Nevada, and Mexico. California African American Museum, 600 State Dr, Los Angeles.
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind – through October 11: Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind traces more than seven decades of Yoko Ono’s groundbreaking career, from her early text-based works in the 1950s and ’60s to recent large-scale installations informed by her ongoing campaigns for world peace. Organized in collaboration with Tate Modern, London, the exhibition—Ono’s first solo museum exhibition in Southern California—explores her radical approach to art, language, and participation, challenging conventional ideas about the roles of artist and audience. The Broad, 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.
Willie Birch: Stories to Tell – through October 21: The first-ever career retrospective of renowned artist Willie Birch, this exhibition brings together groundbreaking works from 1968 to the present that chronicle his unique vision of Black American life and the interconnected nature of global art forms. Born and raised in New Orleans and trained in Europe, Baltimore, and New York, Birch often speaks about “retentions,” a term he uses to describe evidence of one culture’s narratives and traditions within another. Throughout his career, Birch has explored particularly how African traditions have been retained in music, art, and culture in America as part of the Black experience and beyond. California African American Museum, 600 State Dr, Los Angeles.
Free and Queer: Black Californian Roots of Gay Liberation – through February 28, 2027: Free and Queer: Black Californian Roots of Gay Liberation presents California as a pioneering site of sustained, Black-led struggles for LGBTQ equality, civil rights, and recognition. The exhibition recovers histories largely excluded from existing narratives and exposes powerful ways that print culture, artistic practice, and performance styles shaped, advanced, and interpreted Black queer social movements alongside political and legal activism. California African American Museum, 600 State Dr, Los Angeles.
Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon – through February 28, 2027: Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon celebrates Marilyn Monroe—born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926—as a visionary actor and image-maker, examining how she created and shaped her public image in the context of the classical Hollywood studio system. Presenting hundreds of original objects, including posters, portraits, photographs, production documents, letters,… and rarely seen personal materials—many on display for the first time—the exhibition offers unique insight into her agency in becoming a Hollywood icon. The exhibition also features an extensive array of Monroe’s screen-worn costumes, ranging from a dress featured in Love Happy (1949) to items from her final and unfinished film, Something’s Got to Give (1962). Major highlights include two costumes by Orry-Kelly from Some Like it Hot (1959), as well as the rarely exhibited famous pink dress by William Travilla from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles.
