Best things to do this week in Los Angeles and Southern California: June 30 – July 3

It feels like there’s a bit of an art rebirth in L.A. this week. From the reopening of the Getty Villa to the sneak preview of the long-awaited David Geffen Galleries at LACMA, there’s a new energy in the air. The Geffen space is unique. It’s almost brutalist inside, with all the concrete, but the huge windows offer a new vantage point out to the La Brea Tar Pits and the new Academy Museum.

Whatever you do this week, we’ve got you covered for everything July 4, from fireworks to no fireworks, road trip gas prices to top music picks from Licorice Pizza.

For more to explore, visit LAist.com, where you can get the most up-to-date info on which fireworks are on (and off) for the long Fourth of July weekend around the area. And before you binge the new season of The Bear, read up on the two L.A. restaurants that earned three Michelin stars this year.

Events

Ongoing 

LACMA Members: David Geffen Galleries preview 
LACMA 
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile
COST: MEMBERSHIP AND RESERVATION REQUIRED; MORE INFO 

You’ve sat in the traffic on Wilshire, you’ve watched the progress at LACMA as the landscape changed from construction site to space-aged building, and now is your chance to get a sneak peek inside. There won’t be art in LACMA’s new David Geffen Galleries until it opens officially next April, but the new building, designed by Pritzker-winning architect Peter Zumthor, is open at select times for members and NextGen members to tour in the coming week. There are also some great exhibits to explore through the rest of LACMA, including your last chance to catch “Digital Witness” through July 13.

Thursday, July 3 

Tribute to the Beach Boys All-Star Charity Concert by The Tribe 
The Canyon 
28912 Roadside Dr., Agora Hills 
COST: FROM $25; MORE INFO

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – DECEMBER 03: : Al Jardoine, Mike Love, original members of the Beach Boys, performs with a band member in concert in the Etess Arena at Hard Rock Atlantic City on December 3, 2022 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Donald Kravitz/Getty Images)

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Honor the legacy of the ultimate Southern Californian — the late, great Brian Wilson — at an all-star Beach Boys tribute concert at legendary Agora Hills venue The Canyon. Special guests are set to perform, including Carnie and Wendy Wilson of Wilson Phillips. The evening’s proceeds benefit the Get Together Foundation.

Wednesday, July 2, 7 to 10 p.m. 

Anansi Writers Workshop 
4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park
COST: $5 SUGGESTED DONATION; MORE INFO 

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Up your writing game with the Anansi Writers Workshop at the World Stage in Leimert Park. Featuring time to work on your own writing, an open mic and a featured performer, the workshop is a regular event that’s been going since 1990 and has its roots in the 1960s Watts Writers’ workshop.

Through Friday, July 4

Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire
Hollywood Bowl
2301 Highland Ave., Hollywood 
COST: FROM $45; MORE INFO

You’re a shining star, so get the Fourth of July party started a few days early (and avoid the holiday crowds) as Earth, Wind & Fire headline the fireworks spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl. The sky will light up on July 2, 3 and 4 with the Grammy-winning all-star band providing the perfect soundtrack.

Tuesday, July 1, 8 p.m.

Tiny Desk on the Road 
Regent Theater
448 S. Main St., Downtown L.A. 
COST: FROM $35; MORE INFO

Rescheduled due to the downtown curfew in June, NPR’s iconic Tiny Desk series is hitting the road. Winner and Bay Area native Ruby Ibarra is headlining at the Regent Theatre. She’ll be joined by finalist Tish Hyman. You can check out all the entries and finalists in the annual contest here.

Tuesday, July 1, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Canada Day in L.A.
The Edmon 
5168 Melrose Ave., Larchmont
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Our neighbors to the North celebrate Canada Day on July 1, which marks the creation of the country through the Constitution Act. And who doesn’t need another excuse to party this week? Join in on the maple leaf fun at the Edmon; get ready by rewatching one of the best Canada-themed TV moments ever, Robin Sparkles’ “Let’s Go to the Mall” from How I Met Your Mother.

Viewing Pick

Thursday, July 3, 6:30 p.m.

The Blue Angels 
Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts at USC
3131 S. Figueroa St., University Park
COST: FREE WITH RSVP; MORE INFO

The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds perform a flyover tribute to honor NYC COVID-19 frontline workers in 2020.

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Feel like you’re flying in the cockpit with a Navy pilot as you strap in for a free IMAX screening of The Blue Angels, produced by Glen Powell and J.J. Abrams. The screening is followed by a Q&A with Paul Crowder, Rob Stone and John Turner, SVP and Head of Documentaries & Original Content at IMAX Entertainment.

Dine & Drink Deals

Thursday, July 3, 5 p.m.

Ètra Summer BBQ Fundraiser
737 N. Western Ave., Melrose Hill
COST: VARIES; MORE INFO 

Ètra and Little Fish are hosting a July 3 block party-style event with proceeds benefiting Mad Collective’s food access programs supporting immigrant communities across L.A. Try menu favorites like Café Telegrama’s burger, hot dogs (including a seafood option), freshly shucked oysters, Little Fish’s fried fish sandwiches and desserts by Chainsaw’s Karla Subero Pittol.

Thursday, July 3, 6 to 10 p.m.

Poppy Presents: Us Friends
Poppy & Seed 
350 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim 
COST: $300; MORE INFO 

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Anaheim, you lucky foodies! Chef Michael Reed and his wife, Kwini of James Beard Award-nominated Poppy & Seed, are hosting their first “Us Friends” dinner with Top Chef alums Stephanie Izard and Shota Nakajima. The evening features a seven-course seated tasting menu, and 15% of proceeds will be donated to No Kid Hungry.