Hip-hip hooray! I think the sun has finally put his hat on! This gloomy weather has certainly put a damper on things hasn’t it? I think it has been a major contributor to the nasty cough that has been plaguing everyone recently. With hindsight we should have all bought shares in Robitussin.
I know the threat of rain spoiled many a BBQ over this past holiday weekend but according to accuweather.com it will be dry until at least the middle of June. Now we finally get the chance to enjoy the great outdoors! There are of course our lovely beaches and our mountains but there is an awful lot of open-air entertainment available too.
One of my favorite summer events is the Yamashiro Night Market, which started up again last month. It’s relatively small compared to other Farmers Markets, but they do have live music, lots of food trucks and a few vendors selling local produce and goods, but what sets it apart is the picturesque location. It is nestled in the Hollywood Hills directly above the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (recently renamed TCL Theatres), with stunning views of Hollywood and DTLA. If you haven’t been it really is worth having a visit. It opens every Thursday 5-10pm, entry is free. Visit hollywoodnightmarket.com for details.
Outdoor movies are a very popular activity during the warmer months. I really enjoy the planning and packing up a picnic to take along. Most of the venues even let you bring beer and wine. This is quite a treat considering that drinking alcohol in public spaces is usually illegal. The Cinespia screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery Screenings are often sold out weeks in advance, so if you see they are showing a movie you fancy don’t dither, just book it. (cinespia.org) Again the location is magical, although some find it a little disconcerting to be surrounded by gravestones whilst watching a film, but you are amongst so many living people you soon relax and stop worrying about the ones who have moved on.
There are lots of other options too, including Streetfood Cinema which travels around the city each week and stops at various parks including Victory Park in Pasadena, Will Rogers Park in Pacific Palisades, Plummer Park in West Hollywood and LA State Historical Park in DTLA. Visit StreetfoodCinema.com for the complete list.
If you would prefer a bit more comfort check out the Rooftop Cinema Club, EP & LP in WeHo, Mr C’s in Beverly Hills, and both the W and The Standard Hotel. Visit www.britsin.la for a more comprehensive list.
There are loads of other outdoor entertainment options – both LACMA and the Hammer Museum have an eclectic music series lined up over the summer and the best part is they are all free! On a side note LACMA offers free entry to residents of Los Angeles after 3pm on weekdays.
There is plenty of al fresco theatre around town, the Independent Shakespeare Company at Griffith Park in the Park is a must, but do try to visit the Roman style theatre at the Getty Villa and also Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum In Topanga.
Make the most of these before it gets too hot! (I wouldn’t be British if I didn’t complain about the weather at least twice in one column!)
Lastly we have a couple of giveaways for you: first up are free tickets to the premiere of ‘Murder Mystery’ starring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. Fellow Brits Luke Evans, Terence Stamp and David Williams are also in it. If you are lucky enough to get on the list this you may even get to rub shoulders with them. This event is on June 10th in Westwood, and you have to arrive by 7pm latest. If this all sounds good to you drop us a line at info@britsin.la – and let us know if you want to bring a guest. We will email you confirmation by June 6th.
We also have a pair of tickets to the Pasadena Daydream Festival on August 29th – The Cure are top of the bill and Robert Smith has apparently personally curated the rest of the lineup, which includes The Pixies, Deftones, Mogwai and many more. Email us at info@britsin.la to enter. The winner will be picked at random and notified on June 15th. Visit Goldenvoice.com for show info. Please note that tickets are not transferable.
If you want details on our weekly events you can either email us at the address above or visit us on Facebook @BritsinLA
Till next time – cheers!
Eileen
