Golden Moon Festival: If you happened to have been on this planet in the summer of '69, and you saw a television set or newspaper, you've likely never forgotten what you witnessed on July 20: Humankind venturing onto cosmic body that was distinctly not Earth. Griffith Observatory is marking Apollo 11's 50th anniversary in multiple ways over multiple days, but on Saturday, July 20 visitors can expect a host of out-of-this-world activities including talks, a screening, and more. "A day-long program of presentations, activities, and celebrations honoring one of humankind's greatest achievements" is free and begins at 11 in the morning.
Delicious Little Tokyo: Whatever the calendar says, and no matter the month, a visitor to this DTLA neighborhood can expect to have a flavorful food moment or two or five (mmm, bean buns). But when this annual learn-and-eat event comes back around, the area's food-strong spirit truly shines, as it will on July 19 and 20. Pros'll be out and about, demo-ing and workshop-ing and discussing miso balls and bento boxes and sake and elements of design, too, like flower arranging. And keep those peepers peeled for Hello Kitty, a favorite at this festival. Note: Some events are free while the others have a fee.
Art Happenings: We're lucky when a mondo eye-wowza to-do comes to town, but when multiple shows show up at the same time? It's big, it's note-worthy, and it is time to plan an outing. The work of contour artist Sophie Kipner, which focuses on "iconoclasts of music and culture over the decades," just went on view in the Hotel Figueroa lobby, sweet. bright, an "Immersive Art Show," will pop up in DTLA from July 18 through Aug. 3. You'll be able to "... stand inside our own life-size toy box, sign the world's longest love letter," and lots more. And an art show that gently pokes at the selfie-inside-an-immersive-space phenomenon? That's "Nothing Cheezy," an art show that features a host of notable artists. Find it, and its distinctive pizza theme, at Think Tank Gallery from July 20 through Aug. 31.
White Light White Night: Make for The Top of the Plaza at Continental Park in El Segundo for the 13th annual "Walk with Sally" fundraiser, which helps raise money to help children around Southern California "... who have lost a loved one to, or have been impacted by a loved one with, cancer." A performance from Boogie Knights, Tito's cocktails, a VIP oyster shucking experience helmed by Chef Austin Cobb, and over 25 area restaurant will be in the house, as will a host of public figures. Tickets to the Saturday, July 20 give-back event? Find them here.
Wiener Nationals: Looking for a smile-maker? That doesn't cost too much? And ultimately helps a worthy cause? And, best of all, involves squeal-inducing, aww-dorable Dachshunds? This is it: The 24th annual running of the Doxies at Los Alamitos Race Course. You're welcome to enter your own squatty sweetie, but there are rules to know, and a waiver as well. The price to get in? It's three bucks, and youths 17 and under are admitted for free. Lots of people show up, several thousand, in fact, which is super, since this all aids the Seal Beach Animal Care Center.
