Don't listen to your Uncle Joe's pick: to go meditate on the Santa Monica Pier ferris wheel on a Saturday afternoon... Instead, read LA Today's guide to the very best of Los Angeles so you are well-prepared for a fantastic month. Whether you’re looking for pop-up stores, the latest restaurants, or somewhere to move and groove, LA Today is your guide for the best things to do in LA in August.
Editor's Pick ✔️
Location Varies (see link above)
KCRW Summer Nights never fails to bring the vibes. Dive into a world of lively music, beer gardens, and food trucks. Each weekend, the event is at a new venue with a new flare, but you can always expect a fun, social atmosphere. The best part? It’s one of the free things to do in Los Angeles. So, get ready for an electric dance party.
Trending Spot ⏫
395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica
Step into the World of Barbie at Santa Monica Place for one of the most fun things to do in L.A. The venue features a replica of the pink and fabulous Dreamhouse full of fun, interactive rooms. But that’s not all. Get a ticket for Sips After Sunset, an adult-only event featuring themed cocktails and dance parties. Dress in your best pink outfit and live it up Barbie style…it’s fantastic.
Limited-Time Event ⏳
5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles
The L.A. Zoo is a fun and informative experience, but it’s even better with a few beers. On the evening of August 25th, the zoo hosts a popping brew fest. Over 40 local breweries set up shop and serve craft beer and ciders. Spend the evening sampling drinks, tasting some of L.A.’s best food trucks, and grooving to live music. It’s one of the coolest things to do in Los Angles this August.
Who doesn’t like a fresh batch of crispy fried chicken? Well, Pecking House, one of New York City’s most popular chicken establishments, has landed in Los Angeles for the summer. Until mid-September, a pop-up version of the restaurant will be at Tuk Tuk x Turntable. Head on down and find out why Pecking House once had a 10,000-person waitlist.
822 Washington Blvd, Venice
Nothing says summer like a Tiki beverage and a California sunset. Gin Rummy, located in Venice Beach, is a new island-inspired cocktail bar that has the perfect ambiance for an August evening. The establishment offers an incredible happy hour menu of specialty cocktails and snacks, DJ weekend events, and pinball tournaments. So, if you’re wondering what to do in L.A. today, cruise down to Gin Rummy.
2927 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles
Liven up your Saturday at AfterHours Night Market in West LA. The event features over 125 pop-up vendors, selling everything from vintage clothes to handmade jewelry to much, much more. There will also be tattoo and piercing booths if you like spicing things up.
Pizza, anyone? Best Bet Pizzeria is one of Los Angeles’ latest and most anticipated restaurants of the summer. The establishment, located in Culver City, was created by chef Jason Neroni, and its doors just opened on July 25th. Choose from a selection of luxuriously cheesy pizzas made from local ingredients, and pair it with an artisanal wine sourced from southern California and Italy.
Location Varies (see link above)
Get your yoga on at Santa Monica Beach this August. Every day, Beach Yoga SoCal offers flow sessions at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm. As you listen to the gentle crashing of waves, the certified instructor will guide you through a rejuvenating one-hour class. The experience is tailored for all skill levels, so get outside and do your body and mind a favor.
Los Angeles is known for its incredible Asian cuisine and cultural influence. So, why not get the full experience at 626 Mini Night Market – from the country’s largest Asian-inspired market. Explore the vendors selling mouthwatering bites, tasty boba teas, and to-die-for desserts. It’s a night of music, food, games, and all-around good times. Put it on your list of things to do in Santa Monica this August.
221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles
For the first time ever, the late Keith Haring’s artwork is being showcased in Los Angeles at The Broad. Even if you’ve never heard the name Keith Haring, you’ve likely seen his work. Haring is well known for his New York City graffiti pop-art style. The exhibit features over 120 art pieces and other archival materials. It’s a great event for a date night in Los Angeles or a social evening out with friends.