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Best Activities To Do This Week In L.A. - June 20

1TARTSummerPunchBow610x250
(Credit: Esther Tseng)

A heatwave is in the forecast this week, so we've got ways to either soak up the sun, or beat the heat and stay cool. Monday is the official first day of summer, and what better way to celebrate than by partaking in one of the many L.A. Beer Week festivities happening around the city. An evening poolside screening at a Beverly Hills hotel is the perfect way to cool down Tuesday, followed the next day by musicians from the award-winning L.A. Opera coming out of the pit and onto the stage for a performance of some of their favorites pieces. A BET Experience night of comedy will take place Thursday to help Angelenos gear up for this weekend's BET Awards, and everyone's favorite "Sound of Music" singalong is back for another year at the Hollywood Bowl. Saturday marks the grand opening of the tallest open-air observation deck alongside Los Angeles' tallest building with a block party, while Sunday takes you on a different kind of walk on the wildside, with the return of L.A. Urban Nature Fest.

Monday, June 20
beer
(credit: gpointstudio/shutterstock)

Celebrate LA Beer Week
Various Locations
www.labeerweek.org

You might be working on your six pack for the summer, but this week it's all about the keg as LA Beer Week returns for a triumphant eighth year. Several spots around the city are celebrating all things beer with their own unique events throughout the week. If you want to get in on the action today, head to City Tavern's Culver City location, where their "Kick the Keg" event will crown the first keg to be kicked as king or queen of the tavern. Three Weavers Brewing Company is handing over their tasting room license tonight to the Pink Boots Society for a night of fundraising for the Pink Boots Society Scholarship Fund (helping advance and empower women beer professionals). A $30 ticket will get you six pours and a souvenir glass. LA Beer Week is a perfect time to gather your liquid courage and try out some karaoke at Alex's Bar in Long Beach this evening, where they will once again host an evening of food, craft beer, and endless karaoke, including a prize for best performance. The week runs through June 26. For more info, check out our Guide to LA Beer Week 2016.

Tuesday, June 21
Mr.C Beverly hills PoolsideCinema
(Credit: Mr. C's Beverly HIlls)

Mr. C's Poolside Cinema Series: "Silver Linings Playbook"
Mr. C Beverly Hills
1224 Beverwil Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 226-6245
www.mrchotels.com

You won't need sunscreen for this outdoor event, as Mr. C's summertime Poolside Cinema Series returns for a great evening event. Enjoy dinner and a movie under the stars, as you kick back and relax on a comfortable lounger. Tonight's film, Silver Linings Playbook, is about a complicated relationship struck up by former mental institution patient Pat (Bradley Cooper) and recently widowed Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), and the interesting deal they make. Limited first come, first served seating is available, but to ensure you've got a spot, you can pre-reserve your seat by purchasing a Mr. C Cinema prix-fixe menu in advance. A $35 and $45 option is available, and includes dishes like the hotel's classic club sandwich or pizza, as well as summer-inspired dishes like thinly sliced yellowtail. A night at the movies wouldn't be complete without boxes of candy, beer on tap, mini bottles of Moët & Chandon, and signature cocktails.

Wednesday, June 22
4PittanceChamberMusic
(Credit: Brenden-John Photography )

Pittance Chamber Music
Pasadena Conservatory of Music, Barrett Hall
100 North Hill Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106
www.PittanceChamberMusic.org

Tonight it's an evening of favorites at the Pasadena Conservatory, as some of your favorite L.A. Opera Orchestra and Chorus members take on some of their favorite musical works. Dubbed "Pittance" from the idea that they've taken the extraordinary yet invisible L.A. Opera musicians from the pit to the stage, the small ensemble will perform a lively variety of repertoire ranging from Beethoven to living composer Gernot Wolfgang. Members of the Opera Chorus will also be in attendance, adding to the unique nature of this mixed ensemble unlikely to be heard anywhere else. Actor Miguel Perez will host the evening, and will enlighten the audience with brief historical notes and anecdotes about the music being performed. Tickets are $35 (senior and student discounts available) and the show starts at 8pm

Thursday, June 23
5KattWilliams
(Credit: BET Networks)

The BET Experience
L.A. LIVE
800 W Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(877) 234-8425
www.bet.com

Today is day one of The BET Experience - a four-day event created to showcase the best in music, comedy, and entertainment. Tonight's festivities will feature an evening of stand-up comedy at the STAPLES Center. The always quick witted Katt Williams will provide his usual brand of overly animated stand-up comedy, along with comedian, actor, and rapper Mike Epps. More great performances are scheduled to take place over the next few days, with artists like Usher, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, The Roots, and more. A celebrity basketball game and Fan Fest are also on the agenda leading up to Sunday's BET Awards. Check the website for all the events and details.

Friday, June 24
6HollywoodBowlNight
(Credit: Los Angeles Philharmonic Association )

Sing-A-Long Sound of Music
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 850-2000
www.HollywoodBowl.com

Get your singing voices ready, because the highly anticipated return of Sing-A-Long Sound of Music is finally here. Always popular with audiences of all ages, the "Sing-A-Long" is back for its 14th time at the Hollywood Bowl. The most successful movie musical of all time, The Sound of Music is the story of governess Maria and her time with the family von Trapp. It will be shown full-screen with six-track digital sound and subtitles so the whole Bowl can sing along with the film. The evening begins at 6:30pm with the annual pre-show and costume party, hosted by actress-comedienne Melissa Peterman. The lights go down and the film and voices go up at 8:00pm.

Saturday, June 25
US Bank Tower OUE Skyspace LA
(credit: Brian Y./yelp)

Grand Opening Block Party: OUE Skyspace LA
S. Hope St. between Hope Place & 3rd St.
(213) 894-9000
www.skyspace-la.com

The tallest building in Los Angeles is about to get even more extreme with the opening of OUE Skyspace LA. Dubbed California's tallest open-air observation deck, the new space will offer unrivaled 360-degree views of the city. In addition to the two observation decks, the aptly named Skyslide will offer thrill seekers a chance to slide alongside the building from 1,000 feet up. The 45 foot long slide is made entirely of glass, creating an adrenaline-filled panoramic view unlike anything else. To celebrate this grand opening, a block party will take over 4th Street, with food trucks, beer garden, and live performances, including SoCal's own Snoop Dogg. The free all-day block party runs from 10am - 11pm, and is open to guests of all ages.
 

Luke restaurant - from wagstaff elaine hong
(credit: LUKE Restaurant)

Enjoy New Summer Cocktails
Various Locations

With this being the first official week of summer, it's time to get out and try one of the tasty new cocktails being offered around the city. Valley eatery LUKE Bar & Restaurant invites you to take a seat on their sun drenched patio and enjoy their new weekend cocktail hour. From 3pm - 5pm they're serving all their signature cocktails for $8 or less, with a delicious menu filled with things like smoked bacon caramel popcorn and more to match. Over in Downtown L.A.'s Arts District, American Tea Room has created new tea-infused cocktails that feature the company's signature teas. They're mixing them with bourbon, vodka, and tequila to create a brand new type of palate pleasing cocktail for you to drink alongside their recently launched Tea Service - available from 9am - 7pm. It's also the perfect time to try a Punch Bowl, and TART Restaurant is the place to go. They've got a whole new slew of Summer Punch Bowls served daily until 9:00pm, with both half and full bowl options.

Sunday, June 26
Summer Nights in the Garden
(Credit: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County)

L.A. Urban Nature Fest
Natural History Museum Nature Gardens
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 763-3466
www.nhm.org

Experience L.A.'s wild side at the Natural History Museum this weekend, as they once again hold the L.A. Urban Nature Fest. Nature lovers won't want to miss this chance to explores the ever-present wildlife scene in Los Angeles, and check out the new Urban Nature Research Center. Lots of great urban-nature-focused citizen science projects are currently underway, as the NHM has become a hub for nature in the city. Along with museum scientists, dozens of SoCal nature organizations will create a weekend filled with hands-on, family-friendly activities, with areas like the "Wild in the City" zone, "Wet & Wild" section, and a "Green Thumb" spot. Behind-the-scenes tours, workshops, stage performances, and of course lots of photo ops will also take place both Saturday and Sunday. All festival activities are free with regular museum admission.

Article by Kellie Fell.
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