Best Of LA - Week Of August 3
August is officially underway. Soak up the last few days of summer by enjoying a variety of activities in and around Los Angeles; there is plenty going on this week to keep almost everyone entertained. Everyone from sports fans to movie lovers to foodies to art lovers can participate in this week's events. Don't miss the Nike 3ON3 Basketball Tournament hitting the streets of LA this weekend.
Raptors Encounter
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
(800) 864-8377
www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Celebrate the success of the Jurassic Park film series by a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. In addition to riding the thrilling "Jurassic Park—The Ride," guests now have the chance to meet and greet with a ferocious Velociraptor at their new "Raptors Encounter" experience. The 750 pound, 15 feet tall, 13 foot long raptors will stand face-to-face with park visitors in front of the ride as highly skilled handlers share about the history and significance of the Cretaceous-era dinosaur.
Anticipation of Chaos
GDCA
727 South Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(323) 309-2875
www.GDCAgallery.com
"Anticipation of Chaos," the interdisciplinary multi-media sola exhibit by internationally-acclaimed metal sculptor Robert Toll, opens this month at the Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts Gallery on Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Running through August 31st, Robert Toll will unveil his latest mobile-sculptures collection, brand-new, never-seen-before paintings from the artist on canvas, as well as selected favorites, including his Extreme Found Metal Horses.
Celebrate National Oyster Day
Various Locations
Celebrate your love of all things mollusk as you seek out some of the best oyster offerings in and around Los Angeles for National Oyster Day. At Ox & Son, Chef Brad Miller serves up his "Oystas" with apple cucumber mignonette, kimchi granité, lemon and tabasco; Little Dom's boasts a Fried Oyster Sandwich, with crispy speck, arugula, tomato & hot sauce mayo & oysters on the half shell made by Chef Brandon Boudet. L&E Oyster Bar, an obvious choice for the day, features three styles of Grilled Oysters (Casino, Rockefeller, and Oysters L&E), and House of Macau's Chef Christopher Binotto will be serving up Oysters with soy mignonette and yuzu pearl (pictured).
Upstairs Downstairs Tour
The Gamble House
4 Westmoreland Pl.
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 793-3334
www.GambleHouse.org
The historic Gamble House in Pasadena will open its servant's quarters for only the second time in history during the Upstairs Downstairs tours, running through August 16th. Visitors can compare the living quarters of the served with those "in service." During the tour, the personal history of the actual servants will be shared. The tour also includes the public spaces and family room tours that make the Gamble House tour so popular including Greene & Greene furniture, the leaded art glass light fixtures and more. The 1 ½ hour, docent-guided tour runs Thursdays through Sundays.
Summer Nights in the Garden
National History Museum
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 763-DINO
www.nhm.org
Awaken your senses in the Nature Gardens at the Natural History Museum as you enjoy their Summer Nights in the Garden Series featuring live music; garden-inspired cocktails; hands-on garden and science projects including Butter Making, Potting Succulents, and Spray Paint Murals; botanical tours, and food trucks. An online RSVP guarantees entry to the free event. Tonight's Music from COASTiN and Evan Weiss from Junk.
Nike 3ON3
800 W Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(866) 548-3452
www.nike3on3.com
One of the largest 3ON3 street basketball tournaments and fan fests in the country, the Nike Basketball 3ON3 Tournament hits the streets of L.A. Live this weekend, with fan and tournament events happening both Friday and Saturday. Over 4,500 participants will come from all over the country to play in the 6th annual tournament, with more than 25,000 spectators lining the streets to see the ballers hit the court. A variety of fan events and promotional offerings, including plenty of vendors and food, round out the weekend event.
World Elephant Day Weekend
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4200
www.lazoo.org
Celebrate World Elephant Day this weekend at the Los Angeles Zoo, featuring two days of opportunities to explore and learn about elephants. The effort aims to educate visitors about the urgent threat of Asian and African elephant extinction by spotlighting the state-of-the-art Elephants of Asia exhibit, including tours of the elephant barn. Kids activities include story time, coloring and craft stations, and a 3D chalk-art photo opportunity. Admission to the Zoo includes the weekend festivities.
