Hanging out on the rooftop of a Los Angeles condo for a prom send off had me anticipating the summer super hard. Imagining a marg in my hand as the wind whips the cool Los Angeles air around is what has been making this June gloom we’ve been experiencing bearable.
Rooftops aren’t the only place you’ll find me this summer, there are a ton of other outdoor events that pack just as powerful a punch as standing at the top of a high rise looking out over the city. I’m listing them for you below.
10th Annual Los Angeles Food Fest
From the event organizer: This is it! On June 29th LA’s largest and longest running tasting event is coming back to the grassy Santa Anita Park infield for one last time to celebrate ten years of supporting world class, award winning top chefs and restaurants, out of town headliners, your favorite street eats, and more – all in one place.Vendors are hand picked to help you discover new favorites you won’t find anywhere else. Sample signature bites from a curated selection of booths from hot restaurants and celebrity chefs to old school carts and stands plus craft beer gardens, craft cocktail bars, tequila tasting, wine tasting, the iced coffee lounge and everyone’s favorite – the ice cream social.
The Food & Wine Festival Benefiting the West Side Food Bank
From the event organizer: Head out to the 3rd Annual Westside Food & Wine Festival showcasing some of LA’s best culinary talent and finest winemakers in Southern California. With over 25 food, wine, beer, spirit, beer, drink purveyors and vendors providing scrumptious samples you won’t leave hungry or thirsty from this event!
Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
From the event organizer: R&B and Soul veterans Frankie Beverly and Maze assemble onstage at the legendary Greek Theatre. For more than 40 years, the smoothed-out, chart-topping ensemble has toured exhaustively and earned a devoted fan-base of “Silky Soul” lovers who turn up to hear Beverly’s velvety vocals and tight backing band. Groove to feel-good hits and slow jams like “Before I Let Go,” “Joy and Pain,” “Can’t Get Over You,” “Back in Stride” and more under the stars in Griffith Park.
From the event organizer: The Long Beach Crawfish Festival serves up succulent scores of seasoned Cajun crustaceans prepared to mouth-watering perfection in the world’s largest crawfish pots. But there’s much more to do here than crawfish — savor New Orleans-style dishes like chicory coffee and beignets, dance to Cajun & zydeco tunes and march along with the second line parade.
Reggae Night at the Hollywood Bowl
From roots to dancehall to R&B fusion, our 18th annual Reggae Night showcases the genre’s fluidity. Four-time Grammy winner Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley has established himself as a unique and influential presence in reggae, combining the roots sound of his father’s legendary music with the fast flow and spirit of dancehall and hip-hop. Ten-time Grammy nominees Third World are no stranger to fusion, setting their blend of soul, R&B and rock to a reggae beat since 1973. Socially conscious Kabaka Pyramid opens with a fiery, beat-based, and hip-hop-influenced reggae sound built around messages of love, unity and justice.
The L.A. Zoo’s Roaring Nights summer series is back and wilder than ever – offering fun, fascinating explorations at the intersection of music, culture, and nature. These adults-only Friday-night adventures feature live bands, DJs, animal close-ups, L.A.’s best food trucks, full bars, and more. Explore the zoo after hours — with special feedings and animal discovery stations — while grooving to live bands, DJs, and a silent disco experience. Throughout the evening, enjoy art experiences, dine on fare from L.A.’s favorite food trucks, and enjoy specialty cocktails, backyard games and glamping vibes at The Watering Hole, an open-air lounge.
Explore the Culinary Jewels of Downtown Los Angeles
Savor the sights, sounds and flavors of Los Angeles on this fun food tour. Your knowledgeable tour guide will lead you on a leisurely three-hour walking adventure through this extraordinary downtown area, sharing stories of the city’s early settlers, Hollywood’s heyday, architectural background and the transformation of L.A.‘s culture and food scene. Along the way you’ll get to enjoy tastes from unique eateries, including the best bakeries, authentic ethnic restaurants and renowned establishments currently creating a buzz in the foodie universe — six stops in all. By the end of the tour, you’ll be able to impress your friends with your vast knowledge of the city and its hidden culinary gems.
Celebrate summer with stunning city views from the rooftop club of the ultra-hip W Hotel on ever-hopping and happening Hollywood Boulevard. Vibe takes over The Loft and Wet Deck — the W’s famous outdoor pool and bar — for this Saturday night event, which kicks off with a cocktail party followed by three hours of dancing to live DJ sets. Get decked out in your fiercest cocktail attire, assemble your squad and make sure you arrive by 11:00 p.m. Once you’re there, you can salute the season of easy living by drinking, dancing and chilling, while enjoying gorgeous views of the Hollywood Hills, downtown L.A. and beyond.
The San Fernando Valley Summer Drive-In
The San Fernando Valley Summer Drive-In Nights are back! Sit under the stars as you watch and listen in the comfort of your car on a 60-foot screen in a retro drive-in setting with live bands, car show, arcade truck and slot car racing. This year will also include upgrades to the films’ audio and projection capabilities as well as the facilities. You don’t want to miss the San Fernando Valley’s favorite summer pastime!
Summer is coming out of the park SWINGING and I can’t wait to get hit with all of the fun that is sure to be in store! Let me know what events look like home runs to you in the comments below and maybe I’ll see you there.