What to Know

  • Nisei Week Japanese Festival
  • Aug. 9-17
  • The Grand Parade on Aug. 10 is free to enjoy; there are several events to consider over the multi-day festival, including a karate tournament, the Japanese American National Museum Natsumatsuri Festival, and the Taiko Gathering

Nisei Week Japanese Festival: Little Tokyo’s decades-old happening unfurls, with pomp, joy, music, and community, over nine August days. There are several major events, including the Grand Parade Aug. 10 and Ondo Street Dancing Aug. 17, so be sure to check out the full roster at the Nisei Week site. A JANM family festival, Taiko drums, karate, anime, bonsai, cultural fun, and other marvelous must-dos are on the schedule.

Bond, James Bond (in concert): You know the 007 theme, from the “da na” opening to all of its thrilling twists, and you know all of the openers to specific films, from “Skyfall” to “Live and Let Die.” Tux-up, if you’re feeling it, and make for LA Arboretum and a night of “James Bond” music with the Pasadena Pops. Michael Feinstein is conducting the Aug. 9 concert while artists Storm Large and Jimmie Herrod will revisit the cinematic classics.

Cinematic Touchstones 1975: The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is reveling in its 50th anniversary this year, and the events surrounding the celebrations have plenty of vintage kick. A film series is launching, in fact, with a few gems that premiered the year the Colorado Boulevard art institution opened. “Barry Lyndon” is up first Aug. 9, with other fab fare to come.

Aqualilies in Beverly Hills: If the calendar reads “Aug. 8” you can bet these artistic swimmers are calling upon a lovely pool somewhere scenic. That’s the birthday of Esther Williams, the beloved swimming star of the silver screen, and the synchronized troupe perform in her honor each year. General and VIP tickets are part of the night, and cabanas, too; there will be cocktails and bites for sale at The Maybourne.

“Doctor Faustus” begins: Free Shakespeare in Griffith Park is a beloved summer outing, but sometimes the Independent Shakespeare Co., the troupe behind the outdoor shows near the Old Zoo, changes it up. For the next few weeks, on select evenings, it is all about Christopher Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus,” a diabolical meditation on bargains best not made. Picnics are a-ok, and activities before each show add to the atmosphere.