Our picks of places to go + things to do to make the most out of your August.
EAT & DRINK HERE → Citizen, located in the heart of Beverly Hills, opened its doors last month and will add a lunch service starting Aug. 22. The sleek and social dining experience features an eclectic American menu from Chef Scott Howard, with seasonal dishes, delectable desserts and a bar program created by Soigné Group’s Josh Goldman. Indulge in Spanish Octupus, Warm Brioche Donuts while sipping a “Jack Taylor” (bonded applejack/Tennessee whiskey/vintage port/sweet vermouth/lemon twist). Enjoy Citizen’s nightly cocktail party from 4 to 6:30 pm with oysters, ceviche and daily punch cocktails.
DON’T MISS THIS → “Guillermo Del Toro: At Home with Monsters” exhibit at LACMA. From Hellboy to Pan’s Labyrinth, over 500 objects from Guillermo del Toro’s extensive career are on display, including sculptures and drawings from his notebooks. Exhibit runs Aug. 1 – Nov. 27.
TAKE YOUR DATE HERE → Highland Park Bowl. The historic bowling alley (L.A.’s oldest) was recently renovated and has everything you would need to have the best date ever, all in one place. Craft cocktails, Neapolitan-style pizzas, live music and a chance for some healthy bowling competition with that special someone. The bowling prices vary depending on the day and time from $40 to $60 per hour for a lane, which can accommodate up to six people.
GO SEE THIS → Sundance NEXT FEST Aug. 7-10 at the Ace Hotel Downtown (and various venues around the city). This festival brings together music and film with various events, like a screening of the Aubrey Plaza-starred zombie comedy Life After Beth, with a performance from Father John Misty. Other events include the horror film The Guest, a panel with the director of Drive and more.
BRING YOUR ‘SWEET CHILD’ TO → Guns N’ Roses at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 18 and 19. The tour, which brings together Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan for the first time in decades, is already getting raving reviews. Catch them while you can on their home turf in L.A. Some very special guests have also been added to select cities.
WATCH THIS → The 2016 Olympics in Rio kick off this Friday with the opening ceremony. Teams from all over the world will compete in over 40 different events to take home those coveted gold medals (306 will be given out). The games run from Aug. 5 – 21, with two new Olympics sports added to the list: golf and rugby sevens. Those who can’t make it to Rio this year, stop by one of KCal’s top spots to watch the action.
SHOP HERE → Odd Nights at the Autry, a monthly night market from the curator behind Dodger Stadium Flea, Downtown Flea and Melrose Flea. The market features live bands, beer gardens, cocktail lounges, a full bar, 20 food trucks, 200+ vendors, rides and activities for the kids and more. Vendors will feature their handcrafted jewelry, home goods, antiques, artwork and other handmade items. Aug. 19, 6-11 pm.
DOWNLOAD THIS → Polaroid Swing, an app that’s a mix of Instagram’s filters and Boomerang’s playfullness; users take 60 frames in one second, capturing an action that plays back. Photos taken in the app animate and you can share them with friends in a feed, share them via Twitter, Facebook, or links sent by email that direct you to the app’s website.
JUICE HERE → Moon Juice is headed to West Hollywood Aug. 4. Amanda Chantal Bacon’s third shop features their ‘plant-based alchemy’, a juice bar and retail component. Tonics, juices, milks, smoothies, supplements, powders, dusts, snacks and treats will line the shelves of their new location.
