Our picks of places to go + things to do to make the most of your July.
EAT HERE → Santa Monica’s Sunset Park district just scored more cool points with the arrival of neighborhood restaurant, Lunetta. The counterpart to restauranteur Raphael Lunetta’s much-buzzed about lunch spot, Lunetta All Day, this dimly lit, dinner-only spot boasts a sleek, midcentury interior and elegant carved wood bar perfect for sipping martinis and making small talk. The menu includes everything from grass-fed burgers to Pasilla Negro Rubbed Grilled Carnitas, big salads, and an impressive cocktail menu.
DRINK HERE → Hollywood is getting a little plusher with its newest addition to the neighborhood scene, Filifera. Perched atop the Hollywood Proper Residences, the swanky, indoor-outdoor rooftop space offers a chill spot for local crowds to unwind and take in the magic of the sweeping city views with small bites and savory cocktails in hand.
SEE THIS → On July 9, three generations of rock’s fiercest female front-women are coming together at the Hollywood Bowl in 
honor of Blondie’s 11th studio album, Pollinator. See L.A.’s own Sky Ferreira open the night with her catchy fuzz and synth-infused sound, followed by nineties favorites Garbage, fronted by the inimitable Shirley Manson, before disco-punk queen Debbie Harry takes the stage and closes out the night.
CELEBRATE THE 4TH → No 4th of July is complete without a classic fireworks display, and there are plenty to choose from in L.A. But if you’re looking for a place to celebrate with the kids all day long, checkout the 91st annual Americafest at the Rose Bowl. Enjoy rides, games, crafts, classic American cuisine, and even a motorcycle stunt show before settling under the stars for the stadium’s epic annual fireworks display.
CHECK THIS OUT → In Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Inarritu’s conceptual virtual reality installation, CARNE y ARENA, now on display at LACMA, Inarritu employs state-of-the-art technology to explore the human condition of immigrants and refugees. In doing so, he puts the viewer, quite literally, in the shoes of immigrants attempting to cross the Mexican border into the United States. Says Inarritu, “My intention was to experiment with VR technology to explore the human condition in an attempt to break the dictatorship of the frame… and claim the space to allow the visitor to go through a direct experience walking in the immigrants’ feet, under their skin, and into their hearts.” The groundbreaking work was the first VR project ever selected for the Cannes Film Festival.
