Welcome back to GTFO LA!, your guide to the very best stuff to do in Los Angeles every weekend, designed to get you out of the f*cking house. Summer may be half way through, but the parties keep going like it just started. Throughout this weekend, celebrations of cultures and countries will be happening all over L.A. Pick one, or check them all out!
Friday, Aug. 3
Brew at the L.A. Zoo
[dropcap size=big]Y[/dropcap]ou've experienced the L.A. Zoo, but you haven't done it like this. Friday the zoo will turn into an adult animal lover's dream with an evening of craft beer and animal discovery. Learn more about your favorite animals, sip on a brew or two and lounge around as live music gives the whole experience more life. Despite the brews, the night is still very much about wildlife. Some animals will be in their night quarters. Listen to zoo keeper talks about alligators, seals, kangaroos, elephants and more or get acquainted with animals at the discovery stations. Explore the event after you pick from among 40 craft brewers. Breweries to expect: Drake's, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Yorkshire Square Brewery, 01 Cider House, and more. San Antonio Winery will also be available. Purchasing tickets in advance is suggested. More info here.
Saturday, Aug. 4
SFV Summer Drive-In Nights — 'Back to the Future Part II'
[dropcap size=big]G[/dropcap]o back in time at the San Fernando Valley Summer Drive-In Nights at the Lake Balboa Complex. Not only will you get an authentic, retro drive-in experience, but this Saturday you can watch Back to the Future Part II and get in the spirit with other activities. Before you watch the movie, get into the futuristic, 80s mood with some fun at a 26-player arcade game truck, play laser tag, family board games or dance at the silent disco party. Come hungry — there will be a variety of food trucks, including vegan options. More info here.
El Dia del Salvadoreño
It's the biggest national celebration of El Salvador in the nation this weekend. Thousands of Salvadoreños call Los Angeles home, so L.A.'s version of the party will be anything but small. Taking place in a section of "El Salvador Corridor" on Venice Boulevard, this family event will feature traditional food, new and innovative products to see, shows and live music all in the name of keeping El Salvador's culture and traditions alive. More info here. Watch their trailer!
La Tocada
Los Angeles State Historic Park will host this year's La Tocada, one of SoCal's largest Latin music festivals. Leaving its Orange County home for the heart of L.A. this year, big names in pop, rock en Español and Alt-Latino will invade the music festival once again. Cafe Tacvba headlines the main stage and is preceded by Panteon Rococo, Mon Laferte, Jesse & Joy, and Molotov. Caloncho, Porter, Little Jesus and Camilo Septimo will play the Hollywood stage. The Chulita Vinyl Club, who will play sets across stages, and Cristian Aguilar will play the Venice Stage. A special stage, named after Echo Park, will be all Lucha Libre, all the time. Super Nacho, Kid Tornado, Pilojo Suicida, and more will be diving off the ring for your entertainment. More info here.
Sunday, Aug. 5
Festival Guelaguetza
[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]t's Oaxacan Heritage Month in Los Angeles and one of the biggest events celebrating the Mexican state is happening this weekend. In México, Guelaguetza, a huge celebration in Oaxaca happens once a year, and in L.A., home to a community of people from Oaxaca, the celebration falls around the same time. Head over to Lincoln Park for a community event that will feature delicious Oaxacan food, traditional dancing, and more. More info here.
Jamaican Independence Day
Celebrate the island with the Subsuelo crew this Sunday. Reggae, dancehall, ska and dub will be blasting in honor of all the amazing music Jamaica has gifted the world. Expect the usual Subsuelo crew, plus guest DJs, MCs, dancers and instrumentalists from Jamaica. Special tributes to Beenie Man, Gregory Issacs and Moreno will be playing throughout the event. It wouldn't be a party without food, so there will also be delicious Jamaican food. More info here.
