Weekend Guide
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Weekend Guide

Weekend Guide

Los Angeles magazine's guide to having a great weekend

Gary Smith
July 24, 2026

Whether you’re in the mood to discover emerging queer filmmakers, browse some of L.A.’s best independent bookstores, break a sweat with an affordable outdoor Pilates class or celebrate Iranian Angeleno culture through food, music and art, this weekend offers plenty of ways to get out and explore. From creative workshops and literary adventures to community festivals and wellness experiences, these standout events showcase the diverse experiences happening across Los Angeles from Friday through Sunday.

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Watercolor Workshop at Aliza Hotel — July 25

Spend Saturday morning exploring your creative side at Aliza Hotel in Venice, where local artist Shannon Courter is leading the first installment of a new monthly watercolor workshop series. Running from 10 a.m. to noon, the beginner-friendly class includes a watercolor starter kit to take home along with a specialty coffee from Cafe Meggo. Tickets are $85 per person.

OutfestNEXT 2026 — July 23-26

OutfestNEXT returns to the L.A. LGBT Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza for four days devoted to queer film and storytelling. This year’s program includes 18 feature-length films, more than 30 shorts, filmmaker workshops, panel discussions and community gatherings. Highlights include new work from Gregg Araki, along with films featuring Brittney Griner, Callum Scott Howells, Olivia Wilde, Margaret Cho, Charli XCX and others.

L.A. Indie Book Crawl — July 24-26

Independent bookstores across Los Angeles are joining forces for the city’s first L.A. Indie Book Crawl, inviting readers to explore 13 beloved shops over three days. Spend at least $10 at any participating location to receive a book crawl passport, then collect stamps as you make your way from neighborhood to neighborhood. Along the route, visitors can pick up exclusive merchandise, enter to win prizes and, for those who complete all 13 stops, earn a gift bag packed with literary goodies and a $25 gift card to each participating bookstore.

SmorgasJOON — July 26

ROW DTLA hosts the second annual SmorgasJOON on Sunday, a free celebration of Iranian Angeleno culture presented by Smorgasburg and the Farhang Foundation. The event features a lineup of local food vendors, artisan makers, live music curated by KCRW and traditional Persian calligraphy demonstrations. Come hungry and sample offerings from favorites including DarBar Bakery, Koja Cafe and Maison De La Fork while browsing, shopping and enjoying the festivities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

STRONG Pilates at The Sun Rose West Hollywood — July 25

Kick off your Saturday with a morning workout on the garden terrace at The Sun Rose Hotel in West Hollywood, where STRONG Pilates Santa Monica is hosting a 45-minute mat class beginning at 11 a.m. The $7 ticket also includes access to a lineup of wellness experiences, including mini spa facials, Kova Kream protein ice cream, complimentary beverages and exclusive discounts on hotel spa treatments.

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