June 18-19 2026 Art Parties & Events
Thursday, Friday June 18-19 Art Parties & Events kick off the big celebration weekend at LACMA. Although An Evening with Annie Leibovitz is taking place Thursday is already sold out, LACMA is also hosting jazz on Friday, and then presenting a massive Block Party and Art Party tomorrow. You won’t want to miss it. But for Thursday and Friday there is still plenty to do. with lots of art ,live music and some fantastic theatre too. Both Jeffrey Deitch Galleries will be hosting exhibitions and one has a unique history. So read on, and I’ll see you out there!
Thursday June 18, 2026
In Leimert Park…The Getty and LA Commons co-present The Heartbeat of Culture: Documenting the Rhythm of Leimert Park. The exhibition was influenced by the Black Arts Movement (1955-1985). The students participating in the workshop learned the basics of photography, while also gaining a lot of hands-on experience. The workshop was taught by Halline Overby, who also curated the group show which will be held at Ora Café. Art Party: 6pm; ORA, 4331 Degnan Blvd., LA, 90008; Event Info
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LA Theatre
Primary Trust continues its run through June 28, 2026 at the Mark Taper Forum. Written by Eboni Booth and directed by Knud Adams, it is the winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Primary Trust tells the story of a small town book store worker who is suddenly fired. While having to start over, he finds his life is completely changed by the kindness of others. Performance: 7:30pm; Admission starts at $40.25; Visit the website for additional info, and to purchase tickets; Mark Taper Forum, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90012; http://CenterTheatreGroup.org
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Friday, June 19, 2026
Enjoy some Jazz at LACMA with the Marvin “Smitty” Smith Septet. The performance is part of the free outdoor concert series and will take place at the Smidt Welcome Plaza. No tickets or reservations are required. You can feel free to bring a picnic, though you may want to check LACMA’s event calendar for directions and parking updates; Performance 6-8pm; Smidt Welcome Plaza, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, LA 90036; https://www.lacma.org/event/jazz-at-lacma-marvin-smitty-smith
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Hollywood
Jeffrey Deitch presents Urs Fischer: Yes and LA Dust. The two exhibitions will open simultaneously at both Deitch Galleries. The first exhibition will feature nineteen sculptures which have an unusual back story. In 2013, when Deitch was the director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in LA, an exhibition by Fischer opened at the museum offering a unique experience.
Urs Fischer, courtesy of Deitch
The artist brought in tons of modeling clay and allowed 2500 people to sculpt various figures and forms. Fischer then selected the most impactful works to cast in bronze. All these years later, those sculptures will be on view at the Jeffrey Deitch Gallery. Also Deitch’s other gallery (7000 Santa Monica Blvd.) will be debuting new LA Dust paintings by the artist as well. Both shows will runs through August 8, 2026; Art Parties: 6-8pm; Deitch, 925 N Orange Dr, LA 90038 and 7000 Santa Monica Blvd, LA, 90038; https://deitch.com/los-angeles
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Nearby…The Hollywood Bowl presents its annual Juneteenth celebration with special guest Chance the Rapper. It’s been ten years since the release of his landmark mixtape Coloring Book, so get ready for a fun night. The show will celebrate Black excellence, freedom, and resilience. In addition, audiences will enjoy a DJ set from D-Nice, as well as the DC6 Singers Collective (gospel choir). It will be a family-friendly event. Admission begins at $16; Plus kids 12 and under are 50% off. However there is a limit of four, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Performance 7pm; Gates Open: 6:30pm; The Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Ave, LA, 90068; https://www.hollywoodbowl.com
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LA Theatre
You have another chance to catch Primary Trust continues its run through June 28, 2026 at the Mark Taper Forum. See above for info about the show. Performance: 8pm; Admission starts at $40.25; Visit the website for additional info, and to purchase tickets; Mark Taper Forum, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90012; http://CenterTheatreGroup.org
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Studio City
Act Your Age! a world premier comedy/drama opens at Two Roads Theatre in the valley. Written by Art Shulman, and directed by Stan Mazin, the show is presented by Borough Park Productions. The plot deals with aging. The main character Jake is in denial since he was once the star player of the neighborhood basketball game each weekend. He is once again reminded of his age when attempts to keep up with younger players. Plus he is about to become a grandfather. Performance 7:30pm; Admission $30 with discounts for seniors, students and groups. Purchase tickets HERE; Two Roads Theatre, 4348 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, 91604; https://www.lifebookacting.com/tworoadstheater/
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West Hollywood
Jetpack Comedy is LA’s best Friday stand-up comedy showcase. Comics from HBO, Netflix, and also SNL cast members, all pop by for a night of laughter.
Headliners and surprise drop-ins have included: Sarah Silverman, Kevin Nealon, Fred Armisen, Bob Odenkirk, Pete Holmes, Hannibal Buress, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, Jeff Garlin, Ali Wong, Demetri Martin, as well as many more. Event begins: 8:30pm; Admission starts at $20; Visit the website to RSVP for events (multiple dates); FB Page; Bar Lubitsch, 7702 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, 90046; https://jetpackcomedy.com/
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For additional art exhibitions, and performances as well as culinary events, see LAArtParty’s Upcoming Events Page.
Read more about Arts and Entertainment throughout the world on our sister site EatTravelGo.com, an art inspired travel site.
Or enjoy artist / gallerist interviews on our Art Talk Page.
