August 20-21 2026 Art Parties & Events
Thursday, Friday, August 20-21, 2026 Art Parties & Events spark a new and exciting weekend of arts and entertainment in the LA area. I just want to remind everyone that this is the fina weekend of the Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum. Of course, we also have listed art shows and the Venice Art Crawl. Additionally, we have some theatre, comedy and wine tasting too.
Thursday, August 20 2026
Zebra Longwing butterfly at the Butterfly Pavillion at the Natural History Museum; photo by Richard Bilow;
In Exposition Park…It’s the final weekend for the Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum and it closes this Sunday, August 23, 2026. My husband and I really enjoyed it when we visited. They literally come and sit on you – it’s quite a unique experience. In fact, Rich wrote a touching article about his experience at the Butterfly Pavilion on our sister site – EatTravelGo.com Read his Natural History Museum Butterfly Pavilion article.
The Butterfly Pavilion will be open through August 23, 2026: Times: 10am-4pm; Admission: $10 per person to the pavilion, however general admission is also required. So arrive early to view the other exhibitions. Free for Members. Reservation required. *Please note that tickets are for 30 minute time slots. NHM Butterfly Pavilion, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007; http://nhm.org/
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Venice
VAC (Venice Art Crawl) is back with a special Venice Canals Art Crawl. Keep your eye out for immersive installations throughout the canals. Be sure to check the VAC website as they may recommend specific areas.
Event: 6-10pm; The Venice Canals run on the other side and parallel to Pacific Ave and run between Venice Blvd., and Washington Blvd; https://www.veniceartcrawl.com/
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Beverly Hills
This is the final weekend for Lakefront at Theatre 40. Written by Norm Foster and directed by Larry Eisenberg, two mature singles rent a lakefront cabin for a tryst. What could go wrong? Lakefront runs through August 23, 2026; Performance: 7:30pm; Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90212; https://theatre40.org
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Friday, August 21, 2026
Lo Que Queda by Colin Doherty closes today at Walter Maciel Gallery, so if you have time, head over to Culver City to see the exhibition. It’s extraordinary. You can read more about it on the Walter Maciel Gallery Lo Que Queda Feature.
Antigua Casita 2025 oil; Colin Doherty
The title which means “what remains” or “what is left behind” suggests the unknown. Therefore the exhibition reveals Doherty’s most intimate and emotionally powerful work to date. The artist uses oil paint to create works ranging in scale and atmosphere. Additionally his paintings draw from memory, migration, loss, and belonging. While they examine the complexities of living between two homes, each location carries distinct ideas of family and connection.
Hours: 11am-6pm; Walter Maciel Gallery, 2642 S. La Cienega Blvd., LA, 90034; http://waltermacielgallery.com
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Venice
ARCANE SPACE hosts an artist talk and walkthrough with Stevie Choi. Also enjoy a live performance of artist and poet Aine Nakamura, and dancer/choreographer Oguri. Vocalization and Dance—On Words, Voice, and the Body is a work in progress showcasing of the start of collaborative project between both artists. Artist Walkthrough and Performance: 7:30pm; ARCANE SPACE, 324 Sunset Ave. Unit G, (Next to Gjusta Bakery), Venice, 90291; https://www.arcanespacela.com
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North Hollywood
Matt & Ben Written by Minday Kaling and Brenda Withers is currently running at the Sherry Theatre. Directed by Max Downs, the premise is what if the script for “Good Will Hunting” fell from the sky into Ben Affleck’s apartment. What will he and Matt Damon do? The show stars Genevieve Lerner and Spring Ferrara. Runs Fridays & Saturdays through September 5, 2026; Performance 8pm; Admission is $35; Purchase tickets for MATT & Ben HERE; The Sherry Theatre, 11052 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood 91601; https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/regional/Matt-Ben-4384595
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Silver Lake
Barnsdall Fridays Wine Tasting series continues. The fundraiser event benefits Barnsdall Art Park Foundation. Wines are curated by Silverlake Wine. Moreover, attendees can enjoy cuisine from rotating food trucks at these Friday night happenings which run from September 26, 2025.
Visit the website for more info and to purchase tickets. Event runs: 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Tickets start at $45; Adults ONLY (21+ No kids or babies or pets); Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Boulevard, LA 90027; http://www.barnsdall.org/
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Lincoln Heights
Wönzimer hosts an artist talk and the closing art party of a group show titled Thermidorian Reaction. Curated by Umar Rashid, the exhibition’ s name comes from the 1794 parliamentary revolt, an impactful event that turned the tide on the French Revolution. The curator will lead a walkthrough at 6pm; Many artists will be on site as well. The gallery will provide drinks and refreshments; Art party & Talk: 4– 7pm; Walkthrough 6pm; Wönzimer, 341-B S Avenue 17, LA, 90031; http://wonzimer.com
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Beverly Hills
You have another chance to see Lakefront at Theatre 40 tonight. See above for more info on the show. It runs through August 23, 2026; Performance: 7:30pm; Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90212; https://theatre40.org
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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.
