On our Saturday, August 9, 2025 Art Parties & Events listing, we continue our summer events. As the art world slows down, the music, and theatre picks up. However, there are quite a few good art openings, so get out there.
August 9, 2025 Art Parties & Events
Culver City…The Actors’ Gang continues its annual tradition of Free Shakespeare in the Park. Roswell That Ends Well takes place today 11:00am. This rendition and interpretation of Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well features outer space and the Wild West. A cowgirl with dreams of dance-battling in outer space finally gets her wish, thanks to a four-armed alien king. The show takes place in downtown Culver City at Media Park and is free to the public. Performance 11am; Media Park, 9070 W. Venice Blvd., Culver City 90232 and is adjacent to The Actors’ Gang Theater. Reservations are advised for the FREE show; theactorsgang.com
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Downtown
Photographic Arts Council Los Angeles (PAC LA), and Eastman Museum LA present its third event in the Year of the Woman series. The panel discussion titled The Female Gaze: Women Photo Gallerists features three gallerists who have come to define the Los Angeles photo scene. They include: Tarrah von Lintel, Theresa Luisotti, and Rose Shoshana. The discussion will be moderated by journalist Jori Finkel. Art Talk: 1-2pm; Visit the website to RSVP for this free event; Nazraeli Press @ The Reef, 1933 South Broadway 12th Floor, Suite 1266 LA, 90007; https://paclosangeles.com/
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Also Downtown…Vielmetter Los Angeles hosts a closing and art talk between artist Paul Mpagi Sepuya & guests; Art Talk: 3-4pm; 1700 S Santa Fe Ave #101, Los Angeles, CA 90021; https://vielmetter.com
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Chinatown
Charlie James Gallery (2nd location) offers an opening reception for Abel Rodriguez: Aguante. The exhibition features artworks from the artist’s Fotos y recuerdos series.
It includes paintings and works on paper which reexamines photographs and ephemera from the artist’s childhood in the 1990s and early 2000s. Art Party: 5-8pm; Charlie James Gallery, 961 Chung King Rd., LA 90012; https://www.cjamesgallery.com
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Also in Chinatown…Human Resources LA presents Saudade Into Light, an exhibition featuring the work of Arthur Cooke (b.1996-2020). A special shout out goes out to this Venice Arts alum whose talent and spirit continues to inspire the world. Curated by his family, Saudade Into Light honors Arthur’s life and artistic vision, offering a glimpse into his evocative archive and posthumously printed works.
The solo show features a selection of artist prints, self-published books, video works, hand sewn clothing and fabric prints. Arthur’s work blends analogue and digital photography, video, and textile art with a poetic sensibility that explores memory, grief, and the search for meaning. Art Party: 6-9pm; Human Resources LA, 410 Cottage Home St, LA 90012; https://www.h-r.la/
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More Downtown
Nance Arte Productions and Grand Performances co-present Latin Goes Ska at CalPlaza. Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra joins forces with powerhouse vocalists: Maria de Pilar (Los Abandoned ), Jackie Mendez, Charles Farrar ( Boogaloo Assassins, See Spot ), Luis ( Raskahuele ), JP (Viernes 13 ). Plus enjoy acclaimed Ska artists The Untouchables, Mobtown, The Elysians, Blanco Y Negro, The Delirians, as well as sets by DJ Queline. Party all night with Latin rhythms and distinctive ska energy. Performance: 6-10pm; RSVP to attend the FREE concert on the website; Grand Performances 350 South Grand Avenue LA, 90071; https://www.grandperformances.org
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East of Downtown LA
V I S A J E opens at Birdcage Gallery LA. The group show spotlights nontraditional portraitures. Artists include: Lyn Gaza, Poul Lange, Michael Manning, and Memo Villasenor. Opening night also includes a performance by Latin roots duo, Alma Sangre!
Art Party: 6-10pm; Admission is free with a suggested donation of $10; This gallery is located in a live/work building on East side of DTLA. Birdcage Gallery LA, 1250 Long Beach Ave #321 Los Angeles, CA 90021; https://www.instagram.com/birdcage_space/
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Mid Wilshire
TAG hosts an opening art party for six solo exhibitions, Art In Words! The shows include these artists and themes: Dara Barker: Stitched and Interwoven, Emil Rutenberg: NOT FADE AWAY…the 5th sequel, Robert Zent Chew: Blink of an Eye – Landscapes & Figures, Lana Shmulevich: Chasing the Light, Bruce Sanders: After the Fires: A New Beginning, and Lorna Herf: Lost and Found. Art Party: 5-8pm; 5458 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036; https://www.taggallery.net/
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Highland Park
Face Guts presents Candy by Tim Biskup. The artist is known to defy the stuffy side of the art world due to being told early in his career his work was too goofy.Candy invites viewers to question their instincts: about taste, about value, and about what art is supposed to be. Art Party: 5-8pm; Face Guts, 4136 Verdugo Road, LA 90065; https://www.faceguts.com
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Park La Brea area
LAUNCH Gallery throws an opening art party for Natural Patterns. The group show features the work of Danielle Eubank, Zo Frampton, and Katie Elizabeth Stubblefield.
The three Los Angeles-based artists focus our earth’s stunning resilience as well as destructive climate change currently happening due to the human race. Art Party: 6-9pm; LAUNCH LA, 170 S La Brea Ave. LA, 90036; https://launchla.org/
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In the San Gabriel Mountains
Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO) presents its fourth Saturday Evening Talks & Telescopes. Tonight enjoy a lecture by Dr. Michael E. Brown, Professor of Planetary Astronomy at the California Institute of Technology. The lecture, Planet Nine from Outer Space will explore the evidence that Planet Nine truly exists. The night begins with a talk at 5:30 in the Auditorium, followed by observing through both the 60- and 100-inch telescopes from dusk to 11:30pm — the two largest telescopes in the world available for public use. Additional stargazing around the grounds will be available from members of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. ASL interpretation for the lecture; Food will be available for purchase from a food truck, or bring your own picnic! Event: 5:30-11:45pm; Admission: $50; Purchase tickets on website; Mount Wilson Observatory, 100 Mt Wilson Circle Road, Mt Wilson, CA 91023; https://www.mtwilson.edu/events/talk080925/
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West Adams
Thinkspace Gallery celebrates several shows tonight with an opening art party. SMOL 2.0 is an Annual Small Works Group Exhibition opens in Gallery I. It is a massive group show, so we could not list all of the artists, but e sure to check out the website for a full list.
Artwork by by Paola Ciarska
In addition SEHEE BYUN: Moongle Moongle/몽글몽글 debuts in Gallery II, KIM BORJA: Bliss Now! also opening in Gallery III as well as The Fresh Series (Session Four). This is a spotlight on Local Creatives (with Amanda Estrada/ Ernie Steiner/ Christina Dias). Art Party: 6-10pm; Thinkspace Projects, 4207 W. Jefferson Blvd. & 4217 W. Jefferson Blvd., LA 90016; https://thinkspaceprojects.com
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West LA
Tonight The Motherf**cker with the Hat opens at Odyssey Theatre. The revival of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ popular play brings five powerhouse performers together in one show. The compelling story features love, commitment, as well as redemption. The Motherf**ker with the Hat will run through August 31, 2025. Performance: 8pm; General Admission: $45; Seniors: $35; Students $30 (with student ID); The Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd, LA, 90025. Reservations: https://www.tmfwth.com/ https://odysseytheatre.com/whats-on/
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Santa Monica
The Fantasticks continues at Ruskin Group Theatre for a limited run. This enchanting multi-award-winning musical, is still to this day the longest running off Broadway play. This is a wonderful show. I saw it when it when I lived in NYC (a very long time ago). The original off-Broadway production opened in 1960 and ran for 42 years. Although I didn’t catch the original cast (Hey, I’m not that old), I did thoroughly enjoy it.
Director Elina de Santos takes the story into the 21st century, keeping the same wit, sensitivity and beauty of the original story. Furthermore, her staging brings fresh insight with an imaginative flair to a cherished classic. Actors include: Michael D. Cohen, Danny Bernardo, Rhett Hemingway, Kiel Kennedy, Sophie Pollono, Michael Redfield, Raven Scott, John Wuchte, and Silas Shultz. Run time is approximately 120 minutes (including one 10-minute intermission). The show runs through August 24, 2025; Performance: 8pm; Tickets are $45 (student/senior discounts $30 and also groups 10+ $33) and can be purchased in advance at www.ruskingrouptheatre.com or by calling (310) 397-3244. Free parking available on-site. Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405; https://www.ruskingrouptheatre.com/
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Pasadena
The movie School of Rock is set to screen tonight at One Colorado as part of its Movies Under the Stars series. The event is presented in partnership with IPIC Theatres and is FREE. However, if you decide to have dinner at a restaurant at One Colorado, you will receive VIP seating. Just bring your receipt of a $50 or more (per person) from One Colorado restaurants and shops. But you can also bring your own blanket and snacks, and have a picnic. Also Free seating is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Event: 8:30pm-10:30pm; One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103; https://www.onecolorado.com
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Don’t forget Free Summer Music Events are NOW happening, see our sister site for more info – EatTravelGo.com
For additional art exhibitions, and performances as well as culinary events, visit 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 also on ETG.
