Comic-Con International: To call something "overwhelming" might, well, overwhelm you, but it's hard not to feel just that when facing this huge and happening pop culture everything-tacular. Best study up on what panels you want to attend ahead of time, what artists to meet, and when the famous Masquerade starts, and all the things afoot at the San Diego Convention Center. "The New Wave of Latin America Horror Cinema," "DIY Comics: Publish, Don't Perish," and "Inside the Comic-Con Museum," a peek at the future spot, are on the over-, er, perfectly whelming schedule. There's plenty to know before you go about the July 18-21 popstravaganza, so know it now.
'Bakeru: Transforming Spirits' opens: Entering "the supernatural world of Japanese folk traditions" sounds like a portal you might use via a novel or movie, but there's a route in Hollywood, one that will give you a chance to become acquainted with these venerable tales. Interactive digital technology helps deepen visitors' experiences at the exhibit, which will run through Oct. 6. Get to know regional cultures, and their folk festivals, at Japan House, beginning on Wednesday, July 17. Will you enter a place where the supernatural and day-to-day "live in tandem"? That's the dream.
Sizzling Summer Nights: Twirling outside the Autry Museum of the American West, while live music gives you the moves the spin along to, all while the sun sets on the other side of Griffith Park, is a summertime pleasure so pure it should be bottled. Adding to the joy is the fact that it is a Thursday night, meaning the weekend is near. Cost for a non-member of The Autry? It's fifteen bucks, but free if you are a museum member. A dance lesson (it's free), tacos for sale, drinks for sale, and a chance to look around the artifact-packed institution are all part of this popular summer series. It runs each Thursday through Aug. 22.
Sunset Concerts at the Skirball begin: A light-as-air Thursday evening, one that's threaded through with global sounds, splendid songcraft, and a sense of people coming together to enjoy something cultural and rich? That's what's on the wind at these free shows, which begin their annual run on Thursday, July 18. Gaby Moreno is up first, but other favorites are still to come, including The Klezmatics and Josef Leimberg. There shall be full bar service, too, plus light bites for purchase, should you want to skip dinner on the way and simply enjoy a quick and satisfying meal there.
Yappy Hour 2019: Trotting into an art museum with your pooch at your side? Not usually done. Going to a pet adoption at a museum, one that's all about making a few love matches? As rare, if not more so. But that is going to happen at the Hammer Museum in Westwood on Friday, July 19. It is an event that's focused on placing pets that need homes, so do be sure to leave your own sweet pup asnooze back on the couch. This is all about the humans and the adoptable animals, plus some vino, too, and cocktails and beer for purchase. Mutt Hut Rescue and Pug Nation are the groups behind this early-evening gathering, which happens to be free, woof woof.
