Roaring Nights opens: A trip to the zoo? It usually involves strolling in the sunshine, plus some sweet snacks, plus plenty of kid-fun to-dos. But what if you could call upon the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens at night, for a 21+ party, that involved spirited beverages, food trucks, DJ-spun tuneage, live bands recalling the tunes of the '80s or '90s? It would be pretty rad, but only if animals were still a theme. Oh, they are, for sure, at this summertime series, which begins on June 28. There are four 2019 Friday nights in all, and, yep, all of them have close-up critter action, hooray.
Level 8 Drive-In opens: If you were sitting in your car, about four or five decades back, give or take, and you were near the corner of Third & Fairfax, chances were good that you were watching a movie on an outdoor screen. The Gilmore Drive-In is long-gone, but four drive-in nights will pop up, atop rooftop of The Grove's parking structure, with a special twist: The movie star cars seen on the screen will make IRL cameos, thanks to a partnership with the Petersen Automotive Museum. "Grease" is up first for the series, on June 26, and, you bet, "Greased Lightening" will be there. It's free to attend, but do RSVP.
Reservations end at Galaxy's Edge: Venturing into the deepest reaches of the cosmos can be tricky, especially if you're piloting a hunk of junk and you've got an Imperial Cruiser on your tail. But what if you could visit a planet from the "Star Wars" universe, while in Anaheim, via a trip to Disneyland? That can happen, but you'll still need a ticket to The Happiest Place on Earth, even while not having to worry about a reservation (reservations had been in place for the new land, from May 31 to June 23). There may be a virtual queue in place, when you do go, so study up beforehand, and get that Disneyland app.
Negroni Week: So you've got a taste for iconic cocktails, the sort of sips that begin with Campari? Then you likely know the Negroni, a libation that has a lot of lore, legions of fans, and one very special fundraising event each summer. That event is now on, from June 24 through 30, and several Southern California bars and eateries are participating. How does it work? You can find out if your favorite hangout is playing a part, or another place nearby, and what charity they'll be supporting with part of the proceeds from each Negroni sold. Then? You go have a Negroni. Be 21+, of course. Here's more information.
Free Movie Night in the Park: Indiana Jones was known for finding some of the greatest treasures of the archaeological world, of course. Of course, the fictional adventurer wasn't searching for fossils, but Hancock Park, home to the La Brea Tar Pits and oodles of Ice Age fossils, does seem like a perfect place to watch a pay-nothing screening of "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Pink's Hot Dogs will be there, too, and, nearby, the brand-new SelgasCano Serpentine Pavilion Rainbow Tunnels will be enjoying their first opening day. The movie is first-come, first-served, and doors "open" at 6 p.m. (the film begins at 8 o'clock). And that date? It's Thursday, June 27. Is that a boulder rolling after you? Better run to this page, pronto, for the details.
