L.A. Weekend Guide: DragCon, Disney in Concert, Ziggy Marley, OC Fair and More

Every Thursday, Los Angeles magazine curates a list of the best music, film and culture events, happening during the day and night, around Los Angeles. Craft a great last-minute schedule Fri.-Sun. with this Weekend Guide to L.A. (Click the event names for more info.)

RuPaul’s DragCon at L.A. Convention Center - July 19-20

The art of drag gets the tribute it deserves at DragCon, from RuPaul and the production company behind the hit reality TV show, World of Wonder Productions. The largest celebration of its kind, the event gathers the top tier talent from around the world for two days of glamour, performance, shopping, photo ops and meet & greets. At press time, the bill included some of biggest names in this bodacious business including Mayhem Miller, LaLa Ri, Trinity The Tuck, Jaida Essence Hall, Aquaria, Ra’Jah O’Hara, Kerri Colby, Adore Delano, TS Madison, Shea Couleé, Scarlet Envy, La Grande Dame and Lolita Banana to name a few.

International Gem & Jewelry Show at The Pasadena Convention Center - July 19-21

It’s a crafter’s and designer’s paradise at this sparkling shop-o-rama featuring a vast selection of jewelry, gems, beads, and accessory findings from dealers in this packed marketplace. You’ll find supplies to create your own accessories and plenty of ready-made pieces too– everything from diamonds to semi-precious stones, plus vintage, estate and costume items.

Disney 80's-90's in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl - July 19

The 1980s-90s get the spotlight at Disney’s popular sing-a-long event and orchestral celebration. Guest singers take the stage (including Randy Newman and Danny Elfman) backed by the Bowl's orchestra on classic tracks from The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Mulan, Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Hocus Pocus and more. Ticket holders are invited to picnic before and during the show.

Ziggy Marley at the Bellwether - July 20

Like his icon father, Ziggy Marley's music and live shows are all about peace, love and unity, something we can all use a dose of right now. Bob’s eldest son, best known for hits like "Tomorrow People" and "Tumbling Down,” is sure to share an array of joyful ditties, including some from his dad. In addition to this intimate Bellwether show, he plays the OC fair (see below) on Thursday.

Women’s Dive Day Party at Hotel Figueroa - July 20

The female-founded Eco Dive Center marks Women’s Dive Day (created to empower women in scuba diving) with this pool event along with Heal the Bay and Shark Allies, also founded by women. Advocating for protection and preservation of the ocean, the free event will offer mermaid tail swimming, scuba instruction, a fashion show, DJs, food and drink, from noon- 4 p.m.

Ancestral Connections: Yanculia/Restoration at the Getty Villa - July 20

High school students from across the city meld movement, video, music and text  for this unique storytelling event. Culminating their work with Youth Theater Summer Intensive, a five-week program created by the Getty Museum, About Productions, and Plaza de la Raza, it will explore Greek and Mesoamerican mythologies inspred by the Getty exhibit, Picture Worlds: Greek, Maya and Moche Pottery.

IAMA Theatre Company's Emerging Playwrights Lab at Atwater Village Theatre -July 20-21

The Lab’s “Class of ’24” writers have been showcasing their works for the past two weeks and this weekend they present " Phoebe & Jesus 4Ever" by Emman Sadorra (Sat.) and " All Girls" by Rachel Borders (Sun.), two Summertime tales exploring sexuality, gender and love, both for others and for self. Admission is free with reservation.

OC Fair - through Aug. 18

In addition to rides, games, animals and live concerts at the Pacific Amphitheater, the OC Fair offers some intriguing exhibits this year including "The Art of Music Experience," featuring  hand-painted large-scale reproductions of album covers, musicians and neon displays, many commissioned by record companies to promote their artists in the past. See the entertainment schedule, presented by Toyota and Yaamava here .

Dazzling: Queer Journeys Through Photography and Film at Bermudez Projects - through Aug. 10

Representation matters and art forms such as photography and film have played a vital role in acknowledging and amplifying the LGBTQ+ community. A new exhibit at Bermudez Projects, which just opened last week, provides a compelling document of the queer experience via the lenses of five contemporary artists, including Los Angeles magazine’s contributing photographer Jen Rosenstein, whose powerful portraiture celebrates transgender men and women in a signature stark yet stunning style. The full series, called the “Transformational Project” was released in a 2007 book and its imagery is available in an exclusive reprint sold at the gallery.

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