6 Exciting Pop-Ups & Events This Weekend In LA

Welcome to the dog days of summer, everyone. It’s hot and humid, and suddenly frenemies with AC are inner-circle BFFs. While we can think of many great ways to keep cool right now, maybe you’re one of those people who thrives under the blistering sun. In that case, listen up. This week we’re excited about several different neighborhood festivals, various pop-up dinners, and more. 

THE EVENTS

A SONORAN TAKE-OVER

One of our favorite burger shops in the city, Burger 99, is doing a one-night pop-up dinner with Phoenix-based Sonoran restaurant Bacanora. It’s all going down this Friday, August 12th and will feature a three-course menu featuring classic Bacanora dishes like pollo asado and seared pulpo, as well as special dishes exclusive to the event. Tickets are $100 per person and reservations are required. 

CELEBRATE KOREAN LIBERATION

The Korean Liberation Festival is a three-day festival happening this weekend in DTLA. The event runs from Saturday, August 13th through August 15th with entry from 4-8pm each day and will feature arts, music, entertainment, food, drinks, and crafts—all provided by local Korean-owned small businesses. Tickets are $10, but children under 12 are free. 

BBQ FOR A CAUSE

This Sunday, August 14th, Eszett in Silver Lake will host a special multi-course “Tattoos + BBQ” dinner to help raise money for Access Reproductive Justice, a non-profit organization fighting for safe abortion access for all. Tickets are $125 per person and include dinner and dessert, a free drink, a raffle ticket to get a free tattoo, and music throughout the night. 

CHECK OUT A COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

This Friday, August 13th marks the beginning of Nisei Week, a nine-day festival in Little Tokyo showcasing and celebrating Japanese culture. The schedule is packed with everything from parades and car shows to all-day food festivals. Nisei Week is free and open to the public. 

A POPULAR POP-UP RETURNS

After a brief summer break, izakaya pop-up Budonoki is back this Monday, August 15th at Ototo in Echo Park from 5-11pm. The menu includes dishes like shrimp and scallop katsu and char siu pork jowl, and if you get thirsty, Ototo’s extensive sake menu will be available as well. 

NEW DINNER TO KNOW ABOUT

Kuya Lord is a fantastic new Filipino restaurant in the Melrose Hill neighborhood that’s been open strictly for lunch all summer. Starting Friday, August 12th, they’re extending hours until 9pm and introducing a dinner menu. Details are still a bit scarce, but you can expect the return of popular dishes from their pop-up days like pancit habhab and batangas goto, a savory beef soup with tendons, shank, and tripe. Walk-ins only.