SoCal kids & families, Aug. 29-Sept. 5: ‘Wild Things,’ ‘Robin Hood,’ Bob Baker’s Marionettes and more
Fun, artsy and family friendly events and activities in LA and OC this coming weekend and beyond
Welcome to a new edition of TV or Not TV’s curated guide to artsy, kid-centric and family-friendly events, activities and happenings all around LA and OC this weekend and beyond. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for arts & entertainment at the Los Angeles Times.
Let’s have some fun!
‘Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak’ It’s your last chance to check out this super-sized survey of paintings, drawings, toys and more by the beloved illustrator of such classic children’s books as “Where the Wild Things Are.” Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. Ends Sunday, Sept. 1. $8-$13; 2 and under, free; free on Thursdays. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org
‘Enchanted Toy Shop’ It’s also the last weekend to enjoy this updated version of Bob Baker’s classic and colorful puppet show, originally created in 1958, featuring previews of three new numbers from an upcoming production. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd., Highland Park. Various times, Friday, Saturday and Sunday thru Sept. 1. $25; age 2 and under, free. (213) 250-9995. bobbakermarionettetheater.com
‘Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience’ Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil assemble for a clip-enhanced journey through the music and most iconic moments from the blockbuster MCU superhero franchise. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 30-31. $15-$242. (323) 850-2000. hollywoodbowl.com
‘You Gotta Believe’ A ragtag team of young baseball players makes it all the way to the Little League World Series in Ty Roberts’ fact-based 2024 inspirational drama. With Luke Wilson, Greg Kinnear, Sarah Gadon and Molly Parker. Starts Friday, Aug. 30. 104 mins. Rated PG. wellgousa.com
Levitt LA 2024 Free Summer Concert Series Lupita Infante and Jacqie Rivera help close out the summer. L.A.-based traditional Guatemalan dance group Ajudisgua also performs. Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park, 2230 W. 6th St., L.A. 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. Free; RSVP recommended. eventbrite.com
‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’ Errol Flynn buckles a swash like nobody’s business in this Technicolor-infused 1938 classic about the legendary bandit of Sherwood Forest. Claude Rains, Basil Rathbone and Olivia de Havilland also star. Presented in 35mm. American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Noon Saturday, Aug. 31. $10, $15. americancinematheque.com
California Science Center The Space Shuttle Endeavour is currently off exhibit, but the museum’s new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center Work in Progress gallery will put you in close proximity to a SpaceX Dragon Cargo Spacecraft and a Rocket Lab Electron Rocket. California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Drive, L.A. Free; special exhibits, experiences and IMAX films, various prices. Open daily. (323) 724-3623. californiasciencecenter.org
‘My Penguin Friend’ The beginning of a beautiful friendship: A lonely fisherman from Brazil rescues and then bonds with an injured penguin, forging a lifelong connection, in this heartwarming 2024 tale starring Jean Reno and based on a true story. Various theaters, showtimes and prices. 97 mins. Rated PG. mypenguinfriend.com
Sawdust Art & Craft Festival The annual summer showcase for works and wares by local artists and artisans is up and running and also features hands-on art demonstrations plus live music, balloon artists, magicians, food and drink and more. Sawdust, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays thru Sept. 1. $5-$12; ages 5 and under free, no ticket required; passes, $29-$49. sawdustartfestival.org
‘Wendy’s Peter Pan’ Outdoor staging of artistic director Ellen Geer’s reimaginging of J.M. Barrie’s fantasy tale. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Various dates and times thru Oct. 4. $15-$60. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com
Roll @ Santa Monica Get your skate on at this new pop-up outdoor roller rink, with all-ages group skating lessons on Saturday and Sunday mornings plus themed skate nights every 2nd Wednesday of the month. 1324 5th St., Santa Monica. Noon to 10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, noon to 11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays thru Oct. 14. Admission (includes skate rental), $15; socks, lockers and party tents also available to rent. rollatsantamonica.com
‘Cinderella’ This long-running, multimedia-enhanced staging of the classic fairytale returns. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 2 p.m. Saturdays, 12:30 p.m. Sundays, thru Sept 29. $12.50, $15. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com