26 SUMMER FUN

Know ThyselfAre the stories that we tell our friends the same as the secrets we tell our lovers? How do they compare with the lies we tell ourselves? The Pulitzer Prize–winning “Disgraced,” which runs June 8–July 17 at the Mark Taper Forum, explores such issues as personal identity, heritage and passion in a myriad of clever and creative ways.$40-$85centertheatregroup.org/tickets/disgraced

Belt Out the HitsWhy wait for October 31 to dress up and have some light-hearted fun? At the “Sound of Music Sing-A-Long,” taking place at the Hollywood Bowl on June 24, don your favorite costume and enjoy using a free interactive fun-pack while singing your heart out to an assortment of songs featured in the Oscar-winning movie. A pre-show will take place at 6:30 p.m., followed by the film at 8 p.m.$40-$85hollywoodbowl.com

Catch Some SparksSee some of the best female players display their talents at Staples Center, home of the L.A. Sparks of the WNBA. Staples will host 16 home games between June and September.$20–$160sparks.wnba.com

LOS ANGELES

Making MagicMaybe you have what it takes to duke it out with the forces of evil. Perhaps you can even conjure enough juju to throw down with Lord Voldemort. Find out by entering the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, now open at Universal Studios Hollywood. Make your way through castle gates and explore the corridors and passageways of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Shop for magical mementos at Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, pick up a Hogwarts school uniform at Dervish and Bangles, and enjoy a delectably enchanting meal at Three Broomsticks. Universal will remain open daily throughout the summer. $115/general, $90/children.universalstudioshollywood.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

2016

SUMMER FUN 27

The Ultimate SelfiesBizarre. Important. Twisted. Stunning. It’s challenging – no, it’s utterly, completely impossible – to come up with words that accurately describe the photographic work of Cindy Sherman, best known for her self-portraits that represent media-influenced female stereotypes. Experience reality through the artist’s eyes at “Cindy Sherman: Imitation of Life,” running June 11 – Oct. 2 at the Broad, a contemporary art museum that has quickly become a phenomenon among younger art lovers, particularly Instagramers, since opening its doors last September. The museum’s first-ever special exhibition showcases work from throughout Sherman’s four-decade career. Unforgettable. General Admission: free; Sherman Exhibit: $12/adults, free/17 and under.thebroad.org

Loud and ProudMarking 27 consecutive years at the Hollywood Bowl, Mariachi USA is the top mariachi music festival in the world. The high-octane celebration will take place at the iconic locale on June 25 and will feature the best mariachi bands from South of the Border and the good ol’ US of A, as well as traditional folkloric dances and a fireworks show.$39.50–$236mariachiusa.com

Four-Legged FrivolityPamper your canine friend, or adopt a new one, at Woofstock 90210, taking place at Roxbury Park on June 26 in swanky Beverly Hills. In addition to dog adoptions and rescues, the tail-wagging fun will include a Dog Wedding movie booth, more than 35 animal-loving vendors, face and body art, doggy demonstrations and a Pet Parade & Talent Show.Freebeverlyhills.org/exploring/woofstock90210

Oceanfront FlicksSure, you can drag your brood to the local mall and cough up top dollar to wait in line, only to have buttered popcorn and a medium Coke dumped over your new “Sesame Street” hoodie. Here’s a better option: The Dockweiler Youth Center, in Playa Del Rey, will host Beach Movie Nights, featuring the following box-office hits on Fridays at 8 p.m.: “Surf’s Up” (July 1), “Max” (July 8), “Inside Out” (Aug. 12) and “Finding Nemo” (Aug. 19). Free310.726.4128

Take a Flying LeapWho in their right mind would ever jump out of a perfectly good airplane? At iFLY Hollywood, at Universal Studios CityWalk, adventurous souls of all ages can skydive without going wheels up. Don a fashion-forward jumpsuit, receive expert instruction and jump to it! Warning: This can become

addicting. Open year-round.$59.95 for two flights, plus many package optionsiflyworld.com/hollywood

Ringling in the FutureNo giant white tents in the middle of Dustville for this circus. Appearing in 12 shows at Staples Center July 14–19, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will present “Out of This World,” The Greatest Show On Earth’s family-friendly take on the wonders of intergalactic adventure. (Picture a trained elephant in a space suit – or not …)$20–$130ringling.com

Taste Bud HeavenEnjoy samples from more than 35 top Los Angeles restaurants, including delectable dishes from throughout the world, at "East LA Meets Napa." The July 15 event at Two California Plaza, in Downtown L.A., pairs Latin gourmet food and top products from Latino-owned vineyards in California. Tastings will be presented by world-renowned celebrity chefs. $225–$300 (VIP Lounge)altamed.org/eastlameetsnapa

Greek Talent of NoteRingo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Bryan Adams, Lyle Lovett, Boston, the Goo Goo Dolls, Boz Scaggs, Peter Frampton and the Steve Miller Band are but a few of the world-class musicians that will perform at the Greek Theatre, in the Hollywood Hills, this summer. Prices vary significantly from artist to artist.lagreektheatre.com

Smokin’ Hot FunBring your sense of adventure, an empty tummy and a bib (if you get too excited) to the Long Beach BBQ Festival, one of the top barbecue events on the West Coast. Taking place Aug. 19–21 at the Rainbow Lagoon (located near the Long Beach Convention Center), the entertainment will include inflatable bounces for the kids,

COURTESY THE BROAD MUSEUM

28 SUMMER FUN

dancing, stand-up comedy, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and a whole lot more. longbeachbbqfestival.com

Veer Toward the PierRemember the good ol’ days when times were simpler? Oceanfront piers, for example, offered fishing and … uh, that’s about it. The Catch of the Day: boredom of sole. However, the colorful, energetic Santa Monica Pier is home to an assortment of fun options, including an arcade, live music and dancing, the world’s largest ocean, historical walking tours, tasty food and, get this, a trapeze school. Oh yeah – they still sell bait and tackle. Freesantamonicapier.org

Tuning Up the ForceYou can’t do it. Go ahead and try. Imagine a scene – any scene – from the “Star Wars” series without hearing (in your “mind’s ear”) clips from the wondrous soundtrack created by John Williams. Sept. 2–4, the incomparable composer will visit the Hollywood Bowl to conduct selections from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” as well as themes from a galaxy far, far away. Jump online now; tickets are going fast.$13–$70hollywoodbowl.com

Pomona ParadiseThrilling rides. Live music. Arts and crafts. People-watching. Farm animals galore – more than a few of them smoking on the grill. It’s all happening at the Fairplex Exposition Complex, in the buzzing megalopolis of Pomona, Sept. 2–25. Take the whole day and enjoy all that the L.A. County Fair has to offer. New this year: an ice-skating rink, a Jurassic Planet exhibit and a whole lot more. Want to see the whole production? Book a motel.$14/$20 – adults$8/$12 – kids 6 to 12$10/$15 – seniors, 60+Free – Kids 5 and underlacf.com

Coldplay, Hot NightThink a band named Pectoralz could fill up the Rose Bowl? How about the Starfish? Any chance they could back up traffic in Pasadena? Truth be told, these are the previous names of Coldplay, the world-renowned alternative “post-Britpop” band that has sold more than 80 million records worldwide, received seven Grammy Awards and headlined this year’s Super Bowl halftime show. The group will perform at the Rose Bowl on Aug. 20 and 21. Lead vocalist and pianist Chris Martin has said that his band produces “limestone rock” – as opposed to “hard rock.” Clever fellow, that one. $137.16/nosebleed – $650/front and center.rosebowlstadium.com

AP PHOTO