Shoppers of experiences are flocking to Los Angeles this week , from intimate indie shows to drag parodies and late-night sketch nights , so here are the best picks for July 13–19 that promise music, laughs and local energy right across the city.

Essential Takeaways

  • Music highlight: Chinese American Bear plays The Echoplex on Thursday supporting their new album, Dim Sum & Then Some , expect jangly indie-pop and a cosy venue vibe.
  • Hometown rising star: Dolly Ave headlines Moroccan Lounge Thursday with Jiho and Silent Child opening; tickets available via official sellers.
  • Free improv: UCB Theatre hosts Friday Block Party, a no-cost showcase of Black and POC improvisers , arrive early for a good seat.
  • Drag theatre: Puck Bunnies, a hockey-themed drag musical parody, stages late-night shows at Dynasty Typewriter on Friday and Saturday.
  • Sketch double-bill: Darling and Moxie bring sketch teams together at The Pack Theater on Sunday for a varied, fast-paced comedy night.

What to expect at Chinese American Bear’s Echoplex show

If you like jangly guitar, warm harmonies and songs that feel like a sunlit Sunday, Chinese American Bear’s set at The Echoplex should hit the spot. Their new album Dim Sum & Then Some is the tour focus, so you’ll hear fresh material alongside crowd-pleasers. Tickets are listed for the 7pm doors; The Echoplex’s intimate room makes for a close-up listening experience, so prepare for a friendly, slightly sweaty crowd and good sound. If you haven’t sampled the record yet, a quick stream beforehand will make the lyrics land harder live.

Dolly Ave at Moroccan Lounge , a local rising-act night

Dolly Ave returns to her hometown stage at Moroccan Lounge, a compact venue that suits emerging artists well. The show on Thursday features supports Jiho and Silent Child, which means you’ll get a short, varied bill rather than one long headline set. Tickets are available through mainstream sellers , booking ahead avoids disappointment in smaller rooms. This is a great night if you enjoy discovering acts before they break bigger; bring friends and plan for an early start, doors at 6:30pm.

Free laughs: Friday Block Party at UCB Theatre

Friday Block Party is the kind of community-minded show that keeps LA’s comedy scene lively. Co-hosted by Sean Williams and Itanza Saraz, it spotlights Black and P.O.C. improvisers and doesn’t charge admission, so it’s an easy, low-stakes night out. Doors open at 5:20pm; get there early for a decent seat because free shows still fill up. If you like improvisation that’s sharp, socially aware and playful, this is a dependable weekly treat.

Drag meets parody: Puck Bunnies at Dynasty Typewriter

If drag and musical theatre are your things, Puck Bunnies: A Heated Rivalry Drag Musical Parody promises camp, choreography and a puckish sense of humour. The cast includes a mix of performers and there’s a piano score played live by Tony Gonzalez, which gives it that old-school cabaret energy. Shows run late , 9pm on Friday and a second performance Saturday at 9:30pm , so it’s ideal as a date night or a late outing with friends. The company is taking the show to Edinburgh Fringe next month, so you’re catching it while it’s sharpening up for an international run.

Sunday sketch double-header at The Pack Theater

Wrap the week with sketch: Darling and Moxie combine for a Pack Theater evening that promises rapid-fire bits and ensemble work. House teams often experiment with format and character work, so expect surprises and a mix of polished and rough-hewn sketches. Doors are at 8:50pm, and tickets are listed for the show; The Pack’s Los Feliz location makes for a neighbourhood nightcap afterwards. Sketch shows are great for spotting writers and performers who may pop up on bigger comedy platforms later.

It's a small change to your routine , swap scrolling for a live show , and you might leave with a new favourite band, a laugh that lingers, or a story to tell.

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