We love Hollywood, and want to share some lesser-known weeknight activities in the neighborhood with you. Scot Nery’s Boobietrap is rated the #1 experience in L.A. but it’s only on Wednesdays, so what else??? Whether you’re entertaining out-of-town guests, planning a date night or just want to break up the workweek, we’ve got you covered for fun things to do in Hollywood on a weeknight.
1. High five a farmer
… at Yamashiro Night Market. Up in the hills behind The Magic Castle sits Yamashiro, an Asian fusion restaurant overlooking the city lights. Here, on Thursdays nights during the spring and summer, the garden hosts vendors selling produce, food trucks, beer and wine vendors, art, music, and craft workshops. A relaxing way to spend an evening, the market has a small-town community feel to it.
Free entry. Yamashiro offers valet service for $10 with restaurant validation, and free shuttle service is available at Mosaic Church up the street on Hollywood Blvd (church parking is also $10). https://yamashirohollywood.com/nightmarket/
2. Sky gaze
Class up your usual Netflix and chill at Neuehouse. While it’s common knowledge that Hollywood is crawling with outdoor movie events during the summer, not many people realize that Rooftop Cinema Club hosts them all year. Choose from reclinable lounge chairs or loveseats, enjoy their food and bar offerings, and cosy up for a perfect weeknight date under the stars.
$18-$25, 21 and older. Located on Sunset Blvd and El Centro in the former CBS Studios building. https://rooftopcinemaclub.com/los-angeles/venue/neuehouse/
3. Improve Cirqulation
Fulfill a childhood dream at Cirque school. If you want a unique weeknight activity in Hollywood, this is it. Cirque school offers a variety of lessons on aerial arts, contortion, balancing, and more (lion-taming currently unavailable). They advertise classes as being for “anybody with any body,” and the instructors foster a supportive and encouraging environment, ideal for even complete beginners.
Classes start at $28, with discounts if bought in packages. Just west of Hollywood and Western, the school is an easy walk from the Red Line. http://www.cirqueschoolla.com/
4. Cocktail correct
Pre-drink in a historic neighborhood bar. Boardners has been a Hollywood staple since 1942 and continues to serve locals and vacationers alike. While the small bar can get crowded at times, the clientele are generally laid back, and the prices can’t be beat. Their happy hour, with beer starting at $3 and wells, wines and appetizers at $5, makes it a cheap first stop on a night out.
Hollywood and Cherokee. Happy hour 4:00 pm-8:00 pm Monday through Saturday and all day Sunday. http://boardners.com/
5. Pack it in
Have a comedy marathon at The Pack Theater. The Pack Theater, located on Hollywood’s Theatre Row, is known for its inclusivity, pay-what-you-can ticket prices, and unique take on sketch, stand up and improv shows. They offer up to 4 shows a night seven days a week, ensuring that even on a weeknight, you’ll have something to do. Classes are also available, should you get bitten by the bug when you’re here.
Santa Monica Blvd in between Cole and Wilcox. Ample street parking available. https://www.packtheater.com/
6. Jazz unusual
Dust off your black turtleneck and beret and head to Fred Durst’s Jazz night each Thursday at Black Rabbit Rose from 11 until 2. Each week features new acts along with special guests. Black Rabbit Rose is a theatre and lounge when not hosting bebop, and it’s well worth checking out their other shows as well.
Hollywood and Hudson. Valet and street parking. This is a classy establishment with a strictly enforced dress code (see their site for details). https://www.blackrabbitrose.com/
7. a weird film on your eyes
“Like” internet videos in person at Sethward’s Show & Tell. On the last Friday of every month, unreleased comedy videos are screened to one of the most supportive crowds you’ll find in Hollywood, hosted by Sethward.
For more information, visit http://sethwardallison.com/showandtell/
8. sing
Croon like a rhinestone cowboy at Pig n Whistle’s karaoke night, every Thursday from 10:00 until 2:00. Pig n Whistle has been in Hollywood since 1927, and its location next to the Egyptian Theatre makes it a go-to stop for out-of-towners looking for a cocktail. 2 For 1 Drinks from 10pm until Midnight ensure you’ll be loose enough to do your rendition of If I Could Turn Back Time justice.
Located on Hollywood between McCadden and Las Palmas. http://pignwhistlehollywood.com/
9. High dive
Grab a drink with a superhero at Power House. Its 2014 renovation changed the atmosphere to a more upscale affair, but many of the loyal clientele remain, including the occasional Superman or Mr. T impersonator stopping by after a long day working up the street on Hollywood Blvd. Just around the corner from Hollywood and Highland, Power House is a must if you’re looking for a bar off the beaten path in Hollywood, especially on a weeknight when the patrons are mostly locals from the nearby neighborhoods.
Located on Highland just north of Hollywood. Beer and a shot $8 Nightly happy hour 7-10. https://www.powerhousehollywood.com/
10. Cutting-edge gut-busting
See the next comedy stars before they make it big at UCB, Groundlings, or The Second City. Hollywood is home to some of the most well respected comedy schools in the country, all of which offer sketch and improv shows in addition to classes.
UCB offers all things comedy 7 nights a week, all things comedy, with tickets ranging from free to about $12.They have a location on Franklin and Bronson, and one on Sunset and one on Sunset and Western. Valet is available for the Sunset location, otherwise, parking for both is street. https://ucbtheatre.com/
The Second City has shows that range from improv to comedy musicals, which start from $5 and generally go up to about $12. Their location on Hollywood and Schrader has street parking. NOTE: Some shows are located on the 2nd floor with stair access only. https://www.secondcity.com/shows/hollywood/
Groundlings on Melrose and Poinsettia offers sketch and improv shows. Their tickets are a little pricier than UCB and The Second City at $16-$20, but they do offer $10 (cash only) valet in addition to street parking. https://www.groundlings.com/
WHAT ELSE?
What are your favorite weeknight activities in Hollywood? Tell us in the comments below!