Best Of LA: Week Of July 28

(credit: Russo)

(credit: Russo)

Tie a bow on July, Los Angeles, we are diving in to August. This week, grab a friend to celebrate one of life's lesser known holidays, Cotton Candy Day, or hit the beach at the Vans US Open of Surfing. The kids in your family will love the Summer Sounds series at the Hollywood Bowl, and you can impress on a first date to one of LA's best running comedy shows.

(credit: Hollywood Bowl/Summer Sounds)

(credit: Hollywood Bowl/Summer Sounds)

Monday, July 28

Summer Sounds: Everyone Salsa
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 850-2000
www.hollywoodbowl.com

Get the kids out of their summer vacation boredom with a trip to the Hollywood Bowl. Their Summer Sounds series is kicking it into high gear this week with a focus on Salsa music, led by Louie Cruz Beltran, who blends together Afro-Cuban rhythms, Jazz, Latin Jazz, Pop, and R&B influences. After the show, be sure to stick around for the art workshop series, all included in the ticket price.

(credit: Vans US Open of Surfing/Shigeo)

(credit: Vans US Open of Surfing/Shigeo)

Tuesday, July 29

Vans US Open of Surfing
Huntington Beach Pier
Main Street & Pacific Coast Highway
Hunting Beach, CA 92648
www.vansusopenofsurfing.com

The Vans US Open of Surfing continues this week with a full lineup of competitions, exhibitions, activities, and fun on the sand in Huntington Beach. In addition to surfing, you can also catch air on the concrete as you watch BMX and skate competitions. Nighttime movies, sponsor booths, and plenty of surfing and extreme sport swag add family friendly opportunities to the competition lineup.

(credit: The Mutiny)

(credit: The Mutiny)

Wednesday, July 30

The Mutiny at the Comedy Central Stage
iO West
6366 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 962-7560
www.ioimprov.com

Grab a friend who needs a laugh and head to iO West for The Mutiny for a one night show on the Comedy Central Stage. One of iO West Theater's longest running comedy sketch teams (and current Video Fight Club champs), you'll enjoy the comedic genius of Amy Albert, Jeramy Belanger, Blake Hogue, Gina Ippolito, Aaron LaPlante, Alex Logan, Rob O'Connor, and Madeline Wager. The event is free, but reservations are highly recommended.

(credit: Barton G The Restaurant)

(credit: Barton G The Restaurant)

Thursday, July 31

Cotton Candy Day
Barton G The Restaurant
861 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(310) 388-1888
www.bartongtherestaurantla.com

Celebrate cotton candy, the age-old whimsical treat, on Cotton Candy Day in Los Angeles. Pastry Chef Luis Vasquez of Barton G. Restaurant in West Hollywood, owned by internationally recognized concept designer, restaurateur, author, and hotelier, Barton G. Weissat, is going big as usual by whipping up pink cotton candy in the shape of a two-foot edible wig! "Marie Antoinette's Head" is served with Raspberry and Strawberry Cream Cheese Petit Cakes with fresh berries Schlag. That's right, you can eat your cake too!

(credit: Bellydance Evolution)

(credit: Bellydance Evolution)

Friday, August 1

Bellydance Evolution presents "Alice in Wonderland"
John Anson Ford Amphitheatre
2580 Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90068
(818) 754-1760
www.bellydanceevolution.com

This family-friendly favorite has been completely re-imagined in this retelling of Lewis Carroll's classic "Alice in Wonderland." Using the language of world fusion dance, which combines Middle Eastern, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatic, and belly dance, you'll encounter all your favorite characters and scenes including an acrobatic White Rabbit, a dancing caterpillar, and of course Alice herself. Elaborate costumes, bold colors, and amazing choreography will keep your entire family entertained. 8:30 pm.

(credit: FerrignoFIT)

(credit: FerrignoFIT)

Saturday, August 2

Hey There Muscles
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.HeyThereMuscles.com

Take a break from your summer indulgences visit the Santa Monica Pier during their summer wellness program, Hey There Muscles – Lean Fitness by FerrignoFIT. Imagined by the original Hulk himself, Lou Ferrigno, and led by his uber fit family, the free program is open to visitors from any stage of health. The classes feature a workout and dietary recommendations that will help you with every aspect of your health, starting with your mind and ending with your muscle. This week's lesson will focus on the importance of food.

(credit: Odyssey Theatre)

(credit: Odyssey Theatre)

Sunday, August 3

"Broadway Bound"
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90025
(310) 477-2055
www.OdysseyTheatre.com

On Sunday, explore theater legend Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical comedy, "Broadway Bound," directed by Seinfeld legend Jason Alexander. The play, which was a finalist for the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for drama and received numerous Tony Award nominations, tells the story of two play-writing brothers who use their parent's unraveling relationship for their own comedic writing gain. Through September 21; tickets start at $30.

Katie Bodell is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo, the largest family travel website in the U.S. She is also a freelance writer, a happy wife to her best friend, and a mom to three sweet California girls. See more on: Trekaroo | CheapOair | Google+ | Twitter.