Alysia Gray Painter

6 days ago | nbclosangeles.com | Alysia Gray Painter

There's nothing like the summer solstice coming and going to remind us that time is fleeting and these lovely later evenings are meant to be enjoyed. Enjoyed outdoors, if possible, when the gloaming is gloriously golden and the stars don't really begin to twinkle before 8 or 9 o'clock. ActiveSGV, the community-cool nonprofit that's behind so many get-outside, get-moving, enjoy-your-bike bashes, is tuned into our devotion to honoring the Golden Hour on a sweet summer night.

1 week ago | nbclosangeles.com | Alysia Gray Painter

June 21 is traditionally the start of summertime in the Northern Hemisphere, though things will be a bit different in 2025. The solstice is kicking off June 20, but you'll still find several summer-starting celebrations taking place June 21, in large part because June 21 falls on a Saturday. One of the most global and glad-hearted of the annual rites is Make Music Day, a sound-filled celebration that is observed June 21 each and every year.

1 week ago | nbclosangeles.com | Alysia Gray Painter

So your friends say you have main character energy, and wherever you go a spotlight, murmurs, and enthusiastic applause, seem to follow? Here's how to prove your pals right: Stock your closet with incredible costumes from the LA Opera, then swan about town rocking a lavish look once worn by a princess, a ghost, a warrior, or an opera icon that represents all of those figures, in the whimsical way operatic figures so deftly can.

1 week ago | nbclosangeles.com | Alysia Gray Painter

Summer solstice and the 21st day of June? It's a duo that feels as right to North American minds as a scoop of ice cream and a crunchy cone. But very occasionally the official start of the season lands a little early or later, which is just what is festively afoot in 2025: The solstice will shine, with all of the shimmer of the sun, June 20. If you're feeling a little befuddled or discombobulated by this not-so-common occurrence, Salt & Straw is here to help us start the season right.

1 week ago | nbclosangeles.com | Alysia Gray Painter

Venice Summer Fest: Downtown Mar Vista is the place for June 21 joy, with live music, a colorful caboodle of local vendors (over 100, or thereabouts, with art, wearables, and more for sale), food, and a morning yoga class that is, yes, totally complimentary. The festival is also free and begins at noon, with an end time of 8 o'clock. The event's uplifting call to action? "We're on a mission to bring people together," something sweet to start summertime.