Vertigo at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Celebrate the unofficial start of summer with an outdoor movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The 10th season of Cinespia kicks off tonight with a screening of "Vertigo." Bring blankets and picnics and be prepared to scream. Movies are freakier when there are dead people around.

Credit: UCLA FIlm & Television Archive

Viceroy Hotel Brunch

Brunch buffets aren't just for Vegas. Today chef Tony DiSalvo at Whist is rolling out a new Southern brunch buffet. For $45 per person you'll feast on an unlimited procession of biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, green tomato salad, collard greens, cole slaw, mac 'n' cheese and house-cured Cajun salmon. It's $10 extra for a mint julep or marmalade cocktail. At the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica.

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Santa Monica Stairs

If you are planning to hit the barbecue circuit tonight, let yourself eat with abandon by beginning the day with a workout. Why not try the stairs near 4th Street and Adelaide Drive in Santa Monica? (People love it on Yelp!)

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Summer Hats

Enjoy the summer responsibly by purchasing a fabulous summer hat. Our stylist offers several options in different prices.

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Gin and Tonic

Raise a glass with our favorite drink of the season — the classic gin and tonic. To make it extra special, follow our food critic's recipe, which includes Hendrick's Gin and Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water. Fancy!

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State Parks

Plan a visit to your favorite state park while you still can. Come fall, Californians could find themselves with fewer parks to visit and fewer services available at the ones that are still open. At least, that was the tenor of the plan that California State Parks officials outlined as they targeted for shutdown 70 of the state's 278 parks because of budget problems.

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Hammocks

Nothing represents summertime leisure more than the hammock — that icon of vacations and emblem of laziness. Decide which hammock best suits your lifestyle with our six riffs on the traditional sling.

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Best Beaches

In Los Angeles we're blessed with a variety of beach options, but deciding where to go can be overwhelming. To help you out, our travel writers put together this handy guide to the best beaches in Southern California.

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Sourdough Slim

Check out a good old-fashioned vaudeville cowboy show when Sourdough Slim (greatest cowboy name ever?) plays Wells Fargo Theater in Griffith Park today from 2 to 3:30. Tickets are $20.

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Seafood

If you're from the East Coast you are likely to start craving fish around now, a desire that's tied up with memories of vacations by the shore (Maine, South Carolina, Jersey, Cape Cod). If you share that nostalgic feeling, head to Bear Flag Fish Co. in Newport Beach, which our reviewer describes as "the seafood wonderland we all long for on idle summer days."

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Summer Reading

Not sure what to put on your summer reading list? We have lots of suggestions, including "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children," which comes out today. Sprinkled with spooky old photos, it offers gothic fun for everyone!

Summer Gardens

If you haven't planted your summer vegetable garden yet, there's no time like the present. Scheme during the week and then buy your plants over the weekend. Here's a guide to help you get going.

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Hero Complex Film Festival

Fanboys unite! Tonight the Hero Complex Film Festival kicks off with a screening of "Dick Tracy" at 7, followed by a Q&A with special guest Warren Beatty. The festival, which goes through June 12, is at the Chinese Theatre 6 at the Hollywood & Highland Center.

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"Super 8"

The much-anticipated sci-fi thriller "Super 8" opens in theaters tonight. Nobody knows much about the story, but with J.J. Abrams writing and directing, Steven Spielberg executive producing and Elle Fanning starring, we can only imagine it's going to be big.

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Tim Burton Exhibit

Goth teens of Los Angeles — tonight is your night! LACMA invites you to the new Tim Burton retrospective exhibit for free, and offers dancing under the stars plus $2 tacos. Parents are not invited and Tim Burton-esque goth dress is encouraged.

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Griffith Park Night Hike

Hike Griffith Park — at night. On most weeknights around 7, new and avid hikers start from the merry-go-round parking lot in Griffith Park and begin the haul up fire roads and footpaths that lead straight into L.A.'s wild heart.

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Beer Ice Cream

What says "summer" like beer? Or ice cream? Well, how about beer ice cream? Believe it or not, we've got a recipe.

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Bathing Suits

The bummer of summer? Trying to figure out what bathing suit to wear when you aren't super psyched about your body. Let our stylist give you some pointers on suits that flatter.

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Desert Travel

The desert is heating up, but if you make the trip now you'll have it mostly to yourself. Try booking a room at the getaway encampment known as Hicksville. There's a rock 'n' roll vibe poolside, where music, fun and friend-making are always on the social calendar.

Credit: Krissie Gregory

Sunscreen Guide

Buying the right sunscreen is harder than it sounds. To help you navigate the SPF, UVAs and UVBs we've got a sunscreen field guide complete with instructions on use.

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Hollywood Bowl

Tonight is opening night at the Hollywood Bowl and the stars are coming out to celebrate. The evening will be hosted by Helen Mirren and will include performances by Harry Connick Jr., Gloria Estefan and Cirque du Soleil. Magic!

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Dengue Fever

Los Angeles' favorite '60s Cambodian pop-inspired band, Dengue Fever, plays a free concert at the Getty Museum's courtyard tonight from 6 until 9. It's the latest in a series of concerts the museum holds in its Saturday Off the 405 series. Get there early to check out the exhibits and enjoy the gardens.

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Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day! Need ideas on where to take dad? Our restaurant scout has put together a list of meat-heavy options.

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Run Palisades Park

Go for a run at Palisades Park in Santa Monica. Enjoy ocean vistas while you run, then wind down at the Santa Monica Pier or the Third Street Promenade. The path runs along Ocean Avenue.

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Summer Solstice

Lots of people believe that magical things can happen on the summer solstice (today) so we suggest indulging your spiritual side. Plan a walk at the beautiful and serene Self-Realization Fellowship in Mount Washington. The grounds are open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Paletas

Summertime is paleta time. These Mexican ice pops — chock-full of chunks of fresh fruit and available in a hypnotizing array of colors and clear, not-too-sweet flavors — conjure images of hot afternoons in the park and time spent on a bench under a shady tree. Here's a list of where to find them.

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Farmers Market

For a farmers market with the best view in the city check out Yamashiro's version every Thursday in the Hollywood Hills. You can indulge in the original sake miso cod or hoisin duck confit tacos, take in the live music and do a little hipster watching over a glass of red wine.

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Solstice Parade

Drive up the 101 to the annual Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade and Celebration. The festival started in 1974 as a birthday celebration for artist and mime Michael Gonzales, and has morphed into a spectacle involving floats, giant puppets and dance troupes. The festival runs from June 24-26 (with the parade on June 25). Free admission.

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Outdoor Cinema

Outdoor Cinema Food Fest: Date night plan: Head over to Exposition Park just south of USC for a food truck dinner and a screening of "The Terminator" on the largest outdoor movie screen on the West Coast. Arrive at 5:30 for the best spot.

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Dwell on Design

It's the last day of the Dwell on Design show at the L.A. Convention Center, and your last chance to have Japanese artist Sasaki include your heartbeat in one of his amazing (and enormous) heartbeat paintings.

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Barefoot Running

Give barefoot running a try without having to go barefoot. The Times recently reviewed four "minimalist running shoes."

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Rhythm Child

Descanso Gardens launches its annual Summer Family Series tonight with Rhythm Child — a musical and interactive drumming group. Bring the kids and a picnic. The fun starts at 5:30.

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Cocktail Night

Make tonight a cocktail night. A batch of cucumber coolers is refreshing and alcoholic. Lime juice, cucumber, sugar, water and a splash of vodka. Recipe is courtesy of Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Ciudad.

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Swimming

Swimming is a great summer workout. Make the most of your time in the pool with a four-week program to quickly improve swimming skills and overall fitness — with drills and pointers on technique.

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Backstreet's back, all right!

Nineties pop sensations New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys are playing the Staples Center tonight. This could be an interesting ticket — for so many reasons.

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Summer Pools

June gloom is over. It's time to track down a friend with a pool and start the swimming season off right. Need inspiration? Here are a few of our favorite stylish pools for summer.

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Battle of the Burgers

It's a burger weekend. Just go with it. Earlier this summer we asked readers to submit their best burger recipes. We narrowed it down to our five favorites, including one that is perfect for the July 4 weekend: the red, white and blueberry burger.

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Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is extending its hours until 10 p.m. for the Fourth of July, allowing guests to browse the aquarium at night, watch fireworks from the lawn and dig into a BBQ picnic featuring home-style grilled entrees and desserts. Admission to the aquarium is $12.95 after 5 p.m., and dinner is $35 per person.

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Summer Makeup

Summerize your make up bag with help from the L.A. Times stylist. She's found makeup that won't slide around in the heat, will keep your shine to a minimum and, most important, will protect you from the sun.

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Rosé

Looking for a midweek drink? Our wine critic suggests you embrace mood-altering sparkling rosés. Call it the Lambrusco of summer 2011.

Barbecue

Fancy barbecue? Bring it on. Every Thursday night, Nick & Stef's Steakhouse in downtown L.A. is hosting Girl and a Gril — authentic barbecue from chef Megan Logan.

Credit: Patina Restaurant Group

Shakespeare in the Park

What's better than Shakespeare in the Park? Shakespeare in Topanga. Tonight the Theatricum Botanicum performs "The Merry Wives of Windsor." Our reviewer says, "Don't forget the kids, cushions, for the wooden bleachers, and sweaters."

Credit: Ian Flanders

Griffith Observatory Star Party

In Los Angeles, a movie star might pop up around any corner, but thanks to smog and city lights, stars in the sky are harder to find. Look upward with the help of astronomers and their telescopes at the Griffith Observatory's monthly star party tonight. It's free.

Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Gay Men's Chorus

Indulge your love of '80s pop music with the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles today and tonight at the Avalon in Hollywood. The all-'80s set list includes "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," "It's Raining Men" and a thoughtful take on "Thriller."

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No-bake Dessert

Hot nights call for cool desserts. Tonight whip up a no-bake blueberry fool on a berry salad seasoned with mint. Looks fancy, takes 15 minutes.

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Monument to Murder

Looking for fun summer reading? Try Margaret Truman's new mystery "Monument to Murder," published this month. The plot involves a PI who takes on a 20-year-old case, thinking he's got nothing to lose. Of course, he's got it wrong. Find "Monument" in our summer reading guide.

Credit: Macmillan

Downtown L.A.

Summer is the perfect time to explore the sites of downtown L.A., including Chinatown, Olvera Street and the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum. Here are 11 adventures to enjoy.

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'80s Pop at Santa Monica Pier

It's '80s pop night at the Santa Monica Pier. Featured bands include Caracol and — our personal favorite — the Bangles! The show starts at 7 p.m., and admission is free. Walk like an Egyptian…

Amtrak to San Clemente

Take a day off from work and jump on a train to San Clemente. Amtrak will drop you off right at the beach, and there are cute restaurants and an even cuter '50s motel nearby.

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Nancy Silverton's Focaccia Recipe

You may not want to go anywhere today. Highway construction will shut down the northbound 405 Freeway between the 10 and the 101 freeways, and the southbound 405 between the 10 and the Getty Center. Traffic will be a mess, so spend the weekend making the best focaccia you ever tasted. The recipe is courtesy of Nancy Silverton.

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Bastille Day

It's time for the annual Los Angeles Bastille Day festival at Elysian Park. What better way to celebrate the wonders of French culture than with a Parisian waiters race, true Provençal Petanque tournament and, of course, gastronomic delights. But give yourself plenty of time to get there — the closure of the 405 between the 10 and the 101 should make our weekend traffic … interesting.

Credit: Djamel Ramoul

School of Sweets

Ever wanted to become a professional baker? Here's your chance! Snag a seat at the Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories for a class on the ins and outs of opening your own bakery business.

Credit: Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times

Hollywood & Highland Summer Jazz

Indulge in an evening of free jazz music with Barbara Morrison as part of the Hollywood & Highland summer jazz concert series. After giving your ears a treat, take your palette for a spin by participating in a $10 wine tasting to benefit the Angel Food project.

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Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey

The circus is coming to town! The Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey circus will be at the Staples Center with its new show, Fully Charged. Witness death-defying acts and superhuman stunts that will entertain the entire family.

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Catch Matchmaking

What better way to spend an evening, if you're single, than beer tasting and mingling? Meet your soul mate or some new friends at the Catch Matchmaking beer tasting and food pairing mixer at the Steingarten L.A. With all that beer and good cheer, anything is possible.

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Long Beach Roller Derby

It's the end of the work week, so why not blow off steam with some feisty, helmet-clad girls in kneepads at the Long Beach Roller Derby? Grab a seat and catch the elbow action as the Bixby Rollerettes take on the Belmont Hot Broads.

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National Day of the Cowboy

Celebrate the seventh annual National Day of the Cowboy (and cowgirl) at the Autry National Center with crafts, demonstrations and, of course, some classic barbecue. Yee-haw!

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Yoga in the City

Relax, get centered and maybe find a new yoga buddy at the Smart Water Wanderlust Yoga in the City event in Santa Monica. Celebrate healthy living by taking advantage of free yoga classes and rejuvenate at a pop-up stress-less lounge.

Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Dodgers

Nothing says summer like taking in a ballgame under the summer sun. Get your cap ready and catch the Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Snack on a Dodger Dog or two and whatever you do, don't forget the garlic fries!

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Cha Cha Lounge

Finish the workday with some free foosball and $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon at the Cha Cha lounge in Silver Lake. Every night from 5 to 9 p.m., the bar, which features local art on the walls, draws a casual hippie crowd and those who appreciate a $2.50 well.

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Cooking Class

Summer menus are full of fresh salads and grilled fish, but an Indian dinner party cooking class might be just what you need to bring some real heat into your kitchen. For $85, professional chef Amanda Cushman will teach you how to prepare dishes such as spicy garlic tomatoes, lentil dal, spice-infused ghee and pappadums with tamarind chutney.

Leisure League

Participate in true summer pastimes at the Leisure League lawn tournament in Fullerton. Grab some friends, pack a picnic and get ready for a few games of bocce ball or croquet. Guests are encouraged to wear white or traditional Sunday leisure attire.

Community Theater

Check out the El Segundo community theater scene with an outdoor Broadway performance festival. Travel back in time to a turn-of-the-century town square with barbershop quartets, popcorn lights and a performance of "The Music Man."

Boogie Up the Boardwalk

Put on your dancing shoes and celebrate National Dance Day with the "Boogie Up the Boardwalk" dance event. Join the block party dance parade and shake your booty from the Venice Beach Boardwalk to the Santa Monica Pier.

Vintage Clothing

If you're a fan of vintage clothing and accessories, check out a one-stop shopping event extravaganza at the Vintage Clothing and Textile Show in Burbank. Featuring vintage material from 65 dealers, the show will give attendees the chance to find designer labels, draperies, Victorian lace and more.

Credit: Katie Falkenberg / For The Times