Escape the Heat: LA's Best Bets for Cooling Off and Having Fun This Sweltering Thursday

Welcome to “Things to Do in Los Angeles,” your daily guide to exploring the City of Angels! It’s Thursday, August 21, 2025, and the city is buzzing beneath a sweltering heat wave—so be sure to take it easy, hydrate, and duck into air conditioning when you can. Los Angeles officials are urging everyone to take precautions: heat advisories are in effect, several cooling centers are open across LA, and there’s an increased fire risk in local mountains and foothills given the dry conditions and high temps[2]. But that hasn’t stopped LA locals and visitors from soaking up the energy of the city!Let’s dive right into what’s happening around town today—with something for every interest and age:- Looking for family fun early in the day? Head to The Grove for their Kids Club, in collaboration with Apple TV+, this morning from 10am to noon. With interactive activities and shaded spaces, it’s perfect for little ones and parents to stay entertained and cool[1].- For music lovers and fans of classics, the Hollywood Bowl is hosting “Rachmaninoff Under the Stars: Night 2” tonight at 8:00pm. Experience the dazzling talent of pianist Daniil Trifonov alongside the Los Angeles Philharmonic in an open-air setting—picnics and dreamy symphonies encouraged[10].- Craving an adventure after sundown? Ravers and dance fans can check out “MISSED CALL,” a house and tech-house party for ages 18+ happening at 3040 W Sunset Blvd, where the beats keep rolling late into the night[4].- Foodies, don’t miss the 12-day Vietnamese street food pop-up at Crustacean Beverly Hills, with lunch service offering iconic dishes like filet mignon pho from noon to 2:30pm—get it before it’s gone on August 24th[3].- Want something extra? Check out the immersive digital dome experiences at Cosm in Inglewood, where sports, movies, and artistry blend together like nothing else in LA[3].Today also sees the grand opening of Wake and Late’s West Hollywood location—kick off your Thursday with a free breakfast burrito and some of the freshest tortillas in town! The doors open at 8:00am, and yes, it’s free while supplies last[7].As for local news, today LA continues preparations for the upcoming Olympics, with citywide enhancements and discussions on public safety at the forefront[5]. Major transit routes are being monitored for heat-related delays, so check Metro alerts if you’re heading across town. And stay updated: city officials are adding new cooling centers to safeguard the community during this heat wave[2].Not sure how to spend the rest of your day? Here are a few can’t-miss recommendations:- Stroll the revitalized streets of Thai Town for unique street food and hidden gems, from crispy roti stands to secret dessert cafés—you’ll find authentic culture and incredible eats[6][9].- Take in a summer screening at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where you can picnic under the stars and catch a classic film with a crowd of passionate locals[3].- Or just hit the coast—Santa Monica’s breezy beaches offer relief from downtown heat and vibrant boardwalk scenes perfect for people-watching and street performers[2].Local tip of the day: Did you know LA’s Metro system offers free rides during extreme heat advisories to help Angelenos avoid heatstroke? Check the LA Metro app for pop-up cool zones and special events.Don’t forget—tomorrow brings new movie premieres, Summer Wine Series at American Beauty Steakhouse, and fresh art walks in Echo Park. Tune in then for more ways to make the most of your LA experience. Stay cool, stay curious, and have a magical day in the City of Angels!