The best Los Angeles events for the week of December 15 - December 21

Photo credit: Gracie Knight

Los Angeles always has a plethora of events going down at every corner. Whether it’s a convention or some local stand-up comedy, there’s always something to do if you’re looking to leave the house. We look at some of the best events going down in Los Angeles this week (December 15 through December 21).

Wednesday December 17

Bedhead and Umami @ Pack Theater (1615 North Vermont Ave.)
Doors: 8:50 p.m. (tickets)

Wednesday will be the debut of new Pack Theater sketch groups Bedhead and Umami, and tickets for this event are running low. The cast for Bedhead features Jon Barr, Cole Elliott, Warren Elliott, PJ Fahrenkrug, Grace Guy, Ally Johnson, Lauren Koch, Rory Kulz, Gabe Legg, Carolyn Samuelson, Matt Sellek, Jovita Trujilio, and Joslin Underhill. The cast for Umami includes Joel Anderson, Kiersten Armstrong, Andrew Bond, Cami Buckman, Stephen Cannon, Mike Hughes, Sophie Hadingham, Filipa Ioannou, Ben Kaplan, Ravi Kiran, Oscar Ramirez, Emily Serruto, and Shira Wilson.

Thursday, December 18

Hellbent for Laughter @ The 4th Horseman (121 West 4th Street)
Doors: 7:30 p.m. (free) 21+

Hellbent for Laughter will take the show down to Long Beach for a special Thursday edition featuring comics Tiffany Corrada, Dylan Lusk, Jason Kaye, and Hellbent for Laughter co-founders Drew Fahey and Jake Bassi. Hellbent for Laughter will also have its usual show at Knucklehead this Wednesday with comics Todd Perry, Lulu Jovovich, Ashley Johnson, Logan Baert, Tom Johnson, Jason Kaye, Drew Fahey, and Jake Bassi. Both shows are 21+.

That Astrology Comedy Show @ Tao Comedy Studio (West 2nd St.)
Doors: 7:15 p.m. (tickets)

That Astrology Comedy Show will conclude its 2025 run with a special Thursday show at Tao Comedy Studio. Hosted by Alex Cave, the show features a lineup of comedians born under the month's corresponding astrology sign.

Waterparks, Plain White Ts @ The Novo (800 W Olympic Blvd.)
Doors: 6 p.m. (tickets)

Waterparks will conclude their North American headlining tour at The Novo this Thursday, and tickets are running low. The pop-punk band have been touring in support of their recently released singles "Red Guitar," "If Lyrics Were Confidential," and "Any Minute Now." Plain White Ts and Landon Barker will be the opening acts.

The Conductor @ UCB Theatre (5919 Franklin Ave.)
Doors: 6:45 p.m. (tickets)

The Conductor returns to UCB for another fantastic show before the holidays. Starring Amadeo Fusca, The Conductor finds beloved conductor Salvatore Giovanni spiraling out of control following a nasty review. The Conductor earned rave reviews at Netflix is a Joke Festival, Moontower Comedy Festival and SXSW Festival. Drew Freed will be the opening comic. Livestream tickets are also available.

Friday, December 19

The 8-Bit Big Band @ The Wiltern (3790 Wilshire Blvd.)
Doors: 7 p.m. (tickets)

A handful of tickets are left to catch The 8-Bit Big Band as they add a jazz touch to your favorite video game at The Wiltern. The group recently earned two Grammy nominations for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella with "Super Mario Praise Break" and Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for Orchestrator Emulator.

WGIS' 3x3 Tournament: Grand Finals @ World's Greatest Improv School (1615 North Vermont Ave.)
Doors: 6:45 p.m. (tickets)

WGIS' 3x3 Tournament comes to an end this Friday with the grand finals. Come watch improv teams of three battle it out to determine who walks away as the winner.

Asesino @ 1720 (1720 E 16th St.)
Doors: 5:30 p.m. (tickets)

Deathgrind supergroup Asesino will have a rare performance at 1720 to celebrate the Dino Cazares-era of Brujeria. Cazares performed on the first three studio albums from the beloved Los Angeles-based extreme metal band. Siglos, Lepra, Putrescence, Encirclement, and Mortero will also perform.

Saturday, December 20

Avatar 2 The Red Nosed Reindeer @ The Good Nite (10721 Burbank Blvd.)
Doors: 6 p.m. (tickets) 21+

Monthly stand-up comedy show Avatar 2 will get into the Christmas mood this Saturday with Avatar 2: The Red Nosed Reindeer. Comedians slated to perform are Pallavi Gunalan, Madison Shepard, Ben Gonzalez, and Chase Wells. Dan Kerrigan and Billy Myers III will be featured as the Avatar 2 Christmas Players.

Breaking Bread: An Improvised Family Dinner @ Outside In Theatre - ArtSpace (5317 York Blvd.)
Doors: 7 p.m. (tickets)

Breaking Bread: An Improvised Family Dinner will hold its final performance this Saturday at Outside In Theatre. Audience members will be able to submit a slew of family secrets before the show. After pulling random secrets, the cast will deliver an improvised performance climaxing with the holiday dinner. While everyone enjoys a delectable meal, these secrets will be revealed. The cast of Breaking Bread: An Improvised Family Dinner includes Keiko Agena, Monica Alquetz, Quinn Alquetz, Danny Blinkoff, Carin Brito, Alrinthea Carter, Will Choi, Sarah Claspell, Dave Hill, Paul Hungerford, Qalil Ismail, Joseph Limbaugh, Gabi Marler, Matthew Pitner, Kari Vanegas, and Ruby Willmann.

Scene Kids Improv @ The H.I.T at Broadwater Second Stage (6320 Santa Monica Blvd.)
Doors: 10:15 p.m. (free)

Scene Kids Improv is closing out 2025 with a Christmas-themed extravaganza at The H.I.T at Broadwater Second Stage. The show will feature live music from emo-pop/neo-soul artist Nivi Canela, a slideshow from Brett McCabe, and stand-up comedy from Sean Conroy, Amber Nelson, and Adri Diaz. Scene Kids Improv will be joined by special guests Hannah Rose, Alex Bueermann, Tonia McIntosh, and Zac Cromer for their improv set. Attendees will also get to enjoy free pizza! While the show is free, donations will be accepted.

Sunday, December 21

Bitter Critics: Action-Packed XMAS @ The Roguelike Tavern (259 North Pass Ave.)
Doors: 6:15 p.m. (tickets)

Bitter Critics will bring together a slew of comedians to discuss the best action-packed holiday films at The Rougelike Tavern. Hosted by Miguel Rojas as Bad Santa, the show will feature Laurel Kathleen, Crystal Su, Marcelous Sammuel, Phil Morris, Claire Luisa, Mike Moody, and Bitter Critics' Kayla Hardy and Amber Easton. The show will also feature a special appearance from Natalia Reagan as Prof. Eva Lution.