What’s Happening Highlights: July 7-11

Check out this weekend’s events.

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Those Dashing Dachshunds

Los Alamitos Race Course will be hosting a unique type of dog racing on Saturday. The 15th Annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals pits nearly 100 dachshunds in a race for canine glory. The top dogs from a dozen 50-yard trial sprints will compete against each other in a grand finale. The winning weiner dog will receive $1,000 for its owner, a crystal trophy and a red doghouse as well as a trip to participate in the National Grand Finale in San Diego. Los Alamitos admission is $3 for adults with children 17 and younger getting in free. Proceeds will benefit the Seal Beach Animal Care Center.
When: 4 p.m. (gates open), Sat. July 10
Where: Los Alamitos Race Course, 4961 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos
Contact: 714-820-2800, www.losalamitos.com

Pop Over To LACMA For Pop Art

The L.A. County Museum of Art currently is showcasing the work of one of Southern California’s top Pop artists, John Baldessari. The exhibition, entitled “Pure Beauty,” serves as a marvelous retrospective of his conceptual art pieces from the ’50s to the present. There are a lot of playful, fun qualities to his work that children can relate to. Appropriately, this month’s Andell Family Sundays art programs will be inspired by Baldessari’s artwork. The workshop is free but museum admission is $12 for adults, and children 17 and younger are free.
When: 12:30-3:30 p.m., Sun., July 11, 17 and 25
Where: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A.
Contact: 323-857-6000, www.lacma.org

The Twilight Dance Series Rises Again

Since 1983, the sound of music has been filling the air at Santa Monica Pier every summer. This year’s season begins this Thursday night with a performance of exotic “Congolese Trance Dance-Tronica” by Konono No.1. The series, which runs through Sept. 1, offers music from around the world: India, Italy, England, Australia, New Orleans and right here in Southern California. Rickie Lee Jones (Aug. 5) might be the biggest name, but you don’t need much of a reason to picnic on the beach and listen to the free music.
When: 7 p.m. Thurs., July 8-Sept. 1
Where: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
Contact: 310-458-8900, www.santamonicapier.org

You Can Feel the Love Friday Night

Lion King lovers will want to flock to the Grove Friday night for a special free performance from the majestic Disney musical, featuring the show’s cast from Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay, including several of the lead actors (Kissy Simmons, Buyi Zama and Jelani Remy). Los Angeles’ FAME Church Choir will be singing as well. Also, you can create your own Lion King-related mask, out of recycled material at a crafts workshop led by Ann Closs-Farley Designs between 3-7 p.m.
When: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Fri., July 9
Where: The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr., L.A.
Contact: 323-900-8080, www.thegrovela.com

Tags: art, dance, dogs, The Lion King