Critical 5 things to do in L.A.: putting on a show, August 17-19

Los Angeles' passion for performances is unrivaled. When you lunch in tinsel town, it's not uncommon to realize halfway through your meal that your waitress ran out to chase some audition on the West Side -- without putting in your order for an edamame burger first. It's also not implausible that you'll be seated within eavesdropping distance of some hotshot movie exec discussing Brad Pitt's next big role. The point is, L.A. is a city that loves to put on a show, in whatever form it may come.

This weekend, L.A. is choosing to express its penchant for performances in a variety of must-go events.

Sunset Strip Music Festival
No one knows how to put on an overly dramatic performance quite like the king of all things shocking and disturbing circa 1996, Marilyn Manson. The controversial music icon is headlining this weekend's Sunset Strip Music Festival. Starting Thursday, SSMF is infiltrating some of Hollywood's hottest venues for a three-day-long rock fest with the likes of The Offspring and Bad Religion. Come early to steke out a spot outside of the mosh pit's reach. That way, you can keep the '90s just in arms reach.

Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw
If you prefer your musical performances a bit more adult contemporary and subdued, you'll want to check out Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw at the Greek Theater. The combination of these two soulfully poppy stars will be sure to have you on your feet (or at least swaying in your seats). The singers hit the stage this Sunday at 7:00pm.

fun.
As far as performances go, what could be more fun than, well... fun.? The alternative rock band fun. is taking over the Wiltern Theatrer for three straight nights this weekend. Grab your best suspenders and converse high-tops and head over to see one of their shows. You won't want to miss this hipster trio, known for their high-energy and fun-filled performances.

Los Angeles Craft Beer Crawl
All this rocking is sure to leave you parched. Good thing the Los Angeles Craft Beer Crawl is this weekend. The annual event, taking place this Saturday, boasts an impressive lineup of over 50 craft beers -- all ready to be sampled by the thirsty attendees. The crawl hits all the Downtown staples like Casey's, Seven Grand, and even Cole's: Originators of the French Dip. Oh, and there will be food trucks along the way.

Doctor Who Live
If you'd rather feed your lurking inner-nerd than your appetite, you're not going to want to miss the performance put on by Doctor Who Live at IO West. Jump in your TARDIS and travel to this Sunday's performance at 12:30am to behold something truly out of this world. Doctor Who Live is a unique improve troupe, which happily accepts audience suggestions in order to create a totally original and hilarious comedy show based on the characters and goings-on of the British show Doctor Who. Nothing gives you more nerd cred than being able to say you witnessed (and contributed to) a completely one of a kind theatrical enactment of a Doctor Who episode.