Events happening Friday

EVENTS

Circus Vargas The animal-free circus sets up its big top in Hollywood to thrill audiences with feats of human strength, speed, grace and dexterity, plus plenty of old-fashioned clowning around. A free pre-show welcomes kids into the center ring and gives them a crash course in juggling, feather balancing and hula-hooping. Off the 101 Freeway at Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Runs daily through Monday. See website for complete schedule. $15-$50. https://www.circusvargas.com.

Fusion Fridays The Pacific Asia Museum kicks off its new summertime evening series with a dance-themed night of belly dancing and Bollywood performances and lessons. Enjoy cocktails and cupcakes from Auntie Em’s while checking out the new exhibit “Visions of the Orient.” In addition to DJ sets, demos and cultural activities, the Frysmith and Sweets food trucks will dish out gourmet fare. Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 7:30-10:30 p.m. $15. (626) 449-2742. https://www.pacificasiamuseum.org.

COMEDY

The LA Comedy Fest In its ninth year, the fest features film, live comedy acts and a screenplay competition — in other words, plenty of opportunity to make discoveries or be discovered. Recent bragging rights for the fest include alumnus Luke Matheny, who nabbed an Oscar for the live action short film “God of Love.” For hopefuls who want more hands-on instruction, there is also a Sunday workshop with Christopher Lockhart, a William Morris Endeavor story editor, and Cindy McCreery, a professional screenwriter and UC Santa Barbara screenwriting instructor. Acme Comedy Hollywood, 135 N. La Brea Ave. Friday-May 22. See full schedule at https://www.lacomedyfest.com.

MUSIC

The Kills Four albums in, they remain just as confrontational but with a mature edge. Here the elements prove just as startling; instead of composing a lo-fi document of a performance, though, they’ve been sharpened into a surgical blade. As a result, the added melodicism and texture feel almost more subversive. First single “Satellite” rides a grunge-reggae groove — a potentially horrid combination that in practice proves inspired. The Music Box, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. $25. https://www.themusicbox.la.