7 Days in the Arts

Saturday the 5th

Buying vintage helps the disadvantaged when you shop at the National Council of Jewish Women/Los Angeles Thrift Stores. This weekend they launch their new flagship store on the Westside, in an airy, former Pier One space. A “Best of the Best” sale goes on Aug. 4-6 in honor of their grand opening weekend, featuring designer clothing, accessories, shoes, furniture and antiques. Council Thrift stores provide more than 60 percent of the NCJW/LA programmatic budget, helping to fund numerous social service programs for the community.

Aug. 4-6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 10960 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 477-9601.

Sunday the 6th

Our booming downtown is finally a primetime player, and the Downtown Center Business Improvement District hosts its second annual Walk-In Movie Series of free al fresco screenings to thank new residents for making downtown their home. All are welcome, however, so take advantage and head east to see tonight’s film. “Strange Fruit” explores the history behind the song about lynchings in the South, made famous by Billie Holiday.

8 p.m. Free. California Plaza, 350 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 624-2146.” TARGET=”_blank”>www.sonypictures.com/movies/talladeganights

Tuesday the 8th

More outdoor films run Tuesdays at the Santa Monica Pier this summer. Santa Monica Drive-In at the Pier is a picnic and movie-under-the-stars weekly event benefiting the Cancer Relief Fund. Tickets are free, but must be picked up in advance. And you can help them raise money by renting a chair or purchasing raffle tickets. Tonight, bring the family to see the classic “The Muppet Movie,” or if you’re too late to get tickets, grab some for next week’s “Madagascar.”

Tuesdays in August and September. 7 p.m. (gates open); Screening starts at sunset. Tickets may be picked up the Wednesday prior to the show at three Santa Monica locations.

” TARGET=”_blank”>www.CenterTheatreGroup.org

Thursday the 10th

Coming off the accolades of his last movie, “Match Point,” Woody Allen strikes next with “Scoop,” again featuring muse Scarlett Johansson. This time, dear Scarlett is an American journalist in London, investigating a series of murders with the help of American magician Sid Waterman (a.k.a. Splendini), played by Allen. The comedy/thriller is in theaters now.