Happening Wednesday: Bourdain, Bloomsday and more

BOOKS

Bloomsday at the Hammer The Hammer Museum celebrates James Joyce’s epic novel “Ulysses” with dramatic readings by actors, Irish music by the Dublin 4 and Guinness Stout on tap at Cafe Hammer. Scholars and casual readers are encouraged to join in the festivities, dress in “Edwardian chic” and follow Joyce’s groundbreaking narrative of a day in the life of Leopold Bloom. Hammer Museum. 2 p.m. 10899 Wilshire Blvd. (310) 443-7000. www.hammer.ucla.edu.

No Reservations: An Evening With Anthony Bourdain The bad-boy chef, author and host of the Travel Channel’s “No Reservations” marks the release of his latest book, “Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook,” with an evening of frank reflection and storytelling. He will discuss his world travels and culinary experiences and participate in a Q&A. Royce Hall, 405 Hilgard Ave., UCLA. 8 p.m. $35-$175. (310) 825-2101. https://www.uclalive.org.

Bret Easton Ellis In our minds, the characters of Ellis’ “Less Than Zero” are forever drifting aimlessly around the pool at the John Lautner house, thinking about their next high or their next Beverly Hills bash. But Ellis comes back to them in his latest, “Imperial Bedrooms,” and posits Clay, Blair, Julian and the rest of the crew into an even more desperate middle age. He’ll be reading with special guests James Van Der Beek, Jerry Stahl and others. Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd. 8 p.m. $40 with book; $25 without. https://www.rarebirdlit.com.

ART

Robert Williams: Mr. Bitchin’ The pioneering lowbrow artist will be in attendance for the world premiere of this documentary chronicling his path from the world of hot rods and underground comics to the realm of mainstream art. A Q&A session and book signing will follow. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. $15. (323) 857-6010. https://www.lacma.org.