Things To Do

23 Really Cool Things to do This September in Los Angeles (2019)

September 1, 2019 by We Like L.A. Staff
2018 Outfest + Grand Park Movie + Picnic Night. Photo via Music Center / Grand Park

Need stuff to do this month in Los Angeles? We looked ahead on our calendar to focus in on some of the best events happening in September around Los Angeles that you should probably have on your radar. After all, better to get your tickets now than wait till the last minute and find out your favorite event is sold out.

September 2019 event highlights include the TARFEST, the KCRW Tortilla Tournament, Doggie Paradise, Smithsonian Museum Day, Dino Fest at NHM, the Abbott Kinney Community Festival, and MUCH more.

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And remember if you want to stay up to date on all the event happens in Los Angeles then be sure to sign-up for our email newsletter.

Enjoy!


Keep in mind for some of the ticketing options provided we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links (affiliates noted in parenthesis), however we retain complete editorial control of our content.

1. The LA County Fair Returns (through September 23)

The L.A. County Fair returns to Pomona for an enormous assortment of activities, musical performances, food and beverage offerings, and more. The fair runs Friday through Sunday and Labor Day through September 23. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. -> More information Discount tickets

2. The Other Art Fair (Sep 5-8)

The Other Art Fair Los Angeles happening September 5-8 at The Barker Hanger in Santa Monica will showcase a curated selection of over 140 independent artists with art for sale plus live DJ sets, event tours, conversations with art scene leaders, live activations and a bar. -> More information

3. Long Beach Original Lobster Festival (September 6-8)

The Original Long Beach Lobster Festival returns for the 23rd year September 6-8 at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach with copious amounts of delicious lobster prepared in a variety of ways. -> More information

4. Muse ’til Midnight at LACMA (September 7)

Muse ’til Midnight: The Allure of Music is LACMA’s annual after-hours party inspired by current exhibitions at the museum returns on September 7. This year the exhibit The Allure of Matter: Material Art from China will be the focus with multiple performance stages, music curated by DUBLAB and Ninja Tune, sound and visual installations in various locations in the museum. -> More information

5. KCRW & Gustavo’s Tortilla Tournament (September 8)

Writer Gustavo Arellano and KCRW’s Good Food host Evan Kleiman have been hunting for the tasting tortillas in Southern California, and this Sunday they’ll present the best of the best at KCRW & Gustavo’s Great Tortilla Tournament. Expect music via DJs Raul Campos and José Galván, tortilla tastings, margaritas and michelada bars, and more. -> More information

6. Son of Monsterpalooza in Burbank (September 13-15)

Get ready to scream, be amazed or simply turn away because Son of Monsterpalooza is coming just in time for Halloween with makeup demos, panels, and more. -> More information

7. Grand Park + Outfest Present PROUD Picnic + Movie Night (September 14)

Grand Park + Outfest Present PROUD Picnic + Movie Night returns for its fourth year of a picnic and outdoor movie screening in celebration of diverse voices in film. This free event offers a showcase of short films from the Outfest Fusion Festival along with full-length presentations. Guests can arrive early to DJ’s, food trucks, and the park’s popular splash pad and playground. – > More information

8. The Open Arts & Music Festival (September 14)

The Open Arts & Music Festival is a free festival that attracts over 10,000 people to foster community pride, teach new skills, strengthen relationships across the city while celebrating art and music. This year’s festival takes place at the Alex Theatre in Glendale and features an arts market, free workshops, live music, a beer garden and food, public art installations, a Kid Zone, and a VIP lounge. -> More information

9. Taste of Japan in Long Beach (September 14)

The first-ever Taste of Japan festival comes to The Pike Outlets in Long Beach showcasing Japanese culture and cuisine. The family-friendly festival takes place September 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features culinary creations, Japanese pop culture and entertainment, shopping, anime, martial arts, and more. -> More information

10. 17th Annual TARFEST Music & Arts Festival (September 14)

The La Brea Tar Pits will be hosting the 17th annual TARFEST music and arts festival. On September 14 from noon to 7:30 p.m. attendees can enjoy art installations, live painting, DJ’s, food trucks, kid’s activities, and much more. The event is free for all! The iconic Serpentine Pavilion at Second Home can be experienced by all for free along with TARFEST’s partner The Natural History Museum of L.A. County. -> More information

11. 5th Annual OFF THE HOOK Seafood Fest (September 14)

Off The Hook Seafood Fest returns for its fifth year for a foodie fundraising event celebrating sea creatures, chefs, fisherman, ecosystems, and a desire to preserve our world’s oceans. -> More information

12. Doggie Paradise at The Queen Mary (September 14)

On September 14 the Queen Mary is hosting an entire afternoon of dog-friendly fun including splash pools, a canine crafts station, a bark-filled ball pit, a ‘cutest dog’ contest, paw painting, and more. -> More information

13. Santa Monica’s 4th Annual COAST Open Streets (September 15)

On Sunday, September 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., two miles of Santa Monica streets will be closed in celebration of a more people-powered and sustainable Santa Monica. Guests will be able to bike, skate, run, and walk the sections of Ocean Avenue, Colorado Esplanade, and Main Street. There will be roaming musicians, hands-on activities, and free artist-led workshops where attendees can create and decorate costumes. -> More information

14. Queen Mary Night Market (September 20)

The Queen Mary Night Market is an outdoor celebration of SoCal’s food and art scene. On September 20 at 6 p.m., guests can dine and shop by the ship at an event featuring dozens of food trucks, vendors, local makers selling jewelry, fashion, and art, and much more. -> More information

15. Hello Kitty Friends Around the World Tour (starts September 20)

For Hello Kity’s 45-year anniversary Sanrio is bringing multi-room, sensory-rich, brilliant walk-through adventure to Los Angeles from September 20 through October 20. The 10,000-square-foot pop-up takes you aboard ‘Hello Kitty Air’ to virtually visit London, Paris, New York, Honolulu, and Tokyo. -> More information

16. Smithsonian Museum Day (September 21)

10+ L.A. County Museums Will Be Free For Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day. Participants include the Japanese American National Museum , the GRAMMY Museum, Autry Museum of the American West, USC Pacific Asia Museum, and more. -> More information

17. Dino Fest at Natural History Museum (September 21-22)

The 4th annual Dino Fest returns to NHMLA this September 21-22 for a weekend of celebrating the prehistoric giants that one ruled the earth. -> More information

18. Barnsdall Art & Craft Fair (September 22)

The Barnsdall Art & Craft Fair returns on September 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to support local artists and provide a personable gift shopping experience. This is a free, kid-friendly event showcasing diverse works from the Art Center students and faculty; this includes handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, cards, prints, paintings, drawings, and photography. -> More information

19. The Merry-Go-Round Party at Griffith Park (September 22)

The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round will be hosting a Roaring Twenties Speakeasy Party with a Vintage Cirque Sideshow. There will be a talented cast of eccentric performers along with other DJ entertainment and live music by Holy Crow Jazz Band. Other highlights include merry-go-round rides, strolling performers, cirque games, dance exhibitions, and more. -> More information

20. Pinot Palooza 2019 (September 28)

Pinot Palooza comes to the United States for the first time in the midst of a six country tour showcasing some of the finest pinots from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and beyond. The US debut takes place at City Market Social House in DTLA on September 28 from noon to 6 p.m. Attendees can choose from over 100 wines from different regions; there will also be over 40 wineries represented and a large food lineup. -> More information

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21. 2019 LA Beer Fest (September 28)

LA Beer Fest returns for a festival featuring dozens of domestic and international beer, food trucks, live music, Power 106 DJ, a dueling piano bar, and much more. It takes place September 28 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at LA Center Studios. -> More information

22. Mexico in a Bottle: South to North (September 29)

This special tasting event explores Mexico’s regional spirits and flavors through craft spirits, art, food, and music. On September 29 from 4 to 7 p.m., there will be over 100 expressions of spirits from Oaxacan mezcal companies to brands like Durango, Tamaulipas, and more just entering the market. There will also be select bites from many restaurants including Gualaguetza and Madre. -> More information

23. Abbot Kinney Festival 2019 (September 29)

The Abbot Kinney Festival in Venice, CA takes place September 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along the famed Abbot Kinney Blvd, dubbed the coolest block in America by GQ Magazine. There will be over 350 vendors, eclectic boutiques, artisan eateries, food trucks and booths, kids’ rides and games, 4 music stages, 3 beer gardens, and more along the mile-long street. Admission is free for all. -> More information


Be sure to check the We Like L.A. Events Calendar for updates on fun things happening around the city throughout September. You can also sign up for our daily/weekly newsletter if you want events sent straight to your inbox. 

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