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September has arrived. Fall is around the corner. Let’s talk to-dos.
In view for the month to come in Los Angeles you’ll find at block party at Gloria Molina Grand Park, the return of the Bergamot Station Open House, Dino Fest at Natural History Museum, the Hola México Film Festival, the Westchester Arts & Music Block Party, LA Opera at the Beach, the Burbank Fall Festival, Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival + Jazz Festival, and more.
Things To Do This September
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
KCRW Summer Nights (September 5, 6, 13,20) – M FA > KCRW’s summer of free programming promises another exciting month of music events popping up at iconic venues and cultural institutions around Los Angeles. For September, check out an activation at The Autry Museum of American West, Gloria Molina Grand Park, Chinatown and Hauser & Wirth. More info here.
Pacific Opera Project Presents Pagliacci (September 5-14) – M > POP opens kicks off their 15th Anniversary season with an immersive production of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, performed with a live orchestra and surrounded by the Victorian houses and historic setting of the Heritage Square Museum. Tickets start as low as $15. More info here.
Jazz at LACMA (every Friday in September) – FA > The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s annual Friday Night Jazz series continues this July, offering free weekly concerts at Smidt Welcome Plaza. And remember that LACMA is free to visit for L.A. County Residents (with I.D.) on weekdays after 3 p.m. Music begins at 6 p.m. More info here.
Friday Night Wine Tastings at Barnsdall Park (through September 26) – M > Friday night wine tasting events are back at the Barnsdall Art Park West Lawn. Now in its 16th season tickets cost $45 and get you a flight of wines curated by Silverlake Wine, plus access to a rotation of food trucks, all supported by tunes from local DJs and sweet sunset views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory. The series continues every Friday through September 26. All proceeds support programming within the Park. More than ever, this event will provide essential funding to help sustain Barnsdall Art Park amidst the City of Los Angeles’s newly proposed budget cuts, which put much of the site’s cultural programming at risk. More info here.
Bergamot Station Open House (September 6) – M FA TP > Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica kicks off fall with a free, family-friendly open house featuring new art exhibitions, receptions, talks, food, and entertainment. Programming runs 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. More info here.
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Block Party (September 6) – M FA > Gloria Molina Grand Park says so long to summer with a Block Party featuring danceable beats provided by KCRW’s Boogie Boudreaux, Francesca Harding, Discos Rolas, and Black House Radio, all hosted by Raul Campos. Expect hands‑on activations, interactive art, and other free creative experiences. It all runs from 3 to 9 p.m. More info here.
Santa Monica Pier’s 116th Celebration (September 6) – M > The Santa Monica Pier turns 116, and the milestone is marked with a benefit party featuring live performances, food, pier-themed cocktails, and a lively auction. Proceeds support the Pier’s mission to keep public events free, with 10% of ticket sales donated to the Pali Strong Foundation aiding those affected by the Palisades fires. Tickets are $175. More info here.
Ever Present: TRANSA—A Celebration (September 6) -> The Getty is hosting a day-long festival of trans artistry inspired by the landmark 2024 concept album from Red Hot Organization, with programming spread across the museum campus. There will be live performances on the Courtyard Main Stage and sound installations in Robert Irwin’s Central Garden, with a lineup including Ahya Simone, Green-House, Nina Keith, Devendra Banhart, CLARITY, Noah Klein, Cole Pulice, Jodie Landau, AV María, Teddy Geiger, Fashion Club, Portraits of Tracy, Kei Austin, and other special guests. Runs 3 to 8 p.m. Free to attend with advanced reservation. More info here.
Street Food Cinema (September 6, 13, 20, 21,) -> The longtime outdoor movie series continues with a weekly schedule (every Saturday) that includes stops at The Bloc, Grand Hope Park and L.A. State Historic Park. Upcoming films include Encanto, Wicked, La La Land in Concert. Advanced GA tickets start at $22. Doors open for most events at 5:30 p.m. More info here.
City of West Hollywood: Free Theatre in the Parks (September 6-7, 13-14, 20-21) -> The City of West Hollywood and Coeurage Ensemble team up for free theatrical performances over three weekends in September at Kings Road Park. The Coeurage players will perform an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Pericles on Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. More info here.
Marina del Rey Movie Nights (September 6, 13, 20, 27) – FA > The Department of Beaches and Harbors hosts Marina Movie Nights at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey on select Saturdays in September. The lineup features family friendly pictures such as The Little Rascals and Shrek mixed in with classics like Grease. Free to attend, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure you bring a blanket for that coastal breeze! More info here.
Cinespia (September 6 & 13) -> Cinespia’s September lineup of outdoor movie screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery includes a This is Spinal Tap, and Alien.Tickets start at $29.99. Parking is extra! More info here.
Los Angeles Kids Book Festival (September 7)- M FA > The 3rd Annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival returns to West Hollywood Park celebrating early education, bilingualism, and multiculturalism. Meet authors and illustrators, partake in arts and crafts, enjoy live performances, and an epic foam party. More info here.
LA Chinatown Hungry Ghost Festival (September 7)- M FA > The second annual LA Hungry Ghost Festival returns to Chinatown, honoring the past while celebrating the present with traditional arts reimagined for today. This year’s lineup includes a lion dance and Zodiac play by The East Wind Foundation for Youth, live music by Micah Huang and Annie Zhou, dance by The Sunset Light Dance Team, and martial arts demonstrations by Misako. A community resource fair and local Chinatown organizations will also be onsite. Free and open to all. More info here.
Autry After Hours (September 11, 18, 25) -> The Autry continues its series of Thursday evening events this September with after-hours museum access and live talks, plus special activations for each night that range from live readings and panels to silkscreen printing workshops. Admission is $19 for adults. Runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.
Hola México Film Festival (September 12-21) -> The 2025 Hola México Film Festival is the largest Mexican Film Festival outside of México. Presented by Toyota Camry, the lineup features screenings at the Montalbán Theater, Regal Cinemas LA LIVE, La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, and Milagro Cinemas Norwalk. More info here.
Summer of Salsa (September 12) – M FA > LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes’ Summer of Salsa offers monthly dance parties one Friday per month through September. Closing out the season is salsa band Conjunto Oye! with Super DJ Robby spinning tunes in between. Free salsa dance classes run from 6 to 7 p.m. by Dancing 101 with Roberto. Free to attend. More info here.
Mezcal Por Siempre (September 13) -> The first U.S. festival dedicated to traditional mezcal returns for its second year, now at Rolling Greens in DTLA. Founded by Ivan Vazquez (Madre) and Rocío Flores, the event offers unlimited tastings from top mezcal producers across Mexico—many debuting in the U.S. Guests can also enjoy panels with mezcaleros, food for purchase, and an after-party with live entertainment. Tickets are $87.21. More info here.
Burbank Fall Festival (September 13) – FA > The Burbank Cultural Arts Commission and Starlight On Tour have planned another Fall Festival at Johnny Carson Park scheduled for this September. Details are still being finalized, but expect plenty of live music, local vendors, and onsite food trucks at the event. Runs to 4 to 7 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Los Angeles Libros Festival (September 13) – FA > The 7th annual Los Angeles Libros Festival brings a family-friendly, bilingual book festival to Central Library. Guests can enjoy bilingual storytelling, musical performances, workshops and more. Runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Americana at the Park (September 14) – M FA > Santa Monica’s Americana at the Park series returns with a free concert at Gandara Park presented by McCabe’s Guitar Shop. Enjoy live music from five acts, plus food trucks and activities for all ages. The event runs from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. More info here.
Dino Fest at Natural History Museum (September 14) – M > Dino Fest returns to NHMLA for a day of celebrating the prehistoric giants that once ruled the earth. Expect to see rare specimens from NHM’s permanent collections, partake in hands-on activities, shop dino-themed merch, and more. Dino Fest is free with paid admission to the museum. More info here.
CicLAvia—Historic South Central meets Watts! (September 14) -> M FA > CicLAvia returns in September with a 6.25 mile course along South Central. Expect multiple activity hubs along the way plus plenty of space to walk/run/bike/skate. Free to attend as always. Runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Zona Libre at the Skirball (September 14) – FA TP > Grand Performances and Zócalo Public Square are partnering with the Skirball Cultural Center for a special celebration that honors Los Angeles’ deep ties to Mexico and Central America. Zona Libre: A Musical Celebration of Latino LA offers an afternoon of community-building activities including a dance workshop, panel conversations, and evening musical performances. Free to attend! Runs noon to 5 p.m. More info here.
Spider Pavilion at NHM (September 14- November 30) -> The Natural History Museum’s popular Spider Pavilion returns September 14–November 30. Wander among hundreds of orb weavers spinning intricate webs, and explore enclosed habitats featuring tarantulas, jumping spiders, and more. Admission is $10 with a timed ticket (in addition to museum entry), or free for members.
Looks Delicious! | Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture at Japan House LA (Beginning September 18 – M FA > Japan House Los Angeles welcomes the first U.S. exhibition dedicated to the Japanese craft of shokuhin sampuru or “food-samples,” which are three-dimensional models displaying a restaurant’s menu items in mouthwatering detail. The exhibition will remain on display through January 25, 2026. Japan House is always free to visit. More info here.
Union Station Train Festival (September 20-21) – M FA > Attention train lovers! Los Angeles Union Station is teaming up Metro, Amtrak and Metrolink to host a two-day train festival featuring a splendid lineup of railroad equipment tours and displays, model train exhibits, interactive information booths, live entertainment, giveaways, family-friendly activities and much more. It’s all free to attend. Runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. More info here.
Thai Fest by the Beach (September 20 & 21) – FA > Thai Fest by the Beach offers an immersive experience that captures the essence of Thailand at one of LA’s most iconic locations—the Santa Monica Pier. Celebrates Thai culture through food, art & crafts, live performances and traditional Thai wellness activations. Free to attend. More info here.
Westchester Arts & Music Block Party (September 20) – FA > The Westchester Arts & Music (WAM) Block Party is a day-long community event benefiting local non-profits. Free to attend and family friendly. The party features live music, dance, art, garden tours, kids activities, food trucks and a beer and wine garden. More info here.
Pasadena Art Walk (September 20-21)- FA > Jackalope is helping revive the Pasadena Art Walk for 2025, which will bring over 180 local, hand-selected vendors to the Playhouse Village for a weekend celebrating handmade artistry. The marketplace will run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days and is free to attend. More info here.
Puppets in the Park with Bob Baker Marionette Theater (September 21) – FA > The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Join present a magical morning of puppetry on Hollyhock House’s west lawn. There will be two 30-minute shows (9:30 and 11 a.m.) buffered by by art activities led by Barnsdall Junior Arts Center instructors. It’s all free to attend, no ticket required. More info here.
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome (September 21) -> Mount Wilson Observatory continues its 2025 Concerts in the Dome series inside the legendary 100-inch telescope dome—renowned for its extraordinary acoustics. Two concerts will take place at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., with a reception in between. Tickets are $60. More info here.
Disney Bros. Cartoon Studio Square Day Block Party (September 21) – FA > The Los Feliz Neighborhood City Council in celebrating the 1st anniversary of Disney Bros. Cartoon Studio Square Day with a community celebration featuring screenings, skating demos, trivia, community tables, and more. Runs from noon to 5 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
The Other Art Fair (September 25-28) -> This four-day event at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica showcases a curated selection of over 140 independent artists. Spy art for sale while enjoying live DJ sets, activations, installations, and a cash bar. Opening night tickets (Thursday) are $55, and individual tix for Friday to Sunday run $24. Get more info here.
LA Design Weekend (September 27-29) -> LA Design weekend puts the city’s creative side in focus with dozens of micro events popping up over three days at more than 100 studios, galleries, and cultural spaces where visitors will have the chance to interact with the local design community up close. Check the official site for locations and schedules for events. More info here.
Reign of Terror Haunted House (September 26 & 27 and through November 1) -> This award-winning haunted house and walkthrough experience located in Thousand Oaks is now in its 25th season. The 2025 edition features 142 rooms in 11 different, inter-connected sections within 32,000 square feet of floor space. Standards tickets start at $42.99. More info here.
LA Opera at the Beach: West Side Story (September 27) – FA > The LA Opera welcomes the fall season with a free evening of opera under the stars at the Santa Monica Pier, featuring a simulcast of West Side Story. The event also boasts a slew of hands-on activities before the show, including balloon animals, face painting, and close-up magic performances. Pre-show starts at 5:30 p.m., simulcast begins at 7:30 p.m. More info here.
Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival + Jazz Festival (September 27-28)- M FA TP > Two signature annual events are back at Watts Towers on the last weekend of September, with the Day of the Drum Festival on September 27 and the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival on September 28. Expect guided towers, a drum pavilion, access to Noah Purifoy and Charles Mingus galleries, gardening activities, a food court, and arts and crafts vendors. Free admission both days. More info here.
Autry’s Annual Block Party (September 27) -> The Autry’s annual block party will be a day-long celebration featuring music and dance performances, carnival games, plein air painting, docent-led tours, marketplace vendors, a classic car show, special vehicles hosted by Touch a Truck, and more. Tickets are $19. Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More info here.
Santa Monica Oktoberfest (September 27) -> Third Street Promenade channels the spirit of Bavarian Oktoberfest with an afternoon of live performances and games for all ages, plus a special drinking zone for those visitors of age. Runs 2 to 7 p.m. More info here.
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