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Don’t sleep these last last few weeks of the summer!
As we look ahead to Los Angeles events this September, we see the the Bergamot Station Fall Open House, , a Star Trek 60th Anniversary Celebration, Americana at the Park, the Hola México Film Festival, the Westchester Arts & Music Block Party, the Burbank Autumn Arts Festival, a block party at the Autry, The Other Art Fair, Ocean Way Festival in Santa Monica, 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
Pacific Opera Project Presents Il fortunato inganno (September 4-13) – M > Pacific Opera Project presents the U.S. premiere of Gaetano Donizetti’s 1823 lost bel canto comedy Il fortunato inganno (“The Happy Deception”) at the Garibaldina Mutual Benefit Society in Highland Park. Directed by Josh Shaw with new English dialogue, the backstage farce follows a small opera company whose rehearsals descend into chaos until a clever disguise trick saves a pair of young lovers. Table seating tickets include a plate of pasta and a glass of wine with the performance. Single tickets start at $35. More info here.
KCRW Summer Nights (September 4 & 5) – FA > KCRW’s summer of free programming finishes strong with back-to-back nights of entertainment to kick off the first weekend in September. On September 4, they’ll be hosting a late night party at the Autry Museum featuring plenty of DJ sets and after-hours exhibition viewing, then on September 5 the action moves to the NoHo Arts District for a block party near the corner of Lankershim and Magnolia Blvd. Both events are free to attend. 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 September, 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.
Marina del Rey Movie Nights (September 5, 12, 19, 26) – FA > The Department of Beaches and Harbors hosts Marina Movie Nights at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey every Saturday in September. The lineup features Scott Pilgrim vs. the World on September 6, Michael (2026) on September 12, Addams Family Values on September 19, and Hocus Pocus on September 26. All start at 8 p.m. and all are 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.
American Craft Sake Fest (September 5) -> The largest gathering of the North American sake industry is coming to Los Angeles. The public is invited to sip on over 100 premium sake selections, poured by the brewers themselves. Sit in on seminars diving deep into koji, fermentation, and yeast development from some of the top leaders in the sake world. Enjoy food from vendors including Yama Sushi, a live tuna cutting, and DJ sets keeping the energy going all day. Tickets start at $100. More info here.
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome (September 6) -> Mount Wilson Observatory presents its Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome series under the vaulted acoustics of the historic 100-inch telescope. Curated by artistic director Cécilia Tsan, the September performance features the Webern String Quartet—violinists Benjamin Hoffman and Chiai Tajima, violist Alex Granger, and cellist Stella Cho—performing Todd Mason’s String Quartet No. 5 “The Phoenix” (2025) and Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 15, Op. 132. Tickets are $65. Performances are at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., with a reception in between. More info here.
Dolly Parton Tribute Skate Night -> Moonlight Rollerway hosts an all-ages Dolly Parton Tribute Skate Night in Glendale, featuring a soundtrack of Parton’s hits, country glam costumes, and prizes. Attendees are encouraged to dress in country attire, with online presale admission set at $23 ($25 at the door) and skate rentals available on site for $8. All entrants require an admission ticket and skates to enter. The event runs 8 to 11 p.m. More info here.
Star Trek 60th Anniversary Celebration (September 8) – FA > Street Food Cinema comes to the Autry Museum of the American West to host a free 60th-anniversary celebration of Star Trek, presented in partnership with CBS Studios and Paramount+. The outdoor screening event features the original 1966 series pilot episode, “The Man Trap,” alongside an episode from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. The evening includes photo opportunities, promotional giveaways, food trucks, and full bar concessions. Guests are welcome to bring low lawn chairs and leashed dogs. Admission is free with an advance ticket reservation, though seating is first-come, first-served and not guaranteed. Doors open at 6 p.m., screenings begin at 7:30 p.m. More info here.
Summer of Salsa (September 11) – M FA > LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes’ Summer of Salsa closes out the summer season with salsa band Conjunto Oye!. Super DJ Robby will spin tunes in between sets, and there will be a free salsa dance class from 6 to 7 p.m. by Dancing 101 with Roberto. Free to attend. More info here.
Bergamot Station Open House (September 12) – 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 9 p.m. More info here.
City of West Hollywood: Free Theatre in the Parks (September 12-13, 19-20, 26-27) -> The City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division partners with Impro Theatre for “Free Theatre in the Parks,” presenting Jane Austen UnScripted at Kings Road Park. Directed by Paul Rogan, the ensemble crafts a fully improvised play inspired by audience suggestions, leaning into Regency-era manners, romance, and sharp comedy to create an entirely new story at each show. Outdoor seating is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free, with RSVP requested. Performances begin at 4 p.m. More info here.
Americana at the Park (September 13) – M FA > McCabe’s Guitar Shop partners with Santa Monica Cultural Affairs and KCRW for the 2026 edition of Americana in the Park at Gandara Park. The family-friendly event features live performances by Grammy winner Albert Lee, Afro-Cuban outfit Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, Abby Posner & the Big Fall, Jason Luckett, and a puppet show from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Guests can browse a McCabe’s pop-up shop, order from local food trucks, or pack a lawn picnic. Admission is free. Runs 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Disney Bros. Cartoon Studio Square Day Block Party (September 13) – FA > The Los Feliz Neighborhood Council, the Los Feliz Village Business Improvement District, Los Angeles City Council District 4, and D23 co-present another edition of the “Disney Bros. Cartoon Studio Square Day Block Party” at Kingswell & Vermont Avenues in Los Feliz. Marking the second anniversary of the street square dedication where Walt and Roy Disney opened their first animation studio in 1923, the family-friendly block party features skateboarding demonstrations, photo opportunities, community booths, and interactive D23 exhibits. Admission is free, with no membership required. Runs noon to 5 p.m. More info here.
JLF Los Angeles: What is the New World Order? (September 15) – M FA > JLF Los Angeles, Zócalo Public Square, the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations, and Teamwork Arts co-present a preview event for the upcoming Jaipur Literature Festival at the ASU California Center Broadway. The evening examines America’s shifting global role, featuring a keynote conversation between Indian MP Shashi Tharoor and UCLA’s Kal Raustiala, followed by a panel with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen, Harvard historian Caroline Elkins, and former U.S. Ambassador Nina Hachigian. A post-discussion reception includes food from Villa’s Tacos and Pijja Palace, live music by Las Colibrí, and screen printing by Self-Help Graphics & Art. Admission is free with advance registration. Program runs 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. More info here.
Friday Night Flights at Columbia Memorial Space Center (September 18)-> Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey hosts a monthly adults-only evening that mixes science talks, brain-boosting trivia, and hands-on activities in a relaxed social setting. Expert astronomers and aerospace professionals lead the conversations, making it as engaging as it is educational. Admission is $5, beer available for purchase. More info here.
The Great Rock ‘N’ Roll Flea (September 19) –FA> The Regent Theater and Stepping Stone hosts the Great Rock ‘N’ Roll Flea Market. This family-friendly event features over 40 local vendors selling vinyl records, vintage items, art, unique crafts, and more. Event goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ages welcome. More info here.
2nd Annual PIERfect Benefit (September 19) – M > Santa Monica Pier’s historic Merry Go-Round building transforms into the 1930s casino ship S.S. Rex for the second annual “A PIERfect Benefit” gala. Hosted by comedian Olivia Hill, the fundraising event features 1930s Art Deco casino tables (craps, roulette, blackjack), live jazz by the Art Deco Jazz Orchestra, carousel horse races, signature cocktails, and a silent auction with prizes like tickets to Goldenvoice’s Ocean Way Festival. Guests are encouraged to wear 1930s period attire. Proceeds support the Santa Monica Pier Corporation’s free community programming. General admission starts at $175, with advance gambling chips available at a 50% discount. More info here.
Mezcal Por Siempre (September 19) – M > The 2026 edition of Mezcal Por Siempre pops up at Los Angeles River Center & Gardens hosts 2026, offering a traditional mezcal festival presented by Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria. The event celebrates campesino heritage and ancestral production methods, featuring tastings with maestros mezcaleros alongside food vendors, art installations, live music, and dance performances. Tickets include a commemorative tasting copita, with VIP access offering early entry, an opening ceremony, and an after-party at Bar Flores with complimentary food. GA tickets start at $81.88 with fees included. More info here.
Westchester Arts & Music Block Party (September 19) – FA > The Westchester Arts & Music (WAM) Block Party is back with a free, family-friendly street festival benefiting local non-profit organizations. The daylong event features live music and dance performances, art displays, vendor booths, children’s activities, community garden tours, local food trucks, and a 21+ beer and wine garden. Attendees are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles for free refill stations, and leashed dogs are permitted outside restricted garden and alcohol areas. Admission is fre. Runs noon to 7 p.m. More info here.
Pasadena ARTWalk (September 19-20)- FA > Jackalope and Playhouse Village will bring over 180 local, hand-selected vendors to Green Street in the heart of 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.
California Visionaries: The Lives and Legacies of Walt Disney and Hubert Eaton (September 19, 2026 – February 7, 2027) -> This September, Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale opens a new exhibition exploring the personal and creative relationship between Walt Disney and Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks founder Hubert Eaton. California Visionaries draws out the philosophical and artistic parallels that shaped two of California’s most iconic parks, featuring newly discovered archival photographs, sculptures, illustrations, and animatronic figures. Highlights include sheet music from Walt Disney classics like It’s a Small World and The Skeleton Dance, and the original master score book for Cinderella. The free opening reception runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. More info here.
Burbank Autumn Arts Festival (September 19) – FA > Burbank Parks & Recreation is presenting the Burbank Autumn Arts Festival at Johnny Carson Park. Headlined by Burbank rock band The Velvonics, the live music lineup also includes performances by Generation Gap Jug Band and 63 Degrees. The family-friendly festival features local artist booths, community arts organizations, and food trucks. Admission is free with advance RSVPs requested, and parking is available on Bob Hope Drive and at The Pointe garage. Runs 4 to 7 p.m. More info here.
Thai Fest by the Beach (September 19-20) – 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.
Bob Baker Day (September 20) – M FA > Bob Baker Marionette Theater presents the 12th annual Bob Baker Day, a community festival celebrating the legacy of puppeteer Bob Baker, taking place at Los Angeles State Historic Park. The family-friendly gathering features live puppet shows, local art exhibits, music, and interactive activities. Admission is free with required advance registration and there is a suggested donation of $25 to support the theater’s ongoing public programming. Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More info here.
Spider Pavilion at NHM (opening September 20) -> The Natural History Museum’s popular Spider Pavilion returns September 20 through December 6. 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.
The Other Art Fair (September 24-27) -> This four-day event at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica showcases a curated selection of over 160 independent artists. Spy art for sale while enjoying live DJ sets, activations, installations, and a cash bar. Advance tickets are $55 for opening night (Thursday) are GA tix for Friday to Sunday run $20. Get more info here.
Reign of Terror Haunted House (Beginning September 21) -> The annual Reign of Terror Haunted House in Thousand Oaks is back this fall with 18 dates on the docket from September 25 through November 1. The award-winning walk-through attraction spanning 12 interconnected haunted areas across 145+ rooms. The updated layout introduces “The Hotel” as its 12th attraction alongside revamped sections like the Funhouse and the Bayou, complete with fresh special effects, new live scares, and a complimentary photo opportunity at the exit. Admission includes entry to all 12 attractions with free parking on site, and timed-entry ticketing requires guests to select a 30-minute arrival window. Tickets start at $44.99. More info here.
Hola México Film Festival (Beginning September 25) -> Hola México Film Festival presents the 18th annual edition of its flagship event—the largest festival of contemporary Mexican cinema outside of Mexico—screening across key venues including The Montalbán Theatre. Program highlights include the opening night presentation of Loco México Mágico and a special concert documentary screening of Zoé’s Memorex + Rexsexex y Más, alongside showcase selections from the festival’s “Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today” professional development program. Festival passes and single-screening tickets vary in price. The festival runs from Friday, September 25 through Saturday, October 3, 2026, with opening night on September 25 and special events scheduled throughout the week. More info here.
Los Angeles Libros Festival (September 26) – FA > The 8th annual Los Angeles Libros Festival is back at Central Library this September with a free bilingual book festival for the whole family. Organized in partnership with LA librería and REFORMA Los Angeles Chapter, the daylong event features Spanish-language and bilingual storytelling, live musical performances, author talks, hands-on workshops, and community booths. Admission is free and open to the public. Runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Reading and Listening by the Moonrise – M > Clockshop’s Listening by Moonrise series pops up at David Horvitz’s 7th Ave Garden this September. The seasonal full-moon series exploring nighttime ecologies through spoken word, transmission arts, and experimental sound. Curated by interdisciplinary writer Vanessa Holyoak, the evening features performances and readings by Hans Kuzmich, Jenny Lin, and the artistic duo Relational (Dana Berman Duff and Shirley Tse) in conversation with the natural and electromagnetic fields of the space. Admission is free with advance RSVP required. Runs 7 to 9 p.m. More info here.
Autry’s Annual Block Party (September 26) -> The Autry Museum’s annual fall block party returns this September under the theme of “Love Letters to L.A.” abd celebrating the culture and heritage of Los Angeles. The family-friendly festival features a carnival setup with a Ferris wheel, bounce houses, games, a mechanical bull, food trucks, and classic car displays. Entertainment includes live performances by The Midnight Cowgirls and Las Chorizeras, cultural dance sets, horse grooming workshops, plein air painting, and screenings of L.A. Story. Admission is free for Autry members and priced at 1988 opening-day rates for general attendees ($4.75 for GA) Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More info here.
Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival + Jazz Festival (September 26-27)- 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 26 and the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival on September 27. 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.
Ocean Way Festival (September 26-27) -> Goldenvoice presents the inaugural Ocean Way Festival, bringing a two-day music and beach culture event directly onto the sands of Santa Monica State Beach. Headlined by The Killers and Olivia Dean, the all-ages oceanfront festival features performances across two stages by Jack White, Khruangbin, Sublime, Alvvays, SG Lewis, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Poolside, alongside food vendors, art installations, and beachside activities. Passes start at $229 for single-day general admission and $399 for two-day passes. More info here.
LA Design Weekend (September 30 – October 4) -> Los Angeles Design Weekend returns for a citywide celebration of the local design community, bringing together studios, galleries, popup exhibitions, workshops, and open studios across distinct neighborhood clusters. Moving chronologically through different pockets of the city each day—from Downtown L.A. and the Arts District to Frogtown, Highland Park, Atwater Village, and Echo Park—the festival offers attendees behind-the-scenes access to local makers, architects, ceramicists, and designers. Admission and participation vary by host location, with many exhibitions and open studios free to attend, and neighborhood programming scheduled daily. More info here.
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