31 Totally Fun Things To Do in L.A. This Week You Need to Have on Your Radar [9-21-15 to 9-25-15]

Every week in Los Angeles there are tons of great things to do (even before the weekend gets started) that we think you ought to have on your radar. With that in mind, we put together a list every Monday morning to keep you in the know about what’s happening in the city you love (or maybe just like).

This week includes the final weekend of the LA County Fair, the Redondo Beach Lobster Festival, the Taste of Pasadena at the Rose Bowl, the Feast of San Gennaro, a VR film festival, and plenty more to choose from.

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Hope you find the rundown useful and, as always, enjoy your week!

[RELATED: The Best Way to Find Discount Events in Los Angeles]

Under Redondo Beach Pier
Under the Pier in Redondo Beach. Credit: Neil Kremer via flickr

[REMINDER: In some cases We Like L.A. does receive revenue when visitors click on ticket links and make purchases, however we maintain complete editorial control over the events we suggest. Basically, it only makes it on to the website if we think it is cool!]

Monday September 21st, 2015

1. Alcove Dinner & A Movie Night

Alcove’s Dinner and a Movie series continues with a presentation of Edward Scissorhands. Movie starts at 8:00pm, and it’s a first come, first seated type deal. Grab a cocktail at Big Bar, order some seasonal treats like their featured sliders grab a slice of cake and find a seat in their gorgeous garden patio.

2. 15th Anniversary Screening of The Emperor’s New Groove at El Capitan

Oh My Disney, is hosting a throwback screening of The Emperor’s New Groove at the El Capitan. Before the movie, Executive Producer Don Hahn will host a panel of filmmakers including Director Mark Dindal, Producer Randy Fullmer, and Screenwriter David Reynolds. There will be giveaways, trivia, costume contests and other fun activities during the family friendly event. Tickets are $10 and include popcorn and a drink.

3. Comedy Night At Osso 

Osso is launching a monthly comedy night with America’s Got Talent’s Jen Seaman as one of the hosts for the evening. As a bonus Osso is also home to Darwin Manhan the “cocktailmologist” was just honored in Zagat’s 30 under 30, drinks plus comedy equals a winning Monday!

4. VAN Beethoven A Virtual Reality Experience

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is bringing classical music to you! Board the VAN Beethoven mobile experience, touring Los Angeles and making an appearance in front of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Put on the Oculus virtual reality headset and be transported to a 360° 3-D performance featuring the opening of Beethoven’s timeless Fifth Symphony performed by the LA Phil, and conducted by Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel. VAN Beethoven, is a virtual reality project touring around LA in September through October in different locations of the city.

5. Hot Tub With Kurt and Kristen

Comedians Kurt Braunohler and Kristen Schaal’s Hot Tub With Kurt And Kristen is one of the most popular weekly variety shows happening at The Virgil. You might recognize Kurt from Chelsea Lately and Kristen from The Daily Show and Flight of the Concords. Laugh your butt off for just $5 bucks or $8 at the door. Get your advance tickets here.

6. David Bowie Exhibit At Taschen Gallery

“Mick Rock: Shooting for Stardust, the Rise of David Bowie & Co.” will be glam-rocking it up for one month as Taschen Gallery’s latest exhibit. Showcasing prolific music photographer Mick Rock’s extremely rare photographs of David Bowie and friends during his “Ziggy Years.”

7. Frank Gehry At LACMA

LACMA will be honoring Frank Gehry and his iconic architecture with a career-spanning retrospective. The exhibition will focus on the development of Gehry’s digital design and fabrication programs, along with the architect’s relationship with urbanism.

8. SPiN Standard Open Ping-Pong Tournament

From 8:00pm to midnight Spin Standard inside of The Standard in Downtown Los Angeles will host a open ping pong tournament. For just $10 you get unlimited table time and an entry into the singles tournament.

Tuesday September 22nd, 2015

9. Rooftop Film Club

The popular screening series that has already held court in London and New York is now here in Los Angeles! For each screening of the Rooftop Film Club series organizers will set up rows of lawn chairs on the roof of the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre and provide headphones for each attendee. Doors open at 6:00pm with screenings starting at 8:00pm. Kicking off the week of screenings is Clueless on Tuesday, LA Confidential on Wednesday, Drive on Thursday and Pulp Fiction on Friday.

10. Aladdin on the Big Screen

Never seen “A Whole New World” sung on the big screen? Come to the El Capitan Theater this Friday as the Disney classic returns to the big screen! Get more information and discount tickets (while available) via our friends at Goldstar.

11. Taco & Trivia Tuesday’s At Angel City Brewery 

Every Tuesday celebrate all things “T” with tacos and trivia at DTLA’s open air brewery Angel City. Taqueria el Severo will be serving up grilled tacos outside, while Brainstormer host’s trivia inside. Trivia starts at 7:00pm sharp.

12. LACMA Tuesday Matinee Film Series Screens The Incredible Shrinking Man

LACMA will screen the sci fi cult classic The Incredible Shrinking Man. This ongoing  Tuesday Matinee film series cost $2 for members and $4 for non members.

13. Gourmet Food Truck Night

Every Tuesday night the California Heritage Museum holds a Gourmet Truck Night at the museum showcasing a select of gourmet truck eateries.  All happening from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.

14. Bow & Truss Screens When Harry Met Sally

Latin-inspired restaurant Bow & Truss  throwback movie night series is back. This week When Harry Met Sally will screen on the patio of the NOHO resturant. Admission is $15 for a reserved spot and comes with a movie-themed cocktail and dessert!

Wednesday September 23rd , 2015

15. Kaleidoscope VR Film Festival

Virtual Reality content creation is just scratching the surface of what might be possible, but you can get a sneak preview at this traveling showcase of some 30 VR films, all viewable on Samsung Gear VR and Oculus VR headsets. The future is now!

16. Old World Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is in full effect down at the Old World Village in Huntington Beach. Enjoy beers, brats, German baked goods and plenty of live music and activities. Happening this Wednesday through the weekend.

17. Matthew Barney: River of Fundament

Matthew Barney: RIVER OF FUNDAMENT is Barney’s first major solo museum exhibition in Los Angeles. Barney’s newest film might be his largest undertaking since his five-part CREMASTER film cycle. The artist made 85 pieces for this movie, including a 25-ton sculpture, drawings, photos, and storyboards, all will be displayed at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA starting this Sunday and will run through January 18.

18. Last Week of The LA County Fair

Few events combine live music, art, agricultural attractions, farm exhibits, and more fried food than your arteries can handle, but it’s all part of the LA County Fair, running until September 27. More information and discounted tickets (for select dates) can be found via Goldstar.

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Thursday September 24th, 2015

19. The Taste of Pasadena Cocktail Finale

This Thursday evening The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce will crown the best cocktail in Pasadena at the Taste of Pasadena and SIP-tember Finale at the Rose Bowl starting at 6:00pm. Discount tickets available for the event via our friends at Goldstar.

20. Discount Tickets to the LA Opera

The LA Opera’s 2015-2016 season opens with a Woody Allen directed production of Gianni Schicchi (starring Plácido Domingo) followed after the intermission by Franco Zeffirelli’s epic production of Pagliacci (which Domingo will conduct!). The double-billing runs from September 12 to October 3, and Goldstar has some discount tickets for select dates, including this Thursday’s performance.

21. Tastemade GALLIVANT! Series

The food-focused video network Tastemade will be launching a new food, music and virtual realty event series called GALLIVANT! The kick off event will celebrate L.A.’s culinary scene with dishes from many of the city’s most talked about chefs including Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo , Nancy Silverton and Ari Taymor. Guests will also have an opportunity to learn more through interactive discussions, videos, and activations. Peanut Butter Wolf and DJ Them Jeans will be on hand for some niffty party tunes.

22. Racked LA Event Presents JJ Dancer & Juice At Rebecca Minkoff Melrose

The Racked Fit Club is teaming up with Rebecca Minkoff to host a free workout at the designers Melrose boutique. Led by Jessica Alba’s “dancing guru” the event starts with a 6:00pm shopping soirée and beverages by L.A. Juice with 20% off Rebecca Minkoff’s Athleisure line. At 7:00pm guests will be led to the store’s secret studio for JJ’s 60-minute cardio dance party. More information and RSVP can be found on RackedLA.

23. Pop-Up Magazine

Check out an evening of true stories, photography, documentary film, and radio, presented live onstage by some of the country’s top storytellers. Pop-Up Magazine is a highly acclaimed event where live stories are told and accompanied by visuals, recorded audio, and live music. Past shows have included bestselling authors like Susan Orlean, famed photographer Larry Sultan, musician Beck and actor John C. Reilly.

24. Catalina Film Festival

The Catalina Film Festival celebrates the art of film and will feature over 90 films, nightly events and entertainment like a Treasure Hunt. Films are screened at multiple venues around the island, including the Avalon Theatre – the world’s first sound theatre.

Friday September 25th, 2015

25. The Feast of San Gennaro

Get ready to celebrate all things Italian at the 14th Annual Feast of San Gennaro taking place this weekend. The Feast will celebrate all things Italian through entertainment and cuisine, featuring great food, music, genealogy research and plenty of family friendly activities that include pony rides, bocce, bingo, ferris wheel, games and more. Admission to the festival cost $5.

26. Surf City Surf Dog

The Huntington Beach annual surf dog competition, Surf City Surf Dog is coming this weekend! Friday and Saturday will usher in “yappy hour” specials, surfing exhibits, contests and plenty more doggone fun with the actual competition taking place on Sunday. The surf competition will start with bigger dogs with the little guys surfing afterwards. The competition is free for spectators and for those who wish to register their dog to surf the fee is $63.

27. Redondo Beach Lobster Festival

Did you miss the Original Lobster Festival earlier in the month? You can still check out the Redondo Beach Lobster Festival over the weekend of September 25-27. Highlights include tons of live music, a kids’ area, cocktails, food, craft beer, and of course many great lobster creations for your consumption. Get more information and discount tickets (while supplies last) via our friends at Goldstar.

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28. Oktoberfest at Alpine Village

Enjoy traditional Bavarian fun, food, and beer at the oldest running Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California at Alpine Village in Torrance. Things kick off on September 11 and the festivities continue all the way until October 31.

29. LA EigaFest

The LA EigaFest is back for it’s 5th year in a row! Presented by the Japan Film Society the film festival will showcase Japanese and Japanese influenced films that appeal to the broad American audience, introducing and promoting new and upcoming filmmakers and talent to Hollywood. The festival will take place at the LA Live Regal Cinemas in DTLA and and will run for the entire weekend.

30. Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween is just a couple weeks away but if you can’t wait till then head on over to Universal Studios for a pre-game scarefest! Universal Studios has announced some new features to their annual horror night including the Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness, based on the upcoming Guillermo del Toro film. Walk into the world of Insidious, outrun the park’s monsters and try to survive the walkers of The Walking Dead. They even revamped the Terror Tram with a 3-D maze based on the apocalyptic comedy This is the End.

31. Friday Night Jazz at LACMA

LACMA’s award winning Department of Music Program is a remarkable city resource, providing hundreds of free concerts and musical events every year for Angelenos to enjoy. This Friday their summer-long jazz series continues at the BP Grand Entrance.


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Have an upcoming event you’d like suggest for listing? Drop us a line at [email protected].

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