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If you go by the calendar, we’re entering the last full week of the summer. Want to make the most of it? Some ideas…
For this September 15-19 in Los Angeles, catch Astronomy on Tap in Pasadena, Karaoke Night at The Airliner, a new food replica exhibit at Japan House L.A., Locals Night at the Santa Monica Pier, Frontier Saloon at Velaslavasay Panorama, Para La Cultura at Plaza West Covina and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Astronomy on Tap Los Angeles: Balloon-Borne Telescopes & Living on Mars – M > Astronomy on Tap returns on Monday with a pair of scientific talks (helped along by trivia, live music, and beer) at Dog Haus Biergarten in Pasadena. For the September event, catch NASA JPL Optical Engineer Susan Redmond giving a talk entitled “To the Stratosphere and Beyond: Chasing Cosmic Clues with Balloon-Borne Telescopes,” and NASA JPL Chief Engineer of the Mars Sample Return Program Adam Steltzner speaking about: “People Who Think About Living On Mars, Haven’t Thought Enough About Living On Mars.” Event starts at 7:30 p.m. Free to attend, but seating is first-come, first-served. More info here.
Hola México Film Festival – M > Continuing throughout the week, the 2025 Hola México Film Festival is in Los Angeles for 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. Screenings continue through September 21. More info here.
Dance Revolution in DTLB – M FA > Every Tuesday in September, the Downtown Long Beach Alliance hosts a free dance party / tutorial session on the promenade between The Ordinarie Tavern and ISM Brewing. For September 16, instructor Kindra Mosher leads a Retro Beach Dance Party. Runs 6 to 8 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Dance at the Museum -> The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach is hosting series of dance classes bringing art and movement come together, with an assist from the professional instructors at Cielo Dance Events. Next up, this Wednesday they’ll close out the series with an evening of Cumbia. Good for both beginners or experienced dancers. Event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Space is limited. More info here.
Karaoke Night at The Airliner -> Head to The Airliner in Lincoln Heights on the first and third Wednesday of each month for karaoke night. Singing kicks off at 8 p.m., but come early to enjoy approachable cocktails and bar bites before you hit the stage.
Golden Screen Cinema -> The Culver Hotel wraps its summer Golden Screen Cinema Series on Wednesday with a special 86th-anniversary screening of The Wizard of Oz at The Culver Theater, followed by themed cocktails and bites at the hotel’s Velvet Lounge. Tickets are $56.25 via OpenTable. The evening also coincides with Downtown Culver City’s “Taste of Culver City: Culver Classics” block party, featuring complimentary cocktail tastings (including the hotel’s signature Ruby Red Slipper), classic film location markers, photo ops, and more.
Looks Delicious! | Exploring Japan’s Food Replica Culture at Japan House LA – M FA > Beginning this Thursday, 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.
All Space Considered – FA > This Thursday, join the curatorial staff at the Griffith Observatory for their monthly discussion on the latest phenomena and news in the world of astronomy during this evening presentation at the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater (also live streamed on the website). For September, special guest, Dr. Gabriele Vajente will present a talk titled “Ten Years of Exploring the Dark Side of the Universe with Gravitational-wave Astronomy.” Program runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Get more info here.
Locals Night at the Santa Monica Pier – FA > Every third Thursday from September to May, Locals’ Night brings at the Santa Monica Pier offers a free evening of youth activities, a car show, local DJs and live music from local bands, art exhibits, Books & Cookies Musical Storytime, and a Heal the Bay Aquarium Educational Pop-Up It’s always free to attend. Runs 3:30 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Frontier Saloon at Velaslavasay Panorama – TP > Since it was first installed at their original Hollywood Blvd location in 2000, L.A.’s Velaslavasay Panorama has laid claim to being the the only institution on the West Coast creating 360-degree painted panoramas. This Friday and Saturday the museum celebrates its 25th anniversary (and 21st year at their West Adams location) by spotlighting the closing of the longstanding exhibit The Nova Tuskhut (2014) with a special activation called Frontier Saloon. The back-to-back evening event will double as a fundraiser for the Velaslavasay’s panoramic pursuits, creating an immersive turn-of-the-century boomtown public house where guests will be served dinner ‘round the campfire as wayward newcomers, all while card sharks and rambling musicians wander “into town.” Each guest will also receive western-themed limited-edition souvenirs made by artists of the Velaslavasay Panorama. Runs 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50 for either night. More info here.
Para La Cultura: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month – FA > This Friday, Plaza West Covina kicks off iHispanic Heritage Month with special celebration called Para La Cultura. The activation features a marketplace with 40+ local vendors, live cultural performances including folklorico, craft and photo opportunities, and VIP Cafecito Lounge with Café BomBon, which will offer proceeds to the West Covina High School PTSA. Event runs 5 to 9 p.m. General admission is free. More info here.
Chaotic Singles Party -> Looking to couple up as you head into the fall? Dress to the nines and head out to DTLA this Friday for a Chaotic Singles Party Fall Formal at La Lo La Rooftop. Expect a crowd of 200+ singles all dressed in their finest cocktail attire, plus romantic drink specials and classy icebreaker games. Party goes from 8 to 11 p.m. 21+ only. Tickets are $19.92. More info here.
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns -> Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns is back for 2025 beginning this Friday at a new South Bay Location. This year the experience takes over South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes on select nights through November 2. Expect a wandering path featuring thousands of glowing, hand-carved jack o’lanterns, plus enchanting light displays, towering inflatables, and playful bouncy pads. Tickets start at $24.99. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Marugame Udon Celebrates Eight Years (September 15-21) -> Marugame Udon marks eight years in Sawtelle Japantown with a weeklong celebration from September 15–21. Fans can enjoy the return of opening-week favorites like Kamaage Udon with dashi dip and Mentai Kamatama Udon (“Japanese carbonara”), plus a new limited-time menu. Festivities include spin-the-wheel prize giveaways (Sept 16, 19–21) and already sold-out udon-making classes.
National Cheeseburger Day at Irv’s Burgers (September 18) -> Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day at Irv’s Burgers on September 18 with a free order of fries with any burger purchase—cheeseburger or not.
Crossroads Kitchen Guest Chef Dinner Series (September 16) -> Crossroads Kitchen brings back its guest chef dinner series on Tuesday, September 16, with Chef Tal Ronnen joining forces with Marc Murphy and Cat Cora for a one-night-only, Mediterranean-inspired vegan feast. The five-course menu features dishes like Moussaka Tacos with sesame filo and braised lion’s mane mushrooms, Pan-Roasted Cauliflower with Sicilian lemon caper sauce, and Vegan Tiramisu for dessert. Guests can dine in Crossroads’ signature red booths or at the bar, with wine pairings, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options available. Tickets are $75 per person and can be reserved on OpenTable from 5 to 10 p.m.
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