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Getting just a smidge of relief from the heat this weekend, and that’s a good thing… cause there are plenty of great to-dos to choose from!
From September 5-7 in Los Angeles, you’ll find KCRW Summer Nights at the Autry, Bergamot Station Open House, TRANSA—A Celebration at the Getty, a block party at Grand Park, the Santa Monica Pier’s 116th Celebration, an Alhambra Avenue Block Party, the Los Angeles Kids Book Festival, the Echo Park Repair Fair, and more.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
KCRW Summer Nights at the Autry – FA TP > KCRW Summer Nights comes to the Autry Museum of the American West this Friday for another evening of of music, art, food, and drink. Expect back-to-back sets by KCRW DJs Jeremy Sole and Tyler Boudreaux, plus the museum galleries will be open late to explore, including the special exhibition Black Cowboys: An American Story. Party goes from 6 to 10 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Pacific Opera Project Presents Pagliacci – M > Beginning this Friday, POP 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. Performances continue on select dates through September 14. More info here.
Red Bull Origin – FA > Red Bull Origin returns to Venice Beach for a three-day (September 5-7) skateboarding celebration that honors the cities and culture that shaped street skating’s global legacy. Watch top talent take on a custom course featuring rebuilt historic obstacles, alongside appearances from icons like Tony Alva, Mark Gonzalez, Ryan Sheckler, and Sky Brown. The weekend also includes public skate sessions on Sunday, making it a must for skaters and fans alike. More info here.
First Fridays in Chinatown – M FA > Every first Friday of the month, L.A.’s Chinatown stays open late for an evening of exploring the unique small businesses and contemporary art and culture spaces that make up the historic neighborhood. West Plaza and Chungking Road activate with local pop-up vendors, DJ-spun music, and extended hours at neighborhood art galleries (to 6 to 10 p.m.). There is also a concurrent Damnoen Saduak Night Market at Central Plaza (5 to 11 p.m.) All free to attend. More info here.
Drunk Theatre in Santa Monica -> Bay Area import Drunk Theatre is exactly what it sounds like: A comedian downs five quick shots of whiskey and then sees if he/she/they can make through an improvised set with five (sober) counterparts. Pre-sale tickets are $25.31 online. You can also get a 2-for-1 deal online via Eventbrite. Show begins at 9 p.m. More info here.
Friday Night Wine Tastings at Barnsdall Park – M > Friday night wine tasting continue at the Barnsdall Art Park West Lawn this week. 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. Starts at 5:30 p.m. More info here.
Jazz at LACMA – FA > The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Friday Night Jazz series continues this week with another concerts at Smidt Welcome Plaza. For this week, catch a concert led by dummer Kyle Poole. PLUS: Remember that LACMA is free to visit for L.A. County Residents (with I.D.) on weekdays after 3 p.m. Concert starts at 6 p.m. More info here.
Bergamot Station Open House – M FA TP > This Saturday, 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 – M FA > Gloria Molina Grand Park says so long to summer with a Block Party on Saturday 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 – M > The Santa Monica Pier turns 116 years old in 2025, and the milestone is being marked with a benefit party this Saturday 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.
Prom Night at Benny Boy Brewing – FA > Bring a date and come dressed to impress this Saturday evening at Benny Boy as they host a “Prom Night” featuring plenty of slow jams, spiked punch, Poloroid Portraits by Lucified Studios, and corsages from Latinx Plants. Doors open at 6 p.m. Music beings at 7:30 p.m. More info here.
Ever Present: TRANSA—A Celebration – FA > On Saturday, the Getty is will host 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.
Alhambra Avenue Block Party – FA > Head to El Sereno this Saturday for the Alhambra Avenue Block Party, a lively community celebration featuring local businesses, organizations, and neighbors. Enjoy an afternoon of food vendors, art-making activities, a bouncy house, and even a dance class. The festivities run from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. and are open to all. More info here.
Street Food Cinema -> The longtime outdoor movie series continues in September with a weekly schedule (every Saturday) that includes stops at The Bloc, Grand Hope Park and L.A. State Historic Park. This weekend, catch a screening of Encanto at Grand Hope Park. 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 – FA > Beginning this Saturday and Sunday, 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. through September 21. Seating is first-come, first-served. More info here.
Marina del Rey Movie Nights – 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.
Los Angeles Kids Book Festival – M FA TP > The 3rd Annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival returns to West Hollywood Park this Sunday for a celebration of early education, bilingualism, and multiculturalism. Meet authors and illustrators, partake in arts and crafts, enjoy live performances, and an check out an epic foam party. Runs 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More info here.
Echo Park Repair Fair – FA > The Echo Park Repair Faire returns this Sunday with a community-powered event that champions fixing over replacing. From 5 to 8 p.m., bring your items for free sewing, leather, jewelry, and small appliance repairs, plus carpentry help and knife sharpening. Browse the free clothing swap rack, get lead testing, and take part in skill-sharing sessions—all designed to spark creativity and sustainability. More info here.
LA Chinatown Hungry Ghost Festival – M FA > On Sunday, 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.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Conrad LA x De Soi Mocktail Menu (now through September) -> The Beaudry Room at Conrad Los Angeles is serving a limited-time mocktail menu featuring De Soi, the buzzworthy non-alcoholic apéritif crafted with botanicals and adaptogens. Available through September, the collab offers a mindful, flavor-forward experience with five refreshing drinks: the Haute Margarita with lime and red jalapeño, Très Rosé topped with fresh strawberry, Spritz Italiano with grapefruit and mint, a bold N/A Michelada with Heineken 0.0, and a granita-style Frozen Très Rosé with edible flowers.
Pre-Oktoberfest Night Market at Blossom Market Hall (September 6) -> Blossom Market Hall in San Gabriel kicks off Oktoberfest early with a lively night market on Saturday featuring German-style bites from The Berlin Truck, pizzas from Adams Pizza Stop, pupusas from Vchos Truck, and more, plus plenty of beers on tap. The evening is open to all and includes outdoor karaoke, games, and festive vibes. More info here.
LB Sake Day (September 6) -> LB Sake Day brings dozens of craft sakes—both imported from Japan and brewed locally—alongside Japanese bites, expert-led tastings, and cultural discussions. Hosted by Sake Secret and Craft Beer LB, the event recreates the lively atmosphere of a traditional sake matsuri at the historic Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach. Tickets start at $65 .More info here.
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