Big List of Things to Do in L.A. This September [2022]

Things are heating up. And yes, we mean that in the literal sense but also… just lots of stuff to do!

This September in Los Angeles, you’ll find the L.A. Time Food Bowl, MASAFEST, Summer on 7th, Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day, the L.A. Beer Fest, Americana in the Park, Valley Artisan Fest, Primavera Sound, Dino Fest at NHM, the Frogtown Artwalk, and MUCH more.

Things To Do in L.A. For September

L.A. Times Food Bowl (September 1-30) -> The Los Angeles Times Food Bowl is back with a month-long celebration of the city’s culinary scene with special events including food tours, exclusive dinner collaborations, an outdoor movie screening and more. The series opens with a launch party event at Grandmaster Recorders on September 1, and culminates with three-day night market at Paramount Studios on September 23-25. Prices vary by event. Get more info here. 

Cinecon Classic Film Festival (September 1-5) -> Cinecon celebrates its 58th year this September. The five-day showcase held at the Hollywood Legion Theater puts the focus on unusual, rarely seen, and otherwise out-of-the-public eye films, with packed slates of screenings interspersed by Q&A programming. A full- festival pass runs $299, or you can grab a day pass starting at $75. Get more info here.

Broad Humor Film Festival (September 1-4) -> After a two-year hiatus, Broad Humor Film Festival returns with a four-day event at Look! Dine-In Cinema in Monrovia. The event features a packed slate of comedic shorts, features and web series–all created by women. Special panel discussions and talks fill out the schedule of events. Four-day passes cost $95, and individual day passes range from $25 to $40. Get more info here.

First Fridays in Chinatown (September 2) -> Galleries, restaurants and other creative businesses in Chinatown will band together for an evening of extended hours on the first Friday of every month. First Fridays in Chinatown will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Read the full list of participants here.

Dance DTLA (September 2) -> The Music Center’s final Dance DTLA event of the summer features an evening of Samba with instructor Fransini Giraldo and music by DJ Yukicito. As with past events in the series, you’ll learn easy-to-follow steps, allowing everyone to get into the groove right from the jump. Very family-friendly and always free. No reservation required. More info here.

Maestro of the Movies: The Music of John Williams (September 2-4) -> The Hollywood Bowl celebrates the 90th birthday of iconic composer John Williams with LA Phil concerts featuring a selection of Williams’ most iconic scores, backed by clips from the films they appeared in. Get more info here.

Rooftop Cinema Club Presents Summerween at ROW DTLA (September 2 – September 5) -> Rooftop Cinema Club Arts District celebrates “Summerween” at ROW DTLA with multiple days of Halloween movies during the Labor Day weekend holiday. More info here. 

National Cinema Day (September 3)-> Movie theaters really want guests to come back to in-person viewing. How bad? On National Cinema Day, over 3,000 theaters nationwide will offer $3 tickets for screenings in all formats, including IMAX. Regal, AMC, and Cinemark are all participating. Just watch out for those booking fees! More info here.

Back to the Valley (September 3) -> This brand new Back to the Future film screening event transforms the Van Nuys Civic Center into “Hill Valley” for just one night. Expect a Cafe 80’s food court, movie cars on display, a live performance from The Flux Capacitors, raffle giveaways and more. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids. Get more info here.

Grand Performances (September 3, 9-10, 17, 24) -> The signature summer series at California Plaza concludes in September with five dates, including a KCRW presentation of Allison Russell, a two-night performance by Citizen: An American Lyric, Cumbiatón, and Francisca Valenzuela. All shows are free to attend. More info here.

Fiesta Hermosa (September 3-5) -> The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce’s signature outdoor festival closes out the summer with three days of live music on multiple stages, a food fair, maker’s market, carnival, petting zoo, tarot readings, and more. Get more info here.

Live at The Music Center (September 3) -> GRAMMY-winner Ozomatli headlines the first of a new free, concert series on Jerry Moss Plaza. As of publication of this post, the event is sold out and is waitlist only. Get more info here.

Taste of Japan (September 3) -> Join Taste of Japan in celebrating Shin-Sen-Gumi’s 30th anniversary through a day of food samples, live entertainment, anime cosplay, cultural activities and more. Happening at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. Admission is just $1. -> More info here. 

KCRW Summer Nights (September 3-4, 10-11, 22, 29) -> KCRW rounds out the station’s summer of free music events with stops at California Plaza in DTLA, Long Beach, One Colorado in Pasadena, and MOCA/JAMN in Little Tokyo. Get the full lineup and schedule here.

Bob Baker Marionette Theater: Hooray LA! (September 4) -> First performed over 40 years ago, Bob Baker’s enduring tribute to the city of angels comes to The Ford with a performance featuring dozens of hand-crafted marionettes taking the audience through iconic moments in the history of Los Angeles. Tickets start at $10. More info here

New Exhibitions at LACMA (September 4, 11) -> The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has two new exhibitions debuting next month: Objects of Desire: Photography and the Language of Advertising (opening September 4) and The Space Between: The Modern in Korean Art (opening September 11).

Americana in the Park (September 4, 11, 18. 25) -> McCabe’s Guitar Shop and the City of Santa Monica team up for a series of free concerts held at Gandara Park every Sunday in September. All events run 4 to 7 p.m., and are free to attend. See the full lineup and get more details here.

Halloween Horror Nights (September 8 -to October 31) -> Universal Studios’ fall horror takeover features the signature Terror Tram, plus a litany of scare zones, lives shows, and eight different haunted houses, including a nightmare experience based on The Weeknd’s After Hours video series. GA tickets start at $72, but VIP and express packages can push the price point well over $300 depending on the offer. Get more info here.

MASAFEST (September 10) -> Celebrate the stone-ground, nixtamalized staple of Mexican cooking with a one-day festival at the Masienda parking lot featuring bites from Taco María, Ditroit, Quarantine Pizza, Los Dorados, and Poncho’s Tlayudas. Also check out a pop-up shop, a kids activity corner, and a book-signing from Jorge Gaviria’s for his new book MASA: Techniques, Recipes, and Reflections on a Timeless Staple. This event is open to the public and the first 300 guests who pre-register before September 6 will receive a free bag of Masienda Heirloom Corn Masa Harina ($12 value) upon check-in. Get more info here.

Summer on 7th (September 10) -> This fundraiser concert on the campus of Inner-City Arts features performances by Cordae and Mallory Merk, plus DJ sets from dublab and La Junta Crew. GA tickets start at $65 person, with proceeds to benefit arts programming and instruction for underserved Los Angeles youth. More info here.

Bergamot Station Open House (September 10) -> Santa Monica’s Bergamot Station Arts Center hosts their Fall Open, offering public access to over 20 galleries and creative businesses. The family-friendly event showcases gallery exhibitions through artist talks, curator walk throughs, live performances, opening receptions and more. Free for all. No ticket necessary. Runs 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. More info here.

Pickwick Vintage Show (September 10) -> The Pickwick Vintage Show is back at ROW DTLA on September 10 with over 45 vendors showcasing an incredible assortment of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Tickets range from $10-$20 depending on time of entry. More info here

Brick Fest Live (September 10-11) -> Brick Fest brings two days of block-building fun to the Pasadena Convention Center. Expect life-sized LEGO installations and sculptures, exclusive merch, hands-on-attractions, building activities, and more. Single day GA tickets start as low as $20. Get more info here.

Valley Artisan Fest (September 10) -> Looking to get crafty? This free event at the Metrolink Train Station in Chatworth offers free workshops led by expert makers in a variety of hobbies/skills, including Quilting & Fiber Arts, Visual Arts, Music & Dance, Cooking, Beer and Wine. Get more info here.

Dog Days Camp with Pretty Good Boys (September 11) -> Pretty Good Boy and Pawsitive MGMT present DOG DAYS CAMP, a pawsome afternoon of grooming, treats, photo opportunities and dog-friendly vendors for humans to explore. Free to attend. More info here

Masa Panel Conversation (September 14) -> Following MASAFAST on September 14, Second Home and Now Serving present a conversation and tasting centered around the bedrock of Mexican cooking, masa. Co-hosted by Jorge Gaviria of Masienda and in conversation with chefs Carlos Salgado of Taco Maria, Arturo Enciso of Gusto Bread, and Elizabeth Heitner and Nestor Silva of Malli, the panel will discuss the role of masa in kitchens across Los Angeles. Guests can expect masa-based small bites, complimentary beverages and access to a Masienda pop-up shop. Tickets cost $30 per person. More info here.

What Can We Laugh About (September 15) -> Next month at Zócalo Public Square, political satirist Bassem Youssef joins actor and performance artist Kristina Wong to interrogate the current landscape of comedy, with an eye towards the complex interplay between humor, politics, activism, and empathy. L.A. Times columnist Gustavo Arellano moderates the talk. Free to attend. Get more info here.

Rupaul’s Drag Race Werq The World Tour (September 16) -> The North American leg of Werq the World hits Los Angeles on September at Shrine Auditorium, with a lineup that includes Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls, Willow Pill, Lady Camden, Jaida Essence Hall, Yvie Oddly, Bosco, and Daya Betty. Tickets start at $49 person. Get more info here.

Primavera Sound (September 16-18) -> The first U.S. edition of Barcelona’s iconic music festival, Primavera Sound, takes over L.A. State Historic State Park for three days of live music. Lineup notables include Arctic Monkeys, Nine Inch Nails, Lorde, James Blake, and Clairo. Over 50 artists in total will play. Tickets start at $159 for one-day general admission. More info here

BeachLife Ranch (September 16-18) -> Beach vibes meet country music when BeachLife Ranch takes over Redondo Beach with performances by The Lumineers, Hall & Oates, Brandi Carlile, Wilco and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real and more. More info here

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day (September 17) -> Seven Southland museums offer free admission for Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. Participants include the GRAMMY Museum, California African American Museum, American Museum of Ceramic Art and more. This year participants are allowed to download one ticket per email address. The ticket provides free general admission for two on the date of the event. More info here

Arroyo Arts Collective Discovery Tour Revival 2022 (September 17) -> Tour historic private residences, art studios and galleries in Highland Park as part of this ticketed, one-day only event featuring members of the Arroyo Arts Collective. Tickets run $15 per person. Get more info here

Oktoberfest  at Firestone Walker  Venice (September 17) -> The Propagator, a Brewhouse, taproom & store at Firestone Walker Brewing Company Venice, is set to host an Oktoberfest party with live music, games, an Oktoberfest themed menu, and special Oktoberfest-inspired beers. Entry is free. More info here. 

Sound of Music Sing-A-Long (September 17) -> If two of your favorite things are sing-alongs and The Sound of Music, head to the Hollywood Bowl for an evening of entertainment perfect for the whole family. Be sure to arrive early, dress the part and enter the costume contest. Tickets start as low as $16. Get more info here.

LA Beer Fest (September 17) L.A. Beer Fest is back with a one-day event featuring 80+ domestic and international brewers, plus food trucks, live music, a Power 106 DJ, and more, all taking place at LA Center Studios. GA tickets start at $50. Get more info here.

Dino Fest at Natural History Museum (September 18) -> 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. Tickets go on sale September 8. More info here. 

The Other Art Fair (September 22-25) -> This four-day event at The Barker Hanger 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. Private view tickets (Thursday only) are $45, and individual tix for Friday to Sunday run $10-$20. Get more info here.

In Conversation at CAAM (September 22) -> Author and Watts native Keith Corbin comes to the California African American Museum to discuss his new book, California Soul: An American Epic of Cooking and Survival. Chef Roy Choi will help lead the conversation. Free to attend. More info here.

Knott’s Scary Farm (September 22 – October 31) -> Knott’s Scary Farm returns with their signature lineup of haunted attractions, mazes and thousands of monsters ready to scare the living daylight out of you and your crew. More info here. 

Grand Performances Finale (September 24) -> The final Grand Performances concert of the summer takes place this Saturday at California Plaza, with

Totally Valley Block Party (September 24) Westfield Fashion Square and My Valley Pass team up for another edition of the Totally Valley Block Party, which will feature on-site food vendors, 10 local breweries, DJ-spun tunes, and plenty of free family activities. Get more info here.

Westchester Arts & Music Block Party (September 24)-> 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. 

San Pedro Festival of the Arts (September 24) -> The San Pedro Festival of the Arts (formerly the San Pedro TriArt Festival) pops up at Peck Park for an afternoon of performances from over a dozen local dance companies. Free to attend. Runs 1 to 4:15 p.m. Get more info here.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride (September 23 – October 31) -> The signature Halloween experience held in Griffith Park is back for 2022 with a new version of Midnight Falls, a fictional horror-town filled with roaming monsters, a haunted mortuary and macabre theatre. Hayride-only tickets start at $29.99, and GA tickets for all attractions start at $39.99. Get more info here.

Frogtown Artwalk (September 24) -> Back in person for the first time since 2018, the Frogtown Artwalk welcomes visitors to the neighborhood for a day/evening of community events and arts along the L.A. River in Elysian Valley (aka Frogtown). Expect studio tours, bites for sale, kids crafts, hula hooping, pedicab rides, performances, dance, a chalk walk, a literary lounge, poetry and spoken word artists, and pop-up installations. Free to attend. Get more info here.

Mount Wilson Star Party (September 24) -> Mount Wilson Observatory hosts a public star party where visitors can take advantage of the high elevation and (hopefully) clear skies to gaze at stellar objects through telescopes provided by the members of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., and is free to attend. No RSVP required. Get more info here.

Oktoberfest at LA Ale Works (September 24) -> The Hawthorne brewery is throwing a family and pet friendly Oktoberfest with German beer releases, the 5th annual Stein Holding Competition, live music, games, special merch and a best dressed contest. More info here.

Yoga on the Mountain (September 24) -> On the last Saturday of the month, the Santa Monica Mountains Fund hosts a morning of outdoor yoga and live acoustic music at the King Gilette Ranch in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains. All skill levels are welcome. Free to RSVP, and reservations are required to attend. More info here.

Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival + Jazz Festival (September 24-25)-> Two signature annual events are back at Watts Towers on the last weekend of September, with the Day of the Drum Festival on Saturday and the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival on Sunday. Both days include 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. Get more info here.

Cars & Coffee Los Angeles (September 25) -> On the last Sunday of every month C&CLA members gather at the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round to showcase their rare and very cool vintage automobiles for the public to checkout. Free to attend, C&CLA welcomes all, including families, photographers and design enthusiasts. This month’s theme will be Porsche. More info here.

Los Angeles CHOCOLATE SALON 2022 (September 25) -> Have a weakness for chocolate? Head to Pasadena on the last Sunday of September for a day of tastings, demos and (yes) sculptures at the 14th annual Los Angeles Chocolate Salon. Tickets are $22.75 in advance, or $25 at the door. All tastings included with entry. Get more info here.

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