Things To Do This Weekend in Los Angeles [9-13-2024 to 9-15-2024]

Sunday Sessions in Grand Park. Photo by Brian Champlin

So you like art, you say? Well, this weekend is for you.

PST Art (previously Pacific Standard Time) officially returns for the fall starting this Sunday, banding together 70+ regional museums and cultural institutions to showcase works by over 800 artists, all under the theme of “Arts & Science Collide.” Some of the exhibitions have already opened, some open this weekend, and some will be welcoming visitors in the coming weeks. There’s a lot to get through, but we will highlight a few favorites below, along with the usual assortment of events and happenings around L.A. if you’re looking for other options. Let’s dig in!

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Make Metro Part of Your Weekend

Sunday Sessions at Gloria Molina Grand ParkM FA > Grand Park’s summer house music series returns this Sunday with an afternoon of beats curated by by Los Angeles-based music brand Soul Source. Expect a beer garden with cocktails for purchase, plenty of space to picnic, and plenty of good vibes. Runs 3 to 8 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.

Go Metro: Take the B or D Lines to Grand Park / Civic Center station.

Things To Do This Weekend

M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick

Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice at The HammerFA TP > The Hammer’s PST Art contribution centers on issues of climate crisis and environmental art practices through the works of more than 20 artists, all curated by Glenn Kaino and Mika Yoshitake. Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice opens with an evening reception this Friday at 8 p.m. The exhibition will be tied to a slate of ongoing programming at The Hammer, including this Saturday’s Forgotten Messenger performance by artist Yangkura, as well as a Family Flicks screening of March of the Penguins on Sunday. All free to attend! More info here.

Spooktacular Bazaar & Movie Night at Queen Mary -> Head to Queen Mary Event Park on Friday the 13th for a Spooktacular Bazaar & Movie Night. Explore a bazaar featuring local spooky vendors, enjoy live music and grab a bite at pop-up food stands. As night falls, settle in for a double feature: The Nightmare Before Christmas at 7 p.m., followed by Labyrinth at 9 p.m.  Tickets start at $10. More info here.

Getty and The Classical Theatre of Harlem Present Memnon – > The Getty Villa’s Outdoor Outdoor Classical Theater is currently hosting a production of Memnon, the tale of a powerful Ethiopian king who journeys to the city of Troy to engage in battle during the Trojans’ darkest hour. Written by Will Power directed by Carl Cofield and co-produced by the Classical Theatre of Harlem. Free to attend with advance reservation. Tickets are $45 person. Performances run on select dates (Thursdays through Saturdays) until end of the month. Get more info here.

Fireworks Finale with Boyz II Men at The Bowl -> To close out their 2024 summer season, the Hollywood Bowl is taking things back the early 90’s this Friday to Sunday with music from Boyz II Men, alongside an opening performance by Paula Abdul. Plus: each evening includes a spectacular fireworks performance! Available tickets start at low as $20. Each concert begins at 8 p.m. More info here.

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Dance MDRFA > Every Friday night in September, shimmy over to Burton Chace Park for an evening of dance featuring beginner lessons from top L.A.’s dance teachers plus DJ spun tunes to get into the groove. This week, the series continues with a night of Disco. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., dancing starts at 7 p.m. Free to attend. More info here

KCRW Summer NightsFA > On Friday, KCRW’s summer of free programming continues with an after-hours party at he Autry Museum of the American West, featuring sets by KCRW DJs Anne Litt and Dan Wilcox. Starts at 6 p.m. RSVP required. Get more info here.

Summer of SalsaM FA > On Friday, LA Plaza’s 2024 Summer of Salsa series comes to a conclusion with a performance by Club Mambí, a musical collective created by Los Angeles-based Cuban trumpet player and percussionist Onier Bacallao. Doors open at 6 p.m., and music starts at 7 p.m. Always free to attend. More info here.

Ivy Station Night Market OktoberfestM FA TP > Ivy Station’s Friday night market returns with an Oktoberfest themed version of their monthly activation, including live Bavarian music, 30+ local vendors, food trucks, German inspired beers, food and games. Plus, nearby LA Ale Works will be hosting their own Oktoberfest celebration featuring fresh beer releases, live music, and games with prizes. It all runs 5 to 10 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.

Mezcal Por Siempre -> The first U.S. festival dedicated to traditional mezcal takes over L.A. River Studios on this Saturday. Curated by Ivan Vazquez, chef and owner of Madre!, the event features unlimited samples from over 50 mezcal producers across Mexico—many making their U.S. debut. Enjoy panels with mezcaleros, an after-party with live entertainment, and food available for purchase throughout the day. Tickets are $81.88. More info here.

Santa Monica Place Fall into WellnessM FA > Santa Monica Place kicks off its first-ever Fall Into Wellness event with a weekend of free fitness classes, mini massages, and product sampling in a family-friendly setting. Saturday is all about the kids, with fun activities like Stroller Stride by Fit4Mom Santa Monica and Mommy & Me Yoga by Cayton Children’s Museum. Sunday is for everyone, featuring Yoga with CorePower Yoga, RUN X LIFT with Barry’s Santa Monica, and Box & Sculpt by BoxUnion Santa Monica. More info here.

Corridos From The ‘Hood at the Compton Art & History MuseumFA > On Saturday, the Compton Art & History Museum hosts an opening reception for their newest exhibition, “Corridos From The ‘Hood.” Runs 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info here.

Self-Care Yoga at CAAMM FA > California African American Museum is hosting a fall edition of Self-Care Yoga on Saturday. The class offers a sixty-minute flow session led by yoga and meditation teacher Constance Hartwell. No previous experience is necessary, but you’ll want to bring a mat. Starts at 11 a.m. More info here.

Roaring Nights at the LA Zoo -> The L.A. Zoo’s annual Roaring Nights returns this Saturday with an 80’s themed 21+ evening of music, dancing, food, drinks, a painting party and animal encounters, plus after-hours access to Zoo exhibits. Runs 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets cost $25 a person. More info here.

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Farmers Market for Dogs at The GroveFA > On Saturday, actor and advocate Ian Somerhalder, along with NUTRO, will host a special farmers market for dogs at The Grove. Running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., this free event will feature unique activities like a “pawstrologist,” sniffable dog-friendly herbs, and decor in colors dogs can see. There will also be local vendors and experiences designed specifically for dogs at their level. The market will be located next to the usual Farmers Market for humans. More info here.

Olafur Eliasson: OPEN – MOCA GeffenM TP > For their part in PST Art, MOCA Geffen is bringing the work of Icelandic–Danish artist Olafur Eliasson to Los Angeles for his first solo exhibition in the city. The exhibition includes a series of site-specific installations showcasing a “dazzling array of sensory experiences that harness the laws of geometric optics to address feelings and concepts of embodiment, perception, and participation.” OPEN will be on view starting this Sunday. Adults tickets are $18, and reservations are required. More info here.

POPtoberfestM > On Sunday, Pacific Opera Project in Highland Park hosts an Oktoberfest celebration with an evening of bites, brews, and live tunes. Expect traditional costumes, stein-holding contests, and a live Oompah band bringing the party vibes. Along with Oktoberfest classics like “Ein Prosit” and “Rosamunde,” you’ll also enjoy a mix of crowd-pleasing hits from operas, musicals, and more. Tickets are $28 and include one drink ticket. More info here.

CicLAmini Lincoln HeightsFA > CicLAvia hops over to Lincoln Heights on Sunday with a 1.16 mile, car-free course along Broadway inviting attendees to walk, skate, bike, play, and explore the area. This “mini” version of L.A.’s signature open streets event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free to attend as always. More info here.

Lowrider Parade and Car Show -> The Petersen Automotive Museum will celebrate LA car culture with a lowrider parade on Mexican Independence Day weekend, Sunday, September 15. Starting at 10 a.m., curated lowriders will cruise around the Miracle Mile before concluding with a car show at the museum. The event will feature Folklorico dancers, carnival-style activities, and an all-female panel discussion at noon, spotlighting notable figures in the lowrider community. Sponsored by PPG, OPTIMA, Calidad, and Guerrero, the event offers free admission for youth under 17 and free spectator access, with showcar tickets available for $25. More info here.

Fiestas Patrias at LA Plaza M FA TP > Fiestas Patrias commemorates the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence (September 16, 1810) and is among the most significant celebrations in Mexican and Mexican-American culture. This Sunday, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes hosts a family-friendly festival to mark the occasion featuring workshops, arts, crafts and guest performers. The event also coincides with the opening of LA Plaza’s PST ART Community Hub, and related activities. All free to attend. Starts at noon. More info here.

Spider Pavilion at NHM -> Explore the secret lives of spiders at the Natural History Museum’s Spider Pavilion, a unique seasonal attraction happening from September 15 to November 24. Walk among hundreds of orb weavers and their intricate webs, then peek into enclosed habitats showcasing a variety of spider species, including tarantulas and jumping spiders. Admission is just $10 with a timed ticket (required in addition to museum admission) or free for members.

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Americana in the ParkM FA > Santa Monica’s Americana in the Park is back for 2024 on Sundays at Gandara Park. This weekend, the series continues with an afternoon of country music headlined by the SoCal-based Mustangs of the West. Along with the music, expect along various craft activities for all ages and food trucks with bites for purchase. Runs 4 to 7 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.

Dining & Drinking

(picks by Christina Champlin)
Plate of Skewers at Steep After Dark
A plate of skewered eats at Steep After Dark. Photo by Christina Champlin.

Steep Turns Five -> This Friday, Steep in Chinatown celebrates its five-year anniversary with a special “Steep After Dark” birthday party. The event will feature baijiu cocktails, grilled skewers, DJ sets, a DJ competition, prizes, and a lively dance party in the heart of Chinatown. The celebration coincides with the Moon Festival, and Eat Domi will offer their popular pastel-colored mooncakes at Steep all weekend long. More info here.

A Hatch Chile Fest at Panxa Cocina -> Panxa Cocina’s Annual Hatch Chile Fest returns this weekend (Saturday and Sunday), where guests can take home hand-roasted Hatch chiles, freshly imported from New Mexico. The event will also feature an all-day Hatch chile menu, including Hatch chile tacos, cocktails, and a special Hatch Chile pizza collaboration with Speak Cheezy (available on Saturday only). The festival will showcase local artists and entertainment, offering a full weekend of flavors and culture. More info here.

Andrew’s Cheese Shop Outside the Box Pairing -> Join Andrew’s Cheese Shop in Santa Monica on Saturday, September 14, for a unique grilled cheese and beverage pairing event. This family-style gathering features open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches paired with alternative alcoholic drinks such as mead, hard cider, and sake. The evening wraps up with a boozy dessert float. Tickets are $87.21. More info here.


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