Ah, it’s finally the weekend! Let’s celebrate this long week with some plans. With so many options and events in Los Angeles, finding something to do can be quite a task. Luckily, you have us. If you need plans or things to do this weekend — September 13-15, 2024 — we’ve got you covered. (With some bonuses!)
These are the best things to do in Los Angeles this Labor Day weekend! 👇✨
1. Dance your heart out at KCRW Summer Nights
Summer means the return of KCRW’s Summer Nights! Finally, Angelenos can dance the warm nights away with KCRW’s best DJs and musical guests. As always, these beloved Summer Nights events are free and held at favorite L.A. locations – from Descanso Gardens to Chinatown! Depending on the spot, you can usually expect some food choices and museum or garden admissions. No matter the location, good times are certainly in store. Check out the full KCRW Summer Nights lineup here!
- Friday, September 13, 6:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.
- KCRW Summer Nights at the Autry Museum of the American West
- Featuring KCRW DJs Anne Litt & Dan Wilcox
2. Come face-to-face with the ‘ghost with the most’ at Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience
Ready for a ghastly good time ahead of Tim Burton’s highly-anticipated sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice? Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience is an officially-licensed Warner Bros. event is now open! The massive interactive experience features recreated sets, themed food & drinks, photo ops to die for, & so much more. Grab your tickets and more about the Beetle Juice experience here!
3. Check out the latest edition of the L.A. Food Bowl
The Los Angeles Food Bowl is hosting its 2024 edition at Paramount Pictures Studios! Tickets include all you can eat and drink from 40+ restaurants a day, live cooking demos, book signings & events with the hottest names in the industry. Friday (Sept. 20) & Saturday (Sept. 21) are 21+ only, but all ages are welcome on Sunday (Sept. 22). Don’t miss out on the exciting event — get 25% off general admission tickets with the code “YUMMY”!
4. Understand the essence of Los Angeles at Teen Angel & Estevan Oriol: Dedicated To You exhibit
BEYOND THE STREETS’ Teen Angel & Estevan Oriol: Dedicated To You is an extraordinary exhibition capturing the essence of Los Angeles through the lens of legendary photographer Estevan Oriol and the influence of the independent Chicano magazine, Teen Angel. This curation highlights Oriol’s raw talent for uncovering beauty in the often-overlooked aspects of Los Angeles’ rich and transcendent culture. Oriol meticulously explored his own extensive archive to present this powerful collection that also demonstrates how Teen Angel impacted his own work. Visit BTS here. Due to its incredible popularity, the exhibition has been extended Sunday, October 27th!
Info: Free to the public. Closed on Monday & Tuesday. Open Wednesday — Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
When: Now through Sunday, October 27th
📍Location: 434 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
5. Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month Around Los Angeles
Latinx Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, 2024. And there are so many incredible ways to honor Latinx/o/a’s and our fellow Angelenos from delicious food to cultural events. Be sure to check back for more events that will be added throughout the month.
6. Bottoms up at the Mezcal Por Siempre Festival
This cool unlimited Mezcal tasting features 50+ Mezcal projects from all over Mexico. The event will host mezcal producers. Plus, there will be delicious food and music. The tasting is from 3 PM-8 PM, and the after party is from 8-11 PM. Get tickets here.
When: Saturday, September 14 from 3 – 8pm
📍Location: L.A. River Studios (2800 Division Street Los Angeles, CA)
7. Satisfy your michelada cravings at one of these top spots around L.A.
Yet another way to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month is with a mouthwatering michelada! Micheladas are a SoCal staple. There’s nothing quite like an ice-cold, beer cocktail perfectly balanced with lime juice, chamoy, Clamato, and that addictive Tajin rim. If you haven’t had one yet, now’s the time! Check out these 8 spots serving up incredible micheladas.
8. Grab a free donut at Randy’s Donuts today!
Randy’s Donuts is celebrating the grand re-opening of their Pasadena location by giving away free donuts today! Plus, they’re hosting an in-store raffle from Friday, September 13 through Sunday, September 15. Four winners will be picked from the raffle bucket on Monday, September 16. The lucky four will each win a $250 gift card to any of the Randy’s Donuts locations. Join Randy’s for a day of celebration and free delicious treats today – Friday, September 13 from 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
9. Head to the premiere of the Black Hole Experience at L.A. Climate Week
📍Location: House of Cocotte, 2028 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA
⚫Event: Hospitality Happy Hour: Embracing the Shift to Vegan and Organic
When: September 13 from 4:30pm to 9pm
⚫Event: Clean Energy Expo
When: September 14 from 10am to 3pm
10. Get ready to cheer on your favorites at the 76th Primetime Emmys this Sunday
Read our full guide with everything you need to know about the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards. It’s a full evening of all of your favorite stars, writers, directors, and shows being honored! Tune in this Sunday, September 15.
11. Mini-golf with your Disney favorites at this Pixar Putt experience
This incredible open-air mini-golf course is heading to PCH & 2ND in Long Beach. They’re transforming your favorite Pixar movies into playful putt-putt holes. So dress up in your best Pixar fit, and get ready for a night of Pixar-themed fun for the whole family and everyone young at heart!
⛳ Tickets: Prices start at $25, with Family Four packs starting at $100. Tickets are now available at PixarPutt.com.
🌟 When: September 21, 2024 through January 2025
📍Location: 6440 Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach
12. Clink your beer steins together for Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest 2024 descends on L.A. in September and October with so many memorable beer-fueled events. Local breweries, community organizations, and theme parks pull out all the stops to transport us to Germany. Don your best leiderhosen or dirndl, grab your massive foaming beer steins, and join these lively Oktoberfest events in Los Angeles.
13. Grab a bite of the 9th best burger in the entire world
Amboy Quality Meats and Delicious Burgers is a relatively new burger restaurant in L.A.’s famous Chinatown. But this local burger spot has already made it to number 9 on the list of top 25 best burgers in the world according to the world’s leading burger experts, Burgerdudes. Go grab a bite of one of their incredible burgers, delicious hot dogs, and fries topped with all sorts of delectable toppings.
🕙Opening Hours: Every day from 12pm – 9pm
📍Location: 727 N Broadway, #117 Los Angeles
More Info: Amboy QMDB website
14. Plan for 23 best things to do in September
We’re more than halfway through August which means September plans are approaching. Don’t worry though, we collected all of our favorite plans so you won’t miss out. Here the best things to do in September around Los Angeles!
15. Cheer your heart out at L.A.’s first sports bar showcasing women’s sports
Missing the Olympics already? Head over to Watch Me! Sports Bar, the first and only bar and restaurant in Long Beach fully dedicated to celebrating women’s sports. If you’re missing your daily dose of female sports competitions, head over to Watch Me! Sports Bar to watch all your favorite female athletes compete – with the sound on!
📍 Location: 6527 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA
16. Get hungry for the world’s first gourmet chain food festival
ChainFEST is the world’s first and largest gourmet celebration of chain restaurants. This October fans can experience their favorite chain restaurant food in all-new, more elevated versions brought to life by a Michelin-starred chef. It’s the perfect night out for the grown-up child in all of us who craves the updated versions of our favorite fun food from childhood.
📍Where: Skylight ROW DTLA (777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021)
📅When: October 5th, 2024
🎟️Get your tickets here!
17. Enter another realm at The Obscure
Shake things up by venturing into the mysterious realm of The Obscure, an exclusive distillery and cocktail bar where ethereal spirits and fine liquors intertwine in the shadows. Illuminated by candlelight, guests will embark on a multi-sensory journey through history, legend, and lore. Each cocktail and spirit tells a captivating story, transporting you with every sip into forgotten tales and untold legends. The Obscure promises an unparalleled cocktail-tasting experience filled with delightful surprises for the curious soul.
Tickets: Get your tickets to The Obscure here!
When: Now through September 2024
📍Location: The Obscure, 1356 Palmetto Street, Los Angeles, CA
18. Hit the road on one of these picturesque road trips
Enjoy the last days of summer and head out on one of these incredible road trips. Cruise with the windows down, soak up the sun, and sing your heart out to your favorite summer tunes.
19. Make the most of summer with these free outdoor events and activities
It’s necessary to step away from screens and reconnect with nature for our mental well-being. Los Angeles provides numerous free outdoor activities — from concerts to hiking, ideal for enjoying the summer weather. Stay hydrated and explore these cost-free options to make the most of your time outdoors! Here’s our list of free outdoor events in Los Angeles.
20. Escape the heat and go under the sea
The best escape from the summer heat is the beach. But snorkeling takes you even a step further by immersing you in the cool water and gorgeous aquatic ecosystems. Don’t miss these 9 idyllic spots to go snorkeling around Los Angeles.
21. Take in art at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
Located in Long Beach, MOLAA is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to featuring and highlighting both modern and contemporary Latin American art. Founded in 1996 in Long Beach, California, MOLAA has since doubled in size and now boasts over 1,300 works of art.
Tickets: Free on Sundays, reservations required
🗓️ Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
📍 Location: 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach
22. Discover the best places for a weekend getaway
Tired of the noise and stress of the city? Take advantage of the weekend for a dreamy getaway to one of the many incredible places within a 3-hour drive from Los Angeles. From beaches to enchanted lakes, embark on a weekend of relaxation and fun.
23. Catch a wave and sit on top of the world
Surfing is synonymous with California culture. Whether you’ve been catching waves for years or a brand new surfer babe, we’ve got a great roundup of beaches for all levels of surfers. Grab your favorite board and head to the shore this weekend.
24. Pretend you’re a pirate at Laguna Beach
Take a nice hour long cruise to Laguna Beach and check out the 100 year old “pirate tower”. Let your imagination run away while you enjoy a nice beach day with a touch of fantasy. You can get more details here.
25. Explore all of these free museums
They say the best things in life are free — and when it comes to art in L.A., those words ring true. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary, modern, postmodern or ancient art exhibits, these galleries and free museums are perfect for finding inspiration in the city. Here are our favorite free museums and galleries around Los Angeles!
26. Celebrate lowrider culture at the Petersen Automotive Museum
It’s no secret that Southern California is renowned as the birthplace of lowrider culture – and now the Petersen Museum is honoring that with their “Best In Low” exhibit. Showcasing classics and contemporary, the exhibit celebrates the remarkable customization work seen in every aspect of a lowrider – from the artistry behind the paintwork to exquisite interiors and even hydraulic systems. Whether you love the lowrider culture, are into cars, or just respect the artwork – this space has something for everyone.
📍Location: 6060 Wilshire Blvd
📅Dates: Now until Spring 2025
27. Grab a drink with your friends at one of these amazing L.A. bars
Summer’s coming, and it’s time to get all dressed up and go out on the town with all your friends. Here are our choices for 15 of the best bars around L.A. From rooftops to underground speakeasies, we’ve got you covered. Read all about it here.
28. Spend a sunny summer day in Echo Park
This historic district is the perfect place to spend a lovely day in the summer sunshine. You’ll find a lineup of lovely attractions, restaurants, and things to do in Echo Park. The neighborhood is extremely walkable which makes for an easy and relaxing daytime plan. We’ve got a full guide with everything from coffee shops to nightlife, so you could easily stay in this pleasant L.A. neighborhood all day long.
29. Pay a deliciously fun visit to Koreatown
Head over to one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Los Angeles for the ultimate good time. They’ve got anything and everything you could desire, like night markets, night clubs, shopping centers, bars, and billiard parlors. And of course, Koreatown has some of the very best food in the city. Get all the details and our recommendations here.
30. Grab a sweet or savory slice at Quarter Sheets
Quarter Sheets in Echo Park serves up unique savory and sweet slices. Chefs Hannah Ziskin and Aaron Lindell create a menu that feels like an elevated, adult version of a fun kids’ birthday party. Their pizza and cake offerings have earned them “Best Restaurant” rankings from the New York Times and Los Angeles Times in 2023, plus a spot in the California Michelin Guide. Try their creative pizzas with toppings like Funyuns or shrimp cocktail, and don’t miss Ziskin’s gourmet slab cakes. Staff favorites include their Bar Pie and Vodka Pesto. And yes, expect a line when you get there!
📍Location: 1305 Portia St.
⏲️Hours: Wed. – Sat. 5 pm – 9 pm, Sun. 12 pm – 2:30 pm & 3:30 pm – 6 pm
🌐 Learn more: Quarter Sheets
31. Unleash your inner artist at Neon Brush
Neon Brush invites you to dive into a world where art and nostalgia meet. This isn’t you’re usual painting workshop though — this is a retro-futuristic haven that lets your creativity soar amidst vibrant neon lights and mesmerizing ambiance. Whether you’re a master or a newbie, you’ll have an artist leading the way. Did we mention this is a paint AND sip experience? Get ready to have a brush in one hand, glass in the other — book your spot at Neon Brush here!
📍Location: The Three Clubs – 1123 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038
32. Feast at one of the best-rated birria trucks in L.A.
Birria San Marcos isn’t just one spot in LA. It’s a trio of locations in North Hollywood, Van Nuys, and North Hills. All three locations boast delicious, family-made birria and have glowing reviews, especially from the Secret L.A. team. Schedule your weekend plans around grabbing a bite or two of birria.
📍Locations: North Hollywood, Hazeltine (Van Nuys), and North Hills
🌐 Learn more: Birria San Marcos
33. Transport yourself to classic Hollywood at the new Warner Bros. Studio TCM Tour
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood has just unveiled an exciting collaboration with Turner Classic Movies (TCM) to introduce their all-new TCM Classic Films Tour to celebrate TCM’s 30th anniversary this month. Recently launched this week, this enhanced tour promises guests an unforgettable expedition through the Golden Age of Hollywood, spotlighting iconic films from the TCM collection – and highlighting the vast array of classics housed within the Warner Bros. library – from Casablanca, Rebel Without a Cause to Batman and Harry Potter – there’s something for every film lover out there. Learn more here!
📍Location: 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
34. Unwind at IntoMeSea
The weekend is the perfect excuse to step into a world of relaxation and self-discovery with IntoMeSea’s array of rejuvenating spa experiences. Dive into a crystal tub to soak away your worries, bask in the purifying warmth of a salt sauna, or rejuvenate your spirit with revitalizing light therapy sessions. (And more!) Each experience is meticulously designed to help you unwind, destress, and reconnect with yourself, leaving you feeling refreshed, invigorated, and ready to take on the world. Embrace the transformative power of self-care and indulge in the ultimate spa getaway with IntoMeSea. Get more info here!
📍Location: 1812 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
35. Take in the sunshine at Abalone Cove
The weather will be nice and sunny this weekend — and it deserves to be enjoyed! Soak up the sunshine with a short yet invigorating hike at Abalone Cove. It offers a gorgeous view of the sparkling ocean waves crashing against the shore below and eventually leads you to the beach where you can take in its beauty.
📍Location: 5970 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
36. Experience an enchanting Candlelight Concert at an exquisite L.A. venue
Experience an Enchanting Candlelight Concert at an exquisite L.A. venue. This dreamy Candlelight concert series is ever-evolving and never ceases to dazzle audiences. This spring, you’ll find incredible performances happening at stunning locations around the city, bathed in flickering candlelight. From Prince to Hans Zimmer, you’ll get to listen to top talent performing curated pieces across a range of genres. Get your tickets to a Candlelight Concert here!
37. Line dance at Desert 5 Spot
Coachella and Stagecoach may be over, but you can still experience great music in the desert. Hollywood is home to Desert 5 Spot, a rooftop bar with 360 views of Hollywood. They’re offering their Bootloose line dancing lessons – where you can unleash your inner cowboy. On Friday & Saturday nights, there is Two Stepping and Line Dancing and Live Music. If you can’t make it this weekend, they also host line dancing, two-stepping, and karaoke on Wednesdays. You can get more info on their website here!
📍 Location: 6516 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
38. Check out one of these incredible exhibitions this month
This month Los Angeles has a ton of awe-inspiring exhibitions lined up. From contemporary art installations to interactive showcases, there’s something for everyone to explore. Here are 18 exhibitions to check out this June in Los Angeles!
39. Go chasing waterfalls with these mesmerizing hikes around Los Angeles
Finding the hidden gems of Los Angeles has never been more rejuvenating! Once all that rain passes this weekend and it’s safe to do so, you can explore breathtaking waterfalls that await you on these scenic hikes. Get ready for an adventure like no other! Find the full list of mesmerizing waterfalls near Los Angeles here.
40. 15 outstanding restaurants in Los Angeles to try right now
The weekend is always the perfect excuse to indulge in a culinary expedition through Los Angeles! From Michelin-starred gems to quirky casual eateries, our city is bursting with delightful flavors waiting to be savored. Here are 15 outstanding restaurants that you need to try!
📍Location: 12833 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 145, Studio City, CA 91604
41. Go to your local L.A. Public Library and snag your very own library card
From online courses to museum passes, explore 20 complimentary benefits that extend beyond books, enriching your experience with the L.A. Library Card. Dive into a world of knowledge, culture, and entertainment, all at your fingertips, as we delve into the hidden gems awaiting discovery with your library membership. Grab your library card and then read more here about all the benefits it affords you!
42. Catch the hottest DJs around town at Academy LA
Get ready to dance the night away at Academy Los Angeles — the ultimate destination for top-notch electronic dance music DJs and cutting-edge emerging talent. Check out their schedule here!
43. Hike with a purpose with TreePeople
If you’re looking for some fresh air, TreePeople makes hiking accessible for anyone wanting to enjoy nature and take a break from the bustle of the city. Plus, it’s a hike with a purpose. TreePeople is a local organization that emphasizes education and equity when making nature accessible in the L.A. area. They preserve nature with their numerous hiking trails and parks and volunteer every week to help with other environmental justice issues around the SoCal area. They have scenic easy to moderate hiking trails, or you can have a picnic at one of their viewing areas. Either way, you’ll feel good in more ways than just one after visiting their trails with a purpose.
44. Unleash your inner gamer at these arcades in Los Angeles
Whether you’re a total gamer or just a novice — from your favorite retro classics to high-tech VR adventures, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of the best arcades in L.A.
45. Get your read on at one of the best libraries around Los Angeles
Escape the chaos and dive into a world of tranquility at one of L.A.’s best libraries! This 3-day weekend is the perfect excuse to unwind, explore, and let your imagination run wild this weekend with a good book. Get the full list of the best libraries around Los Angeles here.
46. Check out these free things to do around Los Angeles
The best things in life are free — and Los Angeles is home to many of them. Whether you’re a frugal wanderer or just like to save a few bucks each week, here’s our list of the best free things to do in Los Angeles.
47. Explore L.A.’s Arts District
The Arts District of Los Angeles is a wonderfully walkable neighborhood packed with bucket-list restaurants and activities. Here are some of our favorites — the ultimate guide to L.A.’s Arts District.
48. Be an audience member and witness incredible live acts at America’s Got Talent in Pasadena
America’s Got Talent returns with a new set of awe-inspiring performers looking to compete on the world’s biggest stage — and this season promises to deliver some of the wildest acts in the show’s history! You can witness it all go down in person for FREE along with the star-studded judges at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
Tickets:: Fans ages 8 and older can be a part of the audience — book your free spot here!
Location: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101-2308