Ah, it’s finally the weekend weekend! Let’s celebrate 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’re in need of plans this weekend, September 29 through October 1, 2023 — we’ve got you covered.
These are the best things to do in Los Angeles this weekend! 👇✨
1. Grab yourself a free cup of coffee today in honor of National Coffee Day
Get ready to fuel your Friday with an extra pick-me-up! This National Coffee Day — Friday, September 29, 2023 — businesses across the country are brewing up a hot (or iced) treat for you! These spots below are offering folks free coffee in honor of the caffeine bean holiday. Get the full list of spots offering free coffee here!
2. Enter The Vampire Circus — a classic cirque with the ultimate Tim Burton vibes
Spooky season has arrived – it’s time to step into The Vampire Circus, an extraordinary, immersive theater experience blending mystery, terror, and exhilaration with breathtaking acrobatics and captivating characters. It offers fear, joy, laughter, and wonder, taking audiences on a phenomenal ride through the Underworld and Vampires. Get your tickets to Vampire Circus here!
3. Discover the perfect blend of culinary artistry and sustainability at Olivia
Foodies, this one’s for you – Olivia is a wine bar and Vegetarian Restaurant that’s dedicated to creating an outstanding and creative vegetarian dining and wine experience. Discover the perfect blend of culinary artistry and sustainability in every sip and dish. Learn more here!
Location: 205 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
4. Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon the traditional L.A. Chinatown way
We love tradition and the enchanting annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is back in L.A.’s Chinatown. This year, Angelenos can expect traditional Chinese demonstrations, local vendors, live music, a moon ritual with mooncake sampling, and moon viewing! It is traditional to eat mooncakes during this time, and these delicious treats will be available for purchase around the local bakeries in the district. Bring your friends and family, and get ready to celebrate in the traditional L.A. Chinatown way! Learn more about the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival here.
5. Receive a powerful dose of art and purpose at the first-ever Tristan Eaton pop-up
If you’re looking for a powerful dose of art, we’ve got you covered. Dead Press, founded by Tristan Eaton one year ago, presents its first-ever pop-up. There will be exclusive releases from Eaton, including a highly-anticipated drop, Eaton and pop culture collectibles studio Sideshow will present a surprise reveal – the exciting launch of two limited-edition and collectible Limited Edition Fine Art Sculptures. Eaton continues his commitment to protest art, reminding fans, collectors, and viewers that art can speak volumes about the current state of affairs. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this one.
📅Dates: September 29 — October 1, 2023 • Opening Reception: Friday, September 29, 2023, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. • Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: 526 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
6. Experience the best of L.A.’s street food at MAMA’s NIGHTMARKET
L.A.’s first 21+ night market is back in celebration Mid-Autumn Moon Festival and Hispanic Heritage Month. MAMA’s NIGHTMARKET will feature the BEST of LA’s Street Food like you’ve never seen before – collaborating with some of the most delicious restaurants that truly embody the community, ranging from your heritage favorites to new upstart takes on tradition.
🎟️ Tickets: Grab your tickets here!
📅Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Location: 1057 San Pedro St #201, Los Angeles, CA
7. Sip and celebrate at Grand Central Market’s very own Oktoberfest
Prost! Get ready for a taste of Germany in the heart of DTLA at Grand Central Market’s very own Oktoberfest! Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere with live entertainment, traditional contests, and mouthwatering German-style brews that will transport you straight to Bavaria. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of culture, delicious food, and great company! Grab your lederhosen and let’s raise a glass to Oktoberfest like never before. More info here!
📅 Dates: September 30 and October 1, 2023
📍 Location: Grand Central Market, Los Angeles
8. The sinister Haunted Tavern Cocktail Experience is now open in Bakersfield
If you love all things haunted, then you’re not going to want to miss this spine-chilling spooky bar now open in Bakersfield.
This 4-part interactive cocktail journey is guided by the tavern keeper himself, a spooky character all his own. So get ready for a ghoulish experience – get your tickets!
9. Unleash your inner ghostbuster at this ghost hunting tour in Los Angeles
Unleash your inner ghostbuster and prepare for a spine-tingling journey through the mystical streets of Chinatown! Join forces with a fearless ghost guide who’s ready to explore the supernatural side of this historic neighborhood. It’s time to confront the unknown! Are you ready for Real Ghost Hunting in Chinatown?
🎟️ Tickets: Grab your tickets to Real Ghost Hunting in Chinatown here!
📅Dates: Now through November
10. 11 idyllic pumpkin patches and displays to visit around L.A.
Whether you’re looking to give your entrance some seasonal decking, or you just want to find the perfect specimen to carve up in the spirit of Halloween, then you can already get started at a picturesque pumpkin patch around Los Angeles. Here are all the best farms and patches!
11. Freebie: Discover perfectly curated art by three artists at BEYOND THE STREETS Gallery
Unlock a vibrant world of art as BEYOND THE STREETS Gallery takes you on the journey of three remarkable artists connected by their graffiti roots with mesmerizing artwork. Get ready to witness the true essence of artistry by POSE, HuskMitNavn, and Tim Conlon — and be inspired by the boundless creativity that knows no limits. Learn more about these exhibits here!
🎟️ Info: Free and open to the public.
📅When: September 16 — October 21, 2023 • Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. — 6 p.m.
🌴Location: 434 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, Hollywood
12. Angel of Light — a haunted theater experience has opened its doors
Angel of Light brings the haunted house experience to one of the most iconic theaters in Los Angeles. Taking place throughout the LA Theatre, this is an experience that invites guests to explore the darkened hallways and backstage of the storied venue. Do you have what it takes to peek around the corner? The experience opens this weekend — click here to get your tickets!
Location: Los Angeles Theatre, 615 S Broadway, 90014-1803
13. Grab your tickets to this Dr. Seuss storybook experience
A vibrant storybook experience is on its way to the Los Angeles area, and you won’t want to miss out! On September 27th, tickets will officially go live for The Dr. Seuss Experience — a spectacularly interactive experience that will allow you to travel through nine iconic Dr. Seuss stories. Sign up here to get access to the waitlist and save your spot!
14. Visit this glass chapel overlooking the pacific ocean
Tucked away in the lush cliffside woods of Palos Verdes is this stunning glass chapel, designed by Lloyd Wright—son of famed American architect Frank Lloyd. It looks like it’s straight out of The Enchanted Isles from The Lord of the Rings, but you don’t have to nerd out to appreciate this stunning place. Find out all the details of this architectural masterpiece here!
15. Grab yourself a cup of culture at Cipota Coffee
In honor of the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month — we are so excited to introduce you to Cipota Coffee! This Salvadoran and woman-owned business is near and dear to the heart of its creator, inspired by the warmth and love of Central American coffee shared with her by her roots and Salvadoran parents. Each sip is a delicious dose of culture and nostalgia that will surely warm your soul. Check out Cipota Coffee here!
16. Step through a field of falling stars once again when Astra Lumina returns to light up Los Angeles
After an incredible run last year, veteran multimedia studio Moment Factory is back with another galactic night walk. Astra Lumina is a cosmic night walk experience that lets you explore a world where nature meets stunning arrays of vibrant light and sweeping sound. Tickets are officially on sale — grab your tickets to Astra Lumina here!
17. Bite into a limited-edition and specially crafted Hispanic Heritage Month cupcake at Sprinkles
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sprinkles Cupcakes has joined forces once again with Claudette Zepeda to bring a delectable cupcake that honors the chef’s Hispanic roots. Zepeda’s delectable La Gloria cupcake is full of flavors originating from Northern Mexico and is made up of a caramel-flavored cake adorned in pecans, a dulce de leche center, savory yet sweet caramel frosting, and topped with cinnamon sugar. Again, these rich cupcakes are only available for a limited time so don’t miss out! Read more about it here.
18. Plan for spooky season: 20 spellbinding Halloween events happening in Los Angeles this month
It may be September, but Halloween has arrived early in Los Angeles. ill your spooky antics with delightful frights and familiar creeps with our list of haunting happenings across the city. From dark soirees to family-friendly events, here are all the thrilling events to fill your Halloween calendar with here!
19. Shaqtoberfest is returning to the iconic Queen Mary with more frights
Get ready to set sail this season, because Shaqtoberfest 2023 is bringing their frightening function in front of and on board the iconic Queen Mary ship. Ghosts and ghouls will step into a world where day and night blend into one enchanting Halloween extravaganza! From trick-or-treating spots to thrilling play zones, check out Shaqtoberfest here!
20. Shop from several D’Amelio Footwear styles at their exclusive pop-up
Kicking things off on Saturday, September 2, 2023, D’Amelio Footwear will have a month-long activation at The Grove. This exclusive shop marks the first brick-and-mortar location for the family’s footwear brand. This is where fans will be able to get a firsthand look at items, try them on irl, and shop all styles, including their new fall collection. Comfy sneakers, stylish boots, heels, you name it! Learn more here.
21. Take a serene hike up to The Griffith Observatory
While The Griffith Observatory isn’t much of a secret, we do want to share one of our favorite serene trail hikes to get there. Starting at Fern Dell Nature Trail, this 2.3-mile loop walks you through the lush, shady park – which is well-marked and runs along the creek. It’s also dog-friendly on a leash. It does get steep as you make your way up, but the view at The Observatory is stunning and rewarding.
📍Location: Fern Dell Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
22. Take a memorable guided hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign
Experience the Hollywood Sign in a whole different way — up close and personal! Get ready for an awe-inspiring hike with an expert tour guide. This extraordinary tour hike is an experience you’ll surely want to cross off your summer bucket list — don’t miss out and book your Hollywood sign tour hike here!
23. Check out one of these 15 museums and galleries for free
Get your cultural fix at one of these world-class galleries and museums in L.A. You can marvel at masterpieces from around the world from various decades or take in poignant contemporary works from the voices of our time, and you can do it all for free every day of the week. See a few of our top choices below and check out how to visit for free here.
24. Unforgettable things to do this autumn in Los Angeles: Your fall bucket list
@clyphered via IG
As summer makes its exit, fall enters with a burst of orange and yellow hues. Contrary to popular belief, the season does visit Los Angeles — greeting us with cooler weather, crunchy leaves, and comfy sweaters. Get ready to opt for that warm latte and make the most of this season around the city by checking off our ultimate fall bucket list!
25. Grab the whole family and come face to face with dinosaurs at Dinos Alive
This one is for the kiddos! The incredible Dinos Alive exhibition invites families to explore and discover life-size animated replicas in an immersive Jurassic venue. Come face to face with the giant creatures that roamed our world millions of years ago! Get your tickets here.
Location: 1345 N Montebello Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640
26. Hike Runyon Canyon with adorable dogs that are up for adoption
Free Animal Doctor is a non-profit animal welfare organization and they’re hosting a Rescue Experience where folks can walk rescue dogs on Runyon Canyon! Nothing beats catching views with some adorable pups — especially for a good cause. During the hike, you can even become pup–arazzi and take photos of your new furry friends! The shots will be used to promote the organization, spread the word on adoption, and help find their fur-ever homes. Get more info on this Rescue Experience here!
Location: The south entrance to Runyon Canyon at Fuller Ave. The address is 2000 N. Fuller Ave. NOTE: This is in HOLLYWOOD, this is NOT the entrance off of Mulholland.
27. Witness beautiful blue whales with Newport Landing Whale Watching
Looking for an adventure? Every Summer and early fall, the natural beauty known as the “Giant Blue Whale Migration” brings in hundreds of blue whales to the waters off Laguna and Newport Beach. In fact, over 780 whales were viewed last year’s summer/fall, and 130 of those were giant blue whales – which were once considered a rare sight in SoCal – and now you can experience this beauty up close with Newport Landing Whale Watching. Find out more here!
28. Step aboard the jaw-dropping Titanic: The Exhibition with real artifacts from the ship
At Titanic: The Exhibition, you can take an interactive tour of the Titanic with vast, jaw-dropping recreations of the ship’s interior and exterior. Visit the dock from where the Titanic first sailed, explore the galleries and boiler room, take a look inside a millionaire’s suite, stroll the exterior promenade deck under a starry night sky, and see the Grand Staircase with your own eyes. Grab your tickets here!
📍 Location: 4327 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90004-4409
29. Step into this Bubble World experience near L.A.
This Bubble World experience is a multi-sensory adventure, transporting you to another universe to explore every imaginable kind of bubble. Step into over 10 immersive rooms, each with its own imaginative theme, and see why it’s one of the best immersive experiences in L.A.
🎟 Tickets: Secure your tickets here!
🗓 When: Now through October 2023
📍 Location: 1345 N. Montebello Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640
302. Dive into the world and mind of Vincent van Gogh
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a 360º digital art exhibition that invites you to step into the world of the beloved Dutch artist, Vincent van Gogh. This immersive exhibit engulfs you in his artwork by showcasing it all around you with ceiling-to-floor screens — experiencing his art in a whole new way. Grab your tickets to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience here!
Location: 1345 N. Montebello Boulevard, Montebello, California, 90640-2585