While the days begin to oscillate between mild and boiling, outdoor pursuits still reign this month. September is the perfect time to make the most of the California weather and there’s no better way to do that than soaking up the sunshine with a gorgeous new rooftop spot and invigorating multi-sensory experiences. Get inspired by this list of things to do in September in Los Angeles.
1. 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 that opens on August 23. The massive interactive experience features recreated sets, themed food & drinks, photo ops to die for, & so much more. Learn more about the Beetle Juice experience here!
2. Take in a sunset at one of these 24 sky-high hotspots
There’s never a bad season for cocktail soirees on any of L.A.’s incredible rooftop spots. The view, innovative drinks, L.A. attitude, and those killer sunsets are a winning combination. However, you can dedicate the last of the warmer weather with a visit to one of these fine spots. From the French Riviera-inspired Bar Lis in Hollywood to Mexico City’s Cha Cha Cha outpost in Downtown — there’s an international spirit to the experience at these sky-high havens. Check out the list of rooftop bars here!
3. Experience La La Land in Concert with the film’s composer Justin Hurwitz at these special Street Food Cinema events
Street Food Cinema—in collaboration with TIL Events, Hurwitz Concerts, and Lionsgate—is bringing a magical immersive experience to LA State Historic Park. “La La Land in Concert” features the modern classic starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling alongside a live performance by a 53-piece symphony orchestra and jazz band, conducted by the film’s composer Justin Hurwitz. And as if that isn’t enough, you can expect to see costumes and set pieces from the movie, photo ops from Interscope Records, full bars, 20+ food trucks, exclusive merch, and more!
4. Celebrate all things pop-culture & meet Obi-Wan Kenobi himself at LA Comic Con
LA Comic Con returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center October 4-6 with 800+ vendors and artists, the best cosplayers around, and celebrity appearances from Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Rosario Dawson, Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Christina Ricci, & many more. Click here for more info & tickets!
5. Secure your spot at this decadent Haunted Cocktail Soirée coming to L.A.
An evening of macabre entertainment and tantalizing themed craft cocktails is coming to L.A. this fall. The avant-garde House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée will transform Glendale’s iconic Nocturne Theatre from October 4–November 2, 2024. This glamorous experience is perfect if you’re looking for an eerie adults-only outing!
Tickets: Secure your spot to House of Spirits here! Four delicious cocktails are included in the ticket cost!
📍Location: Nocturne Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA 91203
6. Explore this twinkling night market at a century-old farm near L.A
This century-old lavender farm just outside of L.A. has the most enchanting night market. You can wander through a tree-lined avenue illuminated with twinkling fairy lights at Lavender Market Nights, where you’ll be treated to delicious food and drinks, live music, games, incredible handcrafted goods, and more. Find all the details of this luminous night market here!
7. Enjoy an enchanting Candlelight Concert at One of these prime locations
The wildly popular Candlelight Concerts have never ceased to captivate audiences across the globe. The series brings talented musicians who perform live shows in beautiful settings, all bathed in Candlelight. These exclusive events honor top artists across a range of venues and now you can catch them at these iconic spaces for a unique evening around the city. Here’s the full list of Canlelight Concerts happening this September in L.A.!
8. The mouthwatering LA Times Food Bowl is returning to the historic Paramount Backlot
Brace yourself for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure because the legendary LA Times Food Bowl is making its delicious return. Get ready to embark on a tantalizing journey through the mouthwatering wonders of SoCal’s culinary realm. This 8th edition of the event is sure to ignite your taste buds like never before! So grab your forks and get ready to savor every bite of this sensational food festival. Grab your tickets!
When: September 20 — 22, 2024
🍽️ Location: Paramount Pictures Studios Backlot, 5555 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, 90038
9. Enter a thrilling underworld at Vampire Circus
The Vampire Circus returns this September — and is more mesmerizing than ever! Dive into an extraordinary theatrical experience where mystery, thrill, and exhilaration collide with breathtaking acrobatics and enchanting characters. Experience a rollercoaster of emotions—fear, joy, laughter, and awe—as you journey through the hauntingly beautiful Underworld and encounter the enigmatic world of vampires. Grab your tickets to Vampire Circus!
📍Location: The Montalbán Theatre, 1615 Vine Street, Hollywood, 90028
10. Discover L.A.’s true culture at Teen Angel & Estevan Oriol: Dedicated To You
BEYOND THE STREETS’ (BTS) 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!
Info: Free to the public. Closed on Monday & Tuesday. Open Wednesday — Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
When: Now through October 2024
📍Location: 434 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
11. Start fall festivities early by visiting a local pumpkin patch
Halloween is just around the corner — but why wait to visit a pumpkin patch? Many charming spots around L.A. open in September, so grab your family and friends and check out our list of the cutest pumpkin patches to start the fall festivities early! 🎃🍂
12. Enter another realm at The Obscure
Tickets: Get your tickets to The Obscure here!13. Raise a stein at these local Oktoberfest events around L.A.
Get into the spirit of Oktoberfest, courtesy of L.A.’s most festive breweries, community organizations, and theme parks. People across the city will don their best leiderhosen or dirndl and show up for raucous drinking games and dancing. Whether you’re making a trip out to Big Bear’s massive authentic celebration, or spending a few hours at the family-friendly event in Montrose, there are plenty of Oktoberfest events in Los Angeles for everyone to enjoy.
14. Be an audience member and witness incredible live acts at America’s Got Talent in Pasadena
America’s Got Talentreturns 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. Don’t miss out!
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
15. Experience a contemporary twist on a cult classic musical
Reefer Madness offers a contemporary twist on the beloved cult-classic musical, combining satire with captivating performances. Helmed by the original creative team and under the direction of Spencer Liff, this production guarantees an evening filled with memorable music, uproarious laughter, and immersive thrills. Cap off the night with an exclusive after-party at The Reefer Den for an unforgettable experience.
Tickets: Get your tickets to Reefer Madness here!
📍Location: The Whitley, 6555 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA, 90028
16. Explore the story and life of Leo Messi at this experience
Immerse yourself in the remarkable universe of soccer icon Leo Messi at The Messi Experience in Los Angeles! Explore his victories and challenges through interactive, technology-driven rooms that span from his early days to World Cup triumphs. Explore Leo’s childhood in Argentina, participate in activities, accumulate points for a chance to meet Messi, and even interact with him via artificial intelligence. Touring the United States this year, The Messi Experience has landed in Los Angeles — don’t miss this unprecedented journey into his remarkable life and career!
Tickets: Get your tickets to The Messi Experience here!
Location: 2800 Casitas Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90039
17. Take a last-minute trip to one of these 5 quirky desert art towns
Summer is ending, but there’s still time for a little escape. If you’re looking for something that makes you feel like you’ve left the city, maybe even the planet, head to one of these fascinating desert towns with mind-bending art and scenery. Find the list here.
18. Have a month full of culture and more by celebrating Latinx Heritage Month
Latinx Heritage Month is a time dedicated to celebrating and highlighting the contributions and accomplishments of Latinx Americans in culture and throughout history—past and present. It’s no secret that Los Angeles is home to many Latinx’s, and their influence on our city is impactful. From desserts, restaurants, and cultural events—here are incredible ways to honor Latinx/o/a’s and our fellow Angelenos from September 15 to October 15 and beyond! Find the full list of things to do this Latinx Heritage Month here.
19. Visit these incredible 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.
- Explore 6,000 years’ worth of artistic expression and take in free jazz concerts in front of Urban Light at LACMA this summer
- Explore the universe for free and admire the Art Deco surroundings at the Griffith Observatory
- Get the full list here!
20. 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 before the season ends, so don’t miss out and book your Hollywood sign tour hike here!
21. Elevate your movie night with outdoor views
Los Angeles is home to some truly remarkable theaters — and a few of them are outside! Imagine enjoying a film while taking in stunning outdoor views. Discover our list of favorite outdoor movie screenings around L.A. here and elevate your cinema experience.
22. 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
23. Discover exclusive artist conversations and performances at the GRAMMY Museum
The public programs series at the GRAMMY Museum is truly a gem in Los Angeles — where they offer an interactive extension of the Museum’s exhibits, films, and artifacts. Held in the intimate 200-person Clive Davis Theater and 300 seat Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace, their stages have hosted both legendary and emerging artists for exclusive conversations, performances, panels, film screenings, and other engaging events. Check out the September schedule here!
24. 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