From poolside barbecues to boozy brunches, here are the top Los Angeles Labor Day weekend events.
Edited by Christina Wiese.
LA Fleet Week
Aug. 30-Sept. 4. The 2nd annual LA Fleet Week honors the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard by bringing active military ships recently deployed overseas to dock in the Port of Los Angeles. Featured entertainment over the six-night bash includes an evening of Mötley Crüe hits with lead vocalist Vince Neil, comedy shows, performances by local bands, food trucks and a fireworks spectacular above Battleship IOWA. Free. Event takes place at various locations along the LA Waterfront, including the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal, Battleship IOWA and Downtown Harbor in San Pedro. lafleetweek.com
Rooftop Cinema Club
Aug. 31-Sept. 2. The U.K.’s “Number One Outdoor Cinema Series” returns to the rooftop of the historic Montalban Theatre for its third season in LA. Enjoy street food and drinks while you take in views and watch classic, cult and contemporary flicks. Labor Day selections include Beauty and the Beast, The Nice Guys, Pulp Fiction, Saturday Night Fever and Reservoir Dogs. The series recently expanded to the terrace at Level in the heart of downtown. See website for full lineup and schedule. Ages 18+; Level screenings 21+. 8 p.m. $19-$35. 615 Vine St., L.A.; 888 S. Olive St., downtown. rooftopcinemaclub.com
LA County Fair
Sept. 1-24. The Fairplex in Pomona transforms this September to bring you all things country living. Cheer on a racing pig, chow down on deep-fried everything or ride one of 70 thrilling roller coasters. New additions for 2017 include an interactive gaming show, fresh art exhibits and The Taylor Swift Experience presented by the Grammy Museum. Evening concerts throughout the month include performances by Hunter Hayes, Juanes, Patti LaBelle and Queen Latifah, Trace Adkins, Fifth Harmony, Chicago and Migos, among others. See website for hours. $8-$20, under 6 free. 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, 909.623.3111. lacountyfair.com
John Williams: Maestro of Movies
Sept. 1-3. Legendary music composer John Williams (Jaws, Star Wars series, first three Harry Potter films) returns to the Hollywood Bowl to conduct an evening of cinematic magic under the stars. David Newman kicks off the evening and a selection of film clips will be featured on the big screen. See website for start time and ticket pricing. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. hollywoodbowl.com
Labor Day Weekend Celebration at Westbound
Sept. 1-3. Speakeasy-inspired craft cocktail bar Westbound is heating things up for Labor Day weekend. Find a partner for cornhole on the back patio or beat the heat with cocktail slushies and Coolhaus’ boozy milkshakes. DJs will keep the dancing alive late into the night; stay until 1 a.m. for complimentary late-night brownies. Westbound, 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown, 213.262.9291. westbounddtla.com
The Taste
Sept. 1-3. The LA Times’ annual food and wine festival celebrates the City of Angeles’ vibrant culinary scene. Over the course of Labor Day weekend, discover both renowned and hidden gem eateries while enjoying wine seminars, cooking demos and tasty spirits. Jonathan Gold, the LA Times’ own Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic, will be on-hand at multiple events to take you through the city’s rich and diverse food scene. 21+. Tickets start at $95, discounts available for LA Times’ subscribers. Paramount Pictures Studios, 783 N. Van Ness Ave., L.A., 213.237.5000. events.latimes.com/taste
Rooftop BBQ at WP24 by Wolfgang Puck
Sept. 2. Take in stunning views of downtown Los Angeles while chowing down on BBQ classics such as sweet and spicy baby back ribs, pulled Kurobuta pork shoulder and glazed grilled Jidori chicken. Recover from your meat-induced coma by sipping poolside on a refreshing frosé cocktail. Noon-5 p.m. $45/pp. Reservations encouraged. Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, 900 W Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.743.8800. ritzcarlton.com
Street Food Cinema
Sept. 2. Outdoor summer film series hosts screenings every Saturday night at various locations across L.A. Enjoy live music and food from the city’s top trucks. Highlights this Labor Day weekend include Jaws and Dirty Dancing with a surprise special guest. See website for full schedule. Doors 5:30 p.m.; band 6:30 p.m.; movie 8:30 p.m. $6-$21; under 6 free. 323.254.5068. streetfoodcinema.com
Cinespia
Sept. 2-3. Watch favorite films of yesterday and today projected on a mausoleum wall during this popular Amazon Studios-sponsored film series at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Also on hand are pre-movie DJs and themed photo booths. Labor Day weekend highlights include Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Sunset Boulevard. See website for full schedule. Gates 7:15 p.m.; movie 9 p.m. $16. Parking $12-$20. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 877.435.9849. cinespia.org
Kites and Flights at Terranea Resort
Sept. 2-3. Enjoy a relaxing, family-friendly afternoon decorating and flying kites on one of the most beautiful bluffs in Southern California. Kids can enjoy refreshing lemonade flights, while adults can sip on wine and beer flights. 1-6 p.m. Kites start at $5. The Meadows, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, 310.265.2836. terranea.com
Fiesta Hermosa
Sept. 2-4. Over 300 artisans set up shop in downtown Hermosa Beach for one of the largest craft fairs in SoCal. This family-friendly affair boasts a food court featuring 18 different kinds of ethnic food, a Charity Beer & Wine Garden, petting zoo, carnival rides and two stages for music. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Event happens along Pier Plaza, Hermosa Avenue and lower Pier Avenue. fiestahermosa.net
End of Summer Luau at Marina del Rey Hotel
Sept. 3. Poolside paradise awaits as Marina del Rey Hotel’s culinary team bids adieu to summer. Hula on over for specialty cocktails, spiked punch, Hawaiian-inspired eats, fresh poke and DJs spinning live on the pool deck. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Cabanas and Daybeds available for rental. Marina del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, 310.301.1000. marinadelreyhotel.com
First Annual West Adams Block Party
Sept. 3. Rappers Talib Kweli and Doug E. Fresh headline a celebration of music, arts, culture and diversity in historic West Adams. Taking the stage throughout the day will be a variety of jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop artists. Detroit’s hip-hop inspired donut shop, Dilla’s Delights–launched by the legendary music producer J Dilla’s uncle–will have a special fried dough pop-up. Activities for kids include the magnificent “West Adams” castle jumper, games and face painting. 2-10 p.m. Free. Delicious Pizza, 5419 West Adams Blvd., L.A. deliciouspizza.com
Ice Cream Alley at Smorgasburg
Sept. 3. Last chance for LA ice cream aficionados to take part in Smorgasburgs’ Ice Cream Alley. Grab a sweet treat from Smorgasburg regulars Donut Friend and Wanderlust Creamery or opt for a special pop-up bite from Smitten Ice Cream or Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. See website for full vendor listings. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Row DTLA, 777 S. Alameda St., downtown. la.smorgasburg.com
6th Annual Nightshift Labor Day Music Festival
Sept. 4. Grammy-nominated American rocker Grace Potter headlines an evening of eclectic music at Grand Park. Other acts taking the stage include Prince’s legendary band The Revolution, Latin-Jazz musician Poncho Sanchez, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, LA-based Latin hip-hop fusion band Ozomatli and SoCal’s own Latin-funk band B-Side Players. The high-energy music festival also features a beer garden and food trucks. Doors at 11 a.m.; First act at noon. Tickets start at $20. Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., downtown. workingcalifornians.org
Labor Day Beer & Bubbly Brunch Cruise
Sept. 4. Ring in Labor Day morning with abundant sunshine and a salty breeze rippling through your hair. Indulge in free-flowing champagne and a delicious brunch as relaxing background music sets the mood. 11:30 a.m. boarding, noon -2 p.m. cruising. $68.96/pp. Tax, service charge and landing fee not included. Reservations required. 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, 1.800.hornblower. hornblower.com
Labor Day Brunch at Restauration
Sept. 4. This not-to-be-missed feast includes the choice of fresh fruit, a house biscuit, grilled bread, salad or a waffle or pancake short stack, followed by any two delectable items on the main menu. Bottomless mimosas or house-made sangria rounds out this boozy brunch. $35/pp. 2708 E. 4th St., Long Beach, 562.439.8822. restaurationlb.com
Labor Day Buffet at Catalina Kitchen
Sept. 4. Dive into your favorite brunch items alongside mimosas to celebrate the final days of summer. Brunch buffet items include seasonal fruit, pastries, a crepe station, seafood offerings, carved meats and egg dishes. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Adults $48; Ages 4-10 $24; Under 3 free. Catalina Kitchen, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, 310.265.2836. terranea.com
The Last Pool Party of Summer
Sept. 4. Grab your shades and get ready to send summer off with a bang at Viceroy Santa Monica. The 2nd annual Labor Day pool party brings together DJs, dancing, discounted Svedka cocktails and Jell-O shots, BBQ, pool floats and your next late-summer crush. Flash your shades on the red carpet, complete with step and repeat and props. Pool attire encouraged; First 200 guests receive complimentary sunglasses. 1-5 p.m. $10-20. Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica. thelastpoolparty.eventbrite.com
The Last Pool Party of Summer courtesy of Viceroy Santa Monica. Kites and Flights photo courtesy of Terranea Resort. Catalina Kitchen photo courtesy of Terranea Resort.
