From the reopening of the World’s Shortest Railway to Labor Day festivities around the city, here are the top LA weekend events for August 31-September 4.
Edited by Christina Wiese.
EVENTS
Angels Flight Railway Reopening
Opens Aug. 31. Originally opened in 1901, LA cultural gem Angels Flight Railway will resume operations this fall. Known as the World’s Shortest Railway, this funicular takes passengers on a scenic ride between Hill and Olive Streets on Bunker Hill. Renovations include modernizations with state-of-the-art safety upgrades. 6:45 a.m.-10 p.m 365 days a year, including holidays. One-way fare $1. California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., downtown. angelsflight.org
First Look at Classic Opera ‘Carmen’
Aug. 31. The LA Opera and Metro Art join forces to present an exclusive sampling of Georges Bizet’s classic opera Carmen. Be transported to southern Spain with flamenco dancers, a Spanish guitarist and breathtaking arias from the upcoming production, which opens on September 9. 5-7 p.m. Free. Historic Ticketing Hall, 800 N. Alameda St., downtown. unionstationla.com
Sunset Concerts at the Skirball Cultural Center
Aug. 31. Rounding out the Thursday night world music series is the Los Angeles debut of Venezuela’s Betsayda Machado y La Parranda El Clavo. The multigenerational band of dancers and musicians will celebrate their 30th anniversary as well as their first album. Arrive early to check out the Skirball’s current exhibition, Paul Simon: Words & Music. Free. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.440.4500. skirball.org
Cinecon Classic Film Festival
Aug 31.-Sept. 4. Cinephiles across Southern California unite for five days of classic film screenings, special programs and celebrity guest appearances at the best movie memorabilia show in the nation. Cinecon is dedicated to showcasing unusual films that are rarely given public screenings. See website for full schedule. The Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. cinecon.org
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, the 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
The Taste
Sept. 1-3. The LA Times’ annual food and wine festival celebrates the City of Angels’ vibrant culinary scene. Over the course of Labor Day weekend, discover both renowned and hidden gem eateries while enjoying wine seminars, cooking demos and delicious 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. Paramount Pictures Studios, 783 N. Van Ness Ave., L.A., 213.237.5000. events.latimes.com
Dapper Day + LACMA
Sept. 2. Step out in style for this day to night event where art, fashion, film, music and dancing collide to celebrate LACMA’s new exhibition Chagall: Fantasies for the Stage. Enjoy docent-led tours of Chagall, catch a special 35mm screening of The Red Shoes or join Latin artists Fabian Otero & West Coast Salsa Orchestra on the evening dance floor. See website for complete schedule. Noon-10 p.m. Tickets start at $25, evening musical performance is free. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. lacma.org
Made in LA
Sept. 2-3. Golden Road Brewing’s inaugural music and arts festival brings together LA-based creators in celebration of local art, music and beer. Enjoy performances by Warren G, Yacht, Buyepongo and more, plus artists and vendor booths, tasty food and fresh craft beer brewed right next door. All ticket proceeds go to local charities. Check website for set times. Weekend pass (including two beer tickets) $30. 5410 W. San Fernando Road, L.A. goldenroad.la
Fiesta Hermosa
Sept. 2-4. Over 300 artisans set up shop in downtown Hermosa Beach for one of the largest craft fairs in Southern California. This family-friendly affair boasts a food court featuring 18 different kinds of ethnic food, a charity beer and 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
Broad Fest
Sept. 3. The outdoor plaza at The Broad Stage will be movin’ and groovin’ this Sunday with music, food and interactive entertainment for the whole family. Musical performances include vibrant Bolero music from Tres Souls and electric violinist Val Vigoda, among others. Local eateries Thyme Cafe and Truxton’s and Treats will be on-hand to curb your hunger. 2-7p.m. Free. The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. thebroadstage.org
LA Fleet Week
Through 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. lafleetweek.com
LABOR DAY
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 spicy and sweet baby back ribs, pulled Kurobuta pork shoulder and glazed grilled Jidori chicken. Recover from your meat-induced coma by sipping poolside on a refreshing cocktail such as frosé. Noon-5 p.m. $45/pp. Reservations encouraged. Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, 900 W Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.743.8800. ritz-carlton.com
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 savor 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
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 entry, complete with step and repeat, as well as 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
FOOD + DRINK
The Founding Father at Filifera
Ongoing. Hamilton fever has officially taken over LA, including rooftop lounge Filifera. Now through December 30, show your Hamilton ticket stub to receive The Founding Father cocktail—Templeton Rye Whisky, Pierre Ferrand Orange Dry Curacao, fresh squeezed lemon, brown sugar syrup and mint—for only $10. We think Alexander Hamilton would approve. F-Sa 5 p.m.-midnight; Su, Tu-Th 5-10 p.m.; No Hamilton shows on Monday. Reservations required. Filifera, 1550 N. El Centro Ave., L.A., 323.786.3762. livehollywoodproper.com
NIGHTLIFE
POPPY
Opens Aug. 31. Get whisked away on Thursday nights to a surrealist dream of modern mermaids, peacock poppies and baroque layers at the newly opened nightclub. Socialize, dance and lounge on indoor and outdoor patios, plus receive personalized poems and caricature portraits. Only open Thursdays 10 p.m.-2 a.m. POPPY, 755 N. La Cienga Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.855.7185. hwoodgroup.com
Carmen photo by Lynn Lane courtesy of Houston Grand Opera. John Williams photo courtesy of the Hollywood Bowl and LA Philharmonic. The Taste photo by Barbara Davidson. The Last Pool Party of Summer courtesy of Viceroy Santa Monica. Kites and Flights photo courtesy of Terranea Resort. POPPY photo by Elizabeth Daniels / Elizabeth Daniels Photography.
