Events
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
Starts Sept. 18. Griffith Park transforms into the fictional 1980s town of Midnight Falls, where a witch has summoned spirits that hide among the foothills’ Halloween decorations. The centerpiece remains the seated hayride, joined by the new Fallen Angel maze about a heavy-metal band resurrected inside an abandoned Sunset Strip theater. Returning attractions include Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem, the backwoods-set Hellbilly Halloween, the Scary-Go-Round, live entertainment, five-minute escape games and axe throwing. Visitors can refuel with apple cider, warm cider doughnuts and plant-based food from Mr. Charlie’s, while new themed bars serve alcohol. Select nights Friday, Sept. 18–Sunday, Nov. 1; hours vary by date. Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles. losangeleshauntedhayride.com
Bob Baker Day
Sept. 20. The 12th annual festival honors legendary puppeteer Bob Baker with a full day of marionette performances, live music, art and outdoor carnival activities. Families can explore craft stations, community booths and a market filled with local artists and vendors, while puppeteers perform throughout the park. New this year, guests can dress up their dogs for a canine costume contest. Originally scheduled for April, the complimentary celebration was moved to September because of rain. Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles. bobbakerday.com
Celebrate Zootoberfest at the L.A. Zoo
Sept. 19-20. Oktoberfest arrives at the zoo—because beer gardens could always use a few giraffes. The new family-friendly celebration features German-inspired food, giant pretzels, seasonal beer, root beer floats, live Oktoberfest bands, lawn games, dancing, a braid bar and themed photo opportunities. Programming is included with zoo admission or an active membership, while food and drinks are available for purchase. Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. lazoo.org
Meet Adoptable Dogs at Mutts & Mochas
Sept. 20. Coffee and canine companionship come together during goodboybob’s afternoon adoption event in Venice. Mutt Scouts will bring rescue dogs looking for permanent homes, allowing visitors to meet the animals and speak with the organization’s adoption team in a relaxed outdoor setting. The café will serve a special Mutt Scouts Mocha, with proceeds supporting the rescue’s work. Guests can stop by for coffee even if they are not ready to adopt. Sunday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. goodboybob at Deus Ex Machina, 1001 Venice Blvd., Venice. goodboybob.com
Food + Drinks
Malibu Food & Wine Festival
Sept. 18-20. Saddlerock Ranch becomes an open-air culinary gathering with chef dinners, wine tastings, live-fire cooking and views of the Malibu hills. Friday begins with an intimate six-course dinner hosted by Charlize Theron and prepared by Andrew Zimmern, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, Marcel Vigneron and other participating chefs. Saturday’s Italian Night brings pasta, pizza, bluefin tuna carving, a cannoli bar, California wines and live music, while Sunday shifts into a family-friendly country cookout built around barbecue and live-fire dishes. Friday-Sunday. Saddlerock Ranch, Malibu. malibufoodandwine.com
Oktoberfest at Benny Boy Brewing
Sept. 19-20. Lincoln Heights transforms into a beer and cider garden into “Benny Boy Bavaria” for two weekends of German beer, oversized steins, street food and live entertainment. Saturday’s program includes keg bowling at 4:30 p.m., while Sunday brings the crowd-favorite weenie-dog races at 2 p.m. Guests can also expect polka music, live-band karaoke, stein-holding contests and Kölsch wheels served around the garden. Admission is complimentary, with beer and food available for purchase. Saturday–Sunday, activity times vary. Benny Boy Brewing, 1821 Daly St., Los Angeles. bennyboybrewing.com
Meet the New Vendors at Smorgasburg LA
Sept. 20. The latest vendor class introduces a wide range of dishes to the Sunday market at ROW DTLA. Newcomers include Black Almond BBQ with Texas-style brisket, Kreung LA’s Cambodian skewers, Casa de Lola’s Dominican and Puerto Rican cooking, Camello’s heirloom-corn pita sandwiches and MasAmigos’ duck carnitas, barbacoa and breakfast tacos. Visitors can also find hand rolls, crêpes, baked goods and desserts from Sweet Lady Jane. Additional shade, seating, misting tents and expanded drink options make it easier to settle in and sample several vendors. Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ROW DTLA, 777 S. Alameda Street, Los Angeles. smorgasburg.com
Pair Oysters and Cocktails at Oystravaganza
Sept. 17. Inventive bartender Matthew Biancaniello joins chef and owner Marcus Christiana-Beniger for a one-night menu pairing oysters with unconventional cocktails. Highlights include an Asian pear and curry leaf Sazerac oyster shooter, a Weiser Farms melon Pimm’s Cup and an oyster shooter layered with tequila, uni, blueberry reduction and St-Germain foam. The $36 “222” Palette includes Rockefeller, charbroiled and fried oysters; guests can also choose the $55 Oyster Experience or the $75 Premium Tasting with a full cocktail. À la carte ordering is available and seating is first come, first served with no reservations. Thursday, 6–9 p.m. The Evangeline Swamp Room, 701 N. Spring St., Los Angeles. swamproomla.com
Arts + Culture
See Orville Peck Make His Hollywood Bowl Debut
Sept. 18. Following his Broadway debut in Cabaret, the masked country singer brings his cinematic baritone and theatrical stage presence to the Hollywood Bowl for the first time. Peck’s catalog blends classic country, rock and sweeping pop, shaped by collaborations with Elton John, Willie Nelson and Kylie Minogue. Indie-pop duo Lucius and singer-songwriter Deloyd Elze open the evening. Friday at 8 p.m.; gates open at 6 p.m. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. hollywoodbowl.com
Frogtown Artwalk’s 20th Anniversary
Sept. 19. The Frogtown Artwalk celebrates its 20th anniversary with nearly a mile of installations and performances along the Los Angeles River Bike Path. More than 50 artists will open studios and pop-up galleries between Fletcher Drive and Bauer Pottery, giving visitors a chance to see work in the neighborhood where it was created. The evening also includes hands-on art activities, an L.A. River art parade, live music, DJs, Aztec dance, poetry, literary programming, markets and food booths. Pedicabs will help guests move between major sections of the route. Saturday, 4–10 p.m. | Elysian Valley and the L.A. River Bike Path. frogtownarts.com
Zuma Beach Triathlon Returns
Sept. 19-20. Athletes of several ages and experience levels take over the Malibu coastline for two days of competition and community programming. Saturday begins with the children’s triathlon at 8 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony and beach expo. Sunday’s races include an Olympic-distance course beginning at 7 a.m. and the shorter Zuma-distance race at 7:30 a.m., both combining an ocean swim, coastal bike route and beachside run. Spectators can watch from the shoreline and visit the expo while supporting the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. Saturday and Sunday. zumabeachtriathlon.org
Feed Your Dark Side at Little Shop of Horrors
Sept. 19. La Mirada Theatre opens its production of the cult musical about Seymour, a struggling flower-shop assistant whose discovery of a mysterious plant quickly spirals out of control. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s score moves between Motown, rock and 1960s pop as Audrey II grows from an unusual attraction into a sharp-tongued, human-eating celebrity. Michael Matthews directs the production and opening-night ticket holders can attend a reception following Saturday’s performance. Saturday, Sept. 19, 8 p.m. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Get Tickets Now
Photo Credit: All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
