Los Angeles

Weekend roundup

August 27-September 1

Events

Gelato Festival World Masters at Ovation Hollywood

Aug. 30-31. One of the world’s most prestigious gelato championships returns to Los Angeles at Ovation Hollywood. Ten of North America’s most innovative artisans will compete for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Finals, transforming the venue’s outdoor plaza into a vibrant celebration of gelato and Italian culture. Guests can expect live gelato-making demonstrations, interactive tastings, eating contests, chef-led cooking showcases, cultural presentations and workshops that spotlight gelato’s rich heritage in a family-friendly atmosphere. Saturday–Sunday, 10 p.m.–7 p.m. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. gelatofestival.com

Cyndi Lauper at The Hollywood Bowl

Aug. 29-30. The legendary Cyndi Lauper is taking her final bow at the Hollywood Bowl with the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour. The Grammy, Emmy and Tony-winning icon rose to fame in the ’80s with hits like “Time After Time” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” later cementing her legacy with anthems like “True Colors” and Broadway’s Kinky Boots. Now, after five decades of shaping pop culture and inspiring generations, Lauper promises a celebratory sendoff filled with music, joy and gratitude. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. 2301 Highland Ave., Los Angeles. hollywoodbowl.com

Facebook Marketplace Pop-Up at Melrose Trading Post

Aug. 31. Facebook hits the road with its first-ever #FacebookRoadTrip, kicking off at Melrose Trading Post with an interactive pop-up inside its signature airstream. Guests can shop Facebook Marketplace finds from LA sellers, explore the Remix Lab with Katie Chambers of Lue Studios and work with stylist Harper Slate at the Style & Snap portrait studio. Free treats, swag and exclusive keychains round out the experience, while Marketplace vendors showcase vintage treasures from statement mirrors to moto jackets. Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 7850 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. melrosetradingpost.org

Summer Lodge Pool Party

Aug. 30. Skybar stacks your long weekend with a Sunday “Summer Lodge” throwdown and a Monday all-white Labor Day pool party—both built for dance-floor heat and cabana lounging. Expect top-down views of the Strip, quick-pour cocktails and beats that carry through sunset. Arrive early to lock in entry. Sunday, doors open around 1 p.m. 8440 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood. Get Tickets Now

Summer Movie Nights at The Huntington

Aug. 29. Pack a blanket as The Huntington continues its Summer Movie Nights with an outdoor screening of the family favorite Paddington 2. Guests are invited to bring picnic baskets and loved ones for an evening under the stars surrounded by the gardens. This year’s series spotlights adventure tales with beloved characters, making this weekend’s showing a perfect mix of charm, laughter and community. Friday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. huntington.org

Food + Drinks

All LAOMERICAN Labor Day Cookout

Aug. 31. Yum Slut takes over East Hollywood this weekend with a Lao-style Labor Day barbecue. The menu spans Angus burgers layered with Yum Sະlut sauce, Jeow Bong–drenched chicken sandwiches, pulled pork with BBQ crack sauce, Sloppy Pad Kapow Ai Jo and Lao sausage chili dogs, rounded out with fries and box cakes. Plates go fast, so DM Yum Slut to reserve in advance. Sunday at noon. 1139 N. Edgemont Street, Los Angeles. More Information

Labor Day Weekend Brunch at Descanso

Aug. 30-31. Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with a brunch that blends Mexican flavors, coastal influences and inventive twists on classic dishes. Guests can enjoy bottomless mimosas, handcrafted cocktails and the lively Brunch a la Plancha experience, where chefs prepare meals tableside with all the sizzle and aroma of a bustling Mexican kitchen. Gather friends, toast the long weekend and savor a holiday brunch designed for flavor and fun. Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m-3 p.m. 5773 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. descansorestaurantla.com

Ghisallo

Ongoing. In Santa Monica’s Ocean Park, Ghisallo has grown from a casual slice shop into a full-service neighborhood restaurant under the direction of Chef Casey Lane. By day, it serves classic New York-style slices for lunch, while evenings bring a menu of wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, market-driven salads, pastas and mains. The expanded offerings, paired with beer, wine and cocktails, position Ghisallo as both a local staple and a destination for dinner on the Westside. Hours vary.1622 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica. ghisallo.la

Uptown Provisions x Barbakush 

Aug. 30-31. Uptown Provisions in Whittier teams up with Boyle Heights’ barbacoa legends Barbakush for a two-day takeover this Labor Day weekend. The first day, the menu spotlights the indulgent head-to-tail lamb barbacoa Mexican dip, piled high with crispy shallots, goat cheese, rosemary aioli, onion jam, salsa macha and arugula on a seeded roll, paired with rich consomé. On day two, barbacoa queen Petra Zavaleta brings her Puebla-style lamb barbacoa to the table with handmade tortillas, fiery salsas, tacos, lamb by the pound and steaming bowls of consomé. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 pm. Sunday, 5-9 p.m. 12819 Penn St, Whittier. More Information


Arts + Culture

“Weird Al” Yankovic at the Kia Forum

Aug. 30. Prepare for accordion-driven parody and hits as “Weird Al” Yankovic brings his signature wit and humor to the Kia Forum, a live show packed with nostalgia and tongue-in-cheek spectacle. At 65, “Weird Al” remains the king of parody, from Pharrell’s “Happy” to Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive,” his sharp lyrics and accordion riffs turn familiar songs into comedy gold. Beloved by fans and praised by celebrities, Yankovic proves his singular brand of humor and musicianship continues to pack venues with energy and ovations. Saturday at 8 p.m. 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood. Get Tickets Now

SHUCKED at the Pantages Theatre

Ongoing. The Tony Award®–winning musical Shucked brings its sharp wit and heart to the stage. Written by Tony winner Robert Horn (Tootsie) with a score by Grammy-winning duo Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, the show blends Broadway polish with down-home charm. Directed by Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this corn-fed comedy serves up big laughs, catchy songs and a fresh slice of Americana for musical theater fans. Hours vary per schedule. 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles. broadwayinhollywood.com

Betty Who with the LA Phil

Aug. 30. Australian-born singer and musician Jessica Newham—known to fans as Betty Who—has spent the past decade redefining pop with a blend of fearless expression and synth-driven joy. A classically trained cellist turned pop powerhouse and following a stint on Broadway in Hadestown, Newham launches the Out of the Darkness tour with a promise of “unapologetic joy” and brings it to The Ford. She will be joined by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor Chelsea Gallo for a symphonic reimagining of her catalog. Saturday at 8 p.m. 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E, Los Angeles. theford.com

Cinecon 61 Classic Film Festival

Aug. 29-Sept. 1. A four-day celebration of rare and silent cinema returns Labor Day weekend at the Writers Guild of America Theatre, featuring screenings, celebrity guests and archival film fascination. Running from Friday through Monday, take in the full scope of film history in one immersive fest. Day passes and full-festival tickets available. Friday-Monday at 10 a.m. 135 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills. cinecon.org

Photo credit: Maya Lagerstam as Storyteller 1 and Tyler Joseph Ellis as Storyteller 2 courtesy of Pantages. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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