Los Angeles

Weekend roundup

August 31-September 4

Events

Summer Nights at Descanso Gardens

Sep. 1. Join the Summer Nights event at Descanso Gardens featuring KCRW DJs Wyldeflower and Raul Campos for a special evening under a stars with the delightful antics of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater puppets. Plus don’t forget to grab some drinks from Smog City Brew and Maker’s Mark. Friday, at 6 p.m. 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada. Flintridge. kcrw.com

Pool Party Extravaganza

Sep. 1-4. Skybar at Mondrian Los Angeles hosts pool parties throughout the Labor Day weekend begining with “Just Ditch Fridays” at 1 p.m. Saturday features the Cafe Mambo Ibiza party in collaboration with Wicked Paradise, followed by a Sunday pool soiree. The festivities conclude with the Made in Tulum Pool Party on Monday. 8440 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. Reserve a Spot

Cinsepia Cemetery Screenings

Sep. 2-16. Hollywood Forever Cemetery transforms into a unique movie venue as Cinespia hosts screenings of classic films. along with lively DJ sets, dance parties, and photo booths in an atmosphere otherwise not permitted within the cemetery grounds. Starts Saturday, at 6:15 p.m. Film starts at 8 p.m. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. cinespia.org

A Wild Wild West Party

Sep. 3. Desert 5 Spot presents ‘Swimsuits & Cowboy Boots’ for Labor Day with a Trading Post by Jada & Jon, delights from the Cowboy Cookout and Cowboy Karaoke. Don’t forget to bring a swim suit and a themed attire for the pool. Starts Sunday at 2 p.m. 6516 Selma Ave., Los Angeles. Reserve a Spot

Western Regional Innovation Summit

Sep. 1-3. Spearheaded by the National Urban League Young Professionals, this event focuses on pivotal sectors like entertainment, technology, finance, social justice and entrepreneurship. Attendees can anticipate a film studio tour, business discussions, brunch events, mixers and late-night activities. Friday-Sunday, for specific times and locations visit link. Get Tickets Now

Food + Drinks

Gelato Festival Arrives at Ovation Hollywood

Sep. 1-2. The globally recognized Gelato Festival World Masters is set to make its return for two-days as elite gelato artisans vie for the the titel of “Best Gelato Master in North America 2023”. Experience gelato demonstrations, workshops and taste-testing. Apart from the competition, festival-goers can sample a range of flavors, including gluten-free and lactose-free options, from featured sponsors and chefs. Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Ovation Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Get Tickets Now

Maison Kasai

Aug. 31. Pass through a secret passage in the jazz lounge of Mr. Wanderlust, to unveil a new Art Deco-inspired dining space with a fusion of Japanese teppanyaki and French cuisines. Watch interactive chef performances while being served dishes like lobster with kosho corn custard, wagyu dumplings in shiitake consommé and the coveted Japanese A5 Wagyu. Wednesday – Sunday, 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. 1254 S Figueroa St. 8th Floor, Los Angeles. maisonkasaidtla.com

Mexico City Nightlife in LA’s Bar CDMX

Aug. 31. Drawing inspiration from Mexico City’s vibrant nightlife, Bar CDMX aims to capture the city’s essence in Los Angeles. The cocktail menu from Pouring With Heart’s WeHo mezcal bar and Caña Rum Bar, features drinks like the mezcal paloma, mango mezcal margarita, and tropic thunder, among others. Additionally, they offer a mix of Caribbean, Latin, and local beers. Open Daily, 3 p.m.-2 a.m. 515 W. 7th St., Los Angeles. barcdmx.la

Qué Bárbaro

Now Open. South American-inspired “Qué Bárbaro” is an open restaurant centered around a live fire grill, where meats, seafood and innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes are prepared. The menu, crafted by the renowned Chef Ray Garcia, celebrates South American culinary traditions Complementing the live fire dishes, bar director Devon Espinosa has curated a cocktail list that includes twists on classics like the caipirinha and pisco sour. Wednesday – Sunday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. 1254 S Figueroa St., 8th Floor. Los Angeles. quebarbarodtla.com

Special Lobster Dinner at The Palm

Until Sep. 4. Visit The Palm in Beverly Hills for the final weekend of their Summer Lobster Dinner for Two this Labor Day weekend. Starting at $139, this three-course dinner offers signature Jumbo Nova Scotia Lobster as a main. Begin with starters like The Palm Caesar or bixed green salad and consider pairing your lobster with one of their signature steaks, such as a center-cut filet mignon or New York strip. Thursday-Sunday, hours vary. 267 N. Canon Drive, Suite A7, Beverly Hills. thepalm.com

Arts + Culture

Beyoncé Renaissance World Tour 

Sep. 1-4. Queen Bey is set to grace Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, marking her first L.A. performance since her 2018 On the Run Tour with Jay-Z and Coachella appearance. This visit is part of her anticipated Renaissance World Tour, following a teaser listening party last December. Starts Friday at 1 p.m. 1001 S. Stadium Dr., Inglewood. Get Tickets Now

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi at The Hollywood Bowl

Now Open. Experience the sixth installment of the Star Wars series in its entirety as David Newman and the LA Philharmonic bring John Williams’ iconic score to life alongside the movie. Watch as Darth Vader readies the second Death Star for a devastating attack on the Rebel Alliance while Luke Skywalker joins forces with R2-D2, C-3PO and Princess Leia to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and take on the Imperial Fleet. Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. hollywoodbowl.com

Cinecon Classic Film Festival

Aug. 31-Sep. 4. Over Labor Day Weekend, the annual Cinecon Classic Film Festival attracts cinephiles for a five-day celebration of classic films and TV. Now in its 59th year, Cinecon focuses on rare films seldom screened publicly. Collaborating with Hollywood Heritage, the festival also features celebrity guests and special programs. Starts Thursday at 5 p.m. 140 Richmond St., El Segundo. Get Tickets Now

Photo credit: Poltergeist by Cinespia. Gelato Festival by Ruby Sugayan. Beyonce on a horse by Ticket Master. Maison Kai Food & Beverage by Andrea d’Agosto. Bar CDMX by Nicolas Osuna. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

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