From new restaurants on the Westside to the opening of Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA, here are the top LA weekend events for September 14-17.
Edited by Christina Xenos.
EVENTS
Opens Sept. 14. A collaborative artistic effort more than five years in the making, Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA is an ambitious exploration of Latin American and Latino art. The Getty leads the initiative that encompasses 70 cultural institutions and 65 art galleries across Southern California, which will host thematically linked exhibitions and programs. Don’t miss the opening launch party this Thursday at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles. See website for complete guide. pacificstandardtime.org
Sept. 16-17. SoCal vegetarians and vegans unite for two days of plant-based food learning and cutting edge product demos. Other activities include meditation, a screening of the film Walk with Me narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, vegan beer and wine, live music and food vendors galore. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., film screening 7-10 p.m. Tickets start at $25, under 10 free. Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, 5300 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. cavegfoodfest.com
Sept. 16-17. Athletes, philanthropists and celebrities are among those who turn out to swim, bike and run at this annual Zuma Beach event, all to benefit the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ pediatric-cancer research program. Races begin at 7 a.m. There’s also a Nautica Kids Run and Tot Trot. Check website for registration prices. 30050 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 818.707.8866. nauticamalibutri.com
Sept. 14. The seaside celebration showcases tempting bites from L.A.’s top chefs, curated vintner tastings and specialty cocktails—all without needing to step off the sand. This year’s lineup includes Miles Thompson (Michael’s Santa Monica), Gino Angelini (Angelini Osteria), Genevieve Gergis (Bestia), among others. Proceeds will help provide over 3,500 meals needed to feed homebound seniors and other vulnerable residents across the Los Angeles area daily. 6-10 p.m. $185 (includes parking). Jonathan Beach Club, 850 Palisades Beach Rd., Santa Monica. eveningonthebeach.com
LUZIAÂ by Cirque du Soleil
Upcoming. Cirque du Soleil is bringing LUZIA to SoCal! Experience water inside the big top, jaw dropping acts and larger than life props in this unique production unlike any show you have ever seen before. LUZIA opens December 8 in Los Angeles and February 21 in Costa Mesa. Get ready to be transported to a surreal world of wonders! Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., L.A.; OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. cirquedusoleil.com
Ongoing. Head west for a wellness pop-up at Free People’s Santa Monica location. Located blocks from the sand, partake in beach yoga, surf classes, weekly meditation, pilates, tarot readings and more wellness-minded events (many of which are free) during the six-month long pop-up. Check website for upcoming programming and pricing. 2925 Main St., Santa Monica. freepeople.com
Sept. 15-17. This year marks the centennial of Japanese animation film, which is celebrated by the inaugural film festival that showcases more than 20 anime titles. Enjoy film screenings—from recent hits in Japan to classic fan favorites—in addition to an opening night red carpet gala and Q&A sessions with directors, voice actors and film creators. View website for schedule. Regal L.A. LIVE, 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown. la-aff.com
Sept. 16. Enjoy live music, a beer garden, food trucks, kids activities and more at the 15th annual edition of this fun cultural event. Music performers include La Bouquet, The Sovereign Artist, Alina Bea, among others. 2-10 p.m. Free. La Brea Tar Pits Park, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.899.1363. tarfest.com
Sept. 15-Nov. 4. Immerse yourself in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror at Universal Studios. This year’s edition features a new Jabbawockeez live show, three new scare zones and eight terrifying experiences based on popular films and TV shows such as Stanely Kubrick’s The Shining and FX’s American Horror Story: Roanoke. See website for hours and ticket options. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.864.8377. halloweenhorrornights.com
Sept. 14. Internationally renowned singer, songwriter and actor Josh Groban headlines an evening celebration to kick off The Broad Stage’s 10th season. Complimentary pre-show reception available to all ticket holders; VIP tickets include post-show dinner under the stars and a meet-and-greet opportunity. Concert benefits The Broad Stage’s Arts Education and Community Program that supports 20,000+ people each year. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $500. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. thebroadstage.org
Sept. 15. Get into the groove of your two favorite decades at the LA Zoo. The evening showcases live bands, DJs, pop-up zoo keeper talks, special animal encounters and food trucks. 18+. $20. The Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 5333 Zoo Dr., L.A., 323.644.4200. lazoo.org
Sept. 16-17. Angel City Brewery brings a splash of whimsy to the beer world with its latest year-round brew SaazBerry. Created with a magical blend of Saaz hops, raspberry, blueberry and elderberry, this bright violet ale will be celebrated with a sweet treat themed Beer Bazaar, music by Munich Boom-Steiners, SaazBerry beer cocktails and live mural painting. 21+. Noon-8 p.m. Free. 216 Alameda St., downtown. angelcitybrewery.com
ARTS + CULTURE
Opens Sept. 15. Choreographer Matthew Bourne’s ballet adaptation of the beloved fairy tale and Academy Award-winning movie, set to the music of Hollywood composer Bernard Hermann, makes its U.S. premiere. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
FOOD + DRINK
Sept. 15. Seasonal, scratch cooking restaurant Sweetgreen is partnering with L.A.’s Sqirl for a chef-collaborative birthday treat. Available at Sweetgreen’s Culver City and West 3rd locations, receive an exclusive, complimentary Beet Vibe Treat—a delicious combo of shredded beet, cocoa nibs, coconut, white chocolate, pecans and more—with a salad or warm bowl purchase. Treat available while supplies last. Noon-3 p.m. Culver City; 5-8 p.m. West 3rd. 8840 Washington Blvd., Culver City; 8055 W 3rd St., L.A. sweetgreen.com
Sept. 16. Head to the Larchmont flagship location for a bevy of birthday fun this Saturday. Festivities include a collaborative ice cream sandwich with neighbor Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, live music, cornhole, plus pedicab rides up and down the block from 7-9 p.m. 240 N. Larchmont Blvd., L.A., 323.466.0485. saltandstraw.com
The iconic Venice Sign just received a tasty new neighbor: all-day eatery Great White. Pulling influence from Europe, California and Australia, the coastal menu focuses on fresh, local, cuisine paired with great coffee. The bright, airy restaurant, which also offers vegan and gluten-free food options, is open for breakfast and lunch, with dinner service to follow after the New Year. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. 1604 Pacific Ave., Venice, 424.744.8403. greatwhitevenice.com
A new artisanal ice cream shop, from the minds of Top Chef Season 14 winner Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts, has landed on the Westside. Menu highlights include house-made flavors like Birthday Cake, Vegan Chocolate Coconut, Cereal Killer (a frozen take on Lucky Charms), Mint Oreo Ice Cream Pie, among others. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 12222 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista. smallbatchicecreamery.com
Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA photo courtesy of Skirball Culutral Center. California Vegetarian Food Festival courtesy of U.S Veg Corp. Nautica Malibu Triathlon photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images for Nautica Malibu Triathlon. Josh Groban photo by Brian Bowen Smith. LA Zoo photo by Jamie Pham. The Red Shoes photos by Johan Persson. Salt & Straw photo by Jakob Layman.