Events
Autumn Festival at The Huntington
Oct. 3–4. Welcome fall with a closer look at Japanese artistry inside The Huntington’s Japanese Heritage Shōya House. The festival pairs court dolls by master artist Hisashige Ito XII with floral arrangements from members of the Ikenobo School of Ikebana–San Marino League, highlighting two traditions rooted in Japan’s Edo period. Take time with the craftsmanship and carefully composed flowers, then extend the afternoon with a garden stroll. Hours vary. The Huntington, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. More information.
Rare Books L.A.
Oct. 3–4. First editions, vintage maps and literary vampires take over Union Station’s historic Ticket Concourse as more than 50 exhibitors gather for a weekend of browsing and discovery. Celebrating 50 years of Anne Rice’s Interview With the Vampire, this edition features vampire-related books and memorabilia, including a first edition of the novel and a black gown worn by Rice. Her son, author Christopher Rice, joins Eric Shaw Quinn for a discussion of her lasting influence, while a special anniversary book-and-ticket package benefits the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. See website for ticket options. Union Station, 800 N. Alameda Street, Downtown Los Angeles. rarebooksla.com.
Los Angeles Design Weekend
Through Oct. 4. Step inside the studios, galleries and workshops shaping L.A.’s creative scene during this five-day celebration of local design. Explore Chinatown on Thursday and the Arts District on Friday, then spend the weekend meeting makers and browsing exhibitions across neighborhoods including Highland Park, Frogtown, Silver Lake and Los Feliz. Hands-on workshops and pop-ups share the schedule with music programming from dublab, including Saturday’s late-night party at Small Green Door with DJ sets, art workshops and flash tattoos. Most events are free; select workshops and gatherings require paid admission. Hours vary by event. Various locations across Los Angeles; see website for the neighborhood map and schedule. ladesignweekend.com.
Frogtown First Fridays
Oct. 2. Follow the L.A. River for an evening of gallery browsing, music and neighborhood bites as Frogtown’s monthly gathering returns. Start at Salazar and wander among participating spots such as Spoke Bicycle Cafe, Lingua Franca, Just What I Kneaded and Frogtown Brewery, with arts and crafts, family-friendly activities and pet adoptions along the way. The route takes roughly 30 minutes to walk, but leave extra time for exhibitions, food stops and whatever catches your ear. Free admission; food and drinks available for purchase. Friday, 5–10 p.m. Various locations in Frogtown; suggested starting point: Salazar, 2490 Fletcher Drive, Los Angeles. Biking or ridesharing is encouraged because parking is limited. frogtownarts.com
Food + Drinks
Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana
Oct. 4. Tacos, mariachi and a good cause share the bill at this ninth annual neighborhood fiesta. Settle in for an afternoon of folklórico dancing and cumbia performances, with tacos, burritos and flan keeping the celebration well fed. Presented by Tito’s Tacos and sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the gathering directs all fundraiser proceeds to the Culver City Arts Foundation, supporting local artists, public art and free community programming. $20 for food and soft drinks; $35 for food and cocktails for guests 21 and older. Sunday, 3–8 p.m. Tito’s Tacos, 11222 Washington Place, Culver City.
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Chado’s Witching Hour Afternoon Tea
Beginning Oct. 1. Afternoon tea gets a Halloween makeover with a seasonal spread made for lingering over another cup. Start with pumpkin soup or caprese salad before moving through finger sandwiches, scones and themed sweets, accompanied by blends such as Pumpkin Spice Chai and Black Magic. Available at all four Chado locations, the Witching Hour menu offers a leisurely way to welcome spooky season with friends—and a good reason to turn an ordinary afternoon into a tea date. $78 per person; reservations recommended, seating times vary by location. Downtown L.A., Hollywood, Pasadena and Torrance. Locations and reservations
National Pasta Month at Little Dom’s
Oct. 1–11. October starts with a smoky, savory reason to book dinner in Los Feliz: celery root agnolotti paired with crawfish Monica sauce. The limited-run dish opens a series of three pasta specials throughout National Pasta Month, bringing a Louisiana accent to the neighborhood restaurant’s Italian-American cooking. Available alongside the regular menu, this first installment gives returning diners something new to try before the next dish takes its place. Dinner is served on Sunday–Thursday, 5–10 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 5 p.m.–midnight. Little Dom’s, 2128 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz. More information
Burger She Wrote’s Brentwood Grand Opening
Oct. 3. Smashburgers meet a Saturday soundtrack as the L.A. burger shop celebrates its Brentwood opening. Oklahoma-style smashburgers and fancy fries anchor the menu, while Don “Nuge” Nguyen and Blake Anderson handle DJ sets throughout the celebration. Merchandise and King’s Hawaiian giveaways add to the festivities, giving burger fans a chance to check out the new San Vicente Boulevard location with a side of music. Come hungry and make an afternoon—or an evening—of it. Saturday, 2–10 p.m. Food available for purchase. 11686 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood. More information.
Arts + Culture
Sounds of the Soul
Coming Soon. For this West Coast premiere, the acclaimed Houston Ballet is joined on stage by pianist George Li to perform a gorgeous new ballet. Set entirely to music by Frederic Chopin, this exquisite evening explores the connection between the musician and the dancer, and how these artists feed off of each other – all while feeding our souls! Oct 15 – 18 only. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Kwamé Ryan Leads Mozart & Copland
Oct. 2-5. A pulse-racing opener and a sweeping American symphony frame conductor Kwamé Ryan’s LA Phil debut at Walt Disney Concert Hall. John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine sets the pace before Acting Concertmaster Bing Wang and Principal Viola Ben Ullery trade musical phrases in Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, bringing the violin and viola into an expressive conversation. Copland’s Symphony No. 3 closes the evening with soaring strings, commanding brass and the stirring theme of his Fanfare for the Common Man. Friday and Saturday 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets from $20. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown Los Angeles. laphil.com
Little Women Ballet: Autumn Immersive Experience
Oct. 2–4. Step inside the March sisters’ world as costumed guides lead visitors through Heritage Square Museum’s Victorian homes, where ballet scenes unfold just feet from the audience. Inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s novel, the approximately two-hour experience combines storytelling, a fall finale inside the historic church and seasonal treats before inviting guests to join the cast for Victorian dancing. Wear comfortable shoes for the journey between houses—and leave room for a little interaction. $68. Friday at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 3 and 6:30 p.m. Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles. More information
Zeds Dead: Journey of a Lifetime
Oct. 2–3. Grand Park becomes an outdoor dance floor as the electronic duo wraps its Journey of a Lifetime tour with two nights in downtown L.A. The shows trace the group’s catalog from early releases to recent material, giving longtime listeners plenty to revisit while introducing newer fans to the breadth of its bass-heavy sound. Friday’s lineup also includes Caspa, Distinct Motive and Zero, setting up an evening of dubstep and bass against the downtown backdrop. Friday–Saturday from 5 p.m. Ages 18 and older; see website for ticket availability. Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A. More information
Photo Credit: Tito’s Tacos courtesy of Jared Cowen. All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
