Events
Paranormal Activity World Premiere Play Haunts Los Angeles
Starts Nov. 13. In this world premiere set within the Paranormal Activity universe, James and Lou move from Chicago to London to escape their past—only to learn that people, not places, are truly haunted. Written by celebrated playwright Levi Holloway (Grey House) and first directed by Punchdrunk’s Felix Barrett (Sleep No More), the play features illusions by Tony Award-winner Chris Fisher (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child). A chilling new chapter of the franchise, it’s designed to linger long after the lights go out. Showtimes vary. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org
Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana in Culver City
Oct. 4. The eighth annual Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana returns to Culver City, bringing together food, music and community to benefit the Culver City Arts Foundation. Guests 21+ can indulge in Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails alongside Tito’s Tacos’ award-winning bites, from tacos and burritos to flan, all while enjoying five hours of entertainment. Expect world-class mariachi from Mariachi Sol De Mexico de Jose Hernandez, colorful folklórico dance performances and lively festival activities that celebrate Mexican culture and community spirit. Saturday, 3–8 p.m. Tito’s Tacos, 11222 Washington Pl, Culver City. Get Tickets Now
PetCon 2025 at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace
Oct. 4-5. The ultimate pet event returns with meet-and-greets featuring top pet influencers, interactive brand activations, expert speaker sessions and dozens of adorable adoptable pets ready to find homes. Guests can enjoy custom pet portraits, dog food trucks, a Halloween costume contest and more, with 100% of ticket sales supporting the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace Extraordinary Care Fund. Saturday & Sunday, VIP Hours, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. GA, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, 12005 Bluff Creek Drive, Los Angeles. 12005 Bluff Creek Drive, Los Angeles. petcon.co
Carved
Starts Oct. 3. Descanso Gardens transforms its grounds into a glowing fall spectacle with a mile-long trail lined with jack-o’-lanterns, neon light sculptures, chainsaw-carved ghosts and seasonal displays. Families can also enjoy Harvest Acres treats, illuminated trains, a Día de los Muertos altar and live pumpkin carving. Tickets are $27–$45 for adults and $17–$30 for children. Select evenings; timed entry required
Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. descansogardens.org
Join Clare Leslie Hall at Zibby’s Bookshop
Starts Oct. 10. New York Times bestselling author Clare Leslie Hall visits Santa Monica to discuss her novel Broken Country, a sweeping love story with the pace of a thriller and a Reese’s Book Club pick. She’ll be joined by Jordan Moblo (@jordys.book.club) for a lively evening of conversation and storytelling at Zibby’s Bookshop. Free Event. Next Friday, Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. 1113 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. (424) 387-1744. More Information
Food + Drinks
San Gabriel Dumpling & Beer Fest
Oct. 3. The annual Dumpling & Beer Fest brings unlimited tastings from 16 craft breweries, alongside dumpling vendors and food trucks serving up savory steamed and fried favorites. Family-friendly fun includes arts and crafts stations, while live DJs keep the energy high into the night. The event is free to attend. Friday at 6 p.m. 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel. sangabrieled.com
Yhing Yhang BBQ by Holy Basil
Now Open. Thailand’s beloved gai yhang—charcoal-grilled chicken marinated and slow-cooked to perfection—takes center stage at Yhing Yhang, the newest addition to Chef Rose Previte’s highly anticipated 10,000-square-foot Maydan Market.The menu pairs house-made sauces and classic Thai sides with specialties like whole duck and the Pun Youn Sandwich, layered on housemade sourdough with options of grilled chicken, pork, egg, or fermented pork sausage and sweet chili jam. A robust fermentation program of house-pickled vegetables and condiments rounds out Chef Deau’s signature style. Open daily, 5-9 p.m. 4301 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles. yhingyhang.com
La Feria de los Moles
Oct. 5. Grand Park celebrates one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes with an all-day Mole Festival dedicated to the rich, complex sauce of Oaxaca and Puebla. Made from more than 13 ingredients—chiles, spices, nuts and even chocolate—mole takes center stage as guests sample versions ranging from fiery to sweet alongside other regional specialties. The free, family-friendly event also features live music and cultural programming, with food available for purchase. 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. feriadelosmoles.com
Stanley’s Pop Up Official Opening
Starts Oct. 5. Chef Michael Tang brings a chef-driven sensibility to nostalgic diner fare with his waffle-focused pop-up, Stanley’s. The menu features crispy-edged signature waffles, housemade pastrami, raw fruit sodas. With experience at acclaimed kitchens including Quince, Saison and Angler, Tang translates his fine-dining background into a relaxed, approachable setting that elevates familiar comforts. Sunday mornings, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 4850 Fountain Ave., Los Angeles. More Information
Petit Trois
Open. Chef Ludo Lefebvre’s celebrated French bistro, continues to charm Angelenos with its Parisian spirit and perfected classics. The menu leans on French comfort food at its finest—rich omelets, escargot, steak frites and the beloved Big Mec burger—served in a convivial, unfussy setting that feels like a slice of Paris tucked into Los Angeles. Whether at the original Hollywood counter or the expanded Valley outpost, Petit Trois is one of L.A.’s quintessential French dining experiences. Hours vary per location, visit the website for exact details. petittrois.com
Arts + Culture
A Monster Hit!
Oct. 2-5. Mary Shelley’s 19th-century novel-turned-pop culture classic come to life in the SoCal premiere of San Francisco Ballet’s Frankenstein, featuring live orchestrations by Pacific Symphony! Tonight – Sunday only, don’t miss this electrifying tale of life, love and identity – only at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Now Showing. Set in a bustling Harlem braiding salon, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding captures the humor, heart and hidden struggles of a West African immigrant community. Amid the summer heat, love sparks, dreams take flight and secrets surface, challenging this close-knit circle to navigate belonging in a city that can feel like both home and exile. Written by Tony Award–nominated Ghanaian American playwright Jocelyn Bioh (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) and directed by Tony Award nominee Whitney White. Hours vary. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles centertheatregroup.org
Dua Lipa – Radical Optimism Tour
Oct. 4-5. Pop star icon, Dua Lipa performs back-to-back nights at Inglewood, delivering a high-energy pop spectacle with stadium-level flair and fan favorites. Known for her stadium-ready energy and sleek pop anthems, the Albanian-English star will perform hits from across her career—including “New Rules,” “Levitating,” and “Don’t Start Now”—alongside new tracks from her 2024 album Radical Optimism. The show is part of her global tour , supporting her third album of the same name. Saturday-Sunday, doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Kia Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Blvd,. Inglewood. dualipa.com
Made in L.A. 2025 at the Hammer Museum
Starts Oct. 5. Its seventh biennial exhibition, the Hammer Museum spotlights 28 emerging and under-recognized L.A. artists working across film, painting, theater, photography, sculpture and video, each engaging with the city of Los Angeles. An opening night party for this event is happening this weekend with after-hours gallery access and live music from Saturday, 8-10 p.m. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. hammer.ucla.edu
Rare Books L.A.
Oct. 4-5. Union Station’s historic Ticket Concourse transforms into a literary treasure trove during this year’s book fair, where more than 50 exhibitors from London, New York and beyond showcase first editions, rare volumes, prints, photographs and ephemera. Alongside shopping and literary talks, the 2025 edition celebrates Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein adaptation with a $40 “Frankenstein Fundraiser” weekend pass that includes a limited-edition poster, bookmark and entry into a premiere contest. Proceeds benefit the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and the LAPL Palisades Branch, which was destroyed in a fire earlier this year. Saturday at 10 a.m. Sunday at 11 a.m. 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles. rarebooksla.com
Photo credit: All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
