Events
John Legend at the Hollywood Bowl
Sept. 28. One of music’s most decorated artists, EGOT winner John Legend, takes the stage in Los Angeles this September with a special night at the Hollywood Bowl. The multiplatinum singer-songwriter and producer has released ten acclaimed albums and earned 13 Grammys, an Oscar, a Tony, three Emmys and a Golden Globe. Fans can expect favorites from across his career along with highlights from Get Lifted (20th Anniversary Edition), celebrating the landmark debut album that earned him his first three Grammys. Sunday at 7:30 p.m. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. hollywoodbowl.com
Los Angeles Comic Con
Sept. 26-28. Downtown L.A. once again hosts the annual Los Angeles Comic Con, one of the city’s biggest pop culture gatherings. The three-day expo draws thousands of fans for comic book and TV panels, anime screenings and a packed lineup of celebrity guests including David Tennant, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Bryce Dallas Howard, Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Krysten Ritter, Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich. Attendees are encouraged to suit up for the cosplay contest, a perennial highlight of the convention. Friday, 1-8 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. comicconla.com
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Returns to Long Beach
Now Open. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor: Summoned by the Seas returns to Long Beach, running select nights through November 2 with tickets starting at $45.99. The famously haunted ship transforms into a fog-drenched playground of terror, featuring the return of Dark Harbor’s iconic monsters, sinister mazes and eerie live entertainment echoing across the harbor. Guests can sip in cursed speakeasies, wander haunted lounges,and sample devilish bites as the Queen Mary once again becomes the West Coast’s ultimate port of fear. Select nights, 7 p.m.–midnight. 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. darkharborhalloween.com
Autry’s Annual Block Party
Sept. 27. The Autry Museum of the American West hosts its annual open house and block party with rides, games and Western flair. Guests can buck around on a mechanical bull, take in views from the Ferris wheel, or catch trick ropers in action, alongside live music, carnival games, food trucks and plein air painting. This year’s event also features museum tours, a car show, a horse-grooming workshop and a bustling marketplace—while paying tribute to the first responders who supported the city during the wildfires. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org
Join Alisha Fernandez Miranda at Zibby’s Bookshop
Starts Oct. 6. You’re invited! Zibby’s Bookshop welcomes USA Today bestselling author Alisha Fernandez Miranda to discuss her witty debut novel, Someone’s Gotta Give. She’ll be joined by award-winning writer, director, producer, actress and activist Gloria Calderón Kellett for an evening of conversation and storytelling. Monday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. 1113 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. (424) 387-1744. Get Tickets Now
Food + Drinks
Genghis Cohen Opening
Sept. 25. Fairfax Avenue gets a new chapter as the iconic Chinese-American restaurant opens a second home in the former Sweet Chick space. Owners Marc Rose and Med Abrous have carried over signature details—the fish tank, red booths, silk dragon, lanterns and floral chairs—while introducing bold red carpet, teal accents, mirrored walls, neon and a larger 12-seat bar. The refreshed menu adds dishes like volcano chicken flamed tableside and shrimp & chive dumplings, alongside playful cocktails such as the oolong island iced tea and frozen Dole Survivor. Late-night fans can look forward to a bar-only menu with Szechuan chicken sliders, while live music continues through weekly “Genghis Cohen Live” nights at Canter’s Kibitz Room. Reservations are available via OpenTable, with delivery beginning at noon daily. Grand opening is this Thursday, 4-10 p.m. 448 N. Fairfax, Los Angeles. More Information
Negroni Week
Until Sept. 28. Bars and restaurants across Los Angeles will pour specialty cocktails all week as Negroni Week returns to raise money for global causes. At Merois, Wolfgang Puck hosts the Perfect Negroni Bar Pop-Up powered by Campari, pairing four unique takes on the classic with dishes like Singaporean baby back ribs and Korean fried chicken sliders. Plus, there will be dozens of other local venues celebrating the iconic cocktail. For specific locations and times, visit negroniweek.org
Stanley’s Pop Up
Starts Sept. 28. A waffle-focused pop-up from Chef Michael Tang, reimagines nostalgic diner fare with a chef-driven, California sensibility. Anchored by crispy-edged signature waffles, the menu expands into housemade pastrami, raw fruit sodas and reinterpreted classics like Chinese Chicken Salad—popularized by Madame Wu in Santa Monica—and a smoked pastrami sandwich nodding to Santa Maria–style barbecue. Tang, who trained in acclaimed kitchens such as Quince, Saison and Angler, channels that 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
Luke’s Lobster Celebrates National Lobster Day
Sept. 25. Join Luke’s Lobster for National Lobster Day with $20 quarter-pound lobster rolls available at all locations. Served the Luke’s Way, each roll comes packed with wild-caught, chilled lobster in a split-top toasted bun, finished with mayo, lemon butter, and Luke’s Secret Seasoning. The special includes chips and a soft drink, making it a full meal deal for seafood lovers. For specific locations and times, visit lukeslobster.com
Linden’s New Menu
Open. Since opening last year, Linden has quietly emerged as one of Hollywood’s most intriguing dining rooms, where Chef Jonathan Harris blends flavors from New York, the Caribbean and Jewish traditions into a menu that reflects his own story—and now Los Angeles itself. Highlights include crab & caviar, lobster frites, maine lobster over pimento wood, lamb (a Southern twist on spaetzle) and Not a Pot Pie (the return of the beloved Wagyu Pie, limited to just 25 per night). Tuesday–Saturday, 5 p.m.–12 a.m. 5936 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. lindenlosangeles.com
Arts + Culture
Frankenstein Comes to Life!
Starts Oct. 2. Based on the world’s most famous work of horror fiction, experience this Gothic masterpiece in an astounding new way. Don’t miss the SoCal premiere as San Francisco Ballet performs one of the most innovative works of dance today. 5 performances left, Oct 2–5, only at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Dudamel Launches His Final Season
Sept. 25-28. Beginning his final season as the LA Phil’s Music & Artistic Director, Gustavo Dudamel conducts with Richard Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony, a sweeping orchestral journey from dusk to dawn through forests, fields and storm, written as a testament to strength, work and the majesty of nature. The program also includes a world premiere by Pulitzer Prize–winner Ellen Reid, whose new work for orchestra and choir contrasts the elements as experienced in Los Angeles and New York. Together, the pieces capture the adventurous spirit that has defined Dudamel’s 17 years with the LA Phil. Thursday-Saturday, at 8 p.m. Sunday, at 2 p.m. 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
The LA Opera presents West Side Story
Now Showing. The company premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, conducted by James Conlon. Originally conceived as an opera, Bernstein’s masterpiece comes to life in a new production directed by Francesca Zambello, featuring Jerome Robbins’ iconic choreography and a stellar cast led by tenor Duke Kim as Tony and Gabriella Reyes as Maria. With the LA Opera Orchestra in full force, this elevated staging reimagines the timeless tale of love and loss between the Jets and the Sharks, paying tribute to one of American theater’s most defining works. Showtimes vary. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org
The 16TH Annual Farhang Foundation Short Film Festival Awards
Sept. 27. You are invited at the 16th Annual Farhang Foundation Short Film Festival Awards Ceremony returns as the world’s only global festival dedicated to Iranian short films, celebrating the power of storytelling on the big screen. Hosted by actress and comedian Melissa Shoshahi, the red-carpet evening features special guest presenters including Lily Amir-Arjomand, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Sara Seyed, Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi. Enjoy screenings of six official selections before the announcement of the top three winning films, the first-ever audience award show and a lively afterparty with the filmmakers. Saturday at 6:30 p.m. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
Photo credit: Gustavo Dudamel courtesy of the LA Phil. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
