The Taste
Sept. 4-6. The Los Angeles Times’ annual food and wine fest offers a look at what’s hot in the city’s vibrant food and cocktail culture. Learn from key players in the L.A. dining scene at tastings and seminars like “Field to Fork” and “Flavors of L.A.”—co-hosted by famed Times food critic Jonathan Gold. Check website for schedule. $100-$175. Paramount Pictures Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave, L.A., 213.237.5000. events.latimes.com/taste
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Sept. 4-6. The Hollywood Bowl adds to the growing repertoire of films it live-scores under the stars with Steven Spielberg’s 1982 sci-fi blockbuster, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Labor Day weekend sees the family-friendly flick about a young boy and his alien friend screened in HD in full while the L.A. Philharmonic provides live accompaniment, performing John Williams’ classic, uplifting and Academy Award-winning score. Take in the sounds—and keep an eye on the moon for possible bicycle sightings. 8 p.m. Sept. 4-5, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000. HollywoodBowl.com
Los Angeles County Fair
Sept. 4-27. Head to the outskirts of L.A. for a distinctly non-Angeleno experience. Cheer on a racing pig, learn about farming, take a spin on a Ferris wheel, watch a concert by the likes of the Beach Boys or ZZ Top, and dine on plenty of deep-fried food. W noon-10 pm; Th noon-11 pm; F noon-midnight; Sa 10 am-midnight; Su 10 am-10 pm. $8-$20, under 6 free. 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, 909.623.3111. lacountyfair.com
Fiesta Hermosa
Sept. 5-7. Check out one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in the country at the 42nd annual “Fiesta Hermosa” in downtown Hermosa Beach. The event features more than 300 artisans including painters, photographers, jewelers, sculptors and more, in addition to live music on two stages, kiddie carnival with pony rides and petting zoo, an international selection of food to eat, beer, wine and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Hermosa Beach. fiestahermosa.net
Queen Mary Shoreline Jam
Sept. 5-6. The Queen Mary presents its annual Shoreline Jam music festival featuring top bands all day long like world-renowned reggae rockers, Pepper and rock, hip-hop, and reggae fusion band, The Dirty Heads. Noon-11:30 p.m. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com
Art Deco Festival at Queen Mary
Sept. 4-7. Cruise back in time to the Golden Age of Travel for a weekend aboard one of the greatest Maritime Monarchs in history. Drink, dine, dance, and discover the opulence of this by-gone era immersed among the largest collection of Art Deco in the world. Partake in prohibition tastings, a bootlegger’s bash, double decker art tour, grand deco ball and more. Tickets start at $15. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0742. queenmary.com
Cinespia
Sept. 5-6. The double feature holiday weekend kicks off with Psycho on Sept. 5, and is followed by Ferris Bueller’s Day off on Sept. 6. Every screening also features DJ tunes before and after the event. $15. Parking $10-$15. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, 877.435.9849. cinespia.org
BBQ at Terrine
Sept. 7. Celebrate Labor Day with an all day BBQ on Terrine’s back patio. Chef/Owner Kris Morningstar, alongside partners Stephane Bombet and François Renaud serve up all-you-can-eat BBQ featuring traditional, American-favorite fare prepared with Terrine’s French-California twist. Dig into Pickle Brine Fried Chicken and Swordfish Brochettes, the restaurant will introduce new and tasty barbequed meats and classic sides, including Crispy Potato & Hatch Chile Tacos and Frito Pie with Texas chili and cheese. Reservations recommended. $35. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. 8265 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.746.5130. terrinela.com
Free Ice Cream at Dog Haus
Sept. 7. The gourmet hot dog, burger and sausage concept, is paying homage to its SoCal roots with the announcement of a new collaboration with the Alhambra-based Fosselman’s Ice Cream Company, a sweet staple in the San Gabriel Valley community since 1919. For the first time in its history, Fosselman’s iconic premium ice cream will be available in soft-serve form at all 10 Dog Haus locations. To celebrate, enjoy a free soft serve cone on Labor Day at any of the Dog Haus locations. In addition to a free ice cream cone on Labor Day, during the month of September Dog Haus will host an “I Scream, You Scream for Fosselman’s Ice Cream” contest on Facebook and Instagram. All you have to do is post videos of you screaming at the top of your lungs for an opportunity to win a free ice cream cone each week for a year at your local Dog Haus. doghaus.com
Blue Plate Oysterette
The West 3rd St. outpost of Blue Plate Oysterette celebrated the weekend with and extended happy hour. On Monday, the restaurant offers $1 oysters and $6 sangria/wine and $5 beer from 4-6 p.m. 8048 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.656.5474. blueplatesantamonica.com
Hornblower Cruises
Choose from a variety of cruises this Labor Day weekend including a sunset dinner, champagne brunch or sightseeing cruise. $35-$90. Check website for cruise options and details. Hornblower Cruises, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, 310.301.6000. hornblower.com
Umami Burger
Ongoing. Bring some spice into your life with Umami Burger’s latest collaboration in its Artist Series with Mindy Kaling. The Mindy burger features Umami’s signature beef patty topped with pickled jalapeño, cali cheese, fried onion strings and house-made Sriracha aioli. One dollar from each burger benefits the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Enjoy with a delicious hard root beer float! $13. See website for all Orange County locations. 2981 Bristol St., Suite B-2, Costa Mesa, 714.957.8626. umamiburger.com
Bouchon
Sept. 5-7. Stop by Bar Bouchon for patio dining that includes $2 oysters all day long (also available at Bouchon Bistro), BBQ, hot dogs and lobster rolls. You can also get your fill of Ad Hoc’s famous fried chicken Sept. 7, at Bouchon Bistro; it comes with a wedge salad, macaroni and cheese and Bouchon Bakery cornbread with honey butter. 235 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills. thomaskeller.com
Bow & Truss
Sept. 7. Latin-inspired restaurant Bow & Truss will host a wine and cheese event series kicking off on Labor Day and continuing the first Monday of each month until November. The evening will feature a special wine and cheese pairing, and wine expert Chuck Novak will be present to guide you through the experience. 11122 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, 818.985.8787. bowandtruss.com