Top Los Angeles Things to Do in September

The L.A. County Fair returns to the Fairplex in Pomona through Sept. 21.

This month, there’s plenty of music, art, shopping and more to discover in Los Angeles. See our list of the top 30+ Los Angeles things to do in September.

Edited by William Yelles.

Made in LA Music & Arts Festival
Sept. 1-2. Golden Road Brewing’s second annual festival celebrates Los Angeles art and culture with music, art, food and beer. Enjoy performances by Saint Motel, Dorothy, Mondo Cozmo and more. All ticket sales benefit Art Share L.A. 21+ 5 p.m. One day $10-$15; two days $20-$30. 5410 W. San Fernando Road, L.A. goldenroad.la

 

Cinespia
Sept. 1-2, 8, 15, 22. Watch films projected on a mausoleum wall at this popular Amazon Studios-sponsored film series at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Expect pre-movie DJs and themed photo booths. Sept. 22’s screening of Yellow Submarine will be followed by fireworks. Doors 6:15 p.m., movie 8 p.m. $16-$18 GA, $12-$20 parking. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 877.435.9849. cinespia.org

 

Eat/See/Hear
Sept. 1, 8, 15. Traveling outdoor film and music series, presented by Showtime, boasts the largest outdoor inflatable screen on the West Coast, as well as food trucks and live music. Venues include the Autry Museum in Griffith Park and Los Angeles State Historic Park. See website for schedule. Doors 5 p.m.; band 7 p.m.; movie 8 p.m. $8-$21, under 5 free. 213.267.4393. eatseehear.com

 

Fiesta Hermosa
Sept. 1-3. This biannual festival features over 300 artists and crafters, food, live music, a “kiddie carnival,” a charity beer and wine garden and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. See website for free bike valet, parking and shuttle information. Downtown Hermosa Beach on Pier Plaza, Hermosa Avenue and lower Pier Avenue, 310.376.0951. fiestahermosa.net

 

Rooftop Cinema Club
Sept. 1-29. The U.K.’s “Number One Outdoor Cinema Series” screens recent hits and classics on the rooftops of LEVEL in downtown L.A. and NeueHouse in Hollywood. Enjoy food, drinks and views while you watch flicks. See website for schedule. 18+; select screenings 21+. $17-$25. 888 S. Olive St., downtown; 6121 Sunset Blvd., L.A. rooftopcinemaclub.com

 

Street Food Cinema
Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Outdoor summer film series hosts screenings every Saturday night at various locations throughout L.A. Venues include Brand Library Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park. Features include live music and food from the city’s top trucks. See website for schedule. Door time varies; band 6:30 p.m.; movie 8:30 pm. $6-$22, under 6 free. 323.254.5068. streetfoodcinema.com

 

The Taste
Through Sept. 2. During the Los Angeles Times’ annual food and wine fest, dozens of handpicked local restaurants come together for three evenings of amazing food, wine, spirits and chef experiences, pop-ups and collaborations. 21+. Check website for schedule. $95-$165. Paramount Pictures Studios Backlot, 783 N. Van Ness Ave., L.A. Tickets

 

Labor Day Pool Party
Sept. 3. Hotel Shangri-La closes out summer on a high note with a poolside party. Guests are invited to kick back on one of the hotel’s signature striped lounge chairs, sip a specialty cocktail and hone their ping pong and cornhole skills on the pool deck. Noon-5 p.m. $25 GA; additional $25 food and beverage minimum for lounge chairs. 1301 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.394.2791. shangri-lahotel.com

 

Juanes returns to the Hollywood Bowl.

 

Juanes
Sept. 5. Latin rock superstar Juanes returns to the Hollywood Bowl for a musical journey through his greatest hits, latest chart-topping album Mis Planes Son Amarte and summer single “Pa Dentro.” 8 p.m. See website for ticket prices. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000. hollywoodbowl.com

 

Saul Williams & Mivos Quartet
Sept. 6. The Ford Theatres presents legendary poet and performer Saul Williams, known for his distinctive marriage of “firebrand politics with metaphysical wordplay,” joined by the adventurous Mivos Quartet, hailed as “one of America’s most daring and ferocious new-music ensembles.” 8:30 p.m. $25. 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E., Hollywood, 323.461.3673. fordtheatres.org

 

PaleyFest Fall TV Previews
Sept. 6-16. The Paley Center for Media hosts its 12th annual celebration of the most anticipated new shows of the Fall 2018 television season as well as returning favorites from all five major broadcast networks, cable television and premium streaming services. Each event includes screenings followed by star-studded discussions with the series cast and creatives. See website for schedule and ticket prices. 465 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, 310.786.1000. paleycenter.org

 

Hammer Museum Family Day
Sept. 8. The Hammer’s annual family festival fills the museum with art, music, performances and more. Enjoy an interactive musical storytelling session with Baba the Storyteller. Activities include quiltmaking, printmaking and an interactive puppetry performance. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, 310.443.7000. hammer.ucla.edu

 

ICA LA Incognito Benefit
Sept. 8. The Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles hosts Incognito, a benefit art sale in celebration of ICA LA’s first anniversary.
 A tradition that began at ICA LA’s previous incarnation as the Santa Monica Museum of Art, hundreds of established and emerging contemporary artists will contribute original works in 12×12-inch format—all priced at $500. The 400 pieces will be displayed all together in the museum’s main gallery, but the artist’s identities will be revealed only after purchase. 6-9 p.m. $200+. 1717 E. Seventh St., L.A., 213.640.4006. theicala.org

 

L.A. Food Fest
Sept. 8. At the ninth annual iteration of this food festival, sample signature bites from a curated selection of over 100 food vendors, plus enjoy craft beer gardens, craft cocktail bars and an ice cream social. Early entry 2 p.m., GA entry 3 p.m. $60-$65 GA; $95 VIP; under 9 free. Santa Anita Park, 285 Huntington Dr., Arcadia. lafoodfest.com

 

L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade
Sept. 8. Some 50 
top chefs—including hosts (and James Beard Award winners) Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, Giada De Laurentiis and Adam Perry Lang—and mixologists serve signature menu items at this philanthropic culinary event that helps fund the fight against childhood cancer. 12:30-4:30 p.m. $195, under 13 free; all-access ticket $1,200. Royce Quad, UCLA, 10745 Dickson Court, Westwood, 610.649.3034. alexslemonade.org

 

Pasadena POPS Season Finale
Sept. 8. Michael Feinstein and the Pasadena POPS close out their popular outdoor summer concert series with Broadway Goes to the Movies. Some of Broadway’s greatest performers will recreate songs from hit shows that traveled from 42nd St. to Hollywood including selections from My Fair Lady to The Sound of Music to Jersey Boys. Gates open for picnicking, 5:30 p.m.; show time 7:30 p.m. $10-$138. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626.793.7172. pasadenasymphony-pops.org

 

R. Buckminster Fuller
Opens Sept. 8. Edward Cella Art & Architecture presents an exhibition of original prints, models and objects by 20th-century visionary, architect, engineer, inventor and artist R. Buckminster Fuller. Organized 35 years after his passing in L.A., the exhibition is the first of its kind in the city and represents an opportunity to reflect upon his comprehensive perspective on the world and humanity. Tu-Sa 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 2754 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 323.525.0053. edwardcella.com

 

“The Cake”
Opens Sept. 10. Debra Jo Rupp (That ‘70s Show) stars in Los Angeles-based Echo Theater Company’s play about a North Carolina baker and devout Christian who is conflicted when asked to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. See website for show times and ticket prices. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.org

 

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”
Sept. 12-30. This Tony-winning musical about groundbreaking singer-songwriter Carole King’s rise to stardom returns to L.A. Hear classic songs from King’s catalog, including “I Feel the Earth Move” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” See website for show times and ticket prices. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com

 

dOGUMENTA is a fully participatory exhibit for pooches.

 

dOGUMENTA
Sept. 14-16, 21-23. This curated art exhibit is created especially for pups featuring artists’ take on the concerns, interests and worldviews of canines. Dogs are invited to sniff or even eat the interactive multimedia works. Onsite mobile dog adoption service will be offered both Sundays of the exhibit. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Fig at 7th, 735 S. Figueroa St., L.A., 213.955.7170. figat7th.com

 

Vintage Vibe Festival
Sept. 15. This music and lifestyle festival features 21st century bands with a 20th century sound. Headliners include the Shelters and Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears. There’s also a marketplace highlighting vintage and vintage-inspired items, old-school photo booths, classic cars and more. Noon-10 p.m. $95. Santa Anita Park, 285 Huntington Dr., Arcadia. vintagevibefest.com

 

Nautica Malibu Triathalon
Sept. 15-16. Athletes, philanthropists and celebrities are among those who turn out to swim, bike and run at this annual Zuma Beach event—now in its 32nd year—all to benefit the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ pediatric cancer research program. There’s also a Nautica Kids Run and Tot Trot. Registration 5 a.m., races begin at 7 a.m. Check website for registration prices. 30050 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 818.707.8866. nauticamalibutri.com

 

Unique LA
Sept. 15-16, 22-23. Unique LA—the modern pop-up marketplace featuring independent designer and artists—will launch its two-weekend residency at Culver City’s Platform. Attendees get the rare chance to meet and shop directly from hundreds of hand-selected designers and artists in one convenient space. Free drinks, craft projects, workshops and more. See website for vendor list. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 8850 Washington Blvd., Culver City. uniquemarkets.com

 

Brazilian Summer Festival
Sept. 16. The 24th annual edition features the rhythms of Rio de Janeiro through the Samba and Batucada (percussion jam) and the exuberant Brazilian choreographies of the L.A. Samba Dancers troupe. Headlining is Latin Grammy winner Diogo Nogueira directly from Rio as part of his U.S. tour. 5-10 p.m. $45 GA, $15 children 12 and under. Station 1640, 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd., L.A., 818.566.1111. braziliannites.com

 

L.A. Film Festival
Sept. 20-28. Film Independent’s primary showcase offers a lineup of compelling independent films, TV and episodic work from emerging storytellers, alongside filmmaker-driven studio titles. New this year are an Immersive Program and We the People, a summit about inclusion in the film industry. Check website for lineup, film schedule, venues and ticket prices. 323.556.9300. filmindependent.org

 

Tarfest
Sept. 22. Enjoy live music, live painting, a beer garden, food trucks, kids’ activities and more at the 16th annual edition of this fun, all-ages cultural event. 1-7:30 pm. Free. La Brea Tar Pits Park, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.899.1363. tarfest.com

 

Union Station Retrocade Experience
Sept. 22-23. Step back in time for the ultimate arcade rewind. Attendees can enjoy free play on an eclectic collection of classic arcade games and specialty pinball cabinets. A lounge will allow players to relax between games while they enjoy retro tracks from the house DJ and snack on classic arcade food. Sa 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Su 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 800 N. Alameda St., L.A. unionstationla.com

 

Grizzly Bear, TV on the Radio
Sept. 23. Following the success of their major-label debut, 2017’s Painted Ruins, Grizzly Bear will bring their textural, paradoxically intimate anthems to the Hollywood Bowl. TV on the Radio returns with new music for a high-powered set of rhythmically charging, soulfully spangled art rock. Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith opens. 7 p.m. See website for ticket prices. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000. hollywoodbowl.com

 

Mooncakes are a highlight at The Langham Huntington’s Mid-Autumn Festival.

 

Mid-Autumn Festival
Sept. 23. This night market features family-friendly dining stations, brightly colored lanterns, tea, mooncakes and a Chinese dragon-dance performance. 5-9 p.m. $38-$88 (includes valet parking), under 3 free. The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, 626.568.3900. langhamhotels.com

 

L.A. County Fair
Through Sept. 23. Cheer on a racing pig, learn about farming, ride a Ferris wheel, attend a concert (headliners include The Beach Boys and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts) and dine on deep-fried food at this year’s Route 66-themed fair. See website for hours. $8-$20, under 6 free. Parking $15-$30. Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, 909.623.3111. lacountyfair.com

 

Loudon Wainright III
Sept. 29. One of America’s most enduring songwriters performs on behalf of Years in the Making, his new two-disc collection featuring rare and unreleased live recordings, radio appearances, home demos and more from the past 45 years. 7:30 p.m. $43. Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787. civicartsplaza.com

 

Abbot Kinney Festival
Sept. 30. This festival, now 
in its 34th year, spotlights the eclectic boutiques, artisan eateries and influential art galleries along the “coolest block in America.“ Enjoy top food trucks and booths, kids’ rides and games, four music stages and three beer gardens. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.396.3772. abbotkinney.org

 

Los Angeles Chocolate Salon
Sept. 30. The 12th Annual Los Angeles Chocolate Salon features the finest artisan, gourmet and premium chocolate. Sample and discover new and original chocolate flavors. Enjoy demonstrations, chef and author talks, wine tasting and beverage vendors, and interviews by TasteTv’s Chocolate Television program. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. See website for ticket prices. Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. lachocolatesalon.com

 

“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations”
Through Sept. 30. This new musical about the Temptations—the band behind hits like “My Girl” and “Just My Imagination” that was discovered on the streets of Detroit by Berry Gordy—plays L.A. before heading to Broadway. See website for show times and ticket prices. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org

 

L.A. County Fair photo courtesy @lacountyfair/Instagram. Juanes photo courtesy @juanes/Instagram. dOGUMENTA photo by Adi Shniderman. Mid-Autumn Festival photo courtesy @langhampasadena/Instagram.

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