Though it may be hard to believe, it’s almost September… already! Just three more months left of this year. If it feels like it’s flown by, take some time in this coming month to stop and enjoy all the city has to offer. Here are our top 10 picks for fun activities going on in the City of Angels this September.
Smorgasburg LA (FREE!)
Where? The ROW DTLA (777 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles)
When? Every Sunday from 10am-4pm
How much? Free entry!
The ROW DTLA Smorgasburg (a food fest and marketplace) is back after a long break due to Covid. Now every Sunday, you can stroll the marketplace and support local eateries and small businesses with more than a dozen new vendors this year joining their already giant list of vendors. And, through the first week of September, there will be a summer Ice Cream Alley, too!
Learn more at la.smorgasburg.com.
Maestro of the Movies: The Music of John Williams
Where? The Hollywood Bowl (2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles)
When? September 3rd, 4th, and 5th.
How much? Advanced tickets range from $14-$222 per person.
John Williams, the legendary composer behind some of the most memorable and beloved movie themes, directs the LA Phil along with David Newman for an unforgettable Hollywood experience. Hear the emotional and thrilling music from Star Wars, E.T., Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and more played live, and some pieces will be accompanied by the scenes of the film projected on a screen. Don’t forget your lightsaber! This is an incredible choice for a special night in September in Los Angeles.
Learn more and buy tickets at hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/1274/2021-09-03/maestro-of-the-movies.
Halloween Horror Nights
Where? Universal Studios Hollywood (100 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles)
When? Select nights in September (and October)
How much? Tickets range from $69–$99 per person.
Are you ready for spooky season? September in Los Angeles is when the the Halloween season begins (who wants to wait til October, anyway). Prepare to be scared at the annual Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. You’ll encounter frightening characters from familiar horror films as you try to navigate the park through elaborate mazes. You never know what terror awaits you, lurking around each corner, so be ready to run!
Learn more and buy tickets at hollywood.halloweenhorrornights.com.
Oogie Boogie Bash
Where? California Adventure (1313 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim)
When? Select nights in September (and October)
How much? Tickets start at $114.
Do you love Halloween but are looking for something more fun and less scary? Enjoy an incredible family-friendly experience (but also still fun for adults) at Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney’s California Adventure. You can expect to see characters handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, special shows and parades, breathtaking seasonal decorations, unique experiences, limited-edition merchandise, and themed food, treats, and drinks (yes, even adult beverages), all of which are sure to impress!
Learn more and buy tickets at disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/disney-california-adventure/oogie-boogie-bash-halloween-party.
Hamilton
Where? Pantages Theatre (6233 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles)
When? Most days from August through January
How much? Tickets start at $55.
Broadway is back at the Pantages! After a long hiatus due to Covid, the famous Hollywood theatre reopened its doors and picked up where it left off: with the touring cast of Hamilton. See the smash-hit musical that has wowed audiences across the globe, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. If the tickets are a little out of your budget, you can enter a daily lottery to win $10 tickets!
Learn more and buy tickets at broadwayinhollywood.com/events/detail/hamiltonla.
Mid-Autumn Moon Celebration
Where? The Huntington Library and Gardens (1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino)
When? September 18th & 19th
How much? Non-member adults are $35.
A lovely and leisurely event for people of all ages! Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with a magical stroll through the moon-lit Chinese Garden. Delight in live music as you stroll through the garden as you have never seen it before, with beautiful lights reflected in the lake and illuminating pavilions, courtyards, and pathways. Enjoy dinner with family and friends at one of the restaurants offering a selection of delicious themed entrees.
Learn more and purchase tickets at huntington.org/events/mid-autumn-moon-celebration.
Fourth Fridays at the Broad (FREE!)
Where? The Broad (221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles)
When? September 24th from 5-8pm
How much? Free!
Spend happy hour outside of the Broad listening to DJs and grabbing drinks during this summertime series. There’s no ticket needed for the activity in the outdoor plaza, but if you want to walk into the galleries (where dancers will be performing in front of the artwork and architecture) you’ll need to secure a free ticket (released the Friday before each event at noon).
Learn more and get your free ticket at thebroad.org/events/fourth-fridays-sep.
Shakespeare in the Park (FREE!)
Where? The Old Zoo at Griffith (Griffith Park Dr., Los Angeles)
When? September 1st-5th at 7:00pm
How much? Free! But still requires a reservation ticket
Every summer, the Independent Shakespeare Company comes together to perform the best of the Bard for Angeleno audiences. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic to enjoy while you watch high-quality theatre performed under the stars. This year, they are bringing to life Shakespeare’s The Tempest. If you’re a fan of classic theatre, this experience is a MUST for you! Although the event is free, you will need to go to their website to reserve your spot with a free ticket. It’s a good way to add a little culture to your September in Los Angeles.
Learn more and get your free ticket at iscla.org/festival-2021.
Boat Cinema
Where? Castaic Lake (32132 Castaic Lake, Castaic)
When? Multiple nights during August & September
How much? Boat rental for five people $199, inflatable for six people $89, BYO boat $69
If you think the drive-in is fun, this will certainly blow your expectations out of the water! Boat Cinema is a chance to watch a movie from the comfort of your own boat on Castaic Lake. Bring your friends and family, bring a picnic (or purchase the food and beverage offerings there) and rent a boat or inflatable or bring your own boat! It’s a fun and memorable experience you’ll surely enjoy. During the month of September, you can catch films like Jurassic Park, Jaws, Titanic, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Shallows, and Frozen II.
Learn more and get your ticket at bucketlisters.com/event/eJs-boat-cinema-la.
Jazz at LACMA (FREE!)
Where? LACMA (5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles)
When? September 3rd, 10th, and 17th at 6:00pm
How much? Free! But still requires a reservation ticket
One of L.A.’s best free live music offerings, Jazz at LACMA has featured legends under the Urban Light during its three-decade run at the museum. The beloved program is thankfully making its return in 2021 after taking last summer off, but it’ll do so with a few new safety measures and under the name “Jazz at LACMA Limited Edition.” September’s Jazz artists will be Larry Nash & The Jazz Symphonics, the Quincy Jones All-Star Orchestra, and Säje. Though still free, tickets will be required, capacity will be limited and all attendees will be seated. Tickets will be released every two weeks for two concerts at a time.
Learn more and get your free ticket at lacma.org/event-calendar-by-day?event_hub=Jazz%20at%20LACMA.
Tell us which of these events sound the most fun to you! Will you be checking any of these out in September? Maybe we’ll see you there!
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Contributor, designer & admin for JohnHart Gazette.
