Exciting weekend events in Los Angeles: what to do from September 27-29, 2024

This weekend in Los Angeles promises a vibrant array of activities that cater to diverse interests. From cultural festivals to art exhibitions and thrilling haunted experiences, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a detailed look at the events you won’t want to miss.

Metro Arts Presents: Salsa Night at Union Station

This Saturday evening, the hustle and bustle of Union Station will be energized by a lively salsa event featuring La Verdad with Grammy-awarded singer-songwriter Gabriel Gonzalez leading the performance. Kick-off the evening with dance lessons to get everyone on the same foot, and enjoy an evening brimming with traditional salsa, cha-cha, boogaloo, funk, cumbia, and Latin soul, accompanied by DJ sets. The festivities will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Ticketing Concourse, and entrance is free of charge.

The Other Art Fair at The Barker Hangar

Over four days in Santa Monica?s The Barker Hangar, experience a well-curated selection of artworks by more than 140 independent artists. Spanning from Thursday to Sunday, the event includes art sales, live DJ sets, installations, activations, and a cash bar. Tickets for the opening night are priced at $50 (plus fees), while individual tickets for the following days start at $30 (plus fees).

The Queen Mary?s Dark Harbor

Returning after a four-year hiatus, Dark Harbor is back at the historic Queen Mary. Prepare for spine-chilling encounters with eerie characters, haunted mazes, live entertainment, ghostly projections, frightful snacks, and hidden speakeasies scattered throughout the event’s various haunted attractions. Admission begins at $39.99, and this chilling experience awaits on specific evenings from September 20 through November 2, iceptember icespecially during this weekend.

Crossing Over at Cal Tech

Caltech is unveiling “Crossing Over,” a novel exhibition that melds science and art, featuring over 250 items from the Caltech Archives alongside contemporary art pieces and installations. Spread across six unique spaces within the campus, each section offers a distinct viewpoint on themes such as light, geometry, time, and scale. The exhibition is accessible for free from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on designated days.

Secret Walls: The Art of Competition Tour

Prepare for an evening of adrenaline rushes as Secret Walls brings its exhilarating live art battle to DTLA this Friday. Watch graffiti artists and muralists compete in teams, speeding against a 90-minute timer to create stunning artwork. With the encouragement of Monster Energy Ultra and an enthusiastic audience, these artists will battle it out for the top spot. Tickets are available starting at $17.79.

Urban Death at Zombie Joe?s Underground Theatre

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre continues its annual tradition of Urban Death with a fresh series of terrifying short scenes, flanked by unnerving maze walks. The performances are held on Fridays and Saturdays, with additional dates towards the end of October. Tickets are priced at $23 online or $28 at the door.

Dance MDR

Burton Chace Park hosts a fun-filled dance evening every Friday night in September, offering beginner lessons from some of Los Angeles’ top dance instructors before the DJ sets start. This Friday, the event culminates with a hip-hop dance night, free for all attendees who can enter starting at 6:30 p.m., with dancing commencing at 7 p.m.

Red Bull BC One Cypher USA

The renowned one-on-one breaking competition Red Bull BC One descends upon Los Angeles for its U.S. National Finals this Friday and Saturday. Following regional battles, America’s finest breakers will gather for a weekend of breaking action, starting with Red Bull BC One Camp USA on September 27, hosting workshops and panels led by world-renowned breakers. The climactic Red Bull BC One USA National Cypher takes place on September 28 at Venice Beach.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

The hallmark Halloween adventure at Griffith Park makes a haunting comeback for 2024. Set in the fictional haunted town of Midnight Falls, the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride includes roaming monsters, an eerie mortuary, and a famous hayride now featuring wagons with cozy seats. Launching this Friday, the event runs through November 2, with tickets starting at $36.99.

Reign of Terror Haunted House

Reign of Terror Haunted House in Thousand Oaks celebrates its 24th season with 142 interconnected rooms across 11 themes, filling 32,000 square feet of terror. Starting this Friday, the event is hosted on select dates until November 2, with standard ticket prices beginning at $42.

Ivy Station Movie Night

On the last Friday this month, Ivory Station?s movie night features a screening of “Selena.” This event provides complimentary popcorn and an assortment of purchasable movie treats from Motion Flix. Admission starts at 6:30 p.m., with the movie showing at 7:30 p.m. for free.

Montana Avenue Art Walk

On Saturday, Santa Monica?s Montana Avenue will be transformed into an art lovers’ utopia, covering eight blocks with a vibrant show. Enjoy works by over 150 visual artists, live musical performances, workshops led by Paint Lab, and a VIP Wine Garden (ticketed). The event is free and runs from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Family Style Food Festival

Only on Saturday, the Family Style Food Festival at Los Angeles Historic Park will feature leading chefs, restaurants, and brands coming together to offer exclusive, limited-edition culinary creations. Highlights include Pikachu?s Electric Café by The Pokémon Company International, New York institution Katz?s Delicatessen, and renowned local spots like Baroo, Holy Basil, Cobi?s, and 715 Sushi. Tickets start from $46.46.

Thai Fest by the Beach

Experience Thai culture authentically this Saturday at the Santa Monica Pier, as Thai Fest by the Beach unfolds. Expect tasty offerings from top Thai restaurants, complimentary massages, Thai vendors, performances by prominent WBC Muay Thai fighters, and cultural presentations. Admission is complimentary.

We Place Life at the Center / Situamos la vida en el centro at the Vincent Price Art Museum

This Saturday evening, the Vincent Price Art Museum reveals ?We Place Life at the Center / Situamos la vida en el centro,” which discusses environmental justice and climate solutions driven by L.A.-based Colombian artist Carolina Caycedo. The opening runs from 6 to 10 p.m., with the exhibition on view until March 2, 2025.

¡Viva la Cultura! Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this Saturday afternoon at Westfield Culver City. From 1 to 4 p.m., join in family-friendly activities, featuring performances by Grupo Folklorico La Rosa, readings and music by Lucky Diaz, music by Mariachi Alta California, and enjoy complimentary fruit and face painting.

Topanga Social?s Oktoberfest

This Saturday evening, Topanga Social hosts an Oktoberfest event with German music, pretzels, a beer garden, fun games, and a stein-holding contest. The festivities run from 4 to 9 p.m., and attendance is free.

Pickwick Market

The Pickwick Vintage Show is back this Saturday at ROW DTLA, featuring over 50 vendors and exhibitors offering vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Entry ranges from $10 to $20, depending on the entry time, and the event runs from noon to 4 p.m.

Vegtoberfest: A Plant-Based Oktoberfest Celebration

The indoor-outdoor Vegtoberfest, organized by Plant Base LA, happens this Saturday at Common Space Brewery. A myriad of vegan food vendors will be present, along with live brass band performances, a stein-holding contest, and an impressive array of fresh brews. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m., free to attend.

Day of the Drum + Jazz Fest at Watts Towers

Two major events will take center stage at the Watts Towers over the weekend. On Saturday, immerse yourself in the 42nd Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival, featuring globally inspired drummers and poets, alongside Watt Towers tours. On Sunday, don?t miss the 47th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival showcasing an eclectic mix of fresh jazz talent. Both festivals run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free entry.

DTLA Brews & Bike Crawl

Join a Sunday afternoon biking and brewing tour, featuring four downtown tap rooms: Audio Graph Beer Co., Creature Comforts Taproom, Boomtown Brewery, and Angel City Brewery. The group assembles at Audio Graph Beer Co. starting at 11 a.m., with free participation.

Art Space HP Makers Market at LA Plaza

As part of the PST Community Hub at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Art Space HP will host an open-air market this Sunday, spotlighting art workshops, live music, and local vendor booths. The event begins at noon and is free to join.

Free Day at The Academy Museum

Celebrate the Academy Museum’s third anniversary with complimentary admission for all visitors this Sunday. Special events for the day include a 2 p.m. screening of Charlie Chaplin?s “The Gold Rush” in 35mm, live music, tacos from Fanny’s, fruit vendors in The Walt Disney Company Piazza, and a casual tactile filmmaking workshop. Advance reservations for tickets are recommended but not mandatory; it’s first come, first served.

Blu Jam Café?s Spanish Bistro Night

Beloved LA brunch spot Blu Jam Café launches its new Blu Jam After Dark series, turning into an evening hotspot once a month. Start with a Spanish Tapas Bistro Night this September 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Sherman Oaks location, enjoying a tapas menu inspired by Chef Kamil Majer?s travels, featuring Patatas Bravas, Grilled Lamb Chops, Saffron-Cauliflower Soup, Sautéed Peaches with Burrata, and more. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own booze with no corkage fee charged.

Breakfast Freebie at Wake and Late

Breakfast burrito favorite Wake and Late celebrates its new Hollywood location opening on Sunday, September 29, at 6334 Selma Avenue, by offering complimentary food and drinks from 8 to 11 a.m. Grab either a gratis breakfast burrito and drink or opt for a bagel with spread and a drink, with the selection limited to one per person.

Crossroads Kitchen Vegan Pastry Pop-Up

After last weekend’s sell-out success, Crossroads Kitchen?s pastry pop-up, Crossroads Sweet Stop, returns. Treasures like vegan croissants, French macarons, banana pudding, and whole apple pies will again adorn their Hollywood patio. Catch these limited-edition treats and drinks starting at 10 a.m. until they’re all sold out, with some available through delivery services.

World Sake Day Event at OTOTO + Tsubaki

Observe World Sake Day this Sunday with sake enthusiasts from Japan and the U.S. gathering at OTOTO and Tsubaki. More than 50 distinctive sakes, including some U.S. debuts, will be available for tasting and purchase, with select sakes served by their brewers. Tickets cost $65 per person, including sake tastings and light snacks from OTOTO and Tsubaki, with discounted sake bottles for sale.

$35 All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Party at The San Fernando

End your summer festivities with The San Fernando Bar?s unlimited BBQ party this Sunday, September 29, from 2 to 7 p.m., in Glendale. For only $35, you can savor endless grilled salmon, chicken skewers, vegetables, alongside fries, hummus, pita chips, and bread.

Pitfire Pizza Oktoberfest Party

Pitfire in North Hollywood throws an Oktoberfest Party this Sunday, featuring food contests, themed fare, beers, and live tunes from California’s marquee Oktoberfest band, Hazelnuss. The delectable menu highlights giant Bavarian soft pretzels, beer cheese, and the “All the Wurst” sausage and peppers pizza. The event runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Enjoy attending without any entry fee.