What exciting events are happening in Los Angeles this weekend?

Los Angeles is set to host a myriad of events this weekend, from cultural festivals to music concerts and unique local experiences. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your weekend from August 9-11, 2024.

Nisei Week Japanese Festival

Starting this weekend, Little Tokyo will be transformed into a vibrant hub of Japanese and Japanese American heritage. The Nisei Week Japanese Festival kicks off with a series of cultural exhibits, performances, and a grand parade. The festivities begin on Saturday, coinciding with the free Natsumatsuri Family Festival at the Japanese American National Museum from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday’s entertainment includes performances by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko and East LA Taiko, craft stations, interactive story time, and games. This event is easily accessible via the Metro A or E Line to Little Tokyo Station, making it convenient for everyone to attend. The festival is a celebration of tradition and community, providing a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Japanese culture.

Ivy Station Night Market

Ivy Station’s Friday night market returns with a special 90s/00s themed edition. This monthly activation features over 30 local vendors, food trucks, craft beer, games, and era-specific jams. The market runs from 5 to 10 p.m. and is dog-friendly, making it a perfect outing for the whole family. Admission is free, and the event promises a nostalgic trip down memory lane with its themed entertainment.

Music and Dance Events

For music lovers, Los Angeles offers a variety of concerts and dance events this weekend:

1. *Summer of Salsa: The LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes continues its Summer of Salsa series with a performance by Son Miron. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the music starts at 7 p.m. This free event is a great way to enjoy live salsa music in a vibrant community setting.

2. Dance DTLA at The Music Center: This Friday, the Music Center’s Dance DTLA hosts an evening of Hip Hop. Instructors will be on hand to teach easy-to-follow steps, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. The event runs from 7 to 11 p.m. and is free to attend.

3. Friday Night Wine Tastings at Barnsdall Park: After a five-year hiatus, the Friday night wine tasting events are back at Barnsdall Art Park West Lawn. A $45 ticket includes a flight of wine curated by Silverlake Wine, access to food trucks, and tunes from local DJs. The series continues every Friday through August 30.

4. Jazz at LACMA: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s annual Friday Night Jazz series is back with a performance by Clayton Cameron Sextet. The concert is free and begins at 6 p.m. at Smidt Welcome Plaza.

Unique Local Experiences

Los Angeles is known for its unique local experiences, and this weekend is no exception:

1. Zoo Friday Nights: The L.A. Zoo continues its summer series of weekly after-hours events, offering access to the zoo grounds at sunset. Enjoy carousel rides, delicious bites, beverages, DJ’d music, and a family dance party. Tickets start at $25 per adult.

2. Wellness Community Market: On Saturday, head to Compound in Long Beach for a full day of complimentary wellness experiences. The market highlights local and regional vendors, a “Healing Practitioner Talk,” and rejuvenating activities like Kundalini Yoga/Meditation and a Sound Bath/Healing Circle.

3. Endless Summer C.A.M.P.: Santa Monica’s second annual Endless Summer C.A.M.P. series brings family-friendly entertainment to Tongva Park. This Saturday, enjoy performances by Mariachi Los Catrines and Los Straitjackets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free to attend.

4. Benny Boy Brewing Txotx Festa & Running of the Bullies: Benny Boy Brewing hosts its third annual cider party on Saturday. The event includes three rounds of 5 oz. pours for $15, food from pop-up vendors, and a bulldog race from 4 to 5 p.m. Entry for bulldogs is $10.

Concerts and Performances

The weekend also features a variety of concerts and performances across the city:

1. Khruangbin at The Bowl: Texas-based Khruangbin performs at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday and Sunday, bringing their blend of classic soul, dub, rock, and psychedelia to the stage. Tickets are available for as low as $27.

2. FoLAR’s Third Annual River Fest: On Sunday, Friends of the LA River invites the public to River Fest, a free event featuring live performances, a visual art gallery, a vendor marketplace, eco-friendly family activities, and food trucks. Ticket registration is required.

3. Sip n’ Skate in Long Beach: On Sunday, SunSip sponsors a free day of throwback skating fun at Pigeon’s Roller Rink in Long Beach. Enjoy complimentary skate sessions, a live DJ, roller-entertainment by Dance Skate, a mini arcade, a merch bar, and puppies meet-and-greets.

4. Boomyard Afro-Caribbean Day Party*: Boomyard Brewery hosts an Afro Caribbean Day Party at Delicious Pizza in West Adams on Sunday. Enjoy live performances, DJ sets, and food including jerk chicken, patties, pizza, and rum punch. The event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. and is free to attend.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles offers an endless array of activities and events, making it a city that never sleeps. For occasional travelers, we recommend taking advantage of the Metro to navigate the city efficiently and explore different neighborhoods. The Metro system is a convenient and eco-friendly way to experience the diverse culture of Los Angeles.

For expert travelers, consider diving deeper into the local arts scene. Los Angeles is home to numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural institutions that often host unique and lesser-known events. Exploring these venues can provide a richer and more nuanced understanding of the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.

In conclusion, whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in cultural festivals, enjoy live music, or explore unique local experiences, Los Angeles has something to offer this weekend. Make the most of your time in the city by planning ahead and taking advantage of the diverse events available. Enjoy your weekend in the City of Angels!