Southern California is set to observe Labor Day weekend with a variety of events, leaning into the region's enduring warm weather. Concerts, outdoor festivals, and unique cultural experiences are slated across Los Angeles and beyond, offering options to close out the summer season.
Music fans have several notable shows. An NPR member station has a hand in a slate of summer concerts, including a Labor Day weekend event at the Autry Museum featuring guest DJ duo Wooden Wisdom. The season's final bash, a block party in the NoHo Arts District, will feature singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin and DJs Peanut Butter Wolf and LUXXURY. For those who appreciate film scores, David Newman will conduct the L.A. Phil in a tribute to composer John Williams, playing iconic film scores set to movie clips. Rock legends Guns N' Roses are scheduled to play the Rose Bowl, returning to the venue after more than 30 years with Ice Cube joining the lineup. K-pop sensation BTS is on a world tour and will stop at SoFi Stadium for four nights, following a four-year hiatus. For a more intimate classical and jazz experience, the Mount Wilson Observatory is hosting a concert inside the dome of its 100-inch Hooker telescope; tickets are $65 and require climbing 53 steps, with children under 12 not permitted.
Outdoor and cultural events also abound. The Hermosa Beach arts festival will take place along Hermosa and Pier Avenues, featuring a makers mercado, food fair, live music at the beach, and a mini carnival. A beachside beer and wine garden will offer its own music lineup, though it charges a $10 cover fee and is 21-plus. In Griffith Park, the Independent Shakespeare Co. continues its tradition of lively productions, with "A Comedy of Errors" closing on September 6. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket. Barnsdall Park’s popular wine tastings will attract sell-out crowds on the west lawn of the historic Hollyhock House. These 21-and-up fundraisers include selections from Silverlake Wine, DJ sets, food trucks, and panoramic city views. Proceeds support the park's art programs and historic renovations, which are facing proposed budget cuts from the city.
For film buffs, a cinephile festival celebrating more than six decades of showing rare and unusual fare will be held over five days at the Nuart Theatre in West L.A., including Q&As with guests like Barbara Eden. Finally, a Hollywood cowboy-chic rooftop bar will wrap up its Wild West pool party series, offering a "trading post" pop-up of local vendors, a cowboy cookout, karaoke, and music from country DJ Ariana Gavrilis.
