{"id":185694,"date":"2025-08-29T22:23:25","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T22:23:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/185694\/"},"modified":"2025-08-29T22:23:25","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T22:23:25","slug":"18-things-to-do-over-labor-day-weekend-in-l-a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/185694\/","title":{"rendered":"18 things to do over Labor Day weekend in L.A."},"content":{"rendered":"

Many of us think of Labor Day weekend<\/a> as the end of summer<\/a> (though fall doesn\u2019t technically begin until September 22). But in Los Angeles, we know better. We\u2019re in the midst of a heat wave, and we\u2019re still in for weeks of sunny days and balmy, warm nights where we can keep summer alive.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, if you\u2019re in need of ideas for the best way to spend your long weekend, we\u2019ve got you covered with 18 picks, from alfresco films to pop-up markets, free concerts to stadium shows. Here are our top\u00a0things to do this Labor Day weekend<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1. Watch a movie outdoors<\/strong><\/a>
Fri\u2013Mon<\/strong><\/p>\n

Outdoor movie season isn\u2019t slowing down yet\u2014in fact, some series keep the fun going all year long\u2014but this weekend is particularly full of fun films. On Friday, Dive-In Movie Nights<\/a> presents Moana poolside at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown; the Huntington is showing Paddington 2 as part of its family-friendly Summer Movie Nights<\/a>; and \u200b\u200bFriday Movie Nights<\/a> hosts a free screening of The Goonies at Ovation Hollywood. In DTLA, Rooftop Cinema Club<\/a> has a reliably great lineup throughout the weekend: Am\u00e9lie, When Harry Met Sally\u2026, The Godfather, Pride & Prejudice, Crazy, Stupid, Love and La La Land. Meanwhile, Cinespia<\/a> hosts The Princess Bride on Saturday and The Silence of the Lambs on Sunday; the Montalb\u00e1n<\/a> is showing Scream and Before Sunrise; and if there are any 1D fans in the house, Street Food Cinema<\/a> will present One Direction: This Is Us at the Autry<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A
\nPhotograph: Courtesy Smorgasburg <\/p>\n

2. Cool off with tasty frozen treats<\/strong><\/a>
Sat, Sun<\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve got the scoop on the best ice cream shops in the city, plus two events this weekend that are full of chilly choices. Ice Cream Alley at Smorgasburg<\/a>\u2014a special area of the market serving up artisanal scoops, soft-serve, gelato, shaved ice and fruit bars\u2014has been\u00a0keeping it cool on Sundays since July, and August 31 marks its last installment of the year. Don\u2019t miss the homemade Choco Tacos from Sad Girl Creamery. And at Ovation Hollywood, cast your vote as 10 of the most talented gelato chefs from across the country compete at the Gelato Festival World Masters<\/a> Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>\n

3. Shop viral home decor IRL<\/a><\/strong>
Sun<\/strong><\/p>\n

Facebook Marketplace is taking over the weekly Melrose Trading Post<\/a> on the first stop of its cross-country #FacebookRoadTrip. Over the past few years, the social media site has become a hub for home goods, hiding all sorts of treasures in its listings. But now the digital world is jumping off your screen so you can browse hidden gems and meet L.A. sellers in person. Admission to the Melrose market is $6, but once you\u2019re inside, you can score free vintage pieces, styling sessions, portraits, treats and exclusive L.A. swag\u2014plus complimentary coffee from Stereoscope<\/a> down the street.<\/p>\n

\"Golden
\nPhotograph: Courtesy Michael KleinbergGolden Hour <\/p>\n

4. Party poolside at the hottest bars<\/a><\/strong>
Fri\u2013Mon<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bars that boast a pool are celebrating the long weekend with pool parties, including a sexy daytime gathering at Skybar<\/a> in West Hollywood and a country-inspired celebration<\/a> with a cowboy cookout and karaoke at Desert 5 Spot<\/a>. And Downtown at rooftop bar Golden Hour, DJs will take the stage from day to night at a handful of events<\/a>, including the season finale of Dim Mak Afloat and a brunch pool party Monday afternoon.<\/p>\n

5. Or make a splash at the best public pools in L.A.<\/strong><\/a>
Fri\u2013Mon<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not blessed with a private pool, luckily L.A. is home to some actually-appealing public options. One of our favorites is at the Annenberg Community Beach House<\/a>, a former old-Hollywood beachfront estate that\u2019s been transformed into a public club with a historic pool. Its recreational swimming season winds down on Sunday\u2014as do many of the pools on our list\u2014but it\u2019ll still be open on weekends through September. After your dip, stick around for a game of ping-pong or beach volleyball.<\/p>\n

\"Mt.
\nPhotograph: Time Out\/Michael Juliano <\/p>\n

6. Listen to live music on top of a mountain<\/strong><\/a>
Sun<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hear live\u00a0music a mile above the city at the Mount Wilson Observatory<\/a>\u2014specifically inside the dome of its 100-inch Hooker telescope\u2014during an installment of its monthly concert series this Sunday. This weekend\u2019s event is a little different than the normal classical-music programming: Paris vocalist and cellist Leelou will be performing songs in both English and French by Edith Piaf, Norah Jones, Adele, Lady Gaga and more.<\/p>\n

7. Or catch a free concert<\/strong>
Fri, Sat<\/strong><\/p>\n

Summer offers a wealth of riches when it comes to live music\u2014specifically free concerts in some of the city\u2019s most beloved cultural destinations. You can have your pick of four this weekend: Grammy-winning composer and bassist Trevor Ware plays Jazz at LACMA<\/a> on Friday, KCRW DJs Raul Campos and Jason Kramer spin at Santa Ana\u2019s\u00a0Bowers Museum as part of the station\u2019s popular Summer Nights<\/a> series on Saturday,\u00a0and Redondo Beach\u2019s Free Concerts on the Pier<\/a> hosts classic rock. Over in MacArthur Park, Redd Kross and Juanita & Juan (a duo made up of Hollywood punk icons Alice Bag and Kid Congo Powers) headline the last Levitt Pavilion<\/a> show of the summer.<\/p>\n

\"Free
\nPhotograph: Courtesy Grettel Cortes <\/p>\n

8. See some alfresco theater<\/strong>
Fri\u2013Mon<\/strong><\/p>\n

Movies and music aren\u2019t the only culture you can catch outdoors this weekend. There\u2019s also live theater, courtesy of the Independent Shakespeare Co.<\/a>, who end their season this weekend with performances of not the Bard but Christopher Marlowe\u2019s Doctor Faustus in Griffith Park. If you really need your Shakespeare fix, you can see Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum<\/a>, nestled in Topanga Canyon.<\/p>\n

9. Get \u201cWeird\u201d at the Kia Forum<\/strong><\/a>
Sat<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the fine age of 65, \u201cWeird Al\u201d Yankovic proves he\u2019s still the weirdest kid on the block\u2014and he wears the crown proudly. From tearing up the accordion to creating and singing laugh-out-loud lyrics to the music industry\u2019s biggest hits, the curly-haired singer-songwriter has talent\u2014so much so that A-list celebs can\u2019t help but give a standing ovation. And his high-energy shows are full of funny clips and costume changes. The night before, come out and play with pop-punk stars the Offspring<\/a>, who\u2019ll be joined at the Forum by Jimmy Eat World and New Found Glory for a triple bill of nostalgia.<\/p>\n

\"Hollywood
\nPhotograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out <\/p>\n

10. Or round up your girls and have fun with Cyndi Lauper <\/strong><\/a>
Fri, Sat<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since last fall, pop culture icon Lauper has been traveling the world on her first major tour in a decade\u2014but also one that\u2019s being billed as a farewell. The \u201980s songstress and Kinky Boots composer is sure to bring timeless hits like \u201cGirl Just Want to Have Fun\u201d and \u201cTime After Time\u201d to a pair of performances at the Hollywood Bowl\u2014the final stop on the tour.<\/p>\n

11. Expand your palate at an outdoor market<\/strong>
Fri\u2013Sun<\/strong><\/p>\n

America\u2019s first large-scale night market, 626 Night Market<\/a>, takes over Santa Anita Park\u2019s Paddock Gardens with over 250 Asian street food and booze peddlers, live music, artists, games and more this weekend. And you can find some of L.A.\u2019s only Cambodian barbecue in Culver City\u2019s Platform Park on\u00a0Saturday night, plus other food pop-ups, at Kreung LA + Friends<\/a>, along with a live DJ spinning tunes and drinks from Chinatown\u2019s Melody Lounge.<\/p>\n

12. Watch classic films at the Writers Guild Theater<\/strong><\/a>
Fri\u2013Mon<\/strong><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Cinecon Classic Film Festival\u00a0isn\u2019t your typical film fest\u2014you won\u2019t find Casablanca on the schedule here, but instead you can catch Max Fleischer animation or restored Laurel and Hardy shorts, obscure silent films with live orchestra accompaniment and Q&As with the stars of yesteryear. Even avid film buffs are likely to encounter something they\u2019ve never seen before. You can buy a day pass for $85.<\/p>\n

13. Support local Black-owned businesses<\/strong><\/a>
Fri\u2013Sun<\/strong><\/p>\n

All month long, mobile farmers\u2019 market Prosperity Market has been hosting its annual a Black Business Scavenger Hunt, where you can win raffle prizes by shopping at more than 120 Black-owned businesses across L.A. Now they\u2019re capping off the month with a pop-up market<\/a> at the California African American Museum. Expect\u00a0over 50 locals vendors and farmers selling their wares, as well as a DJ, wine garden, photo booth, kids\u2019 area and more. Also wrapping up this weekend is Black Restaurant Week<\/a>, a celebration of African American, African and Caribbean cuisines that highlights under-the-radar Black-owned eateries across the L.A. area.<\/p>\n

14. Stroll a botanical garden with your four-legged friend<\/strong><\/a>
Sun<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you and your pup are attached at the hip, you can spend even more quality time together during this dog-friendly series at Palos Verdes\u2019 South Coast Botanic Garden<\/a>. This Sunday, you can roam the gardens\u2019 87 acres with your fur baby. Nearly all of the paths are open to pups. You\u2019ll find plenty of water stations set up across the grounds, as well as an optional obedience class for purchase. You\u2014the human\u2014will need a reservation, while your best friend\u2014the pup\u2014will need to remain on their leash at all times.<\/p>\n

\"Kassi\"
\nPhotograph: Courtesy Ashley RandallVenice rooftop bar Kassi. <\/p>\n

15. Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Whether you want to watch the sun set over the ocean or see sweeping views of the DTLA skyline, L.A. has a drinking spot that boasts the beautiful backdrop you\u2019re craving. From rooftop watering holes in Downtown<\/a> and Hollywood<\/a> to a few tried-and-true beachside bars in Venice<\/a> and Santa Monica<\/a>, here are the city\u2019s\u2014literally\u2014top rooftop bars.<\/p>\n

16. Be basic and go to the beach<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Sure, they\u2019ll probably be mobbed, but even if after reading all our suggestions above you\u2019re really just craving a day by the ocean, we don\u2019t blame you. Browse our guide to the 11 best beaches in L.A. to find your perfect seaside match, whether you want to surf, swim, people-watch or do some coastal hiking.<\/p>\n

\"A
\nPhotograph: Courtesy of Catalina Island Company <\/p>\n

17. Get out of town just for the day<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

L.A. is great and all, but sometimes you need a change of scenery. Luckily, living in L.A. means it\u2019s an easy (well, depending on traffic) and often scenic drive<\/a> to SoCal\u2019s best beaches, small towns, wineries and gorgeous desert landscapes. From wine tasting in Santa Barbara and vintage hunting<\/a> in Palm Springs to hiking in Joshua Tree, you\u2019re sure to find a short trip worth taking. My pick for the end of summer? A mini island getaway to Catalina.<\/p>\n

18. Or escape the city on an impromptu road trip<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Want to put a bit more distance between yourself and our fair city? Pack up the car\u2014and the kids\u2014for these 14 family-friendly road trips. You can find\u00a0forest vistas in\u00a0Big Bear, coastal charm\u00a0in Laguna Beach or, if you\u2019re up for a 5.5\u2013hour drive, fairy tale vibes\u00a0in Carmel.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Many of us think of Labor Day weekend as the end of summer (though fall doesn\u2019t technically begin…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":69086,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5123],"tags":[1582,276,10336,104213,2961,224,5337,18632,1072],"class_list":{"0":"post-185694","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-los-angeles","8":"tag-ca","9":"tag-california","10":"tag-categories-things-to-do","11":"tag-contributor-michael-juliano","12":"tag-la","13":"tag-los-angeles","14":"tag-losangeles","15":"tag-news-events-festivals","16":"tag-things-to-do"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115114397215666017","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/185694","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=185694"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/185694\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/69086"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=185694"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=185694"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=185694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}