Many of us think of Labor Day weekend as the end of summer (though fall doesn’t technically begin until September 22). But in Los Angeles, we know better. We’re in the midst of a heat wave, and we’re still in for weeks of sunny days and balmy, warm nights where we can keep summer alive.
In the meantime, if you’re in need of ideas for the best way to spend your long weekend, we’ve got you covered with 18 picks, from alfresco films to pop-up markets, free concerts to stadium shows. Here are our top things to do this Labor Day weekend.
1. Watch a movie outdoors
Fri–Mon
Outdoor movie season isn’t slowing down yet—in fact, some series keep the fun going all year long—but this weekend is particularly full of fun films. On Friday, Dive-In Movie Nights presents Moana poolside at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown; the Huntington is showing Paddington 2 as part of its family-friendly Summer Movie Nights; and Friday Movie Nights hosts a free screening of The Goonies at Ovation Hollywood. In DTLA, Rooftop Cinema Club has a reliably great lineup throughout the weekend: Amélie, When Harry Met Sally…, The Godfather, Pride & Prejudice, Crazy, Stupid, Love and La La Land. Meanwhile, Cinespia hosts The Princess Bride on Saturday and The Silence of the Lambs on Sunday; the Montalbán is showing Scream and Before Sunrise; and if there are any 1D fans in the house, Street Food Cinema will present One Direction: This Is Us at the Autry.
2. Cool off with tasty frozen treats
Sat, Sun
We’ve 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 special area of the market serving up artisanal scoops, soft-serve, gelato, shaved ice and fruit bars—has been keeping it cool on Sundays since July, and August 31 marks its last installment of the year. Don’t 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 Saturday and Sunday.
3. Shop viral home decor IRL
Sun
Facebook Marketplace is taking over the weekly Melrose Trading Post 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’re inside, you can score free vintage pieces, styling sessions, portraits, treats and exclusive L.A. swag—plus complimentary coffee from Stereoscope down the street.
4. Party poolside at the hottest bars
Fri–Mon
Bars that boast a pool are celebrating the long weekend with pool parties, including a sexy daytime gathering at Skybar in West Hollywood and a country-inspired celebration with a cowboy cookout and karaoke at Desert 5 Spot. And Downtown at rooftop bar Golden Hour, DJs will take the stage from day to night at a handful of events, including the season finale of Dim Mak Afloat and a brunch pool party Monday afternoon.
5. Or make a splash at the best public pools in L.A.
Fri–Mon
If you’re 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 former old-Hollywood beachfront estate that’s been transformed into a public club with a historic pool. Its recreational swimming season winds down on Sunday—as do many of the pools on our list—but it’ll still be open on weekends through September. After your dip, stick around for a game of ping-pong or beach volleyball.
6. Listen to live music on top of a mountain
Sun
Hear live music a mile above the city at the Mount Wilson Observatory—specifically inside the dome of its 100-inch Hooker telescope—during an installment of its monthly concert series this Sunday. This weekend’s 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.
7. Or catch a free concert
Fri, Sat
Summer offers a wealth of riches when it comes to live music—specifically free concerts in some of the city’s most beloved cultural destinations. You can have your pick of four this weekend: Grammy-winning composer and bassist Trevor Ware plays Jazz at LACMA on Friday, KCRW DJs Raul Campos and Jason Kramer spin at Santa Ana’s Bowers Museum as part of the station’s popular Summer Nights series on Saturday, and Redondo Beach’s Free Concerts on the Pier 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 show of the summer.
8. See some alfresco theater
Fri–Mon
Movies and music aren’t the only culture you can catch outdoors this weekend. There’s also live theater, courtesy of the Independent Shakespeare Co., who end their season this weekend with performances of not the Bard but Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus in Griffith Park. If you really need your Shakespeare fix, you can see Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, nestled in Topanga Canyon.
9. Get “Weird” at the Kia Forum
Sat
At the fine age of 65, “Weird Al” Yankovic proves he’s still the weirdest kid on the block—and he wears the crown proudly. From tearing up the accordion to creating and singing laugh-out-loud lyrics to the music industry’s biggest hits, the curly-haired singer-songwriter has talent—so much so that A-list celebs can’t 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, who’ll be joined at the Forum by Jimmy Eat World and New Found Glory for a triple bill of nostalgia.
10. Or round up your girls and have fun with Cyndi Lauper
Fri, Sat
Since last fall, pop culture icon Lauper has been traveling the world on her first major tour in a decade—but also one that’s being billed as a farewell. The ’80s songstress and Kinky Boots composer is sure to bring timeless hits like “Girl Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time” to a pair of performances at the Hollywood Bowl—the final stop on the tour.
11. Expand your palate at an outdoor market
Fri–Sun
America’s first large-scale night market, 626 Night Market, takes over Santa Anita Park’s 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.’s only Cambodian barbecue in Culver City’s Platform Park on Saturday night, plus other food pop-ups, at Kreung LA + Friends, along with a live DJ spinning tunes and drinks from Chinatown’s Melody Lounge.
12. Watch classic films at the Writers Guild Theater
Fri–Mon
The Cinecon Classic Film Festival isn’t your typical film fest—you won’t 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’ve never seen before. You can buy a day pass for $85.
13. Support local Black-owned businesses
Fri–Sun
All month long, mobile farmers’ 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’re capping off the month with a pop-up market at the California African American Museum. Expect over 50 locals vendors and farmers selling their wares, as well as a DJ, wine garden, photo booth, kids’ area and more. Also wrapping up this weekend is Black Restaurant Week, a celebration of African American, African and Caribbean cuisines that highlights under-the-radar Black-owned eateries across the L.A. area.
14. Stroll a botanical garden with your four-legged friend
Sun
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’ South Coast Botanic Garden. This Sunday, you can roam the gardens’ 87 acres with your fur baby. Nearly all of the paths are open to pups. You’ll find plenty of water stations set up across the grounds, as well as an optional obedience class for purchase. You—the human—will need a reservation, while your best friend—the pup—will need to remain on their leash at all times.
15. Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar
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’re craving. From rooftop watering holes in Downtown and Hollywood to a few tried-and-true beachside bars in Venice and Santa Monica, here are the city’s—literally—top rooftop bars.
16. Be basic and go to the beach
Sure, they’ll probably be mobbed, but even if after reading all our suggestions above you’re really just craving a day by the ocean, we don’t 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.
17. Get out of town just for the day
L.A. is great and all, but sometimes you need a change of scenery. Luckily, living in L.A. means it’s an easy (well, depending on traffic) and often scenic drive to SoCal’s best beaches, small towns, wineries and gorgeous desert landscapes. From wine tasting in Santa Barbara and vintage hunting in Palm Springs to hiking in Joshua Tree, you’re sure to find a short trip worth taking. My pick for the end of summer? A mini island getaway to Catalina.
18. Or escape the city on an impromptu road trip
Want to put a bit more distance between yourself and our fair city? Pack up the car—and the kids—for these 14 family-friendly road trips. You can find forest vistas in Big Bear, coastal charm in Laguna Beach or, if you’re up for a 5.5–hour drive, fairy tale vibes in Carmel.