You’re probably looking for a way to escape this intolerable heat and we’ve got you covered. Cool down at one of the many festivals happening by the beach, catch a movie from an indie filmmaker or taste some of the best vegan ice cream in SoCal to beat the heat.

Sept. 2

Maestro Of The Movies: Celebrating John Williams At 90

Hollywood Bowl | 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068 | Sept. 2–4 | hollywoodbowl.com

With more than 40 Oscar nominations, John Williams is easily one of the best film composers of our lifetime. Known for the musical scores of “Harry Potter,” “Home Alone,” “Schindler’s List,” “Jurassic Park,” “E.T.,” and “Jaws,” among MANY others, Williams is rightfully being celebrated by the LA Phil who will perform some of his biggest hits and some selections will be played alongside film clips.

Witch!

Heritage Square Museum | 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles, CA 90031 | Sept. 2–5 | eventbrite.com

Witch! Witch! You’re a witch! In this immersive experience inspired by the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, you might get separated from the people you arrived with as you meet witches and inquisitors around the haunted mansions and abandoned chapel. Goody Putnam might even accuse you of witchcraft. 

22 & good 4 U Dance Party

House of Blues Anaheim | 400 W. Disney Way #337, Anaheim, CA 92802 | Sept. 2  | 22andgood4u.com 

If this has been a cruel summer, then shake it off until you feel happier than when you finally got your driver’s license. The music will play all night long so gather your squad for a dancing marathon. 

First Fridays Huntington Beach

Goldenwest College | 15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647 | Sept. 2 | eventbrite.com

Head to Huntington Beach for this free nighttime farmers market featuring over 75 vendors, food trucks (with vegan options), sweet treats, live music, photo ops and family games like giant Jenga and Connect Four. 

The Music Center’s Dance DTLA

Jerry Moss Plaza | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Sept. 2 | musiccenter.org

Learn a new dance under the stars at this very popular, free event. Instructor Fransini Giraldo guides the crowd through samba at this last event in the series as DJ Yukicito provides the music.

First Fridays Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Bixby Knolls | Sept. 2 | bixbyknollsinfo.com

Just before the start of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), celebrate with art, live music, dancing, eating, drinking and shopping. There will be salsa lessons, performances from Mariachi Las Catrinas, Puerto Rican Bomba from Taller Bula, and Caribbean Dynamics and a Hispanic Heritage program presented by Puente Latino Association and Semillitas Learning Community.

Gateway 2022 

Hilton Los Angeles Airport | 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 | Sept. 2-5 | strategicon.net

This gaming convention gives game enthusiasts the chance to play, watch and buy a variety of board games, card games, miniatures, role playing games, collectables, and video games.

Sept. 3

Fiesta Hermosa

Hermosa Beach | Sept. 3-5 | fiestahermosa.net

Head to Hermosa Beach for carnival rides, live music, shopping, a food fair, local breweries and wine. 

39th Annual Succulent Plants Symposium

The Huntington | 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 | Sept. 3 | huntington.org

Back in person, the symposium will feature speakers from around the world, a silent auction, a succulent plant sale, and a continental breakfast and lunch are included with your registration. 

Shin Sen Gumis 30th Anniversary Charity Summer Festival

Torrance Cultural Arts Center | 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503 | Sept. 3 | tasteofjpn.com

Get a taste of Japanese culture with various foods, live music, entertainment, anime cosplay, activities, and performances. This is a cash-only event and general admission is $1 with all revenue from admission going to charity. 

Aly & Fila

Hollywood Palladium | 6215 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | Sept. 3 | thehollywoodpalladium.com

Aly El Sayed Amr Fathalah (aka Aly) and Fadi Wassef Naguib (aka Fila) bring their brand of EDM music to the LA party scene with “Sounds of Egypt.”  

Sneaker Expo – Orange County

OC Fair & Event Center | 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | Sept. 3–4 | sneakerexpo.com

Get some new shoes or threads from vintage classics to the latest trends and when you’re done shopping check out Anime Impulse OC. 

Long Beach Comic Con

Long Beach Convention Center | 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802 | Sept. 3-4 | longbeachcomiccon.com

It might be smaller than San Diego’s, but Long Beach Comic Con promises to pack the weekend with comics, artist, exhibitors, cosplay and celebrity guests.

Anime Impulse OC

OC Fair & Event Center | 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626 | Sept. 3-4 | animeimpulse.com

A fusion of anime and manga with video game culture, K-Pop and Asian pop culture, Anime Impulse features all the typical con events like panel, vendors, artist and celebrity guests, but it also adds an itasha car show and Sneaker Expo.

626 Night Market

Santa Anita Park | 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 | Sept. 3-5 | 626nightmarket.com

The 626 Night Market is back in the 626 for another summer of delectable treats and new finds. Featuring vendors selling dim sum, tacos, BBQ ribs, desserts, boba, aguas frescas, churros and ice cream, and various styles of apparel, jewelry, home goods and collectibles, you’ll want to arrive early enough to see and taste everything. 

Long Beach Greek Festival

5761 E. Colorado St., Long Beach, CA 90814 | Sept. 3-5 | lbgreekfest.org 

Opa! Immerse yourself in Greek culture, food, music, dancing, and cooking demonstrations. 

Brick Fest Live

Hilton Anaheim California Ballroom | 777 W. Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802 | Sept. 3-4 | brickfestlive.com

You have two opportunities to catch Brick Fest Live in the Southland. Lego fans can expect over 25,000 square feet of displays, interactive shows, life-size models, building activities, photo opportunities and exclusive merchandise.

Sept. 4

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán

Starlight Bowl | 1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank, CA 91501 | Sept. 4 | starlightbowl.com

Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán has delighted audiences with traditional Mexican mariachi music for over 100 years. Alicia Villareal will perform an opening set with her band. 

Eat See Hear: “Ratatouille”

Autry Museum of the American West | 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Sept. 4 | eatseehear.com

Celebrate Labor Day weekend with some BBQ, music from LA-based musician StaJe, and Disney’s “Ratatouille,” the tail of a rat who dreams of being a chef in Paris’ elite culinary scene. Get there early and enjoy free admission to the museum but if you take your dog along, remember they won’t be allowed inside the museum. 

Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome

Mount Wilson Observatory | Sept. 4 | mtwilson.edu

Michael Valerio is joined by friends to serenade the audience with jazz selections from Paul Simon, Lennon and McCartney, Liever, Stoller and King, Valerio and more. There will be two shows.

Holland Festival

Gemmrig Park | 7390 E. Carson St., Long Beach, CA 90808 | Sept. 4 | nassocal.org

Celebrate the cultural heritage of the Netherlands and Indonesia with food, music, dancing, games, and vendors selling Dutch and Indonesian foods, arts and crafts. 

Santa Monica Americana in the Park Concert Series

Gandara Park | 1819 Stewart St., Santa Monica, CA 90404 | Sept. 4 | santamonica.gov

Singer-songwriter, poet, and author Tina Orduno Calderon will open the series with a Tongva land acknowledgment and blessing. Nine-time world champion Native hoop dancer Eric Hernandez will kick it off and will be followed by kora-player Prince Diabaté and Friends. Don’t worry about dinner tonight as food trucks will be on hand to satisfy your cravings. 

Cinespia: “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”

Hollywood Forever | 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038 | Sept. 4 | hollywoodforever.com

Watch Harry compete in the Triwizard Tournament and face down Voldemort. There will be DJ sets before and after the movie, a beer and wine bar, concession, and a photobooth.

Tchaikovsky Spectacular

FivePoint Amphitheatre |14800 Chinon, Irvine, CA 92618 | Sept. 4 | pacificsymphony.org

If you missed the LA Phil’s ode to Tchaikovsky, this is your chance to catch the Pacific Symphony’s version. The Pacific Symphony will play the “1812” overture with fireworks, Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto

Sept. 5

Vegan Ice Cream Showdown

Café Gratitude | 639 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004 | Sept. 5 | eventbrite.com

With record breaking heat expected through Tuesday, the safe thing to do is to cool down by tasting, judging and voting for your favorite vegan ice cream. Contestants include Dream Pops, Yoga-urt, Sunscoop, JDs Vegan Ice Cream and Café Gratitude.There will be live music, root beer floats, prizes and plant-based food. 

Summer Forever Fest

Paséa Hotel & Spa’s Ocean Lawn | 21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA, 92648 | Sept. 5 | feverup.com

Keep the summer vibes going with live music, lawn games, cold beer, and delicious food.

Sept. 6

Tropicana Movie Nights: “Xanadu”

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel | 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 9028 | Sept. 6 | eventbrite.com

Sip cocktails by the iconic Tropicana pool, then put in a food order to be delivered to your seat before you settle in for this special tribute to Olivia Newton-John. 

The Funny or Die Lab

Dynasty Typewriter at The Hayworth | 2511 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057 | Sept. 6 | eventbrite.com

This comedy variety show features up-and-coming talent te. sting new and exciting material

Sept. 7

1A – Live Explores Blaxploitation Films

Crawford Family Forum | 474 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105 | Sept. 7 | kpcc.org

Host Jenn White will talk to chef Keith Corbin about his journey from cooking crack to cooking for celebrities and opening a successful restaurant in Watts, and his memoir, “California Soul: An American Epic of Cooking and Survival.” 

Lola Boutée Presents TRiPTease Burlesque

TRIP Santa Monica | 2101 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405 l Sept. 7 l eventbrite.com

Lower your inhibitions and see what’s hot at LA’s longest running weekly burlesque and variety show. Every Wednesday features a fresh new lineup of talent hosted by the original dame herself, Lola Boutée.

Sept. 8

Downtown Street Market

Baldwin Park | Main Avenue, between Ramona Boulevard and Clark Street, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 | Sept. 8 | baldwinpark.com

Enjoy your summer nights with family and friends at Baldwin Park’s Downtown Street Market, featuring over 100 weekly vendors offering local cuisine, artisans, and two stages with scheduled performances. On Sept. 8, catch Anything for Salinas paying tribute to the Queen of TexMex on the South Stage and These Handsome Devils performing a tribute to Morrissey and The Smiths on the North Stage. A special set of beer gardens provided by Via Mar Restaurant and La Cosecha Mexican Bistro, will also be available for adults 21 and over.

Emily Johnson/Catalyst’s “Being Future Being”

The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center | 1310 11th St., Santa Monica CA 90401 | Sept. 8–10 | broadstage.org

Created by Doris Duke and Bessie Award-winning choreographer and writer Emily Johnson, belonging to the Yup’ik Nation, and featuring a commissioned score by Pulitzer Prize-winning Diné composer Raven Chacon, “Being Future Being” integrates movement, images, story, and sound in a kinetically rich social architecture that centers Indigenous thrivance. This is a pay-what-you-choose performance.

2022 Kickoff Experience Concert & Watch Party

Alamitos Beach | Sept. 8 | events.nfl.com

Kickoff the return of NFL football with the reigning Super Bowl Champs the LA Rams. Take a photo with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, catch a concert performance from J Balvin, meet Rams legends, check out exhibits, play some games, get some autographs, drink some beer or cocktails and grab some merch from your favorite team. The best part is the event is FREE and open to the public! Parking at the Long Beach Convention Center or at Pike Garage and be pre-purchased online. 

Burbank International Film Festival

Burbank AMC 16 Theatres | 125 E. Palm Ave., Burbank, CA 91502 | Sept. 8-11 | burbankfilmfest.org 

Support inclusive and culturally-diverse films and celebrate winners at the closing night gala and awards show. 

Ongoing

Long Beach Walls International Mural Festival

Long Beach | Through Sept. 4 | longbeachwalls.com

See the murals that aim to bring art and culture into public spaces while beautifying Long Beach. This year’s theme celebrates women in art and artists have been given free reign to create works throughout the city. Check out the schedule for details on events like artist talks, bike tours and the closing party. 

Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival

Griffith Park | 4801 Griffith Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Through Sept. 4 | iscla.org

The Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival returns for the summer with two shows. Up first, “Knight of the Burning Pestle,” a comedy written by a friend of Shakespeare, is an ode to inventive theater and will be on stage from July 2-31. Closing the season, “Macbeth” will transport audiences to its eerie world from Aug. 6-Sept. 4.

100 Great British Drawings

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens | 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 | Through Sept. 5 | huntington.org

“100 Great British Drawings” will trace the practice of drawing in Britain from the 17th through the mid-20th century. The exhibition will feature rarely seen treasures, including works by William Blake, John Constable, Thomas Gainsborough, and J. M. W. Turner, as well as examples by artists associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and early 20th-century modernism.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” & Exclusive Look at “Andor”

El Capitan Theatre | 1755 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028 | Through Sept. 5 | elcapitantheatre.com

Watch Lucasfilm’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” at the El Capitan Theatre with an exclusive look at the new Disney+ Series “Andor.” Tickets are $12 for all ages and include a “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” mini poster while supplies last.

“House of the Dragon: The Targaryen Dynasty”

Natural History Museum of LA County | 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007 | Through Sept. 7 | nhm.org

Ahead of the release of “House of the Dragon” on HBO Max, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and HBO Max have partnered to present “House of the Dragon: The Targaryen Dynasty,” a 2,500-square foot exhibit exploring the mythical world of Westeros, the Targaryen dynasty, and the dragons that ruled beside them. The exhibit features tutorials on the Valyrian language, original costumes from the show, and series memorabilia, including dragon eggs. In addition, a replica of a new Iron Throne will be on display and available for visitors to sit on and take pictures. 

Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival

LA Live Regal Cinemas | 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 | Through Sept. 7 | hollywoodreelindependentfilmfestival.com 

Support independent cinema in Los Angeles by catching some screenings of feature films, documentaries, and shorts from outside the traditional studio system that can get a little stale. 

“The Prom”

Ahmanson Theatre | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through Sept. 11 | centertheatregroup.org

This musical comedy, about Broadway stars traveling to a conservative town in Indiana to help a lesbian student who has been banned from bringing her girlfirend to her highschool prom, is full of heart and spunk. 

This Is Not America’s Flag

The Broad | 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through Sept. 25 | thebroad.org

Over 20 artists explore the complex, and often contradictory, meanings engendered by the flag of the United States of America. Conceptualized in 2020 during Black Lives Matter protests nationwide, the exhibit conceptualizes both the nation’s ideals and shortcomings.

“Animal Farm”

A Noise Within | 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 | Through Oct. 2 | anoisewithin.org

George Orwell’s savage satire, “Animal Farm,” gets a musical makeover. Just in time for midterm season, “Animal Farm” charts the fall of idealism and the rise of tyranny after the animals of Manor Farm rise up against their oppressive human owner in a struggle for rights and equality. Read my colleague’s Eloin Barahona-Garcia‘s interview with Director Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and actor Rafael Goldstein.

Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse

LACMA | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Through Oct. 9 | lacma.org

Highlighting fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen’s tailoring and dressmaking skills, the exhibition examines the different disciplines, imagination, innovation and artistic process that defined McQueen’s career. The exhibition will display McQueen garments from the Collection of Regina J. Drucker alongside artworks from LACMA’s permanent collection.

“(Re)Inventing the Americas: Repeat. Erase, Construct”

The Getty | 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049 | Through Jan. 8 | getty.edu 

Challenging European interpretations and often racist versions of history, “(Re)Inventing the Americas: Repeat. Erase, Construct” analyzes the creation of the mythologies that arose during the conquest and exploration of the Americas and reveals the influence that those myths and visions have had on defining the two continents. The exhibition will feature a collaboration with Denilson Baniwa, a contemporary artist from the Brazilian Amazon region who will generate different artistic interventions throughout the show.

“Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898–1971”

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Through April 9 | regenerationblackcinema.org

The exhibition explores the achievements and challenges of Black filmmakers in the US in both independent production and the studio system—in front of the camera and behind it—from cinema’s infancy in the 1890s to the early 1970s. A survey of the films and filmmakers explored in the exhibition will be shown until Sept. 29 and will feature more than 20 screenings. The Regeneration Summit, Feb. 3–5, 2023, will be a two-day celebration of Black cinema featuring artists, scholars, and filmmakers participating in conversations, workshops, and activations throughout the museum.

New Babies Exhibit

Aquarium of the Pacific | 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 | Through April 2023 | aquariumofpacific.org

Who doesn’t like baby animals? Meet baby sea otter pups, miniature sea jellies, baby cuttlefish and more baby animals to make you awww. You’ll also learn how they are cared for and about their ocean habitats. 

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