We’ve been in the midst of a scorcher lately, and there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight. That doesn’t mean we can’t have a little bit of fun, though. Dive into crustaceous treats at the Lobster Festival, or find a sweet spot outside to watch ‘Encanto’ for the hundredth time.

Sept. 9

Los Angeles Rum & Tiki Festival

The Majestic Downtown | S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90014 | Sept. 9 | larumfest.com

Whether you’re an industry professional or simply enjoy the taste of rum, the Los Angeles Rum & Tiki Festival will have tastings and seminars to fit your level of interest and expertise. 

Mariachi Fest: Mariachi Ausente

Irwindale Park Plaza | Sept. 9 16 23 30  | irwindaleca.gov

Enjoy a relaxing evening of good food and mariachi music every Friday night at Irwindale Park. 

Candlelight: An Evening with Vitamin String Quartet

Immanuel Presbyterian Church | 663 S. Berendo St., Los Angeles, CA 90005 | Sept. 9 | feverup.com 

The LA-based group behind the classical covers on Netflix’s “Bridgerton” brings hits from the show like their reimaginings of “Thank U, Next” and “bad guy” as well as new covers like “Welcome to the Black Parade” and “Flashing Lights.”

D23 Expo 2022

Anaheim Convention Center | 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802 | Sept. 9-11 | d23expo.com

The largest Disney fan event in the world will celebrate Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars. Guests will be treated to new details, first looks, sneak peeks, surprises and announcements for upcoming theatrical and Disney+ projects. Studio heads, filmmakers, and cast members will be on stage for the reveals. On Saturday, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm will give peeks at their upcoming films, specials and series. Disney Park fans won’t want to miss Sunday as Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro gives a look at the future of the parks during a presentation that promises to be full of exciting new surprises. This year’s exhibit, “Walt Disney Archives presents Step in Time,” will kick off Disney100, a chronological exhibition showcasing assets from the company’s nearly 100-year history. 

Original Lobster Festival

Fountain Valley Sports Park | 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708 | Sept. 9-11 | originallobsterfestival.com 

There’s no need to fly to Maine for lobster when it is being flown to SoCal daily during the festival. Send in the dancing lobsters because there will also be live music, a VIP lounge and cabanas, free souvenir photos, tequila/whiskey tastings, arts and crafts booths, a variety of tasty treats, a karaoke lounge with a live band, carnival rides and many other activities for kids. 

Redondo Beach Pier Free Family Movie Nights: “Spider-Man: No Way Home”

Redondo Beach Pier – Octagon | 500 Fishermans Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 | Sept. 9 | eventbrite.com

Pack some blankets or chairs and escape the heat at the Redondo Beach pier for a free movie.

Free Beach Movie Nights: ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’

Dockweiler Youth Center | 12505 Vista Del Mar, Playa del Rey, CA 90293 | Sept. 9 | eventbrite.com 

Enjoy free family-friendly movies by the waves. 

Full Moon Forest Bathing

LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden | 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007 | Sept. 9 | arboretum.org

Register to reap the physiological benefits of forest bathing while deepening your connection to nature. A certified guide will be present to help you on your meditative journey.

Sept. 10

Downtown Decades: Y2K Party

Vino’s Back Alley | 10 N. First St., Alhambra, CA 91801 | Sept. 10 | downtownalhambra.com

We’re going to party like it’s 1999! Wear your best Y2K threads (if you don’t have any, they’re all back in style at stores) and get ready to dance to the best hip hop, R&B and party music of the aughts. 

Broadway on Film

LA County Arboretum | 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007 | Sept. 10 | pasadenasymphony-pops.org

From “Funny Girl” to “Chicago,” Tony-winner Lillias White, Tony-nominated Tony Yazbeck; and Tony-nominated, SAG- and Emmy-winner LaChanze, and principal Pops conductor Michael Feinstein will take you on a journey through some of the most iconic Broadway musicals. 

Desde México: Pacífico Dance Company 30th Anniversary

The Ford | 2580 Cahuenga Blvd., East, Los Angeles, CA 90068 | Sept. 10 | theford.com

Pacifico Dance Company will perform two dance suites illustrating the different cultures and regions of Mexico and its people, and the history that shaped the country. 

Santa Monica Pier Classic Car Show

Santa Monica Pier | 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 | Sept. 10 | eventbrite.com

Benefitting youth services and after-school programming for underserved youth in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County, this free event for spectators will feature over 200 cars on display, DJs, folklorico, vendors, food and raffle prizes. 

L.A. Live Score Film Festival

Barnsdall Gallery Theatre | 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Sept. 10 | eventbrite.com

Winning festival film composers and filmmakers are paired to create an original score that will be performed at the festival. The short films are screened with the original scores performed live by the Helix Collective. 

Venice Car Show Traquero Monument Fundraiser

Oakwood Recreation Park | 767 California Ave., Venice, CA 90291 | Sept. 10 | eventbrite.com 

Celebrating Mexican Independence Day and raising funds for the Mexican American Traquero Monument, the Venice Car Show is a family-friendly community event featuring classic cars and lowriders, food trucks, Aztec dancers, mariachi, rapper Baby Dog, DJs and local vendors. 

Music x Flowers

South Coast Botanic Garden | 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 | Sept. 10 | southcoastbotanicgarden.org

Music x Flowers highlights African American voices in floriculture through immersive classes, music, fashion, food, drinks and programs that include yoga, meditation and floral arranging. Visitors will also get to watch artists creating seven major floriculture installations inspired by LA music and culture.

KCRW Summer Nights: Tolliver

One Colorado | 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103 | Sept. 10 | eventbrite.com

KCRW’s Travis Holcombe is bringing Tolliver with his brand of soul, funk, pump and camp dance music to One Colorado’s open-air courtyard. 

17th Annual Japanese Classic Car Show

Marina Green Park | 386 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA 90803 | Sept. 10 | japaneseclassiccarshow.com 

Car fans will see classic Japanese cars on display and enjoy treats from food trucks. 

Free Marina Movie Nights: ‘Encanto’

Burton Chace Park | 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 | Sept. 10 | eventbrite.com

Pack a picnic and cool down by the sea as you watch a free movie under the stars. 

Brick Fest Live

Pasadena Convention Center | 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101 | Sept. 10-11 | 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. 11

Santa Monica Americana in the Park Concert Series

Gandara Park | 1819 Stewart St., Santa Monica, CA 90404 | Sept. 11 18 25 | 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. 

KCRW Summer Nights: Mark de Clive-Lowe

One Colorado | 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103 | Sept. 11 | eventbrite.com 

KCRW DJ LeRoy Downs brings electronic jazz pioneer and pianist Mark de Clive-Lowe to One Colorado. De Clive-Lowe explores themes of identity in his music that blends acoustic and electronic music. 

Sept. 12

Artists at Play present a reading of ‘Marabella’ by Bony B. Alvarez

A Noise Within | 3352 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 | Sept. 12 | anoisewithin.org

How much should a woman be willing to sacrifice for the adoration of a man? Artists at Play and A Noise Within’s “Noise Now” community engagement series present a staged reading of “Marabella,” a contemporary, multi-ethnic adaptation of Euripides’ Medea by acclaimed playwright Boni B. Alvarez.

Sunmi

The Wiltern | 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010 | Sept. 12 | thewiltern.net

Kpop sensation Sunmi, former member of the girl group Wonder Girls, is performing her hit songs like “Gashina” and “24 Hours” at The Wiltern.  

Sept. 13

Tropicana Movie Nights: ‘Xanadu’

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel | 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 9028 | Sept. 13 20 27 | 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. 

Sept. 14

‘Sanctuary City’

Pasadena Playhouse | 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 | Sept. 14-Oct. 9 | pasadenaplayhouse.org

“Sanctuary City” is the provocative, unforgettable story of two life-long friends, their tenuous grip on living in America, and persevering through whatever comes their way with wit and grit. Profoundly human and undeniably universal, it begs the question: how much do we owe to one another? The Los Angeles premiere by Pulitzer Prize-winner Martyna Majok stars Ana Nicolle Chavez (Apple TV +’s “Truth Be Told”) as “G,” and Miles Fowler (HBO’s “Winning Time”) as “B.”

Lola Boutée Presents TRiPTease Burlesque

TRIP Santa Monica | 2101 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405 l Sept. 14 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. 15

Lang Lang Plays Disney

Hollywood Bowl | 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068 | Sept. 15 | hollywoodbowl.com

Internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang draws on iconic movie melodies from the magical world of Walt Disney in newly reimagined versions written especially for him. Featuring music from Lang Lang’s forthcoming album “The Disney Book,” the evening will also include film clips and fireworks. 

Downtown Street Market

Baldwin Park | Main Avenue, between Ramona Boulevard and Clark Street, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 | Sept. 15 | 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. 15, catch Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles on the South Stage and Queen Nation performing a tribute to Queen 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.

‘Melancholia’

Los Angeles Valley College | 5800 Fulton Ave., Valley Glen, CA 91401 | Sept. 15-17 | latinotheaterco.org

Los Angeles Mission College | 13356 Eldridge Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342 | Sept. 22-24 | latinotheaterco.org

East Los Angeles College | 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754 | latinotheaterco.org

The Los Angeles Theatre Center | 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 | latinotheaterco.org

Combat fatigue, shell shock, PTSD. Originally developed and written collectively by members of the Latino Theater Lab (a program of the Latino Theater Company) through a process of research, improvisation and the exploration of new theatrical expressions, “Melancholia” is a stylized performance work about a young Latino marine who, having returned home from the Iraq war, struggles to reconnect with a world that no longer makes sense.

“The Great Jheri Curl Debate”

David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center of the Arts | 120 Judge John Aiso St.,  Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Sept. 15–Oct. 9 | eastwestplayers.org

Veralynn Jackson knows hair, her neighborhood, and that the invention of the Jheri Curl marks the end of the world. When she takes a job in Mr. Kim’s Korean-owned Black beauty supply store and the posters start talking to her, Veralynn might finally come to know her true calling. South Side Chicago meets South Korea in this heartfelt play where a business partnership and a touch of magical realism bring these two unlikely friends closer to understanding themselves and each other.

Ongoing

“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 girlfriend to her high school prom, is full of heart and spunk. 

Burbank International Film Festival

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

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

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 the 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. 

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.

Lavender Nights

123 Farm | 10600 Highland Springs Ave., Cherry Valley, CA 92223 | Through Oct. 23 | 123farm.com

Lavender may be out of bloom but you can stroll through the fields, admire half a million lights outdoors as you dine, enjoy live music and shop at the marketplace. You can even rent your own s’mores pit. 

“(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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