‘The Dance and the Railroad’
The Los Angeles Theatre Center | 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles | Oct. 1–Nov. 1 | latinotheaterco.org
Asian American theater collective Artists at Play and Latino Theater Company reunite for their fourth collaboration in four years with a rare revival of “The Dance and the Railroad,” an early work by David Henry Hwang. Set during the Chinese Railroad Workers’ Strike of 1867, two immigrant laborers form an unexpected bond through their shared love of Chinese opera. Together, they practice the ancient art form atop a mountain in the Sierra Nevada, finding connection and a sense of possibility even as their fellow workers below confront brutal labor conditions, isolation and cultural displacement. Tickets: $10–$48.
Los Angeles Korean Festival
Seoul International Park | 3250 San Marino St., Los Angeles | Oct. 1–4 | lakoreanfestival.org
The Los Angeles Korean Festival returns for its 53rd year for four days of food, live music, cultural performances, shopping and more. Admission is free.
‘Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares’
Bram Goldsmith Theater | 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills | Oct. 1–4 | thewallis.org
With her powerhouse Broadway voice and razor-sharp wit, Benanti delivers a no-holds-barred evening of stories and original songs that take aim at motherhood, people-pleasing, ambition, and the absurdities of getting older. Equal parts confessional and comedy, “Nobody Cares”, a New York Times Critic’s Pick, is a love letter to recovering people pleasers exhausted mothers, and anyone who’s ever tried to have it all. Tickets start at $53.90.
Metropolitan Fashion Week 2026 Opening Night
The Original Farmers Market | 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles | Oct. 1 | farmersmarketla.com
This year’s theme, “Cape Extravaganza,” brings designers from around the world together to reimagine the drama and elegance of the cape, from Victorian sophistication to Hollywood glamour. Admission: free.
Little Women Ballet Autumn Immersive Experience
Heritage Square Museum | 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles | Oct. 2–4 | littlewomenballet.org
The Autumn Immersive Experience invites audiences inside the Victorian houses of Heritage Square Museum to experience the March sisters’ story up close. Guided by costumed characters from house to house, guests watch intimate ballet vignettes just feet from the dancers, enjoy autumn treats, and join the cast in Victorian dancing.
LA Greek Festival
Saint Sophia Cathedral | 1324 Normandie Ave., Los Angeles | Oct. 2–4 | lagreekfest.com
More than 15,000 guests are expected over this 3–day celebration of Greek cuisine, wine, music, dancing, and cultural experiences. Tickets: $5.45 per day.
Rainbow & Raza
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza (Renberg Theatre) | 1125 N. McCadden Pl., Los Angeles | Oct. 2 | lalgbtcenter.org
Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles performs a program of queer-inspired ranchera music and mariachi-style Broadway show tunes. Tickets: $24.98–$71.98.
San Gabriel’s Dumpling & Beer Fest
Historic Mission District | 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel | Oct. 2 | dumplingandbeerfest.com
Dumplings, beer, live music, and vendors. What more do you need? Admission: free.
Día del Sonidero
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes | 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles | Oct. 2 | lapca.org
Enjoy a gathering of Sonideros, a type of DJ whose traditional main purpose has been to host dances in working-class neighborhoods for people who could not afford to pay the high prices of dance halls. While advance RSVP is recommended, entry is subject to capacity.
Oktoberfest at Fairplex
Fairplex | 1801 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona | Oct. 2–17 | fairplex.com
Oktoberfest returns with live bands, German food, cold beer, dancing, and a whole lot of fun. Advance online general admission: $17 Fridays / $20 Saturdays. Gate price: $20 Friday / $25 Saturday.
‘Boston Marriage’
European House LA | 12355 Rye St., Studio City | Oct. 2–24 | ticketsource.com/boston-marriage
Set in the late Victorian era, Anna and Claire are involved in a “Boston marriage”—a 19th-century term for a real social phenomenon where two educated women choose lifelong female companionship, living together independently of financial support from a man… often as lovers. Anna, prone to poetic fits of passion, has become the mistress of a wealthy man who supports her luxurious lifestyle, which she hopes can woo her longtime companion Claire to move in with her. However, the cool-yet-lascivious Claire has become infatuated with a much younger woman and wants to enlist a jealous Anna’s help to arrange a rendezvous. Tickets: $50.
Heart of Tataviam Pow Wow
William S. Hart Park | 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall | Oct. 3–4 | tataviam-nsn.us
Learn about Indigenous traditions and cultures, enjoy Intertribal dancing, watch live drum performances, and meet artisans and craft vendors. This event is free and open to the public.
LAAS Star Party
Mount Wilson Observatory | 100 Mt Wilson Circle Road, Mt Wilson | Oct. 3 | mtwilson.edu
Join Mount Wilson Observatory and the Los Angeles Astronomical Society for this free star party in the San Gabriel Mountains. This event does not give access to the 60– or 100-inch telescopes but telescopes will be provided by the members of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society.
Pier Play Festival Los Angeles
Santa Monica Pier | 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica | Oct. 3–4 | rasa.fyi/event/pierplay-festival
Enjoy two days of multi-genre dance music with ocean views. One-day general admission: $85.
Cinespia: ‘Corpse Bride’
Hollywood Forever Cemetery | 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles | Oct. 3 | cinespia.org
Picnic at Hollywood Forever Cemetery as DJ sets bring the block party to life, and enjoy classic movie treats. There will also be a free photo booth. Tickets start at $31.02.
Chumash Intertribal Powwow
Corner of Meadowvale Road and Hwy 246 in Santa Ynez | Oct. 3–4 | chumash.gov
Enjoy a weekend filled with traditional art, dance competitions, drum contests, food, arts & crafts, and more. Admission: $5.
Naija Fest
Gloria Molina Grand Park | 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles | Oct. 3 | naijafest.org
Celebrate Nigerian culture with music, cultural performances, and authentic food. Admission: free.
West Covina Moon Festival
West Covina City Hall | 1444 W. Garvey Avenue S., West Covina | Oct. 3 | westcovina.gov
Get ready for food, cosplay and live entertainment, including from tribute band Anything for Salinas. Admission: free.
Olvera Street Muertos Artwalk
Olvera Street | 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles | Oct. 3 | olveraevents.com
The Olvera Street Muertos Artwalk brings together artists from the greater Los Angeles community selling original artwork, jewelry, accessories, clothing, and more. There will also be performances from Ballet Folklorico Mi Lindo Mexico, Cayambe, Dos Voces de Mexico, Mila & Friends, Pu’uwai Danza, Ruby Clouds, Teatro del Barrio, and Xipe Totec Aztec Dancers. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
L.A. Taco’s Birria Mania
Santa Anita Park | Gate 3 Santa Anita Park, Arcadia | Oct. 3 | santaanita.com
Soak your tacos in birria consome and wash it down with cold craft beers and micheladas while enjoying music from a live DJ, lucha libre, mariachi and more. Birriamania starter pack: $37.54. Birriamania walk up admission: $10.
Karaoke Night
Lemon Zest | 607 N. Azusa Ave., Azusa | Oct. 3 | instagram.com/p/Dd1lqrmg5bu
Hosted by Ceci De La Hoya, this event for adults 21-and-older invites you to sing along to hits from Jenni Rivera, Selena, Vicente Fernandez and more. There will be a DJ keeping the music going. Admission is free.
‘Come From Away’
A Noise Within | 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena | Oct. 4–Nov. 8 | anoisewithin.org
When 38 planes were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001, its residents opened their homes to thousands of stranded strangers. With an infectious score and a spirit of generosity at its core, this uplifting, Olivier Award-winning musical is a testament to the best aspects of human nature. Tickets start at $41.75.
Rare Books LA
LA Union Station | 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles | Oct. 3–4 | rarebooksla.com
Rare Books LA returns with a selection of antiquarian books, maps, fine prints, book arts, and more. This year’s fair is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Anne Rice’s “Interview with the Vampire” with a 50th anniversary edition of the book published by Alfred A. Knopf that will be available bundled with a fundraiser ticket benefiting the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. General admission: $23.18.
Hollywood Forever Living History Walking Tour
Hollywood Forever Cemetery | 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles | Oct. 4 | artdecola.org
The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles will take you on a walking tour of the 127-year-old cemetery. You’ll visit gravesites of early Hollywood stars, movie moguls, and pioneers who shaped LA, to hear about their lives (both their accomplishments and misdeeds) from historians and living history performances. General admission: $30.
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome
Mount Wilson Observatory | 100 Mt Wilson Circle Road, Mt Wilson | Oct. 4 | mtwilson.edu
Listen to David Kaplan, piano, Ambroise Aubrun, violin, Ariana Solotoff, viola, Cécilia Tsan, cello, play Mahler, Brahms Op.60 in C minor. Tickets: $65.
The Los Angeles Italian Festival
1651 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles | Oct. 4 | thelosangelesitalianfestival.com
Kick off Italian American Heritage Month at The Los Angeles Italian Festival featuring Italian food, entertainment, celebrity guests, wine tastings, a tribute to Connie Francis, and more. General admission: $10.
‘Ever Present: A Moveable Feast of No: No Wave Women with Adele Bertei’
Getty Center | 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles | Oct. 4 | getty.edu
Revisit the women of New York’s punk and No Wave scenes with an evening of experimental music, performance, and wandering guitar players. Headlining the event are the Bush Tetras. Tickets are free, but required for event entrance.
Glendale Sister Cities Cultural Festival
Artsakh Paseo | 125 N. Artsakh Ave., Glendale | Oct. 4 | glendaleca.gov
Celebrate the different cultures that make Glendale special with live music, cultural performances, global flavors, artisan vendors, face painting and more. Admission: free.
Mehregan Family Festival 2026
Bowers Museum | 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana | Oct. 4 | farhang.org
Celebrate this ancient Iranian festival with a full day of cultural festivities including dance performances, workshops, music, children’s activities and more. Admission: free.
ONGOING
‘Antigone: In the Language of Kings’
Getty Villa | 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades | Through Oct. 3 | getty.edu
The Getty Villa Museum and Latino Theater Company present “Antigone: In the Language of Kings” for the 20th annual “Outdoor Classical Theater.” The ancient story, originally set in fifth-century B.C. Greece, of Antigone confronts themes of loyalty, familial duty and the clash between divine law and state edict. Latino Theater Company’s presentation sets the story in pre-conquest Tenochtitlan, Mexico, weaving in pre-Hispanic music and poetry and bringing Aztec mythology into Sophocles’ story. Thursday night performances are $45 ($40 for students and seniors), Friday night performances are $50, and Saturday night performances are $60.
Susan Angelo and Ellen Geer in “Waiting in the Wings.” | Photo by Ian Flanders
‘Waiting in the Wings’
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum | 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga | Through Oct. 3 | theatricum.com
Set in “The Wings,” a charity home for retired actresses, Noël Coward’s 50th play is a witty portrait of nine opinionated, funny, difficult and full of life women, each of whom once basked in public admiration — but who must now learn to face old age together, long after the curtain has fallen. A tribute to the theater that evokes the lives of aging stars, their lingering jealousies and the enduring power of friendship, Waiting in the Wings is a meditation on community and forgiveness. Old grievances linger here like half-remembered roles, but Coward suggests that bitterness is heavy to carry, and that reconciliation, no matter when, can be liberating. Tickets to performances range from $15 to $63.
‘Treasure Island’
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum | 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga | Through Oct. 3 | theatricum.com
In this re-imagining of the novel by Theatricum artistic director Ellen Geer, a young man’s romantic dream of pirates on the high seas becomes a harrowing reality. Tested at every turn, young Jim Hawkins faces each challenge with courage, trusting in a moral compass strong enough to triumph — and to discover the true treasure: a life lived with integrity and purpose. Tickets to performances range from $15 to $63.
‘The People of Pompeii’
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum | 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga | Through Oct. 4 | theatricum.com
Weeks after the Palisades Fire narrowly spares their Topanga home, Carlos and Vera invite friends over for a celebratory dinner party meant to restore a sense of normalcy. But as the night descends into EDM-fueled chaos, chocolate mushrooms and brutally honest confrontations, the myth of communal harmony begins to crack wide open. At once hilarious and deeply uncomfortable, The People of Pompeii dissects performative progressivism, gentrification, race, class and the uneasy social dynamics between longtime canyon residents and wealthy newcomers searching for authenticity as Topanga becomes increasingly trendier and more elite. Tickets to performances range from $15 to $63.
‘The Visit’
Pasadena Playhouse | 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena | Through Oct. 4 | pasadenaplayhouse.org
In “The Visit,” when the richest woman in the world returns to her struggling hometown, she’s ready and willing to rescue it from ruin… on one condition. In this haunting, twisted, and truly grotesque comedy, an entire community is forced to confront an unthinkable question: how far are you willing to go for a billion dollars?
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum | 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga | Through Oct. 10 | theatricum.com
Set against the natural backdrop of Topanga’s woods, this production requires no elaborate set design to conjure Shakespeare’s enchanted forest brimming with magic, mischief and romance. Audiences of all ages will be enchanted by the whimsical entanglements of four lovers, a troupe of bumbling actors, and the mischievous fairies who meddle with them. Tickets to performances range from $15 to $63. Children 4 and under are free.
Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Segerstrom Hall | 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa | Through Oct. 11 | scfta.org
This tale as old as time about far-off places, daring fights, and a prince in disguise, is taking over Segerstrom Hall. Tickets start at $44.
‘WASHOKU | Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine’
Japan House LA | 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles | Through Oct. 18 | japanhousela.com
This landmark exhibition explores the core elements, evolution, and cultural significance of washoku, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage.
‘Dog Man: The Musical’
Kirk Douglas Theatre | 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City | Through Oct. 18 | centertheatregroup.org
Based on the bestselling series by Dav Pilkey, “Dog Man: The Musical” follows the chronicles of Dog Man, who loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. Tickets start at $40.25.
‘Marisol’
Atwater Village Theatre | 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles | Through Oct. 24 | openfist.org
“Marisol” is a darkly funny, apocalyptic fable about survival, faith and hope. After her guardian angel abandons her to join the celestial battle against a senile God, Bronx resident Marisol Pérez must navigate a terrifying, unraveling world on her own while struggling to preserve her humanity. Tickets range from $26 to $40.
‘Winter’s Bench’
24th Street Theatre | 1117 W. 24th St., Los Angeles | Through Oct. 25 | 24thstreet.org
Actress Anne Gee Byrd, joined onstage by flutist Shih-wei Wu, stars in the world premiere of “Winter’s Bench,” a lyrical and deeply human new play by Olivier Award-winning British playwright Mike Kenny. Set in a park where only one ancient tree remains, Winter’s Bench follows Gladys, an elderly woman who has spent a lifetime believing the tree spoke to her when she was a child, and who waits, even now, to hear its voice again. Tickets range from $10 to $24 with Monday performances offered on a pay-what-you-can basis.
The Haunted Harvest
Frosty’s Forest & Pumpkin Patch | 14861 Ramona Ave., Chino | Through Oct. 31 | thehauntedharvest.com
Make your way through six haunted houses scattered throughout a sprawling 2-acre corn maze that you must navigate in the dark with monsters at every turn. General Admission: $30.
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles | Through Nov. 1 | losangeleshauntedhayride.com
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride returns with more frights and fun from Fallen Angel Haunted Attraction, Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem Haunted Attraction, Midnight Falls Cider Mill (fresh apple cider and warm cider donuts await.), Zombie Splat Gellyball Experience, Madame Aurora’s Seance Theatre, add-on experiences and more. Tickets start at $34.99.
Prancers Farm Fall Festival
Prancers Farm | 8540 E. Telegraph Road, Santa Paula | Through Nov. 1 | prancersfarm.com
Spend a day on the farm soaking in the fall atmosphere and enjoying hayrides, the corn maze, live entertainment on weekends, festive photo opportunities, and scenic views throughout the farm. You can also pick out the perfect pumpkin. Tickets start at $15.47.
Dark Harbor
The Queen Mary | 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach | Through Nov. 1 | darkharborhalloween.com
The Queen Mary transforms into a Halloween festival featuring haunted mazes, monsters, immersive attractions, live entertainment, VIP experiences, themed bars and lounges, carnival rides, festive foods, photo ops and more. Tickets: $58.99.
‘Hold Each Other’s Hands: Trans Mutual Aid 1966 – 1996’
OXY ARTS | 4757 York Blvd., Los Angeles | Through Dec. 5 | oxyarts.oxy.edu
“Hold Each Other’s Hands” chronicles a history of mutual aid led by transgender and gender expansive people. This exhibition explores how people with various relationships to gender nonconformity have worked together to develop inventive mutualistic models to create communities. With archival installations, contemporary artworks, featured speakers, and community programming, “Hold Each Other’s Hands” holds space for expansive thinking and public dialog around collectivity, co-existence, and care.
‘Instante/revelación: Moments in Mexican Photography’
Getty Center | 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles | Through Jan. 3 | getty.edu
“Instante/revelación: Moments in Mexican Photography” brings together a selection of works by 13 influential photographers, tracing Mexican photography from the late 1920s to the mid-2010s. This bilingual exhibition offers a nuanced portrait of Mexico’s visual culture. Spanish-language guided tours will also be offered monthly throughout the exhibition.
‘Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon’
Academy Museum | 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles | Through Feb. 28 | academymuseum.org
“Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon” will celebrate Marilyn Monroe as a visionary actor and image-maker, examining the many facets of how she created and shaped her public image in the context of the classical Hollywood studio system. The pink satin gown will be on view in the exhibition, located on Level 3 in the Rolex Gallery. General admission tickets for the museum’s exhibitions are $25 for adults, $19 for seniors (age 62+), and $15 for students.
‘Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo’
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles | Through March 21 | academymuseum.org
The Academy Museum presents Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo, celebrating the artistry of Studio Ghibli and the hand-drawn animation behind the 2008 film. The exhibition features over 100 original materials from Studio Ghibli, including art boards, posters, an animation desk, and hand drawings by Hayao Miyazaki, many on display in North America for the first time. Curated by Jessica Niebel with assistant curator Emily Rauber Rodriguez. The museum is open six days a week, closed on Tuesdays. Tickets $15–$25; film screenings $5–$10.
