Southern California summers are slowly ending, but don’t worry, we still have one more holiday weekend to squeeze out some fun before it gets cold (yes, anything under 70 degrees is cold in SoCal). If you still need to find something to do this weekend, we’ve put together some suggestions that have something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy some Greek food, dance to your favorite K-Pop tunes, listen live to classic soul and R&B, delve into Shakespearean prose in the park, or have a refreshing co*cktail by the pool, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our curated list of 10 things to do on Labor Day weekend.
The Long Beach Greek Festival brings dancing, music and traditional dishes to Southern California on Labor Day weekend. (Photo courtesy Long Beach Greek Festival)
Diana Ross (pictured performing on the Pyramid Stage during day five of Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 26, 2022 in Glastonbury, England) will headline the inaugural Fool In Love Festival at Hollywood Park on Saturday, Aug. 31. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Random play dance is seen at the K-POP Dance Night x the GRAMMY Museum x KCCLA K-POP DANCE NIGHT at GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live on Aug. 3, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Random play dance will be part of the activities at the K-Play Fest at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim on Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi, Getty Images)
The 626 Night Market is returning to Santa Anita Park during Labor Day weekend on Aug. 30 through Sept. 1. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Netflix)
This July 27, 2019 photo shows a general view at the Street Food Cinema John Singleton Tribute With “Boyz N The Hood” Screening at Exposition Park in Los Angeles, California. Street Food Cinema will host a “10 Things I Hate About You” screening on Saturday, Aug. 31, at The Autry Museum in Los Angeles. (Photo by Leon Bennett, Getty Images)
Gia Gunn (R) takes a selfie with a fan (L) at the LA Pride Parade on June 9, 2019 in West Hollywood, California. Gunn will perform at 340 Night Club in Pomona on Saturday, Aug. 31, as part of the property’s Labor Day celebrations. (Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino, Getty Images)
This Oct. 14, 2022 file photo shows The Cove at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula. On Saturday, Aug. 31, the pool deck area will offer live music, food and drinks. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
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The Long Beach Greek Festival brings dancing, music and traditional dishes to Southern California on Labor Day weekend. (Photo courtesy Long Beach Greek Festival)
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“10 Things I Hate About You” 25th Anniversary Screening
The screenplay for “10 Things I Hate About You” by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith turns 25 this year! The film, starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, is a modernization of William Shakespeare’s comedy “The Taming of the Shrew” and retold in a late-1990s American high school setting, but it’s still as relevant as ever. To celebrate, the Autry Museum in Los Angeles will host a film screening on Saturday, Aug. 31, with special guest Gil Junger, who directed the film. Along with a Q&A opportunity, Junger will share a part of his World Speaking Tour: Surviving The Creative Brain that aims to “inspire all creatives to disregard their self-limiting beliefs, embrace and unleash their creative genius unto the world.” Folks will also be treated to live music by Lunar Riptide and food truck options: Pickles & Peas, Tropic Truck, Lupita’s Tacos, FryDay, Love Bird Chicken, Rice Balls of Fire and Sure Good Soft Serve.
Where: 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles.
When: Doors at 6:00, screening at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 31
Tickets: General Admission is $22-$27, Reserved Section is $27-$32, Children’s General Admission is $10-$15, and Children’s Reserved Section is $15-$20. For more details, visit streetfoodcinema.com.
The Cove at Pechanga Resort Casino
As summer nears its end, it’s a reminder that the doses of sun will soon be a bit more sparse. So, while it sits bright in the sky for a few more weeks, it would be great to even out that tan or hit a pool party one last time. Rather than making the long haul to Las Vegas on a three-day weekend, check out The Cove at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, which will host live music by DJ LEONIDIS on Saturday, Aug. 31, beginning at noon. The 4.5-acre pool complex at the Temecula resort features four chlorine pools, three whirlpools, two twisty waterslides, an improved chlorine family pool, 27 cabanas, six daybeds, a walk-up restaurant and a swim-up bar. Be sure to check the property’s website for daybed, cabana pricing and other FAQ details before heading out.
Where: 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula.
When: Noon, Saturday, Aug. 31
Tickets: Free for hotel guests and $50 for nonhotel guests.
340 Night Club
If you’re looking for a place to party every night for the holiday weekend, you’ll want to stop by 340 Night Club in Pomona. The LGBTQ club kicks off its series of live DJs and drag shows starting on Thursday, Aug. 29, through Monday, Sept. 3. Saturday night at 9:30 p.m., guests will be treated to a performance by RuPaul’s Drag Race queen Gia Gunn, who will also stick around for a free meet-and-greet. Another perk, besides being a nonstop dance party featuring the best of pop and Latin music, is the venue’s drink menu, which is half off before 10 p.m.
Where: 340 S Thomas St., Pomona.
When: 8:30 p.m.- 2 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sept. 2.
Tickets: Free for guests 21-and-older before 9 p.m. and $20 after 9 p.m.
K-Play Fest
Are you a K-Pop fan and have been looking for a chance to meet other like-minded individuals? Check out K-Play Fest at the Anaheim Convention Center, an event hosted by K-Pop fans that will offer dance workshops to help nail down those complex choreographed moves by some of K-Pop’s biggest stars. Whether you’re a pro or ready to show off those dance moves, you’ll want to join the Random Play Dance, an activity where random songs will play, and if you know the choreography, you jump into the performance. The event will also feature several K-Pop cover dance performers and DJs throughout the weekend and a scavenger hunt that will award fans prizes at the end of each day.
Where: 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim.
When: Noon, Saturday, Aug. 31- Sunday, Sept. 1.
Tickets: $40 at kplayfest.com.
Long Beach Greek Festival
The annual Long Beach Greek Food & Music Festival is back for a full weekend of programming. Festival attendees can taste authentic Greek meat, vegetarian dishes (including a whole gyro booth), beers, coffees, and desserts. There will also be a slate of entertainment featuring live music by the Olympians Rena and Angelina Alexon. Onlookers can also check out a Greek Dance School Performance and participate in the food raffle and the Opportunity Raffle that will award a Dolce & Gabbana Handbag for first place, two Dodgers tickets for second place and two tickets to a Kings hockey game for third place. Winners for the raffle will be announced Tuesday, Sept. 4 and will not need to be present.
Where: 5761 E. Colorado St., Long Beach.
When: Noon, Friday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 2.
Tickets: $5. For more details, visit lbgreekfest.org.
Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival
Celebrate the magic of Shakespeare under the stars at the Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival, an entirely free summer tradition. Hosted at the historic Old Zoo, the Independent Shakespeare Co. brings to life the play “As You Like It” in a smaller, more intimate setting this year. With 40 performances to choose from, each show offers something unique, thanks to pre-show immersive elements. Don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket and snacks while enjoying the show.
Where: The Old Zoo in Griffith Park, 4801 Griffith Park Drive, Los Angeles.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30 – Sunday, Sept. 1
Tickets: Shows are free, but attendees must register ahead of time at iscla.com.
Fool In Love Festival
For fans of classic soul and R&B, get ready for a soulful gathering at the inaugural Fool In Love Festival on Aug. 31, held on the Hollywood Park grounds next to SoFi Stadium. Headlined by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, the event brings together a lineup of R&B and soul legends, including Santana, Al Green, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, the Isley Brothers, Charlie Wilson, Eric Burdon & the Animals, the O’Jays, and the Jacksons.
When: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Aug. 31
Where: Hollywood Park, 1001 S. Stadium Drive, Inglewood.
Tickets: Tickets start at $200-$450 at foolinlove.com.
626 Night Market
The 626 Night Market returns to Santa Anita Park’s front Paddock Gardens, bringing with it one of America’s largest Asian food markets. Spanning the summer evenings, the event features over 250 vendors offering a wide variety of Asian street food, drinks, and more. With live music, artists, and games, the market stays alive until midnight, making it a perfect late-night destination for food lovers.
When: 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. Aug. 30 – Sept. 1
Where: Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia.
Tickets: Passes start at $5.77 at 626nightmarket.com.
Jazz at LACMA
Jazz at LACMA continues to be one of L.A.’s top free live music experiences, offering a chance to hear jazz legends in a relaxed setting. For over three decades, this series has brought top-tier performances to the museum’s plaza, where seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If the seats fill up, you can still enjoy the music with a picnic on the grass, though your view of the stage may be limited. Held on Friday evenings in LACMA’s welcome plaza, just behind Urban Light, this event is a perfect way to wind down the week with some quality jazz.
When: 6 p.m. Friday evenings throughout the summer
Where: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles.
Tickets: Free, first-come, first-served seating
Zoo Friday Nights
Spend your Friday night at the L.A. Zoo, where select evenings offer a mix of activities. From live musical performances and dance parties to educational talks and twilight animal viewing, there’s plenty to explore. The carousel will be spinning, adding a touch of nostalgia to the evening, and for those 21 and over, a cash bar will be available.
When: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30
Where: LA Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles.
Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 per child and $15 for LA Zoo members. lazoo.org.
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