From Dodger baseball to ice cream showdowns, discover fun, family-filled events taking place in Los Angeles over Labor Day weekend
Labor Day is (literally) around the corner, and you might be brainstorming for family-friendly activities around LA that go beyond the usual suspects of splash pads and waterparks, playgrounds and parks, and going to the beach (although these beaches are our favorite if you’re looking for some recs). Don’t sweat it—from nights at the Hollywood Bowl to a Forest for the Trees, we’ve sussed out the most fun and unique events around town that will keep you and your brood happy all the way through the long weekend.
Family Friendly Labor Day Weekend Activities around LA
Maestro of the Movies at the Hollywood Bowl
Join the LA Philharmonic and Hollywood’s most iconic composer, John Williams, for an unforgettable night of cinematic scores from some of Williams’ biggest blockbusters, including Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Jaws, Star Wars and many more! Grab those light sabers and bring the kids for an evening to remember.
Good to Know: This super popular show tends to sell out.
When: Fri., Sept. 2 at 8 p.m., Sat., Sept. 3 at 8 p.m., and Sun. Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Advance tickets are available in a variety of price ranges online.
2301 N Highland Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: hollywoodbowl.com
Summer Evening Stroll at Huntington Gardens
Enjoy Huntington Gardens’ last summer evening stroll of the season where the whole family can check out the gorgeous gardens at twilight. With cooler temps and smaller crowds, it’s a lovely time to visit. The 1919 Café will be open until 7 p.m. so be sure to grab a delicious bite (and a glass of vino) as well.
Good to Know: Timed tickets tend to go quickly, so don’t delay.
When: Fri., Sept. 2, 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are available online and run $20 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-11, and littles 3 and under are free. Huntington Garden members are also free.
1151 Oxford Rd.
San Marino
Online: huntington.org
Boogie Down at Fiesta Hermosa
Load up the fam bam and head down to Hermosa Beach for Fiesta Hermosa, a 3-day celebration featuring live bands, a beach concert, a carnival with rides and games, a petting zoo, a food fair, an outdoor marketplace featuring local vendors, an art festival and much more. The event even features remote, free shuttle parking and a bike valet.
When: Sat., Sept. 3 - Mon., Sept. 5
Cost: Free
1 Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach
Online: fiestahermosa.net
Related: Here are All of the Free Things to Do in LA This Month with Your Kids
626 Night Market
Arcadia’s final 626 Night Market of the summer is an absolute must this Labor Day! As the largest night market in the United States, this iconic California festival inspired by the open-air nighttime bazaars of Asia, features over 250 local food and merchandise vendors, crafts, artists, games, live concerts and entertainment events. Kids will love the human-sized claw game and giant baby bottles filled with delicious fruit drinks. And the food–oh man, the food is to die for! It’s truly one of the most unique events in SoCal.
Good to Know: Some vendors only accept cash, so it’s best to have some on hand.
When: Sat., Sept 3 - Mon., Sept. 5, 4 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Cost: Admission is $5 in advance online, $6 at the door, and children 3 and under are free.
285 Huntington Dr.
Arcadia
Online: 626nightmarket.com
Poolside Cinema at Fairmont Miramar
Looking for a fun film experience under the stars that’s out of the ordinary? Check out the last weekend of Fairmont Miramar’s Poolside Cinema series with family-friendly showings of Brave and Cars II as you lounge poolside with food and drinks by hotel restaurant, FIG. Seating is complimentary for all hotel guests, but costs $25 per guest for everyone else.
When: Sat., Sept. 3 for Brave and Sun., Sept. 4 for Cars II, 8 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person if you're not a hotel guest and advanced tickets can be booked online. Hotel guests get free seating.
101 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica
Online: fairmont-miramar.com
Shin-Sen-Gumi’s 8th Charity Summer Festival
If you find yourself near Torrance this Labor Day weekend, be sure to swing by the Shin-Sen- Gumi 8th Charity Summer Festival. Held at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, the family-friendly event will feature a taste of Japan and celebration of Japanese culture with tons of live music, entertainment, anime cosplay, tasty food, drinks, and even an eating contest! All proceeds are donated to the City of Torrance and its education facility.
When: Sat., Sept. 3, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: General admission is $1 per person, cash only.
3330 Civic Center Dr.
Torrance
Online: tasteofjpn.com/ssgmatsuri
A Forest for the Trees
Wanna go into the woods? Check out the final weekend of A Forest for the Trees in Boyle Heights. This elaborate art installation—a collaboration from Atlantic journalists, tribal leaders, environmental scientists and incredible artists—has transformed a 28,000 sq. ft. DTLA space into a surreal and magical forest that invites families to contemplate their relationship with nature. Guests will experience illusions of controlling fire with their hands, talking animatronic trees, water you can walk on and multi-sensory storytelling. For every ticket purchased, two trees will be planted.
When: Now - Sun., Sept. 4
Cost: Timed tickets are available online with prices ranging from $15.50 - $37. Children under 6 are free.
490 S Mission Rd.
Los Angeles
Online: aforestla.com
Cinespia Outdoor Film Series
Seeing a summer movie in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is treasured tradition that many families look forward to each season. Over Labor Day weekend, Cinespia is screening two classics that kids of all ages will love—Grease and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Pack a picnic or grab some treats from the concession stand and grill. Gates open at 6:15 p.m. with DJs serving up fab sets until showtime at 8 p.m.
When: Sat., Sept. 3 for Grease and Sun. Sept. 4 for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Cost: General admission tickets are $22 in advance online.
6000 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: cinespia.org
Eat See Hear Outdoor Film Series
If Ratatouille is one of your fave films, you’ll definitely want to attend the Eat See Hear screening over Labor Day weekend at The Autry Museum. In true culinary fashion, an all-star lineup of food pop-ups will be available on site to satisfy your inner Remy the Rat with selections ranging from tacos and Caribbean food to BBQ and Filipino delights. Before showtime, R&B/Indie-pop performer StaJe will entertain the crowd.
When: Sun., Sept. 4, doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Advance online admission ranges from $14-$30.
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles
Online: eatseehear.com
The Music Center Dance DTLA
Get on your boogie shoes and join thousands of your fellow Angelenos for a free night of music and dancing on the Jerry Moss Plaza at the Music Center downtown. The super fun event features LA’s top DJs spinning tunes and local bands playing live while the crowd learns new moves in different dance styles—from Disco and Tango to Bollywood and Salsa. All ages are welcome!
When: Fri., Sept. 2, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
135 N Grand Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: musiccenter.org
Americana in the Park Concert
On Sun., Sept. 4, Santa Monica will host the Americana in the Park concert. Singer-songwriter, poet, author and culture bearer, Tina Orduno Calderon, will open the evening with a Tongva land acknowledgment and blessing, followed by a performance from nine-time world champion Native hoop dancer, Eric Hernandez. The headliner for the night is Prince Diabaté and Friends, widely regarded as one of the leading kora players of his generation. A variety of food trucks will be on site as well throughout the event.
When: Sun., Sept. 4, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
1819 Stewart St.
Santa Monica
Online: santamonica.gov
Jazz at LACMA
LACMA’s uber popular Friday night jazz performances continue over Labor Day weekend with a concert on the Smidt Welcome Plaza by Ladera Heights brothers, Aaron and Lawrence Shaw, otherwise known as Black Nile. Bring a picnic and the family for an evening of incredible tunes.
When: Fri., Sept. 2, 6 p.m.
Tickets: Free and all ages are welcome.
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: lacma.org
Go to a Dodgers Game
Take them out to the ball game this Labor Day as the Dodgers play at home all weekend long. Fri. - Sun., the boys in blue take on the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Friday’s game will feature fireworks as well. On Mon., the Dodgers go up against the San Francisco Giants. Play ball!
When: Fri. Sept. 2 at 7:10 p.m., Sat. Sept. 3 at 6:10 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 4 at 4:08 p.m. vs. the San Diego Padres. On Mon., Sept. 5 at 7:10 p.m. vs. the San Francisco Giants.
Cost: Tickets are available online in a wide range of prices.
1000 Vin Scully Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: mlb.com/dodgers
Café Gratitude’s Vegan Ice Cream Showdown
Café Gratitude Larchmont is hosting a Vegan Ice Cream Showdown on Labor Day! There will be live music, Oliopop root beer floats, raffle prizes, vegan bites, a photo booth and mouthwatering samples from local vegan ice cream vendors. For grown-ups, there will be special boozy ice cream spritzes—holla! Guests will also have a chance to taste, judge, and vote for their favorite ice cream with one vendor being crowned the ultimate champion!
When: Mon., Sept. 5, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Tickets: $20 through Eventbrite.
639 N Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: eventbrite.com
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