Rumor has it, Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer, but we Angelenos know summer doesn’t stop till … does it ever stop? With 2016 already breaking heat records, September is bound to be hotter than Hades. Nonetheless, this weekend is packed with some final summer flings and with an extra day of R&R on your calendar, the more the merrier! We’re talking not one, not two or three, but four food festivals. Or, get your Bard on in Griffith Park, break out your bikini atop the Queen Mary or tell ‘em you’ve gone fishing — in the LA river. If you’re already sunburnt and watching your waistline, stay indoors for some Pokémon wrangling or classic Hollywood films. Don’t forget: it’s also John Williams’ weekend at The Bowl. It’s all happening here in Los Angeles.
Thursday, September 1
Pokémon GO Tournament
Do yourself a favor and step away from hunting Pokeys on the streets (I’m talking to you, Mr. Man who stopped traffic to retrieve your Pokémon the other morning) and into the safety of the Wiltern for a one hour gym battle. Whichever team holds their ground for the longest or gets the gym to level 10 is the winner. There’s also a cosplay contest, so come dressed as your favorite character and attempt to snag the $100 grand prize.
Image courtesy of @pokemon
Thursday, September 1 - Sunday, September 4
Final nights - Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival
One of the most unique events of the summer is drawing to a close this weekend and parting will be such sweet sorrow. Pack a rug, picnic, some vino, a handful of friends and settle in for an evening of sorcery, treachery and wit as The Tempest unfolds under the stars at the Griffith Park Old Zoo. Audience involvement is welcome and laughs are always aplenty. Pro Tip: Get there after 5 p.m. to snag a good spot and socialize before the show kicks off.
Deets: 7 p.m.; Old L.A. Zoo, Griffith Park; Enter at Crystal Springs Drive and follow the hot pink signs; More info HERE. FREE, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Image courtesy of Independent Shakespeare Co.
Thursday, September 1 - Monday, September 5
The 52nd Cinecon Classic Film Festival
Every Labor Day weekend you can count on two things: grilled meat and the Cinecon Classic Film Festival at The Egyptian Theatre. Now in its 52nd year, attendees can enjoy screenings of rare and restored films, over 40 in total, with this year’s highlight being the new restoration of King of Jazz starring Bing Crosby in his very first film. There’s also rare movie memorabilia on sale. Check out the full lineup of events HERE.
Image courtesy of Cincon Classic Film Festival
Friday, September 2 - Sunday, September 4
The Taste - LA Times
With five events over the span of three days which feature unlimited food tastings and a whole lotta cocktails, you can be sure this will blow your Aunt Linda’s Labor Day BBQ out of the park. We’re talking LA’s best chefs and bartenders at your beck and call. Michael Cimarusti (Providence, Connie and Ted's) will be co-hosting Field to Fork on Saturday and our mate Ryan Wainwright will be mixing up drinks at Dinner with a Twist.
Image courtesy of The Taste
626 Night Market
While on the topic of tantalizing one’s tastebuds, it’s about that time for everyone’s favorite pop-up market. 626 Night Market is the largest Asian-influenced night market in the US and it’s right on your doorstep. With an immense spread of incredible food stalls (you can plan your menu HERE), there’s also an array of merchandise, games and entertainment on hand so you can take digestion breaks between between devouring each stall’s offerings.
Deets: 4 p.m. - 1 a.m., Santa Anita Park, $3 entry fee. More info HERE
Image courtesy of 626 Night Market
Friday, September 2nd - Monday, September 5th
The LA County Fair
Childhood dreams of cotton candy, ferris wheels and running away to become a circus acrobat come true this month as the county fair rolls back into town. But this is not your ordinary fair. There will also be dinosaurs, an ice rink in an igloo, wine tasting and a farm full of animals. Then there’s Blondie. Yes — That Blondie! Another favorite blonde, Iggy Azalea, will also be hitting the stage. Just please, no clowns.
Deets: Pomona Fairplex Complex, Weekend/Holiday admission Adults $20, Kids $12, Under-5’s Free. Tickets HERE.
Image courtesy of LA County Fair
Saturday, September 3rd
FoLAR Off Tha’ Hook Fish Derby
The Fish and Wildlife Service are kind. This year is The Third Annual Friends of the Los Angeles River Fish Derby—one of the few days fishing is free and open to the public every year. No license is required, but you must BYO fishing rod. This one’s a day for the whole family with experienced volunteers to teach kids how to fish, arts and crafts and a team of biologists who are on hand to measure, weigh and catalogue every little fishy before they’re released back into the river.
Deets: 8:30a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; California State Parks Bowtie Parcel; Kids FREE, Adults $35 (or $25 if you volunteer to help the kids); Must complete and bring a waiver. More info HERE
Image courtesy of Friends of the Los Angeles River
WET Carnival on The Queen Mary
Hailed as SoCal’s newest and coolest beach club event, WET Carnival will bring you live DJ’s, water slides, cabanas, food vendors and one very old queen. For an 80-year old broad, The Queen Mary, once the grandest ocean liner in the world, still knows how to throw a party. Expect live performances from B.o.B, Lil Jon, Tyga, and Kent Jones.
Image courtesy of The Queen Mary
Saturday, September 3rd - Sunday, September 4th
NOHO Vegan Street Fair
Citizine’s favorite @VeganFatKid is curating this bad boy so we know it’s going to be tasty. Don’t miss out on two nights of vegan debauchery on the streets of NoHo, which will include a vegan beer garden, games and live music. And if you need more vegan after the fact, we’ve also got you covered HERE.
Deets: 5 p.m. - 12 a.m.; The Federal Bar; Entry $20; Food and drink purchased separately; Tickets are sure to sell out, so secure them HERE
Image courtesy of @veganstreetfair
Saturday, September 3rd - Monday, September 5th
The Long Beach Greek Festival
Not many can outdo the Greeks when it comes to food, dancing, music and celebration … Probably beacuse they’ve been doing it since the 8th Century (that’s B.C.). For this entire Labor Day weekend, you can experience a taste of Greece with dance and cooking lessons, live music, vendors, arts and crafts and a cornucopia of gyros, spanakopita, baklava and much more. Opa!
Image courtesy of Long Beach Greek Festival
Header image courtesy of 626 Night Market
