Best things to do this weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: October 4 - 6

I will admit that a haunted house promising 34 minutes of "psychological terror" is not my cup of tea, but taking an informal poll, it’s clear I’m in the minority when it comes to Halloween fun. So for those of you who want the you-know-what scared out of you, head to the 17th Door Haunt Experience in Buena Park for exactly that – a terrifying evening at the Perpetuum Penitentiary.

Prepare to be wowed and see downtown in a whole new way. That’s how I felt at the first Luminex in Sept. 2021. Just as we were coming out of our pandemic hibernation, Luminex was one of the first public events I went to and it totally blew me away. The walls of downtown buildings were illuminated with projection and sound art, people were actually out and about, talking, walking, pointing and experiencing art together again. It was beautiful. And after a year off, Luminex is back this fall with artists including Refik Anadol (who just announced his AI art museum will be opening in L.A. in 2025), Alice Bucknell’s The Alluvials, Sarah Rara, Carole Kim and more. Don’t miss it.

Law and government teacher Sharon McMahon’s viral videos have sparked new interest in history and politics and earned her the moniker "America’s Favorite Government Teacher." Her popular book club gives you an excuse to read all those nonfiction titles you’ve been saving up; catch her at the United Theatre talking about her own new book The Small & The Mighty, which centers on stories of ordinary Americans in history that made a big impact.

Have something lying around that needs fixing? Bring it to the Repair Café where you can get help from fellow tinkerers and give whatever is sitting around your house unused a new life.

Ozomatli founder and multiple Grammy-winner Asdru Sierra has teamed up with writer J. Quiroz to create a coming-of-age musical rooted in Los Angeles Latino culture and history. Lucky us, it’s opening Friday at the Sierra Madre Playhouse. The story follows Andy on the cusp of his 18th birthday as he encounters characters in his South El Monte neighborhood that help him understand his heritage.

PST ART continues with this weekend’s Northeast L.A. and Pasadena kickoff events, including this eclectic performance that blends quantum physics (yes, really) with Black stories, ritual, text and sound. Flutist and composer Nicole Mitchell will perform alongside the Black Quantum Futurism collective's Camae Aweya and Rasheedah Phillips.

Artist Rosten Woo collaborated with collective Clockshop as part of PST ART to create an experience that leads participants on an audio tour of the Glendale Narrows section of the L.A. River to help better understand the local wildlife and environment within Northeast L.A.’s urban jungle. The tour is available through the end of the year, but guided tours are being held Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., as well as Oct. 12 and 26.

Mi casa es su casa — if the mi in question is Quentin Tarantino, that is. Pulp Fiction is turning 30. Let’s not talk about how old that makes any of us, but do take the chance to screen it at the revival theater that Quentin Tarantino himself took over in 2021. Grab your pumpkin or honey bunny and head to Los Feliz.

Artisan chocolate tastings, chef talks, demos — and did I mention tastings? You had me at chocolate salon. Need I say more?

It seems nearly everywhere is participating in some kind of National Taco Day deal on Oct. 4, but here are a few that stand out:

• We can argue about whether this is actually a taco, but the elevated taco menu at The Roof at the West Hollywood Edition hotel features WeHo Choco Tacos with vanilla ice cream and spiced milk chocolate.
• Guerrilla Tacos chef Wes Avila celebrates the day at his Yucatan-inspired spot Ka’teen with the shrimp dish Tacos Governado.
• XRG group establishments (Acapulco, Chevys, El Torito, SOL, Sinigual, and Solitas restaurants) are offering $2 margaritas all day.
• Puesto’s Orange County locations have a promotion where you could win a $50 gift card on National Taco Day – just look under your three-taco meal plate!

Cambodian BBQ will be offered on La Sabina's patio alongside beer from Sage Brews, a woman-owned/brewed and locally sourced brewery. Plus, Black, queer house and electronic DJ Nay (@naygod) will spinning tunes.

Celebrate two years of natural wines and neighborhood spirit with Venice Beach Wine Club at the Rose Room. Cocktail attire is encouraged for this event with some of the club’s favorite vintners and music from DJ @max_a_billion1.