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Best things to do this weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: September 20 - 22

LA Galaxy player Gabriel Pec runs down the pitch with the soccer ball in front of him.
Gabriel Pec controls the ball during the game against Los Angeles FC.
(
Shaun Clark
/
Getty Images
)

Hey there! I’m Brian De Los Santos, host of How to LA, subbing in for Laura Hertzfeld.

Welcome to your first fall edition (Sunday) of Best Things To Do this weekend 🍂! I hope everyone who loves cool weather enjoyed the past few days — but just FYI: temperatures will be warming up through the weekend.

OK, I have picks for family time, date nights or solo hangouts. If you’re in Sylmar or Santa Monica, check out a free simulcast of the play Madame Butterfly. Galaxy fans can enjoy a game with their dogs at the Dignity Health Sports Park’s grass berm. Pay tribute to R&B great Frankie Beverly at Alta Adams by wearing white and pouring one out for him.

I also have a guide on how to spend the perfect Sunday in WeHo — coffee (or matcha), brunch and community spaces. Digital creator Drew Tillman showed me some of his favorite spots. Take a listen to this How to LA episode.

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¡Hasta luego!

Events

  • Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 6:00 PM

    A crowd of people are gathered for a screening on the Santa Monica Beach Pier. Behind the audience, the pier rides and ocean are visible.
    (
    Samuel Cruz
    /
    L.A. Opera
    )

    Through the generous support of Los Angeles County and L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, L.A. Opera will present a live, high-definition video simulcast of the opening night of Madame Butterfly, free of charge as a special gift to the community. Audiences can enjoy the simulcast at either of two outdoor locations: the Santa Monica Pier and El Cariso Community Regional Park in Sylmar.

  • Friday, September 20, 2024 at 7:30 PM

    Simone Biles smiles during her floor exercise routine at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships on Sunday.
    Simone Biles smiles during her floor exercise routine at the 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Championships.
    (
    Elsa Garrison
    /
    Getty Images
    )

    Some of us didn’t get to see MVP Simone Biles' athleticism IRL at the Paris Summer Olympics, but there’s a chance to see it this weekend. Biles joins other gymnasts in the Athleta Presents Gold Over America Tour, where they will showcase their talent and high-energy choreography. Audiences can expect to be wowed with every tumble, twist, and gravity-defying trick. Pro-tip: Head to downtown early and check out our recommendations for cheap, fast eats around the neighborhood.

  • Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 7:30 PM

    A man sitting on the grass at the sports complex where the LA Galaxy play. He has his dog sitting next to him, looking at the pitch. The words "Bring your furry friend! Pups at the Pitch — under $41" are written on the graphic.
    (
    Courtesy L.A. Galaxy
    /
    )

    If you’re a Galaxy fan (or soccer enthusiast overall) and a dog parent, then this one's for you. Buy a Pups at the Pitch ticket and bring your four-legged bestie to this match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. There are rules and regulations for this offering so check the website for more info, and make sure to remember that dog parents and their pets must enter via the northeast gates. Don’t forget a blanket to sit on and a portable water bowl for your pup!

  • Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 4:00 PM

    A standing, blue box holding illuminated red, yellow, green and blue artwork. It's displayed in a gray room.
    (
    Courtesy Norton Simon Museum
    /
    )

    Music and art are always a vibe for me. This special night at the Norton Simon Museum will allow visitors to explore galleries and experience live music and interactives by Lance Hill of the Vintage Synthesizer Museum. This event will spotlight how artists experimented with technology and electricity in their work. There will be art-making activities so it’s perfect for the whole family.

  • September 20, 2024 through September 27, 2024

    A woman wearing a flower-crown and gold earrings with colorful Mexican decorations behind her.
    (
    Courtesy Hola Mexico Film Festival
    /
    )

    The film festival dedicated to promoting Mexican talent on the big screen is back in L.A. during Hispanic Heritage Month. The weeklong festival is screening documentaries, comedies and shorts that touch on contemporary and classic Mexican cinema. Check out their website and browse their guides — comedy, LGBTQ, documentaries — assorted by genre. Most screenings will be held at the Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live, but their opening night will be held at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. (We have a great How to LA podcast episode about the history of the theater.)

  • Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 7:00 PM

    A pink neon sign reading "Love Stories" ins displayed in an otherwise black space.
    (
    Christian Lue
    /
    Unsplash
    )

    The organizers of this event describe it as “a mashup of the newlywed game and the stock exchange.” It’s a speed dating experiment, meets a reality show with audience voting and all (they use their own app for this). Whether you dare to participate as a dater or be in the audience, honestly both perspectives sound fun. Check out their website for more info. P.S.: organizer Next Fun Thing offers different settings for diverse gender expressions, but this event might be catering to heterosexual relationships. I did get a taste of a speed dating event in honor of Valentine’s Day, check out this How to LA episode to see how it went — spoiler: it was kinda fun.

  • Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 3:00 PM

    A collage of black and white portraits of famous actors, including Jason George, Stephen Tobolowsky, Amy Brenneman and Gabrielle Carteris.
    (
    Courtesy Word Theatre
    /
    )

    This free event kicks off Banned Books Week and will explore how banning measures prohibit essential learning. A cast of actors will highlight historical and current lists of banned books, and there will be music too. This event will also be streamed online.

Outdoor Pick

  • Friday, September 20, 2024 at 7:00 PM

    Singer Toro y Moi plays a white guitar on stage with his band. He's wearing a tan jacket, pink bucket hat, and sunglasses. The rest of the band's members are dressed in black.
    Singer Toro y Moi performs onstage during the Capitol Hill Block Party in 2022.
    (
    Mat Hayward
    /
    Getty Images
    )

    The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is such a historic place and venue for any type of event. If you’ve never been there for a music show, add it to your list. I recently touted this to NYC friends and they were equally shocked and interested. You’re lucky that Toro y Moi and Zack Fox (of Abbott Elementary fame) are performing Friday night. Put on your dancing shoes and have a kiki — just be respectful of the space.

Dine & Drink Deals

  • Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:30 AM

    Frankie Beverly performs on stage, wearing white and singing into a handheld microphone with his left arm outstretched.
    Frankie Beverly performs during day 2 of the Cincinnati Music Festival at Paul Brown Stadium on July 25, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Stephen Cohen/Getty Images)
    (
    Stephen Cohen
    /
    Getty Images
    )

    The late R&B legend Frankie Beverly is getting his (white) roses at Alta Adams this Friday. The “Before I Let Go” singer died Sept. 10, and Alta will be honoring him by playing his classics at the restaurant and the Adams Wine Shop next door. Organizers are asking patrons to wear white in a nod to Beverly. They’re curating special drinks and food offerings for brunch (11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 - 10 p.m.).

  • September 20, 2024 through September 22, 2024

    A photo of shakshuka in a pan, a bowl of olives, and then bread and roasted peppers on a plate.
    (
    Ioannis Sarantis
    /
    Unsplash
    )

    This event features traditional Greek music, dance, and a variety of foods from all over the country. It’s a family-friendly environment where everyone can experience the unique culture and flavor of Greece. On the menu: Greek cooking classes and demonstrations.

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