Best things to do this weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California: September 27 - 29

This is a live-art event mixed with a little competition. Artists are divided into teams and provided art equipment to showcase their work against a giant wall as their canvas. They have 90 minutes to create their piece as you — a fan or friend — cheer them on. Judges and you (based on your cheering loudness) will choose the victor. Music vibes provided by L.A.’s DJ Olea.

The iconic Academy Museum is celebrating three years so there’s going to be a party (sorta)! The public is invited to visit the museum for free this Sunday; folks will also receive free admission to Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush in 35mm, which is showing at 2 p.m. The celebration will include music, tacos, fruit vendors, and a photo booth in the Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby. Tickets are encouraged, but not required. While you’re in the Miracle Mile neighborhood, check out nearby cheap, fast eats curated by my homie, LAist food editor Gab Chabrán.

Fall marks the beginning of cuddle season for some of us, so this event might help you meet that partner… or at least a pickleball buddy? Mingle with other singles at an open bar for the first hour and then get into the game on the court. You don’t have to be a pro on the field (of love), just get out and play pickleball with other folks and have fun.

Pop girly Sabrina Carpenter’s music, a rooftop and roller disco sound like a perfect L.A. night to me. This party is meant to get you moving through two dance floors with live DJs and roller skating while vibing with your headphones on. There’s a neon theme complete with glow sticks, which just brings fun vibes. This venue is 21; take note.

The summer season may be officially over, but we know that L.A. weather keeps giving sunshine. This pool party caters to queer folks, and DJs will play sounds from the African diaspora — hip hop, Afrobeats, house and more. Organizers say that this party is intended to have folks dance, flirt, play and commune. The rooftop view from Broken Shaker is a cute one, so come camera ready. (Note: organizers have set up rules of conduct on the event site.)

Who let the dogs out? (OK, I apologize for the cheesiness, but I had to.) Head out to Griffith Park with your doggie this weekend for a hike, guided by a hiking pro. Make sure to bring booties for your four-legged bestie as temperatures will get warm into the day. The group meets at The Trails Cafe in case you need some java before the walk. Space is limited so it’s highly encouraged to register ASAP.

A food festival with L.A.’s popular (and delicious) eateries? Count me in. Din Tai Fung, Porto's Bakery, and LaSorted's Pizza x Philippe The Original are just some of the restaurants that will be selling food there. The festival, which will be held at the L.A. State Historic Park, will also feature items from SoCal streetwear brands like Ghetto Rodeo and Kids of Immigrants — a mashup of fashion and food in one place. There will also be Pikachu's Electric Cafe, a boba tea concept, on site. (Not quite sure what that exactly looks like, but my inner child is screaming!)

This has my mouth watering as I type this because I love mole. There are so many regional takes on the pre-Hispanic dish — spicy, sweet, red, yellow — and they’re all on a platter at this festival. There will be vendors from Mexico and Southern California selling food, mole ice cream and beverages. There will also be arts and crafts, traditional dancers and other fun presentations. A giant mole ofrenda will be presented to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Get a taste of Mexico in the middle of L.A.

Ocean Prime Beverly Hills is celebrating Caymus Vineyards’ (from Napa) 50th anniversary by offering a fixed five-course meal with Caymus wine pairings. It’s a chance to splurge on yourself and a loved one and eat some sea bass, lamb chop or salmon. You must reserve your tickets here.