23 Fabulous Things To Do In Southern California This Weekend

Filled with fall festivals and fun stuff to do in the fresh air, this weekend features the Frogtown Art Walk, a Moon Festival, a craft fair and Tarfest. Want culture? There's an opera on the beach and a book release party at a drive-in. Want nostalgia? Liz Phair celebrates the 25th anniversary of "Exile in Guyville." Want competition? Union Station hosts a Retrocade. Want more? There are tattoos, fashion, knights in armor and another Unheard L.A. show.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 23; 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Anatomy of an Icon: 15 Seasons of Grey's
Pop-up space -- 631 N Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood
Popsugar, ABC and THNK1994 team up for a visual celebration of "Grey's Anatomy" with artworks that pay tribute to the TV show's most iconic moments. RSVP required.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 23
Mercado Los Olvidados #3
Pskaufman... gallery -- 113 E. 8th St. (Down the alley), downtown L.A.
The annual Mercado Los Olvidados pop-up market borrows inspiration from Luis Buñuel's film of the same name, bringing artists and their audiences together in a way that avoids the gallery model. Artists include Camille Rose, Bonethrower, Bittersqueaks, Show Pigeon + Kristina Drake and Kristen Liu-Wong. VIP/preview night is Friday night, which includes open bar, bites and a first-look at the art.
COST: $10 - $45; MORE INFO

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21; 8:30 p.m.
Liz Phair
The Theatre at Ace Hotel -- 929 S. Broadway, downtown L.A.
We're nostalgic for the 1990s and the rocker's "Exile In Guyville," released in 1993, is still one of the best albums of the decade. Phair, who is in the middle of the Amps on the Lawn Tour, celebrate its 25th anniversary with VIP/meet-and-greet packages.
COST: $35 - $150; MORE INFO

Cactuses in the Cholla Cactus Garden in the 1,234-square-mile Joshua Tree National Park on April 07, 2008. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

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SATURDAY, SEPT. 22
25th National Public Lands Day
On Saturday, you can visit national parks around the United States for free. In SoCal, that means you won't be charged when you visit Death Valley or Joshua Tree national parks. If you don't mind a drive, you can stay in California and hit Yosemite, Pinnacles or Sequoia & Kings Canyon.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22; 6 - 10 p.m.
INK'D: A Runway Show
Museum of Latin American Art -- 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach
MOLAA brings together Southern California Latinx artists and designers with tattoo art and fashion. The night includes a runway show, a car show, food, a craft and clothing market, a live performance by Latin ska and reggae band Roncovacoco and complimentary tequila tastings (for those 21+).
COST: $40 - $50; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22; 3 p.m.
Head in the Clouds Festival
Los Angeles State Historic Park -- 1245 N. Spring St., downtown L.A.
88rising, a music and arts collective from Asia, hosts a festival featuring Rich Brian, Joji, Keith Ape, Higher Brothers and a bunch of up-and-coming undercard acts like August 08 and Don Krez. In partnership with the First We Feast blog, the fest includes a food zone with Howlin' Ray's, Seoul Sausage and othervendors from the 626 Night Market.
COST: $59 - $129; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22; 4 - 10 p.m.
Frogtown Artwalk 2018
Blake Avenue -- Frogtown
The 11th annual community festival covers two miles and 37 venues. It features 50 artists, three music stages, a literary lounge and an interactive light installation that stretches for half a mile along the river. Legendary local artist Leo Limon and Self-Help Graphics will host live screen-printing during the artwalk. Parking is extremely limited in the area so ride share or take public transportation, if possible. You can also walk, bike or catch one of the free pedicabs along the path.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Union Station hosts an open-play Retrocade this weekend with vintage arcade games and pinball machines. (Union Station/Facebook)

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SATURDAY, SEPT. 22 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 23
Union Station's Retrocade Experience
Union Station Ticket Concourse -- 800 N. Alameda St., downtown L.A.
It's on like Donkey Kong at this pop-up event with more than 40 old-school arcade games and pinball machines that you can play. From 5 to 7 p.m. each day, guests can enter a Pac Man Tournament for $5 as DJs spin tunes in a lounge. '80s candy and soft drinks will be available along with snacks from Mr. Churro. The Café Crepe and Traxx will sell beer, wine and themed cocktails on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Guests are issued wristbands on a first-come, first-served basis, which gets you two consecutive hours of free play. If the event reaches capacity, expect to wait until other players leave.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22; 1 - 7:30 p.m.
Tarfest
La Brea Tarpits -- 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire
The all-ages art and music festival puts the focus on emerging artists. The music lineup includes Wild, Caught A Ghost, Smoke Season and Jane Holiday as well as live painting by Brett Crawford and Holly Tempo. There are kid activities, breakdance and percussion workshops. Those 21+ can enjoy the beer, wine and cocktail lounge.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Anaheim Craft & Vintage Fair
Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church -- 995 N. West St., Anaheim
Shop art, crafts, vintage goods and handmade Eastern European foods from more than 35 vendors. Tours to check out the church's hand-painted icons and Italian tile murals occur at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22; 8 p.m.
The Goonies: Live!
The Montalbán Theatre -- 1615 Vine St., Hollywood
Goonies never say die! Our favorite misfits return for a special live read of the script -- with a partially gender and ethnically swapped cast -- to benefit RAICES, the nonprofit Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services in Texas. The all-star cast includes including Gina Rodriguez, Brittany Snow, Haley Joel Osment, Joe Lo Truglio, Noël Wells and moderator Marc Evan Jackson.
COST: Tickets start at $35; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22 - SUNDAY, JAN. 13, 2019
Knights in Armor
Bowers Museum -- 2002 North Main St., Santa Ana
It's opening weekend for the museum's latest exhibition, a collection of European arms and armor, dating from the Medieval and Renaissance eras through the 1800s. More than 90 pieces of armor, from the Museo Stibbert of Florence, Italy, are on view. While the museum has limited special hours (10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday), Sunday features knights roaming the grounds and combat displays that are free with admission. There's also a special ticketed lecture on Chivalry in the Age Of Gunpowder: European Arms and Armor 1500-1750 ($9 - $12).
COST: $5 - $25; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22; 8 p.m.
Blind Spot
The Theatre at Ace Hotel -- 929 S. Broadway, downtown L.A.
CAP UCLA opens its 2018-19 season with a genre-defying concert by composer-pianist Vijay Iyer and writer-photographer Teju Cole. The latter's photography and voice is set against Iyer's live score for an "incisive investigation of humanity's blindness to tragedy and injustice throughout history."
COST: $29.50 - $59.50; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22; 7:30 p.m.
A Million Little Things
Bing Theater at LACMA -- 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire
The museum screens the pilot episode of the new ABC drama, which hopes to capture a little of the "This is Us" magic but with friendships instead of familial relationships. Written by DJ Nash and directed by James Griffiths, the show stars Ron Livingston, Romany Malco and Christina Ochoa. A Q&A follows the screening with executive producers and select cast members. The show premieres on Sept. 26 at 10 p.m.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22; 5 - 7:15 p.m.
Radio Drive-In Book Party
Ernest E. Debs Regional Park -- 4235 Monterey Rd., Highland Park
Katya Apekina celebrates the release of her debut novel, "The Deeper the Water the Uglier the Fish," with a different kind of reading. People are invited to drive up to the park (carpooling is preferred) and through the use of short-range transmitters, she'll read from the book and discuss it with radio host Rico Gagliano. You never have to leave the comfort of your car but you can take in views of the park and sunset. The author will then sign books in the park, which closes at dark. RSVPs requested.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21; 10:30 p.m.
The Get Brown, Dr. Natasha / Mr. Vaynblat
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre -- 5419 W Sunset Blvd., East Hollywood
UCBT's first all-South Asian comedy troupe -- comprised of Shaan Baig, Kunal Dudheker, Skander Halim, Sai Lang, Kausar Mohammed and Saagar Shaikh -- return to the stage for a night of culturally relevant and irreverent comedy. Also sharing the bill is NY-based Natasha Vaynblat, who brings a mix of standup and character specials to the stage.
COST: $7; MORE INFO

The LA Opera opens 'Don Carlo' this weekend, simulcasting to Santa Monica and Sylmar. (Photo: Cory Weaver / LA Opera)

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SATURDAY, SEPT. 22; 6 p.m.
Simulcasts of 'Don Carlo'
Santa Monica Pier and El Cariso Community Regional Park in Sylmar
Is opera a little out of your budget? Don't feel like getting gussied up? The L.A. Opera has you covered as it presents its fifth season of annual live simulcasts. Music fans can catch the production's opening night during Opera in the Park in Sylmar and Opera at the Beach in Santa Monica. Watch hi-def screens broadcasting from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Plácido Domingo stars with the orchestra conducted by James Conlon. RSVP for additional directions and information. Doors at 4 p.m., live broadcast begins at 6 p.m.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 23
Moon Festival & Gourmet Food Fair
Temple City Park -- 5939 Golden West Ave., Temple City
The moon festival is a mid-autumn harvest festival celebrated in many cultures and countries throughout East Asia. This one will give away 400 mooncakes as dozens of vendors sell traditional fair foods and night market fare. The event includes a lantern festival, kid's activities, live performances and cultural demonstrations.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22; 8 - 11 p.m.
Shades & Shadows: Five Years!
Bearded Lady's Mystic Museum -- 3204 W Magnolia Blvd., Burbank
The sci-fi, fantasy and horror reading series, which specializes in works by indie, emerging and minority writers, celebrates its fifth anniversary. Participating authors include Maria Alexander, Bree Barton, Maura Milan, Jeff Sweat and Steven Barnes.
COST: $10; MORE INFO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22; 5 - 9 p.m.
Celebrating the Words and Music of Leonard Cohen
The Echo -- 1822 W Sunset Blvd., Echo Park
The Canadian poet and songwriter died nearly two years ago, but Cohen's music lives on. A tribute show to the musician features performances by Entrance, Shannon Lay, Honey Child, DRÆMINGS, Joel Jerome and many others. All ages.
COST: $10 - $14; MORE INFO

SUNDAY, SEPT. 23; 6 p.m.
Rise Above
Teragram Ballroom -- 1234 West 7th St., downtown L.A.
The indie music web series Dirty Laundry TV and Penniback Records present this voter registration benefit show. With DJ sets and live music from Hutch Harris (of the Thermals), Frances Quinlan (of Hop Along), Crush (Cole & Zumi from the Black Lips), Fat Tony, BOYO, The Side Eyes, Ariel View and Clit Kat, the night also includes speakers and onsite voter registration. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the following three organizations: Future Coalition, CHIRLA (Coalition For Humane Immigrant Rights Of Los Angeles) and Reform LA Jails. This is an all-ages show.
COST: $16 - $20; MORE INFO

SUNDAY, SEPT. 23; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The 6th Annual Books 'N Brunch
Big Sunday -- 6111 Melrose Ave., Hollywood
We were always curious about this colorful storefront on Melrose, and now we know it belongs to a service organization. This weekend, the nonprofit is collecting, sorting, packing and distributing thousands of books for several groups. Drop off your new or gently used books or volunteer to pack them up. If you don't have books, bring non-perishable and unexpired food. Volunteers and donors are treated to bagels, pastries and green eggs and ham.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

KPCC In Person's community-driven series "Unheard L.A." returns this week. (Image: KPCC)

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SUNDAY, SEPT. 23; 5:30 p.m.
Unheard LA
Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach -- 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach
The Unheard L.A. series features a range of community voices sharing their Southern California experiences. The second-season finale brings those stories to the LBC. Join KPCC In Person, host Bruce A. Lemon Jr. and 10 storytellers for a live show then stick around for a mixer with the participants. Because of sometimes sensitive subject matter, attendees ages 18 and younger must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO

How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.

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