We found a number of notable happenings in September to help plan your social calendar. Read on for all our event picks and details. Did we miss something? Add your event in our comments section.
Film Fests Throughout September
FILM FESTIVALS
If you’re tired of what’s playing in your local theater and want something different, then there are a bunch of film festivals happening in L.A. throughout September. The 52nd Cinecon Classic Film Festival runs Sept. 1-5 at Grauman's Egyptian Theater in Hollywood—with most films screened in 35mm and silent films shown with live accompaniment. Also this weekend, the 20th LA Shorts Fest kicks off at Regal L.A. Live from Sept. 1-8. Les Femmes Underground International Film Festival, which focuses on women’s art, short films and music, takes place on Sept. 3 at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center. The 6th Annual Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival takes place from Sept. 5-9 at Raleigh Studios. The 2016 DTLA Film Fest is also at Regal L.A. Live from Sept. 21-28.
Sept. 2-Oct. 2
COASTER SHOW (Art)
La Luz de Jesus presentsThe Coaster Show 2016—the fourth installment of a popular exhibition that started out as a last-minute substitution. The gallery has tapped a number of artists to use four-inch coasters as canvases, elevating the bar doodle to an art form. The coasters are for sale with the prices capped at $250. The opening reception is on Friday, Sept. 2 from 8-11 pm and the closing party is on Oct. 2 from noon to 6 pm.
Sept. 2-25
L.A. COUNTY FAIR (Fair) The LA County Fair begins on Friday (Sept. 2) at the Fairplex in Pomona and runs through Sept. 25. While the fair animals and exhibitions are perfectly fine to look at, we all know that the food—especially the friend kind—is the main attraction. New food items this year include: Deep-Fried Hot Sauce, Deep-Fried Bacon S’mores and Deep-Fried Bacon Guacamole. Except for Labor Day Weekend, the fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Adult admission: $14-20.
Sept. 7, 9 and 10; 27-29
DRAKE (Music)
RiRis boyfriend Drake—and Future—play six nights in L.A. this month. The Summer Sixteen Tour stops at the Staples Center on Sept. 7, 9 and 10 and then the Forum from Sept. 27-29. Also on the tour: Roy Woods, DVSN and others. Tickets: $49.50-$179.50.
Sept. 8-15
PALEYFEST PREVIEWS (Fall TV screenings)
The PaleyFest: Fall TV Previews return to Beverly Hills from Sept. 8-15 featuring screenings and panel discussions with some of the fall’s most anticipated show premieres. In addition to the four big networks, there will be screenings from the El Rey Network and special programs The Mindy Project: Inside the Writers Room and STARZ’s Ash vs Evil Dead. Things kick off with FOX shows with screenings and panels of Pitch and Lethal Weapon on Sept. 8. General admission tickets start at $20.
Sept. 10
MAINFEST ALHAMBRA (Music)
Looks like Alhambra is the place to be on Sept. 10. Yep, you read that right: MainFest Alhambra, a new music festival brings a great lineup to L.A.’s suburbs with Capital Cities, Miami Horror, Dead Sara, !!! (Chk Chk Chk) and others. Food trucks will be on hand, but LAist writer Tim Loc, who grew up in Alhambra recommends Chengdu Taste, Szechuan Impression or 101 Noodle Express as dinner options, too. Tickets: $30-$60.
Sept. 9-10
PANCAKES AND BOOZE (Art)
The Pancakes & Booze Art Show returns to DTLA on Sept. 9-10 at Lot 613. In addition to the art, the free pancakes and beer, the pop-up hosts a Zombie Fashion Show on Sept. 10. Additional activities include: live painting, live body painting, music and more. Tickets are $10 at the door. $21+.
Sept. 9-11
LOBSTER FEST (Food)
Long Beach’s Original Lobster Festival returns to the Rainbow Lagoon from Sept. 9-11. Crustaceans are flown in daily from Maine for the festival. In addition to music, entertainment and whole lobsters, the festival also features the Lobster Shack (that serves up Lobster Rolls, Tacos, Fried Rice, Bisque, Sliders & Lobster-on-a-Stick) and an international food court. Tickets: $13 general admission (which does not include a lobster meal). Add-on meals are $17-$107 per ticket. The prices go up at the door.
Sept. 10-11
FEED LA FEST 2016
HM157 in Lincoln Heights presents Feed LA Fest 2016, a two-day benefit concert and food/clothing/”handy stuff” drive. The festivities begin at noon on Sept. 10 and continue to 11:55 pm on Sept. 11. Proceeds benefit FeedLA & ShareHopeUSA, two nonprofits that provide food & goods to those in need in LA. Check the site for a list of items the organizations need the most, and then come listen to a great lineup of music. Dozens of artists are performing, including Insects vs. Robots, Rocco DeLuca, Herbert Bail Orchestra, Leche and many many more. All Ages. Tickets: $15 for one day pass, $25 both days.
Sept. 10
NEON JUBILEE (Festival)
On Sept. 10, The Velaslavasay Panorama holds a day-long Los Angeles International Neon Jubilee Festival—a street fest that celebrates the re-lighting of the Panorama’s restored 1939 neon marquee. Throughout the day (noon to 6 pm), visitors will be treated to a number of performances as well as workshops and film screenings inside and outside the museum. Starting at 8 pm, The Velaslavasay Panorama then presents more music, puppetry shows and the lighting of the sign to cap the festival. Events in the theatre are free during the day and are on a first-come-first-served basis. The evening program is ticketed $20.16 ($18.98 VPES members) and proceeds will go to support the museum.
Sept. 15
RACE + JUSTICE SUMMIT (Convening)
The Atlantic holds a Race + Justice Summit on Sept. 15 from 10 am to 5 pm at Hudson Loft in DTLA. The magazine brings together policymakers and storytellers for the convening, which is meant to spur conversations around the changing narrative of race and identity in America. The day will feature director Ezra Edelman and Patrisse Cullors of Black Lives Matter and the premiere of a VR film about the effects of mass incarceration on families. Registration is free.
Sept. 16-18
SON OF MONSTERPALOOZA (Scare fest)
Monsterpalooza’s fall show—Son of Monsterpalooza—is at the Burbank Convention Center Sept. 16-18 called Son of Monsterpalooza. If you’re into SFX for film, TV and themed entertainment, then this expo is for you. There are more than 150 vendors, presentations, makeup demos, celebrity guests (Bruce Davison, Denis O’Hare and more) throughout the weekend. Tickets: $25 per day or $60 for the whole weekend.
Sept. 16-18
The Green Festival Expo (Convention)
The Green Festival Expo returns to the L.A. Convention Center (Hall K) on Sept. 16-18, promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles. The expo offers attendees a look at trends in green living, emerging green brands and other more recognized products. Visitors can sample and buy thousands of products and services from companies founded on sustainability. This year’s focus will be on food with presentations from celebrity vegans Moby and Ed Begley Jr., among others. Additionally, the Expo hosts screenings of documentary films Cowspiracy and Speciesism with discussions with their directors. Tickets/passes: $12-$35, but ride the Metro, show your receipt and get in for free.
Sept. 17-18
LONG BEACH COMIC CON (Expo)
Long Beach Comic Con takes over the Long Beach Convention Center on Sept. 17-18 celebrating comic books and pop culture. In addition to celebs from film and TV (Batman: The Animated Series’s actors Kevin Conroy and Loren Lester; Con Man’s Nathan Fillion and Firefly cast members Summer Glau, Sean Maher, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite) check out the works of talented writers, illustrators and other artists. There are more than 130 workshops and panels planned for the weekend. Tickets: $30-$55.
Sept. 21-23
DINOSAUR JR.
Dinosaur Jr.—J Mascis, Lou Barlow and Murph—plays three nights at the Teragram Ballroom this month, from Sept. 21-23. After touring last year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the band’s eponymous debut album, the Amherst, Mass., band is on tour with its latest release, Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not. All ages. Tickets: $35.
Sept. 23-25
PODCAST FEST (Talk fest)
The Los Angeles Podcast Festival returns to the Sofitel Los Angeles with three days of live podcast recordings, panels and parties mixed with stand-up comedy show. Confirmed podcasts and talent include Welcome to Night Vale, Criminal, The Dollop, Rooster Teeth, Bizarre States, Never Not Funny, Sklarbro Country and more. Tickets: $49-$59 (depending on the day) and passes start at $139.
Sept. 23-35
MUSIC TASTES GOOD (Food + music fest)
The Music Tastes Good music and food festival takes place in Downtown Long Beach from Sept. 23-25. The lineup includes The Specials, Rival Sons, Sylvan Esso, De La Soul, Iron & Wine, Gallant, Squeeze, Dr. Dog, Warpaint, Living Colour, Nick Waterhouse, Eagle Rock Gospel Singers, Foy Vance, Cody Chestnutt and many more artists. Tickets: $25-$75 (depending on the day) and passes are $120-$240 (VIP, which includes a farm-to-taste experience).
Sept. 24
TARFEST (Music + Art)
LAUNCH LA presents Tarfest, an annual music & arts festival along the Miracle Mile and the La Brea Tar Pits, on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 4-10 pm. The fest is free and all ages and features rising local artists, musicians and bands, curated by LAUNCH LA and Kevin Bronson of Buzzbands.la. This year’s music program includes performances by Dear Boy, Durand Jones & The Indications, Brit Manor and BRAEVES. Food trucks Baby’s Badass Burgers, Made in Brooklyn NY Pizza, Meat the Greek and Rice Balls of Fire will be on hand serving food. The festival will also include a Lagunitas Biergarten and Wine Bar and cocktails by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Free admission.
Sept. 29-30
REGINA SPEKTOR (Music)
Regina Spektor plays two shows at the El Rey on Sept. 29-30 in advance of her new album Remember Us to Life, out Sept. 30. Doors at 8 pm. Tickets: $49.50. (The shows are technically sold out, so find your alternative ticket seller.)
Sept. 30
BROAD CITY ART SHOW (Exhibition)
Eat More Art Out Productions opens NoMo FOMO: An Art Show about Broads in the City(the first Broad City art show) at Meltdown Comics on Sept. 30. The exhibition will feature fan art, which stars Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer popularized on their Tumblr page (#FanArtFridays). The show will remain on view through Oct. 7. While the show is free, VIP passes are also available for $25, and includes early entry at 6:30 pm, and a Broad City Survival Kit featuring Luna Bars, Broad City temporary tattoos, two limited edition prints and more. The show opens at 8 pm on Sept. 30. They’re suspecting a large crowd, so get there early.
Want the 411 on additional events and happenings in L.A.? Follow @LAistor me (@christineziemba) on Twitter.
