Los Angeles is set to host an exhilarating weekend, from September 11-13, 2025, offering a rich tapestry of activities and festivals designed to engage Angelenos of all ages and interests. This vibrant lineup features a blend of cultural celebrations, family-friendly events, and community-focused gatherings, ensuring there’s something for everyone across the sprawling city.
A Literary Feast for the Family at Los Angeles Libros Festival
The 7th annual Los Angeles Libros Festival will take place on Saturday, September 13, at the iconic Central Library in downtown Los Angeles. This beloved bilingual book festival is dedicated to celebrating literature and promoting literacy for families. Attendees can look forward to a full day of engaging programming, including Spanish-language and bilingual storytelling sessions, captivating musical performances, insightful author talks, and interactive workshops. Organized by a collaboration between the Los Angeles Public Library, LA librería, and REFORMA Los Angeles Chapter, the event is free and open to the public, fostering an inclusive cultural space for current and future generations of bilingual Angelenos.
Oktoberfest Delights at Ivy Station Night Market
Embracing the autumn spirit, the Ivy Station Night Market in Culver City will transform into an Oktoberfest celebration on Friday, September 12, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.. Visitors can don their lederhosen and dirndls for a festive evening featuring a curated selection of pop-up vendors, delectable food truck offerings from vendors like GermanYumTruck and The Berlin Truck, and German-inspired craft beer from Los Angeles Ale Works. The market will also host a variety of Oktoberfest games and contests, complemented by live polka music from Hammerstein Musik Bavaria, creating a lively atmosphere for all ages. This pet-friendly event offers free admission and parking, making it an accessible and enjoyable outing.
CicLAvia Opens Streets for Community Exploration
On Sunday, September 14, CicLAvia returns with its popular “Historic South Central meets Watts” event, opening 6.25 miles of Central Avenue to pedestrians, cyclists, and skaters from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. This open streets initiative transforms urban corridors into temporary public parks, encouraging active transportation and community connection across Historic South Central, Florence, Firestone, and Watts. Participants are invited to walk, bike, skate, or jog at their own pace, enjoying the vibrant streetscape without vehicular traffic. CicLAvia is a free event, fostering an accessible way for Angelenos to explore their city.
A Journey Through Prehistoric Times at Dino Fest
Families and dinosaur enthusiasts can step back millions of years at Dino Fest, hosted by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County on Sunday, September 14. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will be abuzz with activities celebrating all things dinosaur. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet world-renowned paleontologists from the Museum’s Dinosaur Institute, explore its extensive fossil collections, and engage in hands-on activities designed to bring the prehistoric world to life. The event, free with general museum admission, also offers access to the museum’s renowned Dinosaur Hall, showcasing fascinating specimens.
A Spectrum of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Beyond these signature events, Los Angeles is brimming with other diverse activities throughout the weekend. The Hola México Film Festival, the largest Mexican film festival outside of Mexico, commences on Friday, September 12, and runs through September 20, showcasing acclaimed Mexican cinema at venues like The Montalbán Theater and Regal Cinemas LA LIVE. For opera lovers, the Pacific Opera Project presents an immersive outdoor production of Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” at the Heritage Square Museum, with performances continuing through Sunday, September 14. Additionally, “DTLA Dog Day” offers a special “yappy hour” at Maguire Gardens on Friday, September 12, featuring dog-friendly vendors, activities, and community dog walks.
This packed weekend underscores Los Angeles’s dynamic cultural landscape, offering a wealth of festivals and activities that highlight community, creativity, and shared experiences.
