Los Angeles and the surrounding Southern California region are gearing up for a vibrant and action-packed Labor Day weekend, from August 29 to September 1, 2025. As summer winds down, the city is buzzing with an eclectic mix of music festivals, cultural events, family-friendly activities, and culinary delights, offering something for every taste and interest.
Musical Extravaganza Across the City
Music lovers have an abundance of choices this weekend. The iconic Hollywood Bowl will host pop legend Cyndi Lauper for the final legs of her “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour” on August 29 and 30, promising a nostalgic and celebratory experience. Following that, the venue will present “Smooth Summer Jazz” featuring Dave Koz & Friends with Regina Belle on August 31. For rock enthusiasts, The Forum will be alive with punk energy as The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World, and New Found Glory take the stage on August 29. The following night, August 30, parody king “Weird Al” Yankovic brings his “Bigger & Weirder” tour to The Forum. Adding to the musical tapestry, Mac DeMarco launches his “Guitar” tour at The Greek Theatre, while Betty Who performs with the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. For those seeking local sounds and free concerts, Red Kross is set to play at Levitt Pavilion on August 30, with other community-focused shows happening throughout the weekend.
Cultural Celebrations and Culinary Delights
This Labor Day weekend is also a hub for cultural immersion and gastronomic adventures. The 6th Annual Leimert Park Jazz Festival is set for August 30 at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, featuring headliners like the Dee Dee Bridgewater Quartet and Sasha Berliner, alongside a visual arts pavilion, local artisans, and food vendors, embodying the spirit of community and culture. For a taste of global flavors, the Gelato Festival World Masters returns to Ovation Hollywood on August 30 and 31. This prestigious competition brings together North America’s top gelato artisans for a weekend of sweet innovation, tastings, and demonstrations, with attendees having the chance to vote for their favorites. The Prosperity Market at the California African American Museum on August 31 celebrates Black businesses and local farmers, offering food, crafts, music, and community resources. Additionally, the Long Beach Greek Festival runs from August 30 to September 1, inviting visitors to enjoy traditional Greek food, music, and dances. The month concludes with the Market Mariachi at Grand Central Market on August 31, providing a festive atmosphere with live music.
Family Fun and Outdoor Adventures
Families looking to make the most of the long weekend will find numerous activities. Outdoor movie screenings are a popular choice, with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” showing at Dockweiler Youth Center on Friday and “The Goonies” at Ovation Hollywood. The Huntington Library offers family-friendly film screenings, and various rooftop cinemas provide unique viewing experiences. For aquatic fun, the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center is ideal for cooling off. The closing weekend of the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival presents “The Tempest” under the stars, offering a magical evening for all ages. Several events cater specifically to children, including the “Be Like Blippi” Pop-Up, and the Hollywood Labor Day Festival on September 1 promises waterslides, face painting, and lawn games. The Hollywood Roosevelt hotel hosts its “Labor Day Weekend Splash” with daytime DJs and poolside relaxation.
Arts, Exhibits, and Unique Experiences
The art scene is also thriving, with installations like Carlo Maghirang’s “ANITO” at L.A. State Historic Park and “American Artist: Shaper of God” at CAAM providing thought-provoking visual experiences. Film buffs can catch a series of Christopher Nolan classics during his Non-70mm Film Series at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills on August 29-30. For those seeking something quirky, “Robot Karaoke” at The Elysian Theater on Friday offers a unique blend of music and comedy. Sports fans can catch the LA Sparks basketball games on August 29 and 31 at Crypto.com Arena.
This Labor Day weekend, Los Angeles is a dynamic playground of activities and events. From the electrifying festivals to intimate jazz performances, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences, making it a perfect destination to celebrate the end of summer and the vibrant culture of Southern California. Whether you’re drawn to music, food, art, or family fun, Los Angeles has it all covered for a memorable holiday weekend.
