Los Angeles is gearing up for a packed weekend, from September 26-28, 2025, offering a diverse array of activities and festivals for every interest. The city will host major events including the return of L.A. Comic Con, the vibrant Autry Museum Block Party, and the highly anticipated Ohana Festival, alongside numerous other cultural and entertainment offerings across the region.
L.A. Comic Con Takes Center Stage
For fans of pop culture, L.A. Comic Con returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from September 26-28, 2025. This premier destination for comics, gaming, cosplay, anime, and all things pop culture is set to be the ultimate gathering for enthusiasts. The event promises an immersive experience with a vast array of vendors, creators, and celebrity guests. The initial context mentioned appearances by stars like Elizabeth Olsen and David Tennant, highlighting the caliber of talent expected at this year’s convention.
Cultural Celebrations at the Autry Museum and Watts Towers
The Autry Museum of the American West is set to host its annual block party, a beloved community event that celebrates the culture and heritage of the American West. This year’s festivities will feature a lively mix of music, dance, carnival games, and a classic car show, honoring L.A.’s first responders.
Simultaneously, the Watts Towers Arts Center will be a hub of cultural activity with two significant festivals. The 43rd Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival will take place on Saturday, September 27, showcasing global drumming traditions, including Aztec dance, Korean classical music, and Afro-Venezuelan rhythms. Following on Sunday, September 28, the 48th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival will fill the air with a rich blend of jazz, soul, hip-hop, and gospel music, featuring performances by renowned artists like Patrice Rushen and MEDUSA Tha Gangsta Goddess. Both festivals offer free admission, art exhibitions, children’s activities, and local vendors, making them accessible and enriching experiences for the entire family.
Ohana Festival: Music and Activism by the Sea
Ohana Festival, curated by Eddie Vedder, will take over Doheny State Beach in Dana Point from September 26-28, 2025. This oceanfront event promises three days of world-class music across three stages, featuring headliners Green Day, Eddie Vedder & Earthlings, and Hozier, alongside a diverse lineup including Kings of Leon, Leon Bridges, and Cage The Elephant. Beyond the music, Ohana Festival is known for its commitment to sustainability and activism, with programming dedicated to conservation, indigenous voices, art, and community action through initiatives like “The Cove” and the Storytellers Stage.
A Spectrum of Los Angeles Activities
Beyond these major highlights, Los Angeles is buzzing with a variety of other events and activities. Music enthusiasts can catch Tate McRae at the KIA Forum on September 26th, while Big Thief is scheduled to perform at the Hollywood Bowl on September 27th. The art scene will be vibrant with The Other Art Fair returning to the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica from September 25-28, showcasing over 140 independent artists.
For design aficionados, LA Design Weekend runs from September 26-29, featuring open studios, parties, and exhibitions across various city locations, highlighting the city’s creative pulse. In a unique cultural offering, LA Opera is presenting a free simulcast of “West Side Story” on Saturday, September 27, at both the Santa Monica Pier and Altadena’s Loma Alta Park, bringing the beloved musical to outdoor audiences. For those seeking thrills, the Reign of Terror Haunted House in Thousand Oaks opens its doors for its 26th season, offering an immersive scare experience throughout the weekend.
This diverse lineup of festivals, events, and activities ensures that the Los Angeles area offers something compelling for everyone this September weekend, making it a vibrant time to explore the city’s cultural and entertainment offerings.
